In vitro anti-obesity effects of kimchi prepared with solar salts without bittern on 3T3-L1 adipocytes

The anti-obesity effects of kimchi prepared with solar salt without bittern on 3T3-L1 adipocytes was studied. The kimchi samples consisted of the following: kimchi prepared using conventionally manufactured solar salt (CSK), kimchi prepared with filtered sea water solar salt (FSK), kimchi prepared with washed and dehydrated solar salt (WDSK), and kimchi prepared with 3 years aged solar salt (3YSK). WDSK and 3YSK significantly suppressed lipid droplet formation in the differentiated adipocytes (Oil Red O staining). All the kimchi extracts decreased the lipogenesis-related gene of fatty acid synthase. 3YSK produced the lowest adipogenesis-related gene expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma among all groups. On the other hand, WDSK showed the highest lipolysis-related gene expressions of hormone-sensitive lipase and β-oxidation related gene of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1. WDSK and 3YSK showed different mineral compositions, such as Mg, K, and S, especially Mg, compared to CSK. From the results, 3YS and WDS increased the kimchi taste, but suppressed significantly the obesity related adipogenesis, and promotion of lipolysis and β-oxidation, respectively in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Therefore, WDS or 3YS could be appropriate salts in kimchi preparation to increase the anti-obesity effects of kimchi probably because of the different mineral compositions, particularly a decreased Mg content compared to other salts.