Lipolytic Activity and Cytotoxic Effect of Aminophylline in Adipocytes

ABSTRACT

A concern about drug therapy for obesity has been increased with launching of new anti-obesity drug in Korea. Subcutaneous injection of aminophylline was used for regional lipolysis, but its effectiveness and safety are controversial. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of aminophylline on lipolytic activity and cytotoxic effect in adipocytes. Preadipocytes obtained from human breast fat tissue were cultured in monolayer culture system. Cells were treated with media added 1, 5, 10, 15, 25 mM aminophylline concentrations, respectively. Cytotoxicity was measured by XTT colorimetric assay and cell count. The lipolytic activity was measured by enzymatic autoanalyzed system. At above 15mM of aminophylline concentration, preadipocyte and adipocyte markedly presented cytotoxic effects. In proportion to concentration, lipolytic activity was increased and maximal lipolytic activity without marked cytotoxicity was measured at 10mM of aminophylline concentration.