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Timko CA, Schnabel J, Orloff NC. The importance of improving cognitive flexibility in adolescents with anorexia nervosa: The case for cognitive remediation therapy. Int J Eat Disord 2024; 57:1109-1118. [PMID: 38333943 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inefficiencies in executive functioning (EF), more specifically cognitive flexibility and an overly detailed processing style, are frequently observed in individuals with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and have been identified as potential targets in treatment. Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) is an adjunctive treatment approach specifically designed to have a positive impact on EF. Mainly evaluated in adults, CRT has been criticized for its perceived ineffectiveness in promoting weight restoration or directly reducing eating disorder symptoms. METHOD We argue that we need to refocus our conceptual framework for using CRT as an adjunctive treatment and specifically explore its potential benefit in adolescents. RESULTS Adolescence is a critical window for EF development during which CRT has the potential to have the most impact. While it may not specifically ameliorate eating disorder symptoms and directly improve weight gain, CRT may mitigate the impact of malnutrition on adolescent brain development, reduce attrition rates in treatment, and improve cognitive flexibility and (indirectly) other maintaining factors, thereby improving global functioning. DISCUSSION More research needs to be done to understand the development of EF in adolescents with AN and how best to employ CRT as an adjunctive treatment to support development and target maintaining factors. The current article broadly reviews findings on executive functioning inefficiencies in adolescents with AN and discusses the purpose and role of CRT in treating AN. Finally, we highlight key critiques of using CRT and pose questions for future research. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Treatments targeting executive functioning in adolescents with AN are limited. We need to better understand how CRT can benefit adolescents in treatment. Increasing treatment options, including adjunctive treatments, is necessary to reduce the long-term impact of AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Alix Timko
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jiana Schnabel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Natalia C Orloff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Equip Health, Carlsbad, California, USA
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2
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Collantoni E, Alberti F, Dahmen B, von Polier G, Konrad K, Herpertz-Dahlmann B, Favaro A, Seitz J. Intra-individual cortical networks in Anorexia Nervosa: Evidence from a longitudinal dataset. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2024; 32:298-309. [PMID: 37876109 DOI: 10.1002/erv.3043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This work investigates cortical thickness (CT) and gyrification patterns in Anorexia Nervosa (AN) before and after short-term weight restoration using graph theory tools. METHODS 38 female adolescents with AN underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging scans at baseline and after - on average - 3.5 months following short-term weight restoration while 53 age-matched healthy controls (HCs) were scanned once. Graph measures were compared between groups and longitudinally within the AN group. Associations with clinical measures such as age of onset, duration of illness, BMI standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), and longitudinal weight changes were tested via stepwise regression. RESULTS Cortical thickness graphs of patients with acute AN displayed lower modularity and small-world index (SWI) than HCs. Modularity recovered after weight gain. Reduced global efficiency and SWI were observed in patients at baseline compared to HCs based on gyrification networks. Significant associations between local clustering of CT at admission and BMI-SDS, and clustering/global efficiency of gyrification and duration of illness emerged. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate a shift towards less organised CT networks in patients with acute AN. After weight recovery, the disarrangement seems to be partially reduced. However, longer-term follow-ups are needed to determine whether cortical organizational patterns fully return to normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Collantoni
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
- Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Brigitte Dahmen
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Georg von Polier
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Kerstin Konrad
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Section Neuropsychology, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Angela Favaro
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
- Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Jochen Seitz
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Zimmermann A, Böge N, Schuster K, Staffeld A, Lang S, Gill S, Rupprecht H, Frintrop L. Glial cell changes in the corpus callosum in chronically-starved mice. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:227. [PMID: 38111061 PMCID: PMC10726510 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00948-z] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by emaciation, hyperactivity, and amenorrhea. Imaging studies in AN patients have revealed reductions in grey and white matter volume, which correlate with the severity of neuropsychological deficits. However, the cellular basis for the observed brain atrophy is poorly understood. Although distinct hypothalamic centers, including the arcuate nucleus (ARC) are critically involved in regulating feeding behavior, little is known about potential hypothalamic modifications in this disorder. Since glia e.g. astrocytes and microglia influence neuronal circuits, we investigated the glial changes underlying pathophysiology of starvation in the corpus callosum (CC) and hypothalamus. Female mice were given a limited amount of food once a day and had unlimited access to a running wheel until a 20% weight reduction was achieved (acute starvation). This weight reduction was maintained for two weeks to mimic chronic starvation. Immunohistochemistry was used to quantify the density of astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and the staining intensity of neuropeptide Y (NPY), a potent orexigenic peptide. Chronic starvation induced a decreased density of OLIG2+ oligodendrocytes, GFAP+ astrocytes, and IBA1+ microglia in the CC. However, the densities of glial cells remained unchanged in the ARC following starvation. Additionally, the staining intensity of NPY increased after both acute and chronic starvation, indicating an increased orexigenic signaling. Chronic starvation induced glial cell changes in the CC in a mouse model of AN suggesting that glia pathophysiology may play a role in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelie Zimmermann
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstr. 9, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Natalie Böge
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstr. 9, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Katharina Schuster
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstr. 9, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Anna Staffeld
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstr. 9, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Stephan Lang
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstr. 9, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Sadaf Gill
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstr. 9, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Hanna Rupprecht
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstr. 9, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Linda Frintrop
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstr. 9, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
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Arold D, Bernardoni F, Geisler D, Doose A, Uen V, Boehm I, Roessner V, King JA, Ehrlich S. Predicting long-term outcome in anorexia nervosa: a machine learning analysis of brain structure at different stages of weight recovery. Psychol Med 2023; 53:7827-7836. [PMID: 37554008 PMCID: PMC10758339 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723001861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by sizable, widespread gray matter (GM) reductions in the acutely underweight state. However, evidence for persistent alterations after weight-restoration has been surprisingly scarce despite high relapse rates, frequent transitions to other psychiatric disorders, and generally unfavorable outcome. While most studies investigated brain regions separately (univariate analysis), psychiatric disorders can be conceptualized as brain network disorders characterized by multivariate alterations with only subtle local effects. We tested for persistent multivariate structural brain alterations in weight-restored individuals with a history of AN, investigated their putative biological substrate and relation with 1-year treatment outcome. METHODS We trained machine learning models on regional GM measures to classify healthy controls (HC) (N = 289) from individuals at three stages of AN: underweight patients starting intensive treatment (N = 165, used as baseline), patients after partial weight-restoration (N = 115), and former patients after stable and full weight-restoration (N = 89). Alterations after weight-restoration were related to treatment outcome and characterized both anatomically and functionally. RESULTS Patients could be classified from HC when underweight (ROC-AUC = 0.90) but also after partial weight-restoration (ROC-AUC = 0.64). Alterations after partial weight-restoration were more pronounced in patients with worse outcome and were not detected in long-term weight-recovered individuals, i.e. those with favorable outcome. These alterations were more pronounced in regions with greater functional connectivity, not merely explained by body mass index, and even increases in cortical thickness were observed (insula, lateral orbitofrontal, temporal pole). CONCLUSIONS Analyzing persistent multivariate brain structural alterations after weight-restoration might help to develop personalized interventions after discharge from inpatient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Arold
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Fabio Bernardoni
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniel Geisler
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Arne Doose
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Volkan Uen
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ilka Boehm
