Volume-reducing effect of phosphatidylcholine in sodium deoxycholate likely due to deoxycholate’s detergent effect

The authors of this study analyzed the effect on adipocytes of phosphatidylcholine solubilized in sodium deoxycholate, which is available in Europe as Lipostabil (Artesan Pharma, Lüchow, Germany). Previously published studies report the effectiveness of subcutaneous injection of phosphatidylcholine in reducing fatty tissue. The current study's authors used an in vitro model to demonstrate that this is likely due to the detergent effect of bile salt deoxycholate, the solvent phosphatidylcholine is in, which induces membrane destruction and adipocyte death. This detergent can have the same nonbiased effect on other cells. Therefore, the authors advise caution when injecting Lipostabil and encourage further studies to ensure its safety and proper formulation.

Financial Disclosures
Drs. Taban and Goldberg have no financial interests to disclose.