Psychosom Med. 2012 Apr;74(3):271-7
Euteneuer F, Mills PJ, Rief W, Ziegler MG, Dimsdale JE
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Several stress-related states and conditions that are considered to involve sympathetic overactivation are accompanied by increased circulating levels of inflammatory immune markers.
Prolonged sympathetic overactivity involves increased stimulation of the β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR).
Although prior research suggests that one mechanism by which sympathetic stimulation may facilitate inflammation is via β-AR activation, little work has focused on the relationship between circulating inflammatory immune markers and β-AR function within the human body (in vivo).
We examined whetherThis study demonstrates a link between in vivo β-adrenergic receptor function and selected circulating inflammatory markers (CRP) in humans., is related to elevated levels of inflammatory immune markers.
METHODS: Ninety-three healthy participants aged 19 to 51 years underwent the chronotropic 25 dose isoproterenol test to determine in vivo β-AR function. Circulating levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 were determined.
RESULTS: β-AR sensitivity was lower in people with higher C-reactive protein concentrations (r = 0.326, p = .003). That relationship remained significant after controlling for sociodemographic and health variables such as age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index, mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, leisure-time exercise, and smoking status.
No significant relationship was found between chronotropic 25 dose and interleukin 6 or soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1.
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a link between in vivo β-adrenergic receptor function and selected circulating inflammatory markers (CRP) in humans. Future studies in specific disease states may be promising.
PMID: 22366585