Song YS, et al. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol. 2015 Jan;19(1):29-34. http://dx.doi.org/10.4196/kjpp.2015.19.1.29

Background: Phosphatidylcholine (PPC) formulation is used for lipolytic injection, even though its mechanism of action is not well understood. Methods: The viability of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes and differentiated 3T3-L1 cells was measured after treatment of PPC alone, its vehicle sodium deoxycholate (SD), and a PPC formulation. Western blot analysis was performed to examine PPC-induced signaling pathways. Results: PPC, SD, and PPC formulation significantly decreased 3T3-L1 cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. PPC alone was not cytotoxic to CCD-25Sk human fibroblasts at concentrations <1 mg/ml, whereas SD and PPC formulation were cytotoxic. Western blot analysis demonstrated that PPC alone led to the phosphorylation of the stress signaling proteins, such as p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and activated caspase-9, -8, -3 as well as cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. However, SD did not activate the apoptotic pathways. Instead, SD and PPC formulation induced cell membrane lysis, which may lead to necrosis of cells. Conclusions: PPC results in apoptosis of 3T3-L1 cells.

Ahn MJ, et al. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol. 2014 Aug;18(4):307-311. http://dx.doi.org/10.4196/kjpp.2014.18.4.307

Song YS, et al. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol. 2014 Aug;18(4):327-331. http://dx.doi.org/10.4196/kjpp.2014.18.4.327