Yeast-Hydrolysate-Derived 1-Methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-ß-carboline-3-carboxylic Acid Inhibits Fat Accumulation during Adipocyte Differentiation.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of yeast hydrolysate (YH) on lipogenesis, elucidate its mechanistic action, and identify the active compounds responsible for its anti-adipogenic effects. YH (2 mg/mL) significantly reduced Oil Red O-stained lipids. YH (2 mg/mL) also downregulated C/EBPß and upregulated KLF2, both of which are early adipogenic factors. Moreover, YH (2 mg/mL) decreased C/EBPα, PPARγ, FABP4, FAS, ACC, and HMGCR mRNA expression. Additionally, YH significantly downregulated SEBP1c and SREBP2 and their target genes, which govern fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism; however, 2 mg/mL YH had a greater suppressive effect on SREBP1c than on SREBP2. YH (2 mg/mL) also significantly reduced the mRNA level of G6PD and malic enzyme, which are enzymes that synthesize NADPH for lipid synthesis, compared with the control. Furthermore, 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-ß-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (MTCA) was identified as the active compound with anti-adipogenic effects using solvent fractionation and chromatographic analysis of YH, and 1.1 µg/mL MTCA significantly downregulated SREBP1c/SREBP2 mRNAs by 47.8% and 69.2%, respectively, along with the target genes FAS, ACC, and HMGCR by 79.0%, 77.0%, and 40.9%, respectively. Collectively, YH effectively suppressed adipogenic lipid storage by downregulating SREBP- and NADPH-synthesizing genes. These findings suggest that YH containing MTCA has the potential to act as an anti-obesity agent.

The Analysis of a Diet for the Human Being and the Companion Animal using Big Data in 2016.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the diet tendencies of human and companion animals using big data analysis. The keyword data of human diet and companion animals' diet were collected from the portal site Naver from January 1, 2016 until December 31, 2016 and collected data were analyzed by simple frequency analysis, N-gram analysis, keyword network analysis and seasonality analysis. In terms of human, the word exercise had the highest frequency through simple frequency analysis, whereas diet menu most frequently appeared in the N-gram analysis. companion animals, the term dog had the highest frequency in simple frequency analysis, whereas diet method was most frequent through N-gram analysis. Keyword network analysis for human indicated 4 groups: diet group, exercise group, commercial diet food group, and commercial diet program group. However, the keyword network analysis for companion animals indicated 3 groups: diet group, exercise group, and professional medical help group. The analysis of seasonality showed that the interest in diet for both human and companion animals increased steadily since February of 2016 and reached its peak in July. In conclusion, diets of human and companion animals showed similar tendencies, particularly having higher preference for dietary control over other methods. The diets of companion animals are determined by the choice of their owners as effective diet method for owners are usually applied to the companion animals. Therefore, it is necessary to have empirical demonstration of whether correlation of obesity between human being and the companion animals exist.

Dietary galacto-oligosaccharides improve skin health: a randomized double blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) on the skin, we investigated skin-related parameters in healthy adults who received GOS for 12 weeks. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study included subjects divided into two groups (control and GOS) by stratified block randomization. The GOS group received 1.0 g of GOS twice a day, whereas the control group received only vehicle. RESULTS: The results showed that the increase in corneometer values from baseline to week 12 was significantly greater in the GOS group than in the control group (6.91 vs 2.88 arbitrary units, p<0.05). The transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in the GOS group was reduced significantly after 12 weeks of GOS treatment (20.1 g/h/m2 at baseline vs 17.5 g/h/m2 at week 12, p<0.05). The differences in total and percentage of wrinkle areas between the two groups were statistically significant after 12 weeks of GOS treatment (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings support that oral treatment with GOS is beneficial to the skin and present the possibility of new nutritional strategies for skin care.

Low Dose Yeast Hydrolysate in Treatment of Obesity and Weight Loss.

