Lipid-Modulating Effects of Sargassum fulvellum Fermented by Lactococcus lactis KCCM12759P and Leuconostoc mesenteroides KCCM12756P in Ovariectomized Mice

TL;DR

Fermented Sargassum fulvellum improves cholesterol and fat levels in mice lacking estrogen, similar to hormone therapy.

Contribution

Fermented Sargassum fulvellum using Lactococcus lactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides reduces dyslipidemia in estrogen-deficient mice.

Findings

Fermented SfLlLm reduced total cholesterol by 6.7%, triglycerides by 9.3%, and LDL-C by 52.9%.

SfLlLm increased HDL-C by 17.5% and normalized visceral adipocyte size and distribution.

Effects of SfLlLm were comparable to or better than 17β-estradiol treatment in OVX mice.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Estrogen deficiency contributes to dyslipidemia and visceral adiposity, increasing cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women. Sargassum fulvellum (Sf), a brown seaweed rich in bioactive compounds, possesses lipid-regulating properties that may be enhanced by lactic acid bacteria fermentation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fermented S. fulvellum (SfLlLm), prepared using Lactococcus lactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides, on lipid metabolism and adipose tissue remodeling in an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model of estrogen deficiency. Methods: Female C57BL/6 mice underwent ovariectomy and were fed an AIN-76A diet supplemented with either unfermented Sf or SfLlLm for eight weeks. Sham-operated and 17β-estradiol-treated OVX groups served as controls. Serum lipid levels—total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and HDL-C—were assessed, and histological analysis of visceral adipose tissue was conducted to evaluate adipocyte morphology. Results: OVX-induced estrogen deficiency led to increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C, along with hypertrophic changes in visceral adipocytes. Supplementation with fermented Sargassum fulvellum (SfLlLm) markedly improved these parameters, reducing total cholesterol by 6.7%, triglycerides by 9.3%, and LDL-C by 52.9%, while increasing HDL-C by 17.5% compared to the OVX controls. SfLlLm also normalized visceral adipocyte size and distribution. These effects were comparable to or exceeded those of 17β-estradiol treatment. Conclusions: Fermented SfLlLm ameliorated dyslipidemia and visceral adiposity under estrogen-deficient conditions. These findings support its potential as a functional dietary intervention for managing postmenopausal lipid disorders and associated metabolic complications.

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