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Marcolini F, Ravaglia A, Tempia Valenta S, Bosco G, Marconi G, De Ronchi D, Atti AR. Severe enduring anorexia nervosa (SE-AN) treatment options and their effectiveness: a review of literature. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:48. [PMID: 38654374 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-01006-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION For nearly 20% of patients diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa (AN), the eating disorder (ED) is prolonged and becomes long-lasting. It has been reported that patients diagnosed with Severe Enduring Anorexia Nervosa (SE-AN) have worse ED symptoms, higher rates of lifetime hospitalization, and lower psychosocial well-being compared to patients with shorter disease duration. OBJECTIVES This review aims to describe the treatments proposed to date and their effectiveness on SE-AN-related outcomes. METHODS We conducted a PubMed search for studies addressing the issue of treatment approach to SE-AN adults, that were published between 2003 and 2023, peer-reviewed, written in the English language, and available in full-text. Next, we inductively created relevant macro-themes by synthesizing the data from the included articles. RESULTS Of 251 PubMed studies, 25 articles were considered for data extraction, all published between 2003 and 2022. We identified three macro-themes. The first macro-theme, "Psychotherapy", mostly takes into consideration treatment effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Various reports determined its greater effectiveness compared to Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM), and one study proved that outpatient CBT is a valid alternative to hospitalization. The second one involves "Pharmacological Treatments". Research on dronabinol, a synthetic orexigenic cannabinoid, antipsychotics (in particular, olanzapine and haloperidol), and ketamine showed some mixed results regarding the often-complementary areas of weight gain and improvement in ED-related symptoms. Regarding the third macro-theme, "Brain Stimulation Therapies," such as Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), we found promising results in improving ED-related psychological traits (such as mood and anxiety), affective regulation, and quality of life. However, we have observed divergent results regarding outcome measures such as BMI and weight gain. CONCLUSIONS SE-AN patients are predicted to encounter both medical complications and psychological distress of increasing severity that will inevitably affect their quality of life; to our knowledge, research evidence on treatment options for SE-AN remains limited, and the methodological quality of studies is generally low. These findings denote the need to focus future research efforts on effective treatment strategies specific to long-lasting EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Marcolini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Pepoli 5, 40123, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Ravaglia
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Pepoli 5, 40123, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Tempia Valenta
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Pepoli 5, 40123, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Bosco
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Marconi
- U.O. Cure Primarie, AUSL Area Vasta Romagna, Ambito di Rimini, Rimini, Italy
| | - Diana De Ronchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Pepoli 5, 40123, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Atti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Pepoli 5, 40123, Bologna, Italy
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Flores MR, Zuniga SS. Integration of Endogenous Opioid System Research in the Interprofessional Diagnosis and Treatment of Obesity and Eating Disorders. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 35:357-380. [PMID: 38874732 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-45493-6_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
This third and final chapter in our trilogy introduces the clinical distinctions and phenotypical similarities between obesity and eating disorders. Research elaborating on the shared neurobiological substrates for obesity and eating disorders is discussed. We present an interprofessional model of treatment for both disordered eating and for obesity. Additionally, this chapter establishes the translational importance of research connecting endogenous opioid activity with both obesity and eating disorders, with an emphasis on clinical interventions. We conclude with a discussion of future directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sylvana Stephano Zuniga
- Obesity and Eating Disorders Clinic, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, Mexico
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Rogers CI, Pacanowski CR. The relationship between cannabis and anorexia nervosa: a scoping review. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:186. [PMID: 37858278 PMCID: PMC10585887 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00887-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relapse rates in Anorexia Nervosa (AN) remain high, warranting exploration of further treatments. Cannabinoid agonists are of interest as they have shown successful outcomes in the treatment of associated conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. This scoping review explores the endocannabinoid system (ECS), benefits/harms/null effects of cannabinoid treatment, and harms of cannabis use in AN. METHODS PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched for studies published between 2010 and August 2023, with human participants that explored the ECS, cannabinoid treatment, or cannabis use, and included 1 or more keywords for both cannabis and AN in the title and or abstract. Reports describing secondary anorexia, reports not available in English, grey literature, reports combining data from AN with other conditions, and reports only reporting the prevalence of cannabis abuse/dependence were excluded. Data were extracted from 17 reports (n = 15 studies). For the ECS, outcomes included genetics such as allele expression related to the ECS, cannabinoid receptor availability, and circulating levels of endocannabinoids. For benefits/harms/null effects of cannabinoid treatment, outcomes included changes in weight, eating disorder (ED) symptoms, physical activity (PA), and hormones. For harms of cannabis use, outcomes included genetics related to cannabis use disorder and associations between cannabis use and ED symptoms. RESULTS Eight studies (n = 8 reports) found abnormalities in the ECS in AN including expression of related alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes, availability of cannabinoid receptors, and levels of endocannabinoids. Three studies (n = 5 reports) found benefits/harms/null effects of cannabinoid treatment. Benefits included weight gain, improved ED symptoms and reduced PA, while null effects included no changes in weight or ED symptoms, and harms included increased PA and lowered adipose hormones. Four studies (n = 4 reports) expanded upon harms of cannabis use, including genetic predispositions to cannabis use disorder, and compensatory behaviors related to cannabis use. CONCLUSION Limited evidence suggests that abnormalities in the ECS in AN may render cannabis a potential treatment for weight restoration and associated symptoms. Future research may wish to investigate individualized dosing approaches to maximize beneficial effects while minimizing harms. Level II Evidence: Scoping Review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe I Rogers
- Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA.