The anti-obesity effects of yeast hydrolysate (YH) supplementation (1.0 g/d) have already been demonstrated. We investigated whether a low dose of YH (0.5 g/d, YH-500) also has the anti-obesity effects. Thirty obese women were randomly assigned to the control or YH-500 groups. After 8 weeks, weight and body mass index were significantly reduced by the YH treatment (0.5 g/d) (P<0.05). The YH-500 group lost a significant amount of body fat after the 8-week treatment: fat mass 25.9 kg (baseline) versus 23.8 kg (8th week), P<0.01; fat mass ratio 38.8% (baseline) versus 36.5% (8th week), P<0.05. The YH-500 group showed a significant reduction in calorie intake during the 8-week treatment (P<0.001). The control group wanted to eat much more food (P<0.05) and sometimes thought about eating more often compared with the YH-500 group (P<0.05). Whereas the control group showed a slightly increased sweet preference, the YH-500 group showed a significant reduction in sweet preference (P<0.05). In conclusion, low dose YH supplementation (0.5 g/d) may induce a reductions in weight and body fat in obese women via the reduction of calorie intake.

Yeast hydrolysate can reduce body weight and abdominal fat accumulation in obese adults.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of yeast hydrolysate on the abdominal fat in obese humans. METHODS: We observed the effects of yeast hydrolysate that had a molecular weight below 10 kDa on the anti-abdominal fat accumulation in obese men and women ages 20 to 50 y for 10 wk. The abdominal fat mass was assessed by computed tomographic scans. RESULTS: By the sixth week, the reductions in energy intake in the yeast group (yeast hydrolysate 1 g/d) were significantly greater than those in the control group (placebo 1 g/d) (P < 0.05). The body weight and body mass index (BMI) were significantly reduced by week 10 compared with baseline in the yeast group, and these differences were significantly greater than those in the control group: body weight 0.83 kg versus -2.60 k g (P < 0.001), BMI 0.29 kg/m(2) versus -0.90 kg/m(2) (P < 0.001). Despite the increased loss of body weight in the yeast group, lean body mass did not significantly differ between the two groups. Body fat mass in the control group did not significantly change between baseline and week 10. However, the yeast group lost a significant amount of body fat mass after 10 wk of treatment (P < 0.01). The differences in abdominal fat thickness and abdominal circumference between the two groups were significant after 10 wk of treatment (P < 0.001). The total abdominal fat area in the yeast group was significantly lower than in the control group after 10 wk of treatment (-7.06 cm(2) versus -17.34 cm(2); P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Yeast hydrolysate can reduce body weight and the accumulation of abdominal fat without an adverse effect on lean body mass in obese adults, regardless of sex, via the reduction of energy intake.

L-ascorbic acid addition to chitosan reduces body weight in overweight women.

Previously, we have found that the addition of L-ascorbic acid to chitosan enhanced the reduction in body weight gain in guinea pigs fed a high-fat diet. We hypothesized that the addition of L-ascorbic acid to chitosan would accelerate the reduction of body weight in humans, similar to the animal model. Overweight subjects administered chitosan with or without L-ascorbic acid for 8 weeks, were assigned to three groups: Control group (N=26, placebo, vehicle only), Chito group (N=27, 3 g/day chitosan), and Chito-vita group (N=27, 3 g/day chitosan plus 2 g/day L-ascorbic acid). The body weights and body mass index (BMI) of the Chito and Chito-vita groups decreased significantly (p<0.05) compared to the Control group. The BMI of the Chito-vita group decreased significantly compared to the Chito group (Chito: -1.0 kg/m2 vs. Chito-vita: -1.6 kg/m2, p<0.05). The results showed that the chitosan enhanced reduction of body weight and BMI was accentuated by the addition of L-ascorbic acid. The fat mass, percentage body fat, body circumference, and skinfold thickness in the Chito and Chito-vita groups decreased more than the Control group; however, these parameters were not significantly different between the three groups. Chitosan combined with L-ascorbic acid may be useful for controlling body weight.

