Rice bran fermented by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis MJM60392 reduces fat accumulation and adipose tissue on high-fat diet induced obese mice

Obesity, which can develop owing to a high-calorie diet and a sedentary lifestyle, may increase the risk of developing diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, management through exercise and dietary control is essential. However, supplementation may be necessary if exercise and dietary management are difficult. This study aimed to evaluate materials that could potentially prevent obesity. The research investigated whether the intake of rice bran fermented by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis MJM60392 (FRBL) would affect body fat reduction in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model. During the intake period, a reduction in body weight was observed in FRBL fed- compared with that in only HFD fed-obese mice. After autopsy, a decrease in liver and visceral fat weights was noted, along with a reduction in levels of ALP and leptin, which were elevated in the obesity model. Histological analysis revealed a reduction in fat accumulation in the liver due to FRBL and a decrease in adipocyte size in the epididymal fat tissue. Finally, the expression of genes related to fat synthesis and differentiation was also found to be reduced. In conclusion, FRBL intake was found to help reduce body fat by inhibiting fat synthesis and differentiation, thereby suppressing the accumulation.