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.
Andersson
D
D
Department for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
Wahrenberg
H
H
Löfgren
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P
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