Tannase-converted green tea catechins and their anti-wrinkle activity in humans.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to investigate the anti-wrinkle effects of topical applications of green tea extract with high antioxidant activity by tannase treatment. Increases in gallic acid (GA), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), and (-)-epicatechin (EC) were observed in the green tea extract after tannase treatment. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to investigate the anti-wrinkle effects of topical applications of green tea extract exhibiting high antioxidant activity after tannase treatment. METHODS: Subjects, randomly divided into two groups, received the application of either tannase-converted green tea extract (TGE) or normal green tea extract (NGE) on their crow's feet for 8 weeks. The anti-wrinkle effects were evaluated with two methods: (i) self-assessment; and (ii) average roughness of skin surface (R(a), R(z), and R(t) value) using skin replica and Skin-Visiometer SV 600. RESULTS: The scavenging abilities of TGE against radicals were significantly higher compared to NGE. The evaluation of skin wrinkle index values after 8 weeks of treatment showed that reductions of R(a), R(z), and R(t) values in the TGE group were significantly greater than in the NGE group, which indicated that tannase treatment improved the anti-wrinkle effects of green tea extract. According to the overall ratings for wrinkle treatment by applying the formulations, most of the TGE group (63.60%) reported marked or moderate improvement in wrinkles compared with only 36.30% of the NGE group. CONCLUSION: Tannase treatment can improve the antioxidant activity of green tea extract, conferring anti-wrinkle activities. These results suggest that TGE may have beneficial properties as an anti-wrinkle agent.

Enzymatic improvement in the polyphenol extractability and antioxidant activity of green tea extracts.

This study describes increases in extraction efficiency and the bioconversion of catechins after treatment with several commercial enzymes. Tannase was also used to improve the anti-radical activities of green tea extracts. Enzymatic treatment with various commercial enzymes was introduced to improve the extraction efficiency of polyphenols. The total polyphenol, flavonoid, and catechin contents and the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of the green tea extract treated with Viscozyme (VG) were significantly higher than those treated with other commercial enzymatic extractions (p<0.05). More than 95% of the epigallocatechingallate (EGCG) and of the epicatechingallate (ECG) was hydrolyzed to epigallocatechin (EGC) and to epicatechin (EC) in successive 20 min treatments with Viscozyme and tannase (TG). Due to its hydrolytic activity, treatment involving tannase resulted in a significant release of gallic acid (GA), EGC, and EC, leading to greater radical scavenging activities. Regarding the IC(50) values of the DPPH and 2,2-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, the green tea extract treated with TG showed values of 131.23 and 28.83 µg/mL, VG showed values of 224.70 and 32.54 µg/mL, and normal green tea extract (NG) showed values of 241.11 and 66.27 µg/mL, respectively. These results indicate that successive treatment with Viscozyme and tannase improves the extraction efficiency of polyphenols and increases radical scavenging activities.

Fermenting red ginseng enhances its safety and efficacy as a novel skin care anti-aging ingredient: in vitro and animal study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-aging potential and skin safety of red ginseng (RG) and fermented red ginseng (FRG) using Lactobacillus brevis for use as cosmetic ingredients. Concentrations of uronic acid, polyphenols, and flavonoids, and antioxidant activities were greater in FRG compared to RG. The contents of total ginsenosides were not significantly different. However, the ginsenoside metabolite content was higher in FRG (14,914.3 µg/mL) compared to RG (5697.9 µg/mL). The tyrosinase inhibitory activity (IC(50)) of FRG was 27.63 µg/mL, and more potent compared with RG (34.14 µg/mL), (P<.05). The elastase inhibitory activity (IC(50)) of FRG was 117.07 µg/mL also higher compared with RG (157.90 µg/mL). In a primary skin irritation test, 10% RG and 10% FRG were classified as practically nonirritating materials. In a skin sensitization test, the RG group showed a sensitization rate of 100% and its mean evaluation score of irritation was 1.4, whereas the FRG group showed 20% and 0.2%, respectively. By fermentation of RG, FRG has increased contents of ginsenoside metabolites, such as Rg3, Rg5, Rk1, compound K, Rh1, F2, Rg2, and flavonoids content. Therefore, FRG offers increased anti-wrinkle efficacy, whitening efficacy, and reduced toxicological potency compared to RG.

Physical stability, antioxidative properties, and photoprotective effects of a functionalized formulation containing black garlic extract.

