Pentoxifylline Induces Lipolysis and Apoptosis of Human Preadipocytes, Keratinocytes and Fibroblasts In Vitro

Abstract

-Pentoxifylline (PTX) has been used for the local reduction of fat tissue in the clinical setting. However, its safety and efficacy have not been proven. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PTX on cell lines established from fat tissue. Newly cultured human preadipocytes and adipocytes from subcutaneous abdominal fat in addition to purchased human lung fibroblasts and keratinocytes were treated with PTX at different concentrations. Cell viability was determined using the Cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay and lipolysis was evaluated using an Elisa kit. DNA fragmentation, Western blot analysis, Hoechst and Propidium Iodide (PI) staining and fluorescence activated cell scanning analysis were performed to confirm apoptosis. The viability of adipocytes, preadipocytes, keratinocytes and fibroblasts was markedly decreased at concentrations of PTX above 20 mM. Apoptosis was induced at concentrations of PTX over 40 mM in all cell lines. Lipolysis was increased by 60% at concentrations of PTX of 20 mM compared to the control. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that 20 mM of PTX induced lipolysis. At concentrations over 20 mM, PTX reduced the viability of all cells studied including: adipocytes, preadipocytes, fibroblasts and keratinocytes, in a non-specific manner.

Antifibrotic effects of pentoxifylline improve the efficacy of gemcitabine in human pancreatic tumor xenografts

“…(13) The potent antifibrotic effects of PTX (e.g. inhibition of proliferation or ECM synthesis in human renal and lung fibroblasts (25,26) and peritoneal mesothelial cells (27) ) have been reported in several in vitro studies. Moreover, the antifibrotic effects of PTX have also been demonstrated using in vivo models of glomerulonephritis, (28) biliary fibrosis, (29) and liver fibrosis.…”

Asian dust storm particles induce a broad toxicological transcriptional program in human epidermal keratinocytes

“…Cell viability was evaluated as previously reported (Lee et al, 2010). Cells were seeded in 60 mm plates for 24 h in the presence of 25 g/ml ADSPs.…”