Effect of a Formulation Containing Low-Dose Sodium Deoxycholate on Local Fat Reduction.

Abstract

Synthetic deoxycholic acid (DCA) has been approved as an injectable drug for the nonsurgical reduction of submental fat. In this study, we evaluated the fat-reducing effects of a new formula containing a low dose of DCA and fat dissolution by topical application of DCA. Sodium deoxycholate (99.1% pure) and the new formulation containing 10% DCA were injected or topically applied to the dorsa of obese mice (induced by a high-fat diet). The rate of change in body weight was evaluated, together with comparisons of micro-computed tomography images, body composition measurements, and histology findings. The results showed that the new formula containing low-dose DCA was as effective as the older high-dose formulation with respect to the rate of change in body weight and reductions in subcutaneous fat pad area, body fat weight, and the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer. Furthermore, topical application of the high-dose, but not the low-dose, formulation yielded promising effects. The development of a better protocol for the high-dose preparation, including dose optimization and application methods that minimize the adverse effects of DCA, merits further study. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine Ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or online Instructions to Authors - www.springer.com/00266 .