When garlic is fermented, certain aspects of its bioactivity are changed. Black garlic is a type of fermented garlic used as a food ingredient in Asian cuisine. Black garlic's popularity has spread around the world as it has become a sought-after ingredient used in high-end cuisine. The formulations containing 10% black garlic extract or 10% normal garlic extract showed stable pH, color, precipitation, and organoleptic features, although these characteristics changed slightly. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities of the black garlic formulation were significantly (p<0.05) higher compared to those of the base formulation and normal garlic formulation. Mice treated with the black garlic formulation (119.63 µM/g) had significant (p<0.05) decreases in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels by lipid peroxidation compared to ultraviolet B (UVB)-control mice (142.37 µM/g). Moreover, significant (p<0.05) prevention of glutathione reduced form (GSH) depletion was observed in the black garlic formulation treated mice (vehicle: 3.46 mM/g vs. black garlic: 5.60mM/g). The formulation containing 10% black garlic extract retained physical stability and had high anti-radical efficiencies. Furthermore, it is possible to suggest that this formulation may be effective in protecting skin from UVB photodamage.

Anti-obesity effects of chitosan and psyllium husk with L-ascorbic acid in guinea pigs.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether L-Ascorbic acid would facilitate the anti-obesity effects of chitosan and psyllium husk in vivo. The study was carried out with male Hartley guinea pigs for 5 weeks. The results show that chitosan itself did not influence body weight gain and food efficiency ratio (FER). However, the addition of L-Ascorbic acid to chitosan decreased these parameters; the body weight gain and FER in the chitosan-2 group (high-fat diet group with 5 % chitosan containing 0.5 % L-Ascorbic acid) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that in F-controls (high-fat diet group), and was similar to that in controls (normal diet group). L-Ascorbic acid enhanced significantly (p < 0.05) the increases of total fecal weight and fecal fat excretion by chitosan. The addition of L-Ascorbic acid to psyllium husk did not differ from psyllium husk alone in terms of changes in weight gain, plasma lipid levels, and fat pad weight. We found that the addition of L-Ascorbic acid to chitosan influenced the reduction in body weight gain and FER, and the increase in total fecal weight and fecal fat excretion in guinea pigs fed a high-fat diet.

Effects of yeast hydrolysate on hepatic lipid metabolism in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice: yeast hydrolysate suppresses body fat accumulation by attenuating fatty acid synthesis.

AIMS: We observed whether the anti-obesity activity of yeast hydrolysate (YH) was due to the alteration of lipid-regulating enzyme activities. METHODS: Male ICR mice were divided into four groups: a normal diet group (ND; 4.2% fat), a high-fat diet group (HF; 27.7% fat), an HF group treated orally with 0.5% or 1% YH in the drinking water (HF+YH0.5; 27.7% fat and HF+YH1; 27.7% fat). RESULTS: After 5 weeks, the YH groups (HF+YH0.5=3.92±0.17 g/100 g BW and HF+YH1=3.76±0.13 g/100 g BW) had significantly lower levels of epididymal fats compared to the HF group (4.91±0.29 g/100 g BW; p<0.05). YH supplementation produced a decrease in serum triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations and body weight gain, and produced a dose-dependent significant increase in serum ghrelin compared with the HF group (p<0.05). Hepatic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity was inhibited by YH supplementation compared with the HF group, and mice treated orally with 1% YH exhibited a significant decrease in hepatic malic enzyme (ME) activity compared to obese mice treated with the vehicle (HF=10.44±2.74 nmol/min/mg protein vs. HF+YH1=6.68±2.23 nmol/min/mg protein; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: YH supplementation suppressed body fat accumulation by attenuating fatty acid synthesis through the downregulation of hepatic G6PD and ME activities.

Distinct foods with smaller unit would be an effective approach to achieve sustainable weight loss.

