Tissue-selective effects of injected deoxycholate.
BACKGROUND
Recent studies suggest that the principal active ingredient in phosphatidylcholine-containing injectable fat-reduction formulations is actually deoxycholate (DC). This bile acid acts as a detergent to rapidly disrupt cell membranes. Thus, it is not obvious why DC would preferentially target fat.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate possible mechanisms for the selectivity of DC for fat tissue using in vivo and in vitro models.


METHODS
Histology, drug distribution studies, and cell viability assays were used to examine possible mechanisms contributing to DC selectivity.


RESULTS
In vitro, DC caused the lysis of all cell types tested within the tested concentration range. DC injected into fat tissue caused adipocyte death, whereas other cell types appeared less affected. Physiological concentrations of albumin or protein-rich tissues decrease the ability of DC to lyse cells. Furthermore, DC relocated to the gastrointestinal tract in animals within hours of injection. This suggests that similar mechanisms may be present in humans.


CONCLUSIONS
We report observations that provide a possible explanation for the in vivo preferential fat targeting by DC. Fat tissue, being deficient in cell-associated proteins and interstitial albumin, may be unable to sufficiently neutralize the detergent activity of DC, possibly making fat uniquely sensitive to DC.
Thuangtong
Rattapon
R
Division of Dermatology, Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA.
Bentow
Jason J
JJ
Knopp
Kristeene
K
Mahmood
Nadir A
NA
David
Nathaniel E
NE
Kolodney
Michael S
MS
D017667:Adipocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002756:Cholagogues and Choleretics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003840:Deoxycholic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D051379:Mice; D008820:Mice, Obese; D023421:Models, Animal; D032342:Muscle Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D050151:Subcutaneous Fat / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D002756:Cholagogues and Choleretics; D003840:Deoxycholic Acid