Anti-obesity effects of kimchi with red yeast rice in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and high-fat diet-induced obese mice

Red yeast rice is fermented rice with Monascus purpureus and contains monacolin K, which decreases cholesterol levels. Here, the anti-obesity effect of kimchi with red yeast rice (RYRK) was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Initially, the anti-obesity effect of RYRK was examined by measuring triglyceride (TG) content and obesity-related gene expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. RYRK (100 mg/kg) were then orally administered for 8 weeks with a high-fat diet. Body weight and serum GOT and GPT were measured. The inhibitory effect of RYRK on lipid profiles and accumulation was assessed. RYRK significantly reduced TG content and obesity-related gene expression with low cytotoxicity (p < 0.05). RYRK significantly reduced body weight and serum and hepatic lipid profiles without hepatic damage (p < 0.05). RYRK inhibited lipid accumulation in H&E and ORO results. Overall, the anti-obesity effect of RYRK was established, resulting in a better understanding of the health benefits of kimchi.