We studied the effects of food type and food unit size on food intake and satiety using fried rice mixed with Kimchi in healthy Korean young women (n=31). Amorphous fried rice (1st week), distinct large fried rice balls (100 g/unit, 2nd week) and distinct small fried rice balls (20 g/unit, 3rd week) were served in the same content and volume (500 g). Subjects ate significantly (p<.001) less distinct large fried rice balls (243.5 g) compared to amorphous fried rice (317.2 g). Despite consuming more amorphous fried rice, subjects did not feel significantly fuller after eating amorphous fried rice compared to distinct large fried rice balls. When distinct fried rice balls were served as smaller unit, subjects ate significantly less them (small unit; 190.6 g vs. large unit; 243.5 g, p<.01). Although subjects ate more distinct fried rice balls provided as large unit, they rated similar satiety and hunger levels for distinct small and distinct large fried rice balls. In conclusion, we propose that distinct foods with smaller unit would be an effective approach to achieve sustainable weight loss.

Photoprotective effects of a formulation containing tannase-converted green tea extract against UVB-induced oxidative stress in hairless mice.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation may induce the acceleration of skin aging. The purpose of this study was to develop an effective formulation containing tannase-converted green tea extract (FTGE) to inhibit UVB-induced oxidative damage. Significant (p<0.05) prevention of the reduced form of glutathione (GSH) depletion was observed in mice treated with FTGE. The hydrogen peroxide levels of mice treated with FTGE were similar to those of UVB non-irradiated mice. No significant difference was observed between No UVB control and FTGE mice. Also, mice treated with FTGE had significant (p<0.05) decreases in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance levels by lipid peroxidation compared with No UVB control mice. Our data suggest that this formulation may be effective in protecting skin from UVB photodamage.

Effect of antioxidant activity in kimchi during a short-term and over-ripening fermentation period.

This study evaluated the antioxidant activities of kimchi at different fermentation times: short-term fermented kimchi (SK; less than 7days) and over-ripened kimchi (OK; greater than 2 years). In conclusion, antioxidant activity of the OK was significantly higher than the SK. The results of this study suggested that there was an increase in the antioxidant activity of fermented kimchi during the fermentation and ripening processes.

Lowering the energy density of parboiled rice by adding water-rich vegetables can decrease total energy intake in a parboiled rice-based diet without reducing satiety on healthy women.

In this study, we examined whether the energy density of parboiled rice could influence the total energy intake and satiety of a parboiled rice-based diet by using vegetable. Healthy women (n=30) ate similar amounts of two types of parboiled rice in which energy intake from parboiled vegetable rice (177.7±4.0kcal) was significantly (p<0.001) lower than that from parboiled normal rice (301.5±9.3kcal) due to differences in energy density (parboiled normal rice: 1.42kcal/g, parboiled vegetable rice: 0.86kcal/g). Despite lower energy intake, the subjects consumed significantly less parboiled rice and side dishes at dinner after they consumed parboiled vegetable rice diet for lunch compared with parboiled normal rice diet. The subjects also reported higher levels of fullness and lower levels of hunger after eating the parboiled vegetable rice diet compared to the parboiled normal rice diet. At 4h after lunch, the average hunger rating of parboiled vegetable rice diet (22.1±2.43mm) was significantly (p<0.001) lower than that of parboiled normal rice diet (56.2±2.41mm). In conclusion, these results indicate that consuming low energy dense parboiled rice by eating parboiled vegetable rice in place of parboiled normal rice may be a useful strategy for weight loss and weight management since it allows individuals to consume fewer calories without reducing satiety.

Acute and subacute toxicity of yeast hydrolysate from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The objective of this study was to obtain data on the safety-in-use of yeast hydrolysate in 10-30 kDa molecular weight as a dietary supplement by assessing its acute and subacute oral toxicity in female and male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The single oral dose of the hydrolysate at 5000 mg/kg did not produce mortality or significant changes in the general behavior and gross appearance of the internal organs of rats. In subacute toxicity study, the hydrolysate was administered orally at a dose of 1000 mg/kg/day for a period of 14 days. The satellite group was treated with the hydrolysate at the same dose and the same period and kept for another 14 days after treatment. There were no significant differences in organ weights between control and treated group of both sexes. Hematological analysis and blood chemistry revealed no toxicity effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae hydrolysate. Pathologically, neither gross abnormalities nor histopathological changes were observed. These results show that the hydrolysate possesses very low toxicity as indicated in SD rat model.