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Eating Disorder Research and Treatment Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Joseph A. King
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Eating Disorder Research and Treatment Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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5
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Keeler JL, Kan C, Treasure J, Himmerich H. Novel treatments for anorexia nervosa: Insights from neuroplasticity research. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2023. [PMID: 37823233 DOI: 10.1002/erv.3039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) remains challenging; there are no approved psychopharmacological interventions and psychotherapeutic strategies have variable efficacy. The investigation of evidence-based treatments has so far been compounded by an underdeveloped understanding into the neurobiological changes associated with the acute stages of AN. There is converging evidence of deficiencies in neuroplasticity in AN. METHOD This paper provides an overview of neuroimaging, neuropsychological, molecular and qualitative findings relating to neuroplasticity in AN, translating these findings to the identification of novel biological and psychotherapeutic strategies. RESULTS Novel psychopharmacological approaches that may ameliorate deficiencies in neuroplasticity include medications such as ketamine, psilocybin and human recombinant leptin. Anti-inflammatory medications and brain-derived neurotrophic factor mimetics may emerge as potential treatments following further research. Psychotherapeutic strategies that may target neuroplastic deficiencies, as well as having wider effects on identity, include imagery rescripting, memory specificity training, cognitive remediation therapy, exposure therapies, narrative therapies, cultural interventions (e.g. music and arts therapies) and yoga/mindfulness-based interventions. CONCLUSIONS Treatments specifically targeted towards mitigating the neurobiological sequalae of AN are warranted, and emerging neurobiological and neuropsychological research utilising longitudinal designs and large sample sizes, as well as initial feasibility studies, are necessitated to bolster translational efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Louise Keeler
- King's College London, Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Kent, UK
| | - Carol Kan
- Vincent Square Eating Disorder Service, London, UK
| | - Janet Treasure
- King's College London, Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Kent, UK
| | - Hubertus Himmerich
- King's College London, Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Kent, UK
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Bracké KFM, Steegers CPM, van der Harst T, Dremmen MHG, Vernooij MW, White TJH, Dieleman GC. Can neuroimaging measures differentiate the disease course of anorexia nervosa? A systematic review. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 163:337-349. [PMID: 37263169 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.059] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) entails many uncertainties regarding the clinical outcome, due to large heterogeneity in the disease course. AN is associated with global decrease in brain volumes and altered brain functioning during acute illness. However, it is unclear whether structural and functional brain alterations can predict clinical outcome. We aimed to systematically review the predictive value of volumetric and functional brain outcome measures of structural and functional brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the disease course of AN. Four databases (Embase, Medline, Psycinfo, and Cochrane Central Register) were systematically searched. A total of 15 studies (structural MRI: n = 6, functional MRI: n = 9) were reviewed. In total 464 unique AN patients, and 328 controls were included. Follow-up time ranged between 1 and 43 months. Structural neuroimaging studies showed that lower brain volumes of the cerebellum, subcortical grey matter, and cortical white matter at admission predicted a worse clinical outcome. A smaller increase of the anterior cingulate cortex volume in the early phase of the disease predicted a worse clinical outcome. Lower overall gyrification, and a higher clustering coefficient predicted a worse clinical outcome. Functional MRI studies showed that frontal, parietal and temporal activity during task-based algorithms predicted follow-up body mass index, although results were bidirectional possibly due to the large heterogeneity in methodological approaches. Neuroimaging measures may predict the clinical outcome of AN. However, there is a lack of replication studies. Future studies are needed to validate the prognostic utility of neuroimaging measures in AN patients, and should harmonize demographic, clinical and neuroimaging features in order to enhance comparability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien F M Bracké
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cathelijne P M Steegers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tess van der Harst
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein H G Dremmen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Meike W Vernooij
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tonya J H White
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Section of Social and Cognitive Developmental Neuroscience, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gwen C Dieleman
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Gander M, Lenhart L, Steiger R, Buchheim A, Mangesius S, Birkl C, Haid-Stecher N, Fuchs M, Libal A, Dabkowska-Mika A, Gizewski ER, Sevecke K. Attachment Trauma Is Associated with White Matter Fiber Microstructural Alterations in Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa before and after Exposure to Psychotherapeutic and Nutritional Treatment. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050798. [PMID: 37239270 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we explore the role of attachment for microstructural white matter (WM) changes in adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) before and after exposure to short-term and nutritional treatment. The case sample consisted of 22 female adolescent inpatients with AN (mean age: 15.2 ± 1.2 years) and the control sample were 18 gender-matched healthy adolescents (mean age: 16.8 ± 0.9 years). We performed a 3T MRI in the patient group during the acute state of AN and after weight restoration (duration: 2.6 ± 1 months) and compared the data to a healthy control group. To classify attachment patterns, we used the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System. In the patient sample, over 50% were classified with an attachment trauma/unresolved attachment status. Prior to treatment exposure, fractional anisotropy (FA) reductions and concordant mean diffusivity (MD) increases were evident in the fornix, the corpus callosum and WM regions of the thalamus, which normalized in the corpus callosum and the fornix post-therapy in the total patient sample (p < 0.002). In the acute state, patients with an attachment trauma demonstrated significant FA decreases compared to healthy controls, but no MD increases, in the corpus callosum and cingulum bilaterally, which remained decreased after therapy. Attachment patterns seem to be associated with region-specific changes of WM alterations in AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Gander
- Institute of Psychology, Leopold-Franzens-University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Tirol Kliniken, 6060 Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Lukas Lenhart
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ruth Steiger
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anna Buchheim
- Institute of Psychology, Leopold-Franzens-University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stephanie Mangesius
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christoph Birkl
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nina Haid-Stecher
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Tirol Kliniken, 6060 Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Martin Fuchs
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Tirol Kliniken, 6060 Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Anna Libal
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Tirol Kliniken, 6060 Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Agnieszka Dabkowska-Mika
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elke Ruth Gizewski
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kathrin Sevecke
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Tirol Kliniken, 6060 Hall in Tirol, Austria
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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8
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Trinh S, Keller L, Herpertz-Dahlmann B, Seitz J. The role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in anorexia nervosa. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 151:106069. [PMID: 36878115 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a growth factor belonging to the neurotrophin family which plays a pivotal role in the differentiation, survival, and plasticity of neurons in the central nervous system. Evidence suggests that BDNF is an important signal molecule in the regulation of energy balance and thus implicated in body weight control. The discovery of BDNF-expressing neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamus which is important in the regulation of energy intake, physical activity, and thermogenesis gives more evidence to the suggested participation of BDNF in eating behavior. Until now it remains questionable whether BDNF can be used as a reliable biomarker for eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (AN) as available findings on BDNF levels in patients with AN are ambiguous. AN is an eating disorder characterized by a pathological low body weight in combination with a body image disturbance typically developing during adolescence. A severe drive for thinness leads to restrictive eating behavior often accompanied by physical hyperactivity. During therapeutic weight restoration an increase of BDNF expression levels seems desirable as it might improve neuronal plasticity and survival which is essential for learning processes and thereby essential for the success of the psychotherapeutic treatment of patients. On the contrary, the well-known anorexigenic effect of BDNF might favor relapse in patients as soon as the BDNF levels significantly increase during weight rehabilitation. The present review summarizes the association between BDNF and general eating behavior and especially focuses on the eating disorder AN. In this regard findings from preclinical AN studies (activity-based anorexia model) are outlined as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Trinh
- Institute for Neuroanatomy, University Hospital, RWTH University Aachen, Wendlingweg 2, Aachen D-52074, Germany.