| | - Carly R Pacanowski
- Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
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Amin L, Halbeisen G, Braks K, Huber TJ, Paslakis G. The State Urge to be Physically Active-Questionnaire (SUPA-Q): Development and validation of a state measure of activity urges in patients with eating disorders. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3220. [PMID: 37559422 PMCID: PMC10570484 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many people, including patients with eating disorders (EDs), experience an increased urge for physical activity. "Trait"-like activity in patients with EDs is assessed by existing questionnaires, but there are few clinically validated assessments of a "state" urge to be physically active. Here, we developed and validated the State Urge to be Physically Active-Questionnaire (SUPA-Q). METHODS After developing and piloting the items, N = 126 patients with EDs (mostly anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa) took part in our mixed-longitudinal validation study with one primary assessment for all patients and a secondary assessment for a subsample of patients. Cronbach's α and split-half-methods served as measures of consistency and reliability. Correlations with other questionnaires were used to determine convergent and divergent validity, and confirmatory factor analysis was used for investigating factorial validity. We used paired-samples t-tests for repeated assessments to investigate change sensitivity. RESULTS We found the SUPA-Q to be highly consistent, and reliable and to demonstrate convergent, divergent, and factorial validity. The comparison of SUPA-Q scores from repeated assessments within a subsample of patients demonstrated the questionnaire's change sensitivity, Cohen's d = 0.48. Moreover, an increase in SUPA-Q scores was associated with a less positive mood, more anxiety, more body dissatisfaction, more tenseness, less feelings of control, and more stress. DISCUSSION The newly developed SUPA-Q may help to accentuate the necessity to evaluate and address the acute urge to engage in physical activity in patients with EDs in clinical practice and ultimately support tailoring treatments to patients' unique symptom patterns. The questionnaire is available at https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/G2YBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Amin
- University Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Campus East‐WestphaliaRuhr‐University BochumLuebbeckeGermany
| | - Georg Halbeisen
- University Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Campus East‐WestphaliaRuhr‐University BochumLuebbeckeGermany
| | - Karsten Braks
- Centre for Eating DisordersKlinik am KorsoBad OeynhausenGermany
| | - Thomas J. Huber
- Centre for Eating DisordersKlinik am KorsoBad OeynhausenGermany
| | - Georgios Paslakis
- University Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Campus East‐WestphaliaRuhr‐University BochumLuebbeckeGermany
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A Systemic Review of Medical Cannabinoids Dosing in Human. Clin Ther 2022; 44:e39-e58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Piccolo M, Claussen MC, Bluemel S, Schumacher S, Cronin A, Fried M, Goetze O, Martin-Soelch C, Milos G. Altered circulating endocannabinoids in anorexia nervosa during acute and weight-restored phases: A pilot study. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2019; 28:46-54. [PMID: 31713283 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterized by a low food intake and often exceeding exercise, leading to a particularly low body × weight proportion. Patients with AN usually report less hunger than healthy controls. Endogenous endocannabinoids (eCBs), specifically the anandamide, have been associated to hunger, as a meal initiator, but research regarding AN and eCB and inconclusive. In this pilot study, we investigated plasma levels of eCB in inpatients with AN during fasting and after eating, both during the acute AN phase and after weight recovery. After an 8-hr fasting period, blood sample was collected from all participants. After that, participants were given a muffin test meal. Blood samples for the investigation of endogenous eCBs anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamide [AEA]) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) were then collected after 120 and 240 min. Participants were only allowed to eat and drink what was offered them during the research. AN reported less hunger than controls during fasting and at the end of the experiment. Also, plasma levels of AEA were significantly smaller in AN in comparison with controls in all time points. No significant difference was found for 2-AG plasma levels. After recovery, no significant difference was found for eCB levels. These findings could be interpreted as an AEA deregulation in AN before and after food intake, which persists after weight recovery. These findings may have implications to the pharmacological treatment of AN and to relapse occurring in the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayron Piccolo
- Unit of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | | | - Sena Bluemel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Schumacher
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annette Cronin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Fried
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Centre for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Goetze
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Martin-Soelch
- Unit of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Gabriella Milos
