Adverse effects of deoxycholic acid in submandibular glands, submental, inguinal and subplantar regions: a study in rats.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effects of the deoxycholic acid (DCA) in the submental and subplantar regions of rats, and to histologically analyze the changes caused in the submandibular glands, soft tissues of the paw, and inguinal adipose tissue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into DCA and control (CG) groups. DCA was injected in the submental, inguinal, and subplantar regions, and saline was injected in the CG. The animals were euthanized after 24 h and at 7 and 21 days. RESULTS: The DCA group showed edema in the submental region in 24 h and in the paw in all experimental times. In the paw there were also erythema and ulceration in 7 days, and alopecia after 21 days. At 21 days, a few animals also showed erythema and ulceration in paw; however, there was no significant difference from CG. Histological analysis of the paw showed an intense inflammatory process, with a predominance of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells in 24 h and 7 days. In the adipose tissue, we observed loss of architecture and inflammatory infiltrate, followed with a lower number of adipose cells, and at 21 days, fibroplasia. In the submandibular glands we observed inflammatory infiltration, loss of tissue architecture, and fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: DCA produces a significant inflammatory process in the structures. It can cause skin ulcerations and, in salivary glands, it causes loss of tissue architecture and fibrosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There has been growing increase in the use of DCA for aesthetic purposes by health care providers. Due to the presence of important anatomical structures in the submental region, constant vigilance is required to report new adverse effects.

Deoxycholic acid in the submental fat reduction: A review of properties, adverse effects, and complications.

BACKGROUND: Deoxycholic acid (DCA) was developed by the pharmaceutical industry for aesthetical use in submental fat reduction. It represents the first lipolytic substance approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for fat reduction in that area. AIMS: This study presents an update of properties and the use of DCA, as well as adverse events and possible complications. METHODS: A search in MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, and Bireme/LILACS databases was performed using the terms: "deoxycholic acid" OR "ATX-101" AND "injection" NOT "amphotericin" NOT "biliary" NOT "bile." Experimental studies developed in animals, clinical trials, literature reviews, case reports, and letters to the editor that included the DCA mechanism of action, dose, manner of use, adverse effects, and complications were selected. RESULTS: The most frequent adverse events are edema, local pain, bruise, and numbness, which usually spontaneously regress. However, complications, including, skin necrosis, nerve injury, alopecia, and vascular events, can occur, demanding complex management without specific protocols. CONCLUSION: Although DCA is beneficial for lysis of adipose tissue, clinicians should be aware about the adverse effects and risks involved with the use of this substance. The knowledge of local anatomy, properties, and adverse effects are fundamental to treatment with DCA.