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The effects of beta-2 adrenergic agonist and antagonist on human bone metabolism: a randomized controlled trial

A G Veldhuis-Vlug1, M W Tanck2, E J Limonard1

  • 1Dept. of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Bone
|December 3, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Beta-2 adrenergic receptor (B2AR) agonists and antagonists did not alter human bone turnover in a 12-week study. This suggests the sympathetic nervous system may not be a viable target for modulating bone metabolism in humans.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Bone Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Rodent studies indicate beta-2 adrenergic receptor (B2AR) activity influences bone mass.
  • Observational human studies suggest sympathetic nervous system involvement in bone metabolism.
  • Intervention studies are needed to confirm B2AR's role in human bone metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of a selective B2AR agonist (terbutaline) and a non-selective B-AR antagonist (propranolol) on human bone metabolism.
  • To determine if modulating B2AR activity impacts bone formation and resorption markers.

Main Methods:

  • A 12-week randomized controlled trial involving 32 healthy postmenopausal women.
  • Participants received 17-β estradiol, 17-β estradiol plus terbutaline, propranolol, or no treatment.
  • Bone turnover was assessed by measuring serum procollagen type I N propeptide (P1NP) and C-terminal crosslinking telopeptides of collagen type I (CTx).

Main Results:

  • 17-β estradiol significantly decreased bone turnover markers (P1NP and CTx).
  • Terbutaline combined with 17-β estradiol did not significantly alter bone turnover compared to 17-β estradiol alone.
  • Propranolol did not significantly affect bone turnover compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

  • Selective B2AR agonists and non-selective B-AR antagonists do not appear to affect human bone turnover.
  • The study cannot exclude small changes below the detection limits of the current markers.
  • The sympathetic nervous system may not be a significant modulator of human bone metabolism through B2AR pathways.
Keywords:
Beta-adrenergic agonistBeta-adrenergic antagonistBone turnoverRandomized controlled trialSympathetic nervous system

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