Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant human acid α-glucosidase (rhGAA) fails to completely reverse muscle weakness in Pompe disease. β2-agonists enhanced ERT by increasing receptor-mediated uptake of rhGAA in skeletal muscles. Purpose To test the hypothesis that a β-blocker might reduce the efficacy of ERT, because the action of β-blockers opposes those of β2-agonists. Methods Mice with Pompe disease were treated with propranolol (a β-blocker) or clenbuterol in combination with ERT, or with ERT alone. Results Propranolol-treated mice had decreased weight gain (p<0.01), in comparison with clenbuterol-treated mice. Left ventricular mass was decreased (and comparable to wild-type) in ERT only and clenbuterol-treated groups of mice, and unchanged in propranolol-treated mice. GAA activity increased following either clenbuterol or propranolol in skeletal muscles. However, muscle glycogen was reduced only in clenbuterol-treated mice, not in propranolol-treated mice. Cell-based experiments confirmed that propranolol reduces uptake of rhGAA into Pompe fibroblasts and also demonstrated that the drug induces intracellular accumulation of glycoproteins at higher doses. Conclusion Propranolol, a commonly prescribed β-blocker, increased left ventricular mass and decreased glycogen clearance in skeletal muscle following ERT. β-blockers might therefore decrease the efficacy from ERT in patients with Pompe disease.

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