Anti-adipogenic effect of Latilactobacillus curvatus CK17 isolated from kimchi and its potential probiotic properties.

Probiotics and their cellular constituents are pivotal in modulating lipid metabolism in adipocytes, potentially offering novel approaches to obesity prevention. This study investigates the probiotic characteristics and anti-adipogenic effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from kimchi. Twenty LAB strains, identified as Latilactobacillus sakei, Latilactobacillus curvatus, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides, were evaluated for lipase inhibitory activity. Among them, L. sakei CKC1 and L. curvatus CK17 exhibited the strongest inhibition and were selected for further study. Notably, L. curvatus CK17 significantly reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and downregulated key adipogenic markers, including PPARγ, C/EBPα, aP2, SREBP1c, ACC, and FAS (p < 0.05). Additionally, CK17 survived simulated digestive conditions, adhered effectively to Caco-2 cells, and exhibited antibacterial activity. These findings suggest that L. curvatus CK17 as a promising probiotic candidate for obesity prevention, with potent anti-adipogenic properties.