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  • Original Article
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β3-Adrenoceptor function and long-term changes in body weight

International Journal of Obesity volume 33, pages 662–668 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

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 (β1-AR, β2-AR, β3-AR) or alpha-adrenoceptors (α2-AR) may play a role.

Methods:

In a prospective study, we investigated β-AR and α2-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 β1-AR, β2-AR, β3-AR and α2-AR with longitudinal weight changes.

Results:

Weight change over time was normally distributed ranging from−4 kg/m2 to +6 kg/m2 in body mass index. Long-term changes in body weight correlated inversely with β3-AR function at base line (r=0.5, P=0.001). Those with low β3−AR function gained weight, whereas the opposite was observed with those who had a high β3-AR function. Nineteen percent of weight changes could be explained by β3-AR status. No relationship with weight changes was observed as regards the function of α2-AR, β1-AR or β2-AR function.

Conclusions:

β3-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.

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Acknowledgements

We are thankful to Kerstin Wåhlén, Eva Sjölin, Katarina Hertel and Britt-Marie Leionhufvud for their skillful technical assistance. This study was supported by grants from Swedish Research Council, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Swedish Diabetes Foundation and Old Female Servant Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden

    D Andersson, H Wahrenberg & P Löfgren

  2. Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

    D Andersson, H Wahrenberg & P Löfgren

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  1. D Andersson
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Correspondence to P Löfgren.

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Andersson, D., Wahrenberg, H. & Löfgren, P. β3-Adrenoceptor function and long-term changes in body weight. Int J Obes 33, 662–668 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2009.54

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