| | - Lara Keller
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, RWTH University Aachen, Neuenhofer Weg 21, Aachen D-52074, Germany.
| | - Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, RWTH University Aachen, Neuenhofer Weg 21, Aachen D-52074, Germany.
| | - Jochen Seitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, RWTH University Aachen, Neuenhofer Weg 21, Aachen D-52074, Germany.
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Halls D, Leppanen J, Kerr‐Gaffney J, Simic M, Nicholls D, Mandy W, Williams S, Tchanturia K. Examining the relationship between autistic spectrum disorder characteristics and structural brain differences seen in anorexia nervosa. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2022; 30:459-473. [PMID: 35570362 PMCID: PMC9546313 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cortical differences have been reported in Anorexia Nervosa (AN) compared with healthy controls (HC); however, it is unclear if Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) characteristics are related to these cortical differences. The aim of this study was to examine if structural measures were correlated to ASD traits in AN. In total 184 female participants participated in the study; 57 acutely underweight AN participants (AAN), 59 weight-restored participants (WR) and 68 HC. Participants underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging as well as completing the Autism Diagnostic Observation schedule, second edition to examine ASD characteristics. Group differences in curvature, gyrification, surface area, thickness, global grey matter and white matter were measured. Correlation and regression analysis were conducted to examine the relationship between cortical measures and ASD characteristics. Two decreased gyrification clusters in the right post central and supramarginal gyrus and decreased global grey matter were observed in the AAN group compared to HC and WR. No correlations between ASD traits and structural measures existed. Our results suggest structural differences seen in individuals with AN do not appear to be related to ASD characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Halls
- King's College London (KCL), Institute of PsychiatryPsychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN)Psychological MedicineLondonUK
| | - Jenni Leppanen
- King's College LondonCentre for Neuroimaging SciencesLondonUK
| | - Jess Kerr‐Gaffney
- King's College London (KCL), Institute of PsychiatryPsychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN)Psychological MedicineLondonUK
| | - Mima Simic
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | | | - William Mandy
- Division of Psychology and Language SciencesUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Steven Williams
- King's College LondonCentre for Neuroimaging SciencesLondonUK
| | - Kate Tchanturia
- King's College London (KCL), Institute of PsychiatryPsychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN)Psychological MedicineLondonUK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Psychology DepartmentIllia State UniversityTbilisiGeorgia
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10
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Sader M, Williams JHG, Waiter GD. A meta-analytic investigation of grey matter differences in anorexia nervosa and autism spectrum disorder. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2022; 30:560-579. [PMID: 35526083 PMCID: PMC9543727 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent research reports Anorexia Nervosa (AN) to be highly dependent upon neurobiological function. Some behaviours, particularly concerning food selectivity are found in populations with both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and AN, and there is a proportionally elevated number of anorexic patients exhibiting symptoms of ASD. We performed a systematic review of structural MRI literature with the aim of identifying common structural neural correlates common to both AN and ASD. Across 46 ASD publications, a meta‐analysis of volumetric differences between ASD and healthy controls revealed no consistently affected brain regions. Meta‐analysis of 23 AN publications revealed increased volume within the orbitofrontal cortex and medial temporal lobe, and adult‐only AN literature revealed differences within the genu of the anterior cingulate cortex. The changes are consistent with alterations in flexible reward‐related learning and episodic memory reported in neuropsychological studies. There was no structural overlap between ASD and AN. Findings suggest no consistent neuroanatomical abnormality associated with ASD, and evidence is lacking to suggest that reported behavioural similarities between those with AN and ASD are due to neuroanatomical structural similarities. Findings related to neuroanatomical structure in AN/ASD demonstrate overlap and require revisiting. Meta‐analytic findings show structural increase/decrease versus healthy controls (LPFC/MTL/OFC) in AN, but no clusters found in ASD. The neuroanatomy associated with ASD is inconsistent, but findings in AN reflect condition‐related impairment in executive function and sociocognitive behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Sader
- Translational Neuroscience, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Justin H G Williams
- Translational Neuroscience, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Gordon D Waiter
- Biomedical Imaging Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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11
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Cuteri V, Minori G, Gagliardi G, Tamburini F, Malaspina E, Gualandi P, Rossi F, Moscano M, Francia V, Parmeggiani A. Linguistic feature of anorexia nervosa: a prospective case-control pilot study. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:1367-1375. [PMID: 34309776 PMCID: PMC8311399 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-021-01273-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Attention has recently been paid to Clinical Linguistics for the detection and support of clinical conditions. Many works have been published on the "linguistic profile" of various clinical populations, but very few papers have been devoted to linguistic changes in patients with eating disorders. Patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) share similar psychological features such as disturbances in self-perceived body image, inflexible and obsessive thinking and anxious or depressive traits. We hypothesize that these characteristics can result in altered linguistic patterns and be detected using the Natural Language Processing tools. METHODS We enrolled 51 young participants from December 2019 to February 2020 (age range: 14-18): 17 girls with a clinical diagnosis of AN, and 34 normal-weighted peers, matched by gender, age and educational level. Participants in each group were asked to produce three written texts (around 10-15 lines long). A rich set of linguistic features was extracted from the text samples and the statistical significance in pinpointing the pathological process was measured. RESULTS Comparison between the two groups showed several linguistics indexes as statistically significant, with syntactic reduction as the most relevant trait of AN productions. In particular, the following features emerge as statistically significant in distinguishing AN girls and their normal-weighted peers: the length of the sentences, the complexity of the noun phrase, and the global syntactic complexity. This peculiar pattern of linguistic erosion may be due to the severe metabolic impairment also affecting the central nervous system in AN. CONCLUSION These preliminary data showed the existence of linguistic parameters as probable linguistic markers of AN. However, the analysis of a bigger cohort, still ongoing, is needed to consolidate this assumption. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III Evidence obtained from case-control analytic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Cuteri
- Regional Center of Feeding and Eating Disorders in developmental age, Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Minori
- Department of Classical Philology and Italian Studies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gloria Gagliardi
- Department of Classical Philology and Italian Studies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Tamburini
- Department of Classical Philology and Italian Studies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Malaspina
- Regional Center of Feeding and Eating Disorders in developmental age, Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paola Gualandi
- Regional Center of Feeding and Eating Disorders in developmental age, Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Rossi
- Regional Center of Feeding and Eating Disorders in developmental age, Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Milena Moscano
- Regional Center of Feeding and Eating Disorders in developmental age, Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Francia
