Leuconostoc citreum Inhibits Adipogenesis and Lipogenesis by Inhibiting p38 MAPK/Erk 44/42 and Stimulating AMPKα Signaling Pathways

Probiotics provide a range of health benefits. Several studies have shown that using probiotics in obesity treatment can reduce bodyweight. However, such treatments are still restricted. Leuconostoc citreum, an epiphytic bacterium, is widely used in a variety of biological applications. However, few studies have investigated the role of Leuconostoc spp. in adipocyte differentiation and its molecular mechanisms. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of cell-free metabolites of L. citreum (LSC) on adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The results showed that LSC treatment reduced the accumulation of lipid droplets and expression levels of CCAAT/ enhancer-binding protein-alpha & beta (C/EBP-alpha & beta), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma), serum regulatory binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (aP2), fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), resistin, pp38MAPK, and pErk 44/42. However, compared to control cells, adiponectin, an insulin sensitizer, was elevated in adipocytes treated with LSC. In addition, LSC treatment increased lipolysis by increasing pAMPK-alpha and suppressing FAS, ACC, and PPAR-gamma expression, similarly to the effects of AICAR, an AMPK agonist. In conclusion, L. citreum is a novel probiotic strain that can be used to treat obesity and its associated metabolic disorders.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of Leuconostoc citreum (LSC) cell-free metabolites on adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The results showed that LSC treatment reduced lipid droplet accumulation and the expression of key adipogenic and lipogenic markers while increasing lipolysis. Additionally, LSC treatment elevated adiponectin levels, suggesting its potential as a novel probiotic strain for treating obesity and metabolic disorders.