PPARγ2 C1431T Polymorphism Interacts with the Antiobesogenic Effects of Kochujang, a Korean Fermented, Soybean-Based Red Pepper Paste, in Overweight/Obese Subjects: A 12-Week, Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Kochujang, a Korean fermented soybean-based red pepper paste, has been reported to have beneficial health effects. The aim of this study was to examine the antiobesity effects of Kochujang as a supplement in overweight/obese subjects according polymorphisms in the obesity-linked gene, peroxisome proliferator activator receptor γ (PPARγ2). Sixty overweight/obese subjects, who had body mass indexes (BMI, kg/m) ≥23 or waist/hip ratios (WHR) ≥0.90 for males or ≥0.85 for females, were randomly assigned to either taking 32 g/day of placebo or Kochujang for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, anthropometric and metabolic parameters and body fat distribution (by computed tomography) were measured. After PPARγ2 C1431T polymorphism was analyzed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism, the differences among the four groups (wild and mutant alleles in Kochujang and placebo groups) were determined. Between the Kochujang (n = 26) and placebo (n = 27) groups, there were no differences in body composition, insulin resistance, or antioxidant biomarkers before and after intervention. Compared to placebo, Kochujang significantly decreased plasma triglyceride (TG), TG/high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and dietary intakes of protein, sodium, and potassium after age, sex, and BMI were adjusted. The beneficial effects of Kochujang on lowering of TG and TG/HDL were weakened in subjects with the PPARγ2 mutant T allele with increasing subcutaneous fat area. However, the interaction between Kochujang and the PPARγ2 T allele improved insulin sensitivity. The obesogenic variables affected by the T mutant allele of PPARγ2 C1431T SNP were different in overweight/obese subjects in response to Kochujang.

Research trends in obesity & obesogenic environments in Korea

“…In addition to genes, we must also consider the microbiome, which is a key component of precision medicine. Understanding how host-microbe associations are maintained in populations will help reveal individualized host-microbiome encoded disease phenotypes that can be integrated with multi-omics data sets to enhance precision medicine [74]. If metabolism changes and persists depending on human gene expression or intestinal microbes, the causal relationship leading to the disease can be understood using bioinformatics.…”

Fermented Foods as a Dietary Source of Live Organisms

“…For example, kimchi consumption improved fasting blood glucose and other metabolic syndrome symptoms in overweight and obese adults (Kim et al, 2011), and similar improvements were observed in healthy adults (Choi et al, 2013). Consumption of a fermented soybean paste also improved plasma triglyceride levels in obese adults (Lee Y. et al, 2017). Perhaps the strongest evidence is for yogurt and improved lactose tolerance, due to in vivo expression and release of β-galactosidase by the yogurt culture microbes, S. thermophilus and L. delbrueckii subsp.…”

Gochujang prepared using rice and wheat koji partially alleviates high‐fat diet‐induced obesity in rats

“…Various secondary metabolites with biological properties are generated by enzymatic degradation of the raw ingredients of gochujang via microbes in the fermentation process (Jang et al, ; Lee, Lee, et al, ; Lee, Shin, et al, ; Lee et al, ; Shin et al, ). Koji used in gochujang production comprises cooked grains and/or soybeans that have been inoculated with a fermentation culture, the filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae.…”