Hemodynamic Effects of Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate-Dependent Signaling Through β3 Adrenoceptor Stimulation in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure: A Randomized Invasive Clinical Trial

Circ Heart Fail. 2022 Jul;15(7):e009120. doi: 10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.121.009120. Epub 2022 Jun 27.

Abstract

Background: β3-AR (β3-adrenergic receptor) stimulation improved systolic function in a sheep model of systolic heart failure (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction [HFrEF]). Exploratory findings in patients with New York Heart Association functional class II HFrEF treated with the β3-AR-agonist mirabegron supported this observation. Here, we measured the hemodynamic response to mirabegron in patients with severe HFrEF.

Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial we assigned patients with New York Heart Association functional class III-IV HFrEF, left ventricular ejection fraction <35% and increased NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) levels to receive mirabegron (300 mg daily) or placebo orally for a week, as add on to recommended HF therapy. Invasive hemodynamic measurements during rest and submaximal exercise at baseline, 3 hours after first study dose and repeated after 1 week's treatment were obtained. Predefined parameters for analyses were changes in cardiac- and stroke volume index, pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Results: We randomized 22 patients (age 66±11 years, 18 men, 16, New York Heart Association functional class III), left ventricular ejection fraction 20±7%, median NT-proBNP 1953 ng/L. No significant changes were seen after 3 hours, but after 1 week, there was a significantly larger increase in cardiac index in the mirabegron group compared with the placebo group (mean difference, 0.41 [CI, 0.07-0.75] L/min/BSA; P=0.039). Pulmonary vascular resistance decreased significantly more in the mirabegron group compared with the placebo group (-1.6 [CI, -0.4 to -2.8] Wood units; P=0.02). No significant differences were seen during exercise. There were no differences in changes in heart rate, systemic vascular resistance, blood pressure, or renal function between groups. Mirabegron was well-tolerated.

Conclusions: Oral treatment with the β3-AR-agonist mirabegron for 1 week increased cardiac index and decreased pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with moderate to severe HFrEF. Mirabegron may be useful in patients with worsening or terminal HF.

Registration: URL: https://www.

Clinicaltrials: gov; Unique identifier: 2016-002367-34.

Keywords: adrenoreceptor, beta3; blood pressure; cardiac output; clinical trials, randomized; heart rate; systolic heart failure.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Guanosine Monophosphate / pharmacology
  • Guanosine Monophosphate / therapeutic use
  • Heart Failure* / diagnosis
  • Heart Failure* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Receptors, Adrenergic / therapeutic use
  • Stroke Volume / physiology
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left*
  • Ventricular Function, Left

Substances

  • Receptors, Adrenergic
  • Guanosine Monophosphate