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Collu R, Scherma M, Piscitelli F, Giunti E, Satta V, Castelli MP, Verde R, Fratta W, Bisogno T, Fadda P. Impaired brain endocannabinoid tone in the activity-based model of anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord 2019; 52:1251-1262. [PMID: 31456239 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the growing knowledge on the functional relationship between an altered endocannabinoid (eCB) system and development of anorexia nervosa (AN), to date no studies have investigated the central eCB tone in the activity-based anorexia (ABA) model that reproduces key aspects of human AN. METHOD We measured levels of two major eCBs, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), those of two eCB-related lipids, oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and the cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1R) density in the brain of female ABA rats, focusing on areas involved in homeostatic and rewarding-related regulation of feeding behavior (i.e., prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, caudato putamen, amygdala, hippocampus and hypothalamus). Analysis was carried out also at the end of recovery from the ABA condition. RESULTS At the end of the ABA induction phase, 2-AG was significantly decreased in ABA rats in different brain areas but not in the caudato putamen. No changes were detected in AEA levels in any region, whereas the levels of OEA and PEA were decreased exclusively in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Furthermore, CB1R density was decreased in the dentate gyrus of hippocampus and in the lateral hypothalamus. After recovery, both 2-AG levels and CB1R density were partially normalized in some areas. In contrast, AEA levels became markedly reduced in all the analyzed areas. DISCUSSION These data demonstrate an altered brain eCB tone in ABA rats, further supporting the involvement of an impaired eCB system in AN pathophysiology that may contribute to the maintenance of some symptomatic aspects of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Collu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Elisa Giunti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valentina Satta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - M Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberta Verde
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Walter Fratta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy.,Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bisogno
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Traslational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy.,Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,CNR Institute of Neuroscience - Cagliari, National Research Council, Cagliari.,National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Turin, Italy
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Støving RK. MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Anorexia nervosa and endocrinology: a clinical update. Eur J Endocrinol 2019; 180:R9-R27. [PMID: 30400050 PMCID: PMC6347284 DOI: 10.1530/eje-18-0596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa is a syndrome, that is collections of symptoms, which is not defined by its etiology. The severe cases are intractable. The syndrome is associated with multiple, profound endocrine alterations which may be adaptive, reactive or etiologic. Adaptive changes potentially may be inappropriate in clinical settings such as inpatient intensive re-nutrition or in a setting with somatic comorbidity. Electrolyte levels must be closely monitored during the refeeding process, and the need for weight gain must be balanced against potentially fatal refeeding complications. An important focus of clinical research should be to identify biomarkers associated with different stages of weight loss and re-nutrition combined with psychometric data. Besides well-established peripheral endocrine actions, several hormones also are released directly to different brain areas, where they may exert behavioral and psychogenic actions that could offer therapeutic targets. We need reliable biomarkers for predicting outcome and to ensure safe re-nutrition, however, first of all we need them to explore the metabolism in anorexia nervosa to open new avenues with therapeutic targets. A breakthrough in our understanding and treatment of this whimsical disease remains. Considering this, the aim of the present review is to provide an updated overview of the many endocrine changes in a clinical perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Klinkby Støving
- Nutrition Clinic, Center for Eating Disorders, Odense University Hospital
- Endocrine Elite Research Centre, Institute of Clinical Research, University of South Denmark, Faculty of Health Sciences
- Psychiatric Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Correspondence should be addressed to R K Støving;
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Endocannabinoids in Body Weight Control. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11020055. [PMID: 29849009 PMCID: PMC6027162 DOI: 10.3390/ph11020055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of body weight is fundamental to maintain one's health and to promote longevity. Nevertheless, it appears that the global obesity epidemic is still constantly increasing. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are lipid messengers that are involved in overall body weight control by interfering with manifold central and peripheral regulatory circuits that orchestrate energy homeostasis. Initially, blocking of eCB signaling by first generation cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) inverse agonists such as rimonabant revealed body weight-reducing effects in laboratory animals and men. Unfortunately, rimonabant also induced severe psychiatric side effects. At this point, it became clear that future cannabinoid research has to decipher more precisely the underlying central and peripheral mechanisms behind eCB-driven control of feeding behavior and whole body energy metabolism. Here, we will summarize the most recent advances in understanding how central eCBs interfere with circuits in the brain that control food intake and energy expenditure. Next, we will focus on how peripheral eCBs affect food digestion, nutrient transformation and energy expenditure by interfering with signaling cascades in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, fat depots and endocrine glands. To finally outline the safe future potential of cannabinoids as medicines, our overall goal is to address the molecular, cellular and pharmacological logic behind central and peripheral eCB-mediated body weight control, and to figure out how these precise mechanistic insights are currently transferred into the development of next generation cannabinoid medicines displaying clearly improved safety profiles, such as significantly reduced side effects.
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