Polymorphisms of the β₁-adrenergic receptor predict exercise capacity in heart failure

Background: Exercise performance in patients with congestive heart failure is partially dependent on cardiac β₁-adrenergic receptor (β₁AR) function. There are 2 common polymorphisms of the β₁AR gene that alter the encoded amino acids at positions 49 (Ser or Gly) and 389 (Gly or Arg) and alter receptor function in vitro. Their relevance to modification of cardiac function in heart failure is not known. Methods: Exercise testing was performed in 263 patients with idiopathic or ischemic cardiomyopathy (left ventricular ejection fraction ∼25%). Potential associations were sought between β₁AR genotypes and the primary outcome variables of peak oxygen consumption (VO₂), heart rate response, and exercise time. Results: The major determinants of exercise capacity were the polymorphisms at position 389, where patients homozygous for Gly389 had significantly lower peak VO₂ compared with those with Arg389 (14.5 ± 0.6 vs 17.7 ± 0.4 mL/ kg/min, P = .006), despite similar clinical characteristics including left ventricular ejection fraction. Consistent with a gene dose-response, heterozygosity was associated with an intermediate response (16.9 ± 0.6 mL/kg/min, P < .05). When position 49 genotypes were included, a graded relationship between the 5 2-locus haplotypes and VO₂ was found. Two haplotypes displayed the most divergent peak VO₂: homozygous Gly389/Ser49, and homozygous Arg389/ Gly49 carriers (14.4 ± 0.5 vs 18.2 ± 0.8 mL/kg/min, P = .001). Genotype did not predict the heart rate response. The above results were independent of β-blocker or other medication use, left ventricular ejection fraction, β₂AR genotype, or other demographic and clinical characteristics. Conclusion: β₁AR polymorphisms are a significant determinant of exercise capacity in patients with congestive heart failure. Early identification, by genetic testing for these polymorphisms, of heart failure patients at risk for development of depressed exercise capacity may be useful for initiation of specific therapy tailored to genotype.