- Regional Center of Feeding and Eating Disorders in developmental age, Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonia Parmeggiani
- Regional Center of Feeding and Eating Disorders in developmental age, Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy. .,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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12
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Wei Y, Peng S, Lian C, Kang Q, Chen J. Anorexia nervosa and gut microbiome: implications for weight change and novel treatments. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 16:321-332. [PMID: 35303781 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2022.2056017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Host-microbiota interactions may be involved in many physical and psychological functions ranging from the digestion of food, maintenance of immune homeostasis, to the regulation of mood and cognition. Microbiome dysbiosis has been consistently described in many diseases. The pathogenesis and weight regulation mechanism in anorexia nervosa (AN) also seem to be implicated in the dynamic bidirectional adjustment of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. This review aims at elucidating this relationship. AREA COVERED This review starts with a description of pathogenic gut-brain pathways. Next, we focus on the latest research on the associations between gut microbiota and weight change in the condition of AN. The strategies to alter the intestinal microbiome for the treatment of this disorder are discussed, including dietary, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. EXPERT OPINION Gut microbiome is inextricably linked to AN. It may regulate weight gain in the process of refeeding via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, while the specific mechanism has yet to be clearly established. In the future, a better understanding of gut microbiome could have implications for developing microbiome-based prevention, diagnostics and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaohui Wei
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sufang Peng
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Lian
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Kang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jue Chen
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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13
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Structural brain abnormalities in adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa at both the acute and weight-recovered phase. Brain Imaging Behav 2022; 16:1372-1380. [DOI: 10.1007/s11682-021-00622-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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14
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Kashyap P, Shenk TE, Svaldi DO, Lycke RJ, Lee TA, Tamer GG, Nauman EA, Talavage TM. Normalized Brain Tissue–Level Evaluation of Volumetric Changes of Youth Athletes Participating in Collision Sports. Neurotrauma Rep 2022; 3:57-69. [PMID: 35112108 PMCID: PMC8804236 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2021.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Observations of short-term changes in the neural health of youth athletes participating in collision sports (e.g., football and soccer) have highlighted a need to explore potential structural alterations in brain tissue volumes for these persons. Studies have shown biochemical, vascular, functional connectivity, and white matter diffusivity changes in the brain physiology of these athletes that are strongly correlated with repetitive head acceleration exposure. Here, research is presented that highlights regional anatomical volumetric measures that change longitudinally with accrued subconcussive trauma. A novel pipeline is introduced that provides simplified data analysis on standard-space template to quantify group-level longitudinal volumetric changes within these populations. For both sports, results highlight incremental relative regional volumetric changes in the subcortical cerebrospinal fluid that are strongly correlated with head exposure events greater than a 50-G threshold at the short-term post-season assessment. Moreover, longitudinal regional gray matter volumes are observed to decrease with time, only returning to baseline/pre-participation levels after sufficient (5–6 months) rest from collision-based exposure. These temporal structural volumetric alterations are significantly different from normal aging observed in sex- and age-matched controls participating in non-collision sports. Future work involves modeling repetitive head exposure thresholds with multi-modal image analysis and understanding the underlying physiological reason. A possible pathophysiological pathway is presented, highlighting the probable metabolic regulatory mechanisms. Continual participation in collision-based activities may represent a risk wherein recovery cannot occur. Even when present, the degree of the eventual recovery remains to be explored, but has strong implications for the well-being of collision-sport participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratik Kashyap
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Trey E. Shenk
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Diana O. Svaldi
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Roy J. Lycke
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Taylor A. Lee
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Gregory G. Tamer
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Eric A. Nauman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Thomas M. Talavage
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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15
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Frintrop L, Trinh S, Seitz J, Kipp M. The Role of Glial Cells in Regulating Feeding Behavior: Potential Relevance to Anorexia Nervosa. J Clin Med 2021; 11:jcm11010186. [PMID: 35011927 PMCID: PMC8745326 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11010186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Eating behavior is controlled by hypothalamic circuits in which agouti-related peptide-expressing neurons when activated in the arcuate nucleus, promote food intake while pro-opiomelanocortin-producing neurons promote satiety. The respective neurotransmitters signal to other parts of the hypothalamus such as the paraventricular nucleus as well as several extra-hypothalamic brain regions to orchestrate eating behavior. This complex process of food intake may be influenced by glia cells, in particular astrocytes and microglia. Recent studies showed that GFAP+ astrocyte cell density is reduced in the central nervous system of an experimental anorexia nervosa model. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that causes, among the well-known somatic symptoms, brain volume loss which was associated with neuropsychological deficits while the underlying pathophysiology is unknown. In this review article, we summarize the findings of glia cells in anorexia nervosa animal models and try to deduce which role glia cells might play in the pathophysiology of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa. A better understanding of glia cell function in the regulation of food intake and eating behavior might lead to the identification of new drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Frintrop
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)-381-494-8406
| | - Stefanie Trinh
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Jochen Seitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Markus Kipp
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
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16
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Brain Volume Loss, Astrocyte Reduction, and Inflammation in Anorexia Nervosa. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 26:283-313. [PMID: 34888839 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77375-5_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa is the third most common chronic disease in adolescence and is characterized by low body weight, body image distortion, weight phobia, and severe somatic consequences. Among the latter, marked brain volume reduction has been linked to astrocyte cell count reduction of about 50% in gray and white matter, while neuronal and other glial cell counts remain normal. Exact underlying mechanisms remain elusive; however, first results point to important roles of the catabolic state and the very low gonadal steroid hormones in these patients. They also appear to involve inflammatory states of "hungry astrocytes" and interactions with the gut microbiota. Functional impairments could affect the role of astrocytes in supporting neurons metabolically, neurotransmitter reuptake, and synapse formation, among others. These could be implicated in reduced learning, mood alterations, and sleep disturbances often seen in patients with AN and help explain their rigidity and difficulties in relearning processes in psychotherapy during starvation.
