Beta-blockers reduce bone resorption marker in early postmenopausal women.
BACKGROUND
There is evidence to suggest that beta-blockers used in the management of cardiovascular disease may also modulate bone metabolism and reduce bone fragility.


OBJECTIVE
The study aimed to determine the association between beta-blocker use, serum markers of bone turnover and bone loss in early postmenopausal women.


METHODS
In this observational study, we evaluated beta-blocker exposure in association with serum levels of C-telopeptide and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, and rates of bone loss. Beta-blocker use, concomitant therapy and lifestyle were documented for 197 women (50-59 years), 175 of whom had changes in whole body bone mineral density monitored over a 2-year period.


RESULTS
Twenty-four beta-blocker users were identified at baseline. After controlling for concomitant use of hormone therapy, C-telopeptide levels were 6.7% lower among beta-blocker users (p=0.02). No association was detected between bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and beta-blocker use. Analysis of 15 beta-blocker users and 152 non-users identified 2 years post-baseline showed that levels of C-telopeptide but not bone-specific alkaline phosphatase were predictors of adjusted rates of bone loss (p=0.008 and p>0.05, respectively). Adjusted rates of bone loss were-0.001+/-0.026 g cm(-2) over 2 years for the users and-0.004+/-0.025 g cm(-2) over 2 years for non-users, but this difference was not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Beta-blockers might suppress bone resorption with relative preservation of bone formation. A study with greater power is required to determine whether ss-blocker use is associated with lower rates of bone loss.
Pasco
Julie A
JA
The University of Melbourne, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences: Barwon Health, Geelong. juliep@barwonhealth.org.au
Henry
Margaret J
MJ
Nicholson
Geoffrey C
GC
Schneider
Hans G
HG
Kotowicz
Mark A
MA
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D003094:Collagen / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D024042:Collagen Type I; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010455:Peptides / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D015415:Biomarkers; D024042:Collagen Type I; D010455:Peptides; C052929:collagen type I trimeric cross-linked peptide; D003094:Collagen; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase