Effects of metoprolol and propranolol on lipid metabolism.
Treatment of five hypertriglyceridemic and one normolipemic patients with propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocking agent, and metoprolol, which is generally considered to be a cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, was observed to produce a further elevation in their triglyceride levels. The subjects were followed for 20 weeks, during which they received propranolol for eight weeks, a placebo for four weeks and metoprolol for eight weeks in a crossover design. The analysis suggested that the increase in triglyceride levels was less pronounced with the more cardioselective agent. Moreover, alpha-cholesterol decreased significantly after propranolol but remained constant while on metoprolol. Both drugs decreased beta-cholesterol whereas chylo- and pre- beta-cholesterol increased, particularly with propranolol. Considering the contradictory evidence regarding the clinical importance of chronic elevation of plasma triglyceride and decreased alpha- und beta-cholesterol concentrations, it is suggested that a cardioselective drug would be presently preferable in hyperlipidemic subjects.
D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000378:metabolism; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008790:Metoprolol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011412:Propanolamines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011433:Propranolol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D011412:Propanolamines; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol; D011433:Propranolol; D008790:Metoprolol