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17
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Gröbner EM, Zeiler M, Fischmeister FPS, Kollndorfer K, Schmelz S, Schneider A, Haid-Stecher N, Sevecke K, Wagner G, Keller L, Adan R, Danner U, van Elburg A, van der Vijgh B, Kooij KL, Fetissov S, Andreani NA, Baines JF, Dempfle A, Seitz J, Herpertz-Dahlmann B, Karwautz A. The effects of probiotics administration on the gut microbiome in adolescents with anorexia nervosa-A study protocol for a longitudinal, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2021; 30:61-74. [PMID: 34851002 PMCID: PMC9300207 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective Knowledge on gut–brain interaction might help to develop new therapies for patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), as severe starvation‐induced changes of the microbiome (MI) do not normalise with weight gain. We examine the effects of probiotics supplementation on the gut MI in patients with AN. Method This is a study protocol for a two‐centre double‐blind randomized‐controlled trial comparing the clinical efficacy of multistrain probiotic administration in addition to treatment‐as‐usual compared to placebo in 60 patients with AN (13–19 years). Moreover, 60 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls are included in order to record development‐related changes. Assessments are conducted at baseline, discharge, 6 and 12 months after baseline. Assessments include measures of body mass index, psychopathology (including eating‐disorder‐related psychopathology, depression and anxiety), neuropsychological measures, serum and stool analyses. We hypothesise that probiotic administration will have positive effects on the gut microbiota and the treatment of AN by improvement of weight gain, gastrointestinal complaints and psychopathology, and reduction of inflammatory processes compared to placebo. Conclusions If probiotics could help to normalise the MI composition, reduce inflammation and gastrointestinal discomfort and increase body weight, its administration would be a readily applicable additional component of multi‐modal AN treatment. Patients with anorexia nervosa face profound alterations of the gut microbiome which does not normalise with weight gain. Alterations in the gut microbiome in patients with anorexia nervosa are linked to psychopathological symptoms and neurophysiological deficits, for example, related to the reward system. This is the first study examining the effects of probiotics administration in adolescents with anorexia nervosa using a randomized controlled trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Gröbner
- Eating Disorders Unit at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Zeiler
- Eating Disorders Unit at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Ph S Fischmeister
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kathrin Kollndorfer
- Eating Disorders Unit at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Schmelz
- Eating Disorders Unit at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Schneider
- Eating Disorders Unit at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nina Haid-Stecher
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kathrin Sevecke
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gudrun Wagner
- Eating Disorders Unit at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lara Keller
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Roger Adan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Unna Danner
- Altrecht Eating Disorders Rintveld, Zeist, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Serguei Fetissov
- Faculty of Sciences, INSERM UMR, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Nadia A Andreani
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Kiel University, Plön, Germany
| | - John F Baines
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Kiel University, Plön, Germany
| | - Astrid Dempfle
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Christian Albrecht-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jochen Seitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas Karwautz
- Eating Disorders Unit at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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18
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Milos G, Kaufmann LK, Jäncke L, Piccirelli M, Blatow M, Martin-Soelch C, von Känel R, Hänggi J, Baur V. Does local cerebellar volume predict treatment success in anorexia nervosa? Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2021; 317:111355. [PMID: 34450453 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2021.111355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is difficult to treat with up to half of patients failing to gain weight during treatment. Neurobiological factors predicting treatment response in AN are poorly understood. In this longitudinal study, we aimed to identify morphological characteristics in the grey matter which predict treatment success in patients with AN. Fifty patients with severe AN participated in an eating disorder-specific inpatient treatment. On admission, T1-weighted magnetic resonance images were acquired from all patients. Half of the patients successfully gained weight, reaching a body-mass index ≥ 17.5 kg/m2. Using voxel-based morphometry, local grey matter volumes were compared between the two groups of patients who gained weight and those who did not. This approach allowed us to identify anatomical characteristics which predict treatment success in terms of post-treatment weight status. Patients who did not reach the weight threshold at discharge had a smaller volume in the right cerebellar crus I at the time of admission. In this group, smaller volume was associated with a greater alexithymia score. The findings suggest that a trophic state within the cerebellum before treatment might be prognostic for treatment success. Consistent with previous reports, this result further substantiates the possible role of the cerebellum in the psychopathology of AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Milos
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lisa-Katrin Kaufmann
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Lutz Jäncke
- Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; University Research Priority Program (URPP) "Dynamic of Healthy Aging", University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Piccirelli
- Department of Neuroradiology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Blatow
- Department of Neuroradiology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Martin-Soelch
- Unit of Clinical and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Hänggi
- Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Volker Baur
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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19
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Keeler JL, Treasure J, Juruena MF, Kan C, Himmerich H. Ketamine as a Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2021; 13:4158. [PMID: 34836413 PMCID: PMC8625822 DOI: 10.3390/nu13114158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a highly complex disorder to treat, especially in severe and enduring cases. Whilst the precise aetiology of the disorder is uncertain, malnutrition and weight loss can contribute to reductions in grey and white matter of the brain, impairments in neuroplasticity and neurogenesis and difficulties with cognitive flexibility, memory and learning. Depression is highly comorbid in AN and may be a barrier to recovery. However, traditional antidepressants are often ineffective in alleviating depressive symptoms in underweight patients with AN. There is an urgent need for new treatment approaches for AN. This review gives a conceptual overview for the treatment of AN with ketamine. Ketamine has rapid antidepressant effects, which are hypothesised to occur via increases in glutamate, with sequelae including increased neuroplasticity, neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. This article provides an overview of the use of ketamine for common psychiatric comorbidities of AN and discusses particular safety concerns and side effects. Potential avenues for future research and specific methodological considerations are explored. Overall, there appears to be ample theoretical background, via several potential mechanisms, that warrant the exploration of ketamine as a treatment for adults with AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Louise Keeler
- Section of Eating Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK; (J.T.); (H.H.)
| | - Janet Treasure
- Section of Eating Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK; (J.T.); (H.H.)
