beta-Adrenoceptor-mediated thermogenesis and lipolysis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The present study investigated whether development or maintenance of a relatively increased fat mass in normal-weight patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), despite periods of weight loss, may be related to impaired beta-adrenoceptor-mediated responses in lipid utilization and thermogenesis. Nine COPD patients and nine healthy controls (body mass index: 23.0 +/- 1.3 vs. 23.8 +/- 0.6 kg/m2, not significant; fat mass: 19.0 +/- 2.1 vs. 11.9 +/- 1.5 kg, P < 0.01) received consecutive 30-min infusions of 6, 12, and 24 ng x kg fat free mass(-1) x min(-1) isoproterenol. During beta-adrenergic stimulation, nonesterified fatty acid levels increased significantly less in COPD patients (P < 0.001). Respiratory exchange ratio decreased similarly in both groups, indicating a similar change in the rate of lipid to carbohydrate oxidation. Energy expenditure increased similarly in both groups during beta-adrenergic stimulation. However, because plasma isoproterenol concentrations were significantly higher in COPD patients, thermogenesis related to isoproterenol concentration was significantly reduced in this group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, beta-adrenoceptor-mediated lipolysis and thermogenesis are impaired in COPD patients. This may play a role in the development or maintenance of their relatively increased fat mass.