Protective Effects of Komagataeibacter rhaeticus SLAM-JS1B Derived Metabolites in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity

This study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity properties of Komagataeibacter rhaeticus SLAM-JS1B derived metabolites, a bacterial strain isolated from kombucha. The effects were assessed in mice with obesity induced by a high-fat diet. Supplementation with K. rhaeticus SLAM-JS1B derived metabolites significantly attenuated body weight gain without altering food intake. Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly reduced, together with improved indicators of hepatic damage. In addition, hepatic steatosis and adipose tissue accumulation were markedly attenuated. These metabolic improvements were linked to lower hepatic expression of genes related to lipogenesis and cholesterol production. In the colon, supplementation with K. rhaeticus SLAM-JS1B derived metabolites increased the expression of genes related to intestinal barrier integrity and lowered the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes. Fecal metabolomic analysis further revealed increased fecal cholesterol excretion following K. rhaeticus SLAM-JS1B derived metabolites supplementation. Moreover, gut microbial composition was altered in a manner consistent with improved metabolic status. Collectively, these findings suggest that K. rhaeticus SLAM-JS1B derived metabolites may represent a promising dietary strategy for the prevention or management of obesity and related metabolic disorders, particularly in contexts where the use of live microorganisms is undesirable.