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham BR3 3BX, UK;
| | - Mario F. Juruena
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham BR3 3BX, UK;
- Centre for Affective Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Carol Kan
- Eating Disorder Service, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, 1 Nightingale Place, Kensington & Chelsea, London SW10 9NG, UK;
| | - Hubertus Himmerich
- Section of Eating Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK; (J.T.); (H.H.)
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham BR3 3BX, UK;
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20
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Brodrick BB, Adler-Neal AL, Palka JM, Mishra V, Aslan S, McAdams CJ. Structural brain differences in recovering and weight-recovered adult outpatient women with anorexia nervosa. J Eat Disord 2021; 9:108. [PMID: 34479625 PMCID: PMC8414694 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-021-00466-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anorexia nervosa is a complex psychiatric illness that includes severe low body weight with cognitive distortions and altered eating behaviors. Brain structures, including cortical thicknesses in many regions, are reduced in underweight patients who are acutely ill with anorexia nervosa. However, few studies have examined adult outpatients in the process of recovering from anorexia nervosa. Evaluating neurobiological problems at different physiological stages of anorexia nervosa may facilitate our understanding of the recovery process. METHODS Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images from 37 partially weight-restored women with anorexia nervosa (pwAN), 32 women with a history of anorexia nervosa maintaining weight restoration (wrAN), and 41 healthy control women were analyzed using FreeSurfer. Group differences in brain structure, including cortical thickness, areas, and volumes, were compared using a series of factorial f-tests, including age as a covariate, and correcting for multiple comparisons with the False Discovery Rate method. RESULTS The pwAN and wrAN cohorts differed from each other in body mass index, eating disorder symptoms, and social problem solving orientations, but not depression or self-esteem. Relative to the HC cohort, eight cortical thicknesses were thinner for the pwAN cohort; these regions were predominately right-sided and in the cingulate and frontal lobe. One of these regions, the right pars orbitalis, was also thinner for the wrAN cohort. One region, the right parahippocampal gyrus, was thicker in the pwAN cohort. One volume, the right cerebellar white matter, was reduced in the pwAN cohort. There were no differences in global white matter, gray matter, or subcortical volumes across the cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Many regional structural differences were observed in the pwAN cohort with minimal differences in the wrAN cohort. These data support a treatment focus on achieving and sustaining full weight restoration to mitigate possible neurobiological sequela of AN. In addition, the regions showing cortical thinning are similar to structural changes reported elsewhere for suicide attempts, anxiety disorders, and autistic spectrum disorder. Understanding how brain structure and function are related to clinical symptoms expressed during the course of recovering from AN is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooks B Brodrick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Suite BL6.110, Dallas, TX, 75390-9070, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390-9070, USA
| | - Adrienne L Adler-Neal
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Suite BL6.110, Dallas, TX, 75390-9070, USA
| | - Jayme M Palka
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Suite BL6.110, Dallas, TX, 75390-9070, USA
| | | | - Sina Aslan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Suite BL6.110, Dallas, TX, 75390-9070, USA
- Advance MRI LLC, Frisco, TX, 75034, USA
| | - Carrie J McAdams
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Suite BL6.110, Dallas, TX, 75390-9070, USA.
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21
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Su T, Gong J, Tang G, Qiu S, Chen P, Chen G, Wang J, Huang L, Wang Y. Structural and functional brain alterations in anorexia nervosa:A multimodal meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:5154-5169. [PMID: 34296492 PMCID: PMC8449099 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex psychiatric disorder with poorly understood etiology. Numerous voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and resting‐state functional imaging studies have provided strong evidence of abnormal brain structure and intrinsic and functional activities in AN, but with inconsistent conclusions. Herein, a whole‐brain meta‐analysis was conducted on VBM (660 patients with AN, and 740 controls) and resting‐state functional imaging (425 patients with AN, and 461 controls) studies that measured differences in the gray matter volume (GMV) and intrinsic functional activity between patients with AN and healthy controls (HCs). Overall, patients with AN displayed decreased GMV in the bilateral median cingulate cortex (extending to the bilateral anterior and posterior cingulate cortex), and left middle occipital gyrus (extending to the left inferior parietal lobe). In resting‐state functional imaging studies, patients with AN displayed decreased resting‐state functional activity in the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex and bilateral median cingulate cortex, and increased resting‐state functional activity in the right parahippocampal gyrus. This multimodal meta‐analysis identified reductions of gray matter and functional activity in the anterior and median cingulate in patients with AN, which contributes to further understanding of the pathophysiology of AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Su
- Medical Imaging Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaying Gong
- Institute of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Radiology, Six Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guixian Tang
- Medical Imaging Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaojuan Qiu
- Medical Imaging Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Chen
- Medical Imaging Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanmao Chen
- Medical Imaging Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junjing Wang
- Department of Applied Psychology, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Huang
- Medical Imaging Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Medical Imaging Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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22
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Gheorghe DA, Li C, Gallacher J, Bauermeister S. Associations of perceived adverse lifetime experiences with brain structure in UK Biobank participants. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2021; 62:822-830. [PMID: 32645214 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adversity experiences (AEs) are major risk factors for psychiatric illness, and ample evidence suggests that adversity-related changes in brain structure enhance this vulnerability. To achieve greater understanding of the underlying biological pathways, increased convergence among findings is needed. Suggested future directions may benefit from the use of large population samples which may contribute to achieving this goal. We addressed mechanistic pathways by investigating the associations between multiple brain phenotypes and retrospectively reported AEs in early life (child adversity) and adulthood (partner abuse) in a large population sample, using a cross-sectional approach. METHODS The UK Biobank resource was used to access imaging-derived phenotypes (IDPs) from 6,751 participants (aged: M = 62.1, SD = 7.2, range = 45-80), together with selected reports of childhood AEs and adult partner abuse. Principal component analysis was used to reduce the dimensionality of the data prior to multivariate tests. RESULTS The data showed that participants who reported experiences of childhood emotional abuse ('felt hated by family member as a child') had smaller cerebellar and ventral striatum volumes. This result was also depicted in a random subset of participants; however, we note small effect sizes ( ηp2 < .01), suggestive of modest biological changes. CONCLUSIONS Using a large population cohort, this study demonstrates the value of big datasets in the study of adversity and using automatically preprocessed neuroimaging phenotypes. While retrospective and cross-sectional characteristics limit interpretation, this study demonstrates that self-perceived adversity reports, however nonspecific, may still expose neural consequences, identifiable with increased statistical power.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chenlu Li
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - John Gallacher
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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23
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Trinh S, Kogel V, Voelz C, Schlösser A, Schwenzer C, Kabbert J, Heussen N, Clavel T, Herpertz-Dahlmann B, Beyer C, Seitz J. Gut microbiota and brain alterations in a translational anorexia nervosa rat model. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 133:156-165. [PMID: 33341454 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder that leads to brain volume reduction and is difficult to treat since the underlying pathophysiology is poorly understood. The human gut microbiota is known to be involved in host metabolism, appetite- and bodyweight regulation, gut permeability, inflammation and gut-brain interactions. In this study, we used a translational activity-based anorexia (ABA) rat model including groups with food restriction, running-wheel access and a combination to disentangle the influences on the gut microbiota and associated changes in brain volume parameters. Our data demonstrated that chronic food restriction but not running-wheel activity had a major influence on the gut microbiota diversity and composition and reduced brain volume. Negative correlations were found between global brain weight and α-diversity, and astrocyte markers and relative abundances of the genera Odoribacter and Bifidobacterium. In contrast, the presence of lactobacilli was positively associated with white and grey brain matter volume. ABA and food-restricted rats are an interesting pre-clinical model to assess the causal influence of starvation on the gut microbiome and gut-brain interactions and can help to dissect the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms relevant to AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Trinh
