Beta3-adrenoceptor function and long-term changes in body weight.
BACKGROUND
The endogenous factors contributing to long-term changes in body weight are not known but the regulation of energy metabolism by different beta-adrenoceptors (beta(1)-AR, beta(2)-AR, beta(3)-AR) or alpha-adrenoceptors (alpha(2)-AR) may play a role.


METHODS
In a prospective study, we investigated beta-AR and alpha(2)-AR subtype function in subcutaneous fat cells of 85 healthy, non-obese women by using a standardized bioassay of lipolysis. Of these 73 were re-investigated on an average 10 years later to compare baseline function of beta(1)-AR, beta(2)-AR, beta(3)-AR and alpha(2)-AR with longitudinal weight changes.


RESULTS
Weight change over time was normally distributed ranging from-4 kg/m(2) to +6 kg/m(2) in body mass index. Long-term changes in body weight correlated inversely with beta(3)-AR function at base line (r=0.5, P=0.001). Those with low beta(3)-AR function gained weight, whereas the opposite was observed with those who had a high beta(3)-AR function. Nineteen percent of weight changes could be explained by beta(3)-AR status. No relationship with weight changes was observed as regards the function of alpha(2)-AR, beta(1)-AR or beta(2)-AR function.


CONCLUSIONS
Beta(3)-ARs are important for long-term changes in body weight putting energy metabolism in adipose tissue in frontline among endogenous factors that regulate body weight in adulthood.
Department for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
D
D
Andersson
H
H
Wahrenberg
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P
Löfgren
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008066:Lipolysis / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018341:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2 / Q000378:metabolism; D018342:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-1 / Q000378:metabolism; D018343:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2 / Q000378:metabolism; D022702:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-3 / Q000378:metabolism*
D018341:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2; D018342:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-1; D018343:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2; D022702:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-3