Uncooked rice of relatively low gelatinization degree resulted in lower metabolic glucose and insulin responses compared with cooked rice in female college students.

Cooking processes that gelatinize granules or disrupt structure might increase the glucose and insulin responses because a disruption of the structure of starch by gelatinization increases its availability for digestion and absorption in the small intestine. We hypothesized that the uncooked form of rice, which has a relatively low degree of gelatinization even though in powder form, would result in lower metabolic glucose and insulin responses compared with cooked rice (CR). To assess the effects of the gelatinization of rice on metabolic response of glucose and insulin, we investigated the glucose and insulin responses to 3 rice meals of different gelatinization degree in female college students (n = 12): CR (76.9% gelatinized), uncooked rice powder (UP; 3.5% gelatinized), and uncooked freeze-dried rice powder (UFP; 5.4% gelatinized). Uncooked rice powders (UP and UFP) induced lower glucose and insulin responses compared with CR. The relatively low gelatinization degree of UPs resulted in low metabolic responses in terms of the glycemic index (CR: 72.4% vs UP: 49.7%, UFP: 59.8%) and insulin index (CR: 94.8% vs UP: 74.4%, UFP: 68.0%). In summary, UPs that were less gelatinized than CR induced low postprandial glucose and insulin responses.

Effects of yeast hydrolysate on neuropeptide Y (NPY) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) immunoreactivity in rats.

To investigate the appetite regulation mechanism of low and high molecular weight yeast hydrolysate, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) expressions were analyzed in the brains on rats using immunohistochemical method; normal diet (control), 0.1 g/kg (BY-1) or 1.0 g/kg (BY-2) of yeast hydrolysate below 10 kDa, 0.1 g/kg (AY-1) or 1.0 g/kg (AY-2) of yeast hydrolysate of 10-30 kDa. Body weight gain was lower in the BY-2 (133.0 g) than in the control (150.1 g) (p < 0.05). Triacylglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels were lower in the BY-2 as compared to control, BY-1 and AY-2 (p < 0.05). NPY staining intensities at paraventricular nucleus (PVN) were lower in the BY groups (BY-1: 96.1, BY-2: 88.6) as compared to the control (105.6) and AY groups (AY-1: 110.5, AY-2: 114.1) (p < 0.05). NPY expression at lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) was lower in the BY-2 (92.3) than in the control (98.9) (p < 0.05). The BY groups (BY-1: 143.9, BY-2: 154.6) had higher TPH staining intensities at dorsal raphe (DR) than the AY-2 (115.9) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results indicate that administering yeast hydrolysate of below 10 kDa to normal diet-fed rats reduced body weight gain and serum lipids by altering NPY and TPH expressions.

Inhibitory effects of Fucoidan in 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation.

Fucoidan is a group of sulfated fucose-containing polysaccharides that derived from non-mammalian origin such as marine brown algae, the jelly coat from sea urchin eggs, and the sea cucumber body wall. However, potential biological activities against obesity from fucoidan were not reported in the literature. The objective of this study was to evaluate protective effect of fucoidan in 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. Preadipocyte 3T3-L1 was treated with 100 and 200 microg/ml fucoidan during adipogenesis. Adipogenesis was determined through Oil Red O staining method and the expression of adipogenic genes aP2, ACC, and PPARgamma. Adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 treated with 100 and 200 microg/ml fucoidan were significantly inhibited at 32.8% and 39.7% using Oil Red O staining method, respectively (P < 0.05). Treating the 3T3-L1 cells with 100 and 200 microg/ml fucoidan significantly decreased the expression of aP2 gene by 6.2% and 27.2%, respectively, of ACC gene by 22.2% and 38.2%, respectively, and of PPARgamma gene by 44.2% and 69.4%, respectively, compared to adipocyte controls (P < 0.05). The results suggest that fucoidan could be used for inhibiting fat accumulation, which is mediated by decreasing aP2, ACC, and PPARgamma gene expression.