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Vanessa Kogel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Clara Voelz
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anna Schlösser
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Constanze Schwenzer
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Johanna Kabbert
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Nicole Heussen
- Department of Medical Statistics, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 19, 52074, Aachen, Germany; Centre of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Sigmund Freud University, Freudplatz 3, 1020, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Clavel
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Neuenhofer Weg 21, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Cordian Beyer
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jochen Seitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Neuenhofer Weg 21, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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24
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Myrvang AD, Vangberg TR, Stedal K, Rø Ø, Endestad T, Rosenvinge JH, Aslaksen PM. Cerebral cortical thickness and surface area in adolescent anorexia nervosa: Separate and joint analyses with a permutation-based nonparametric method. Int J Eat Disord 2020; 54:561-568. [PMID: 33350512 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Reduction in cerebral volume is often found in underweight patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), but few studies have investigated other morphological measures. Cortical thickness (CTh) and surface area (CSA), often used to produce the measure of cortical volume, are developmentally distinct measures that may be differentially affected in AN, particularly in the developing brain. In the present study, we investigated CTh and CSA both separately and jointly to gain further insight into structural alterations in adolescent AN patients. METHOD Thirty female AN inpatients 12-18 years of age, and 27 age-matched healthy controls (HC) underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging. Group differences in CTh and CSA were investigated separately and jointly with a permutation-based nonparametric combination method (NPC) which may be more sensitive in detecting group differences compared to traditional volumetric methods. RESULTS Results showed significant reduction in in both CTh and CSA in several cortical regions in AN compared to HC and the reduction was related to BMI. Different results for the two morphological measures were found in a small number of cortical regions. The joint NPC analyses showed significant group differences across most of the cortical mantle. DISCUSSION Results from this study give novel insight to areal reduction in adolescent AN patients and indicate that both CTh and CSA reduction is related to BMI. The study is the first to use the NPC method to reveal large structural alterations covering most of the brain in adolescent AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna D Myrvang
- Department of psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Artic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Torgil R Vangberg
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- PET Center, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kristin Stedal
- Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øyvind Rø
- Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tor Endestad
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan H Rosenvinge
- Department of psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Artic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Per M Aslaksen
- Department of psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Artic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Regional Center for Eating Disorders, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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25
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Seidel M, Geisler D, Borchardt V, King JA, Bernardoni F, Jaite C, Roessner V, Calhoun V, Walter M, Ehrlich S. Evaluation of spontaneous regional brain activity in weight-recovered anorexia nervosa. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:395. [PMID: 33177499 PMCID: PMC7658198 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Whereas research using structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) reports sizable grey matter reductions in patients suffering from acute anorexia nervosa (AN) to be largely reversible already after short-term weight gain, many task-based and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) studies suggest persistent brain alterations even after long-term weight rehabilitation. First investigations into spontaneous regional brain activity using voxel-wise resting-state measures found widespread abnormalities in acute AN, but no studies have compared intrinsic brain activity properties in weight-recovered individuals with a history of AN (recAN) with healthy controls (HCs). SMRI and RSFC data were analysed from a sample of 130 female volunteers: 65 recAN and 65 pairwise age-matched HC. Cortical grey matter thickness was assessed using FreeSurfer software. Fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFFs), mean-square successive difference (MSSD), regional homogeneity (ReHo), voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VHMC), and degree centrality (DC) were calculated. SMRI and RSFC data were analysed from a sample of 130 female volunteers: 65 recAN and 65 pairwise age-matched HCs. Cortical grey matter thickness was assessed using FreeSurfer software. Fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF), mean-square successive difference (MSSD), regional homogeneity (ReHo), voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VHMC), and degree centrality (DC) were calculated. Abnormal regional homogeneity found in acute AN seems to normalize in recAN, supporting assumptions of a state rather than a trait marker. Aberrant fALFF values in the cerebellum and the infertior temporal gyrus could possibly hint towards trait factors or a scar (the latter, e.g., from prolonged periods of undernutrition), warranting further longitudinal research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Seidel
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Faculty of Medicine, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine, and Developmental Neuroscience, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniel Geisler
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Faculty of Medicine, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine, and Developmental Neuroscience, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Viola Borchardt
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory, Magdeburg, Germany ,grid.418723.b0000 0001 2109 6265Department of Behavioral Neurology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Joseph A. King
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Faculty of Medicine, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine, and Developmental Neuroscience, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Fabio Bernardoni
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Faculty of Medicine, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine, and Developmental Neuroscience, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Charlotte Jaite
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital C. G. Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Vince Calhoun
- Tri-institutional Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS), Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Martin Walter
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory, Magdeburg, Germany ,grid.418723.b0000 0001 2109 6265Department of Behavioral Neurology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany ,grid.275559.90000 0000 8517 6224Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine, and Developmental Neuroscience, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany. .,Faculty of Medicine, Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Eating Disorder Research and Treatment Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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26
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Seitz J, Dahmen B, Keller L, Herpertz-Dahlmann B. Gut Feelings: How Microbiota Might Impact the Development and Course of Anorexia Nervosa. Nutrients 2020; 12:E3295. [PMID: 33126427 PMCID: PMC7693512 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) can probably be regarded as a "model" for studying the interaction of nutrition with the gut-brain axis, which has drawn increased attention from researchers and clinicians alike. The gut microbiota influences somatic effects, such as energy extraction from food and body weight gain, as well as appetite, gut permeability, inflammation and complex psychological behaviors, such as depression or anxiety, all of which play important roles in AN. As nutrition is one of the main factors that influence the gut microbiota, nutritional restriction and selective eating in AN are likely influencing factors; however, nutritional rehabilitation therapy is surprisingly understudied. Here, we review the general mechanisms of the interactions between nutrition, the gut microbiota and the host that may be relevant to AN, paying special attention to the gut-brain axis, and we present the first specific findings in patients with AN and corresponding animal models. In particular, nutritional interventions, including food selection, supplements, and pre-, pro- and synbiotics that have the potential to influence the gut microbiota, are important research targets to potentially support future AN therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Seitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH University Hospital, Neuenhofer Weg 21, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (B.D.); (L.K.); (B.H.-D.)
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27
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Kaufmann LK, Hänggi J, Jäncke L, Baur V, Piccirelli M, Kollias S, Schnyder U, Martin-Soelch C, Milos G. Age influences structural brain restoration during weight gain therapy in anorexia nervosa. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:126. [PMID: 32366823 PMCID: PMC7198513 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0809-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroimaging studies on anorexia nervosa (AN) have consistently reported globally reduced gray matter in patients with acute AN. While first studies on adolescent AN patients provide evidence for the reversibility of these impairments after weight gain, longitudinal studies with detailed regional analysis for adult AN patients are lacking and factors associated with brain restitution are poorly understood. We investigated structural changes in anorexia nervosa using T1-weighted magnetic resonance images with surface-based morphometry. The sample consisted of 26 adult women with severe AN and 30 healthy controls. The longitudinal design comprised three time points, capturing the course of weight-restoration therapy in AN patients at distinct stages of weight gain (BMI ≤ 15.5 kg/m2; 15.5 < BMI < 17.5 kg/m2; BMI ≥ 17.5 kg/m2). Compared to controls, AN patients showed globally decreased cortical thickness and subcortical volumes at baseline. Linear mixed effect models revealed the reversibility of these alterations, with brain restoration being most pronounced during the first half of treatment. The restoration of cortical thickness of AN patients negatively correlated with age, but not duration of illness. After weight restoration, residual group differences of cortical thickness remained in the superior frontal cortex. These findings indicate that structural brain alterations of adult patients with severe AN recuperate independently of the duration of illness during weight-restoration therapy. The temporal pattern of brain restoration suggests a decrease in restoration rate over the course of treatment, with patients' age as a strong predictor of brain restitution, possibly reflecting decreases of brain plasticity as patients grow older.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Katrin Kaufmann
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Unit of Clinical and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Jürgen Hänggi
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lutz Jäncke
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650International Normal Aging and Plasticity Imaging Center (INAPIC), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650University Research Priority Program (URPP) “Dynamic of Healthy Aging”, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Volker Baur
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Piccirelli
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Spyros Kollias
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Schnyder
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Martin-Soelch
- grid.8534.a0000 0004 0478 1713Unit of Clinical and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Gabriella Milos
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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28
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Scharner S, Stengel A. Alterations of brain structure and functions in anorexia nervosa. CLINICAL NUTRITION EXPERIMENTAL 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yclnex.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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29
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Abstract
Eating disorders affect a significant number of individuals across the life span and are found among all demographic groups (including all genders, socioeconomic statuses, and ethnicities). They can cause malnutrition, which can have significant effects on every organ system in the body. Cardiovascular complications are particularly dangerous and cause eating disorders to have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses. This article outlines the medical assessment and treatment of malnutrition due to disordered eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecka Peebles
- Eating Disorder Assessment and Treatment Program, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at The University of Pennsylvania, Roberts Center for Pediatric Research, 2716 South Street, Room 14360, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA.
| | - Erin Hayley Sieke
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Boulevard 9NW55, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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30
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Song S, Zhang Y, Qiu J, Li X, Ma K, Chen S, Chen H. Brain structures associated with eating behaviors in normal-weight young females. Neuropsychologia 2019; 133:107171. [PMID: 31425709 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2019.107171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Eating behaviors play an important role in individuals' development, and restrained eaters have a higher risk of obesity in the future. In the present study, we used the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire to measure restrained eating, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating in 158 young, normal-weight, Chinese women. We developed a multiple linear regression model to identify significant structural brain changes associated with the above-mentioned eating behaviors. Uncontrolled eating scores were positively associated with the gray matter volume (GMV) of the cerebellum, and negatively associated with the GMV on the left side of the anterior cingulate cortex, middle cingulate cortex, and supplementary motor areas, indicating that uncontrolled eating behaviors not only are less inhibitory but also appear to be associated with the low-level processing of appetite. Increased GMV on the right side of the precuneus was associated with a higher level of restrained eating, which might be thus related to a lower sensitivity to behavioral inhibition in young females who follow a diet. In addition, we did not find a relationship between emotional eating behavior and GMV. Our findings show that eating-behavior-related structural brain changes may lead to a decrease in inhibition and an increase in food sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqing Song
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yixiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jiang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xianjie Li
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ke Ma
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - ShuaiYu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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31
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von Schwanenflug N, Müller DK, King JA, Ritschel F, Bernardoni F, Mohammadi S, Geisler D, Roessner V, Biemann R, Marxen M, Ehrlich S. Dynamic changes in white matter microstructure in anorexia nervosa: findings from a longitudinal study. Psychol Med 2019; 49:1555-1564. [PMID: 30149815 DOI: 10.1017/s003329171800212x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gray matter (GM) 'pseudoatrophy' is well-documented in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), but changes in white matter (WM) are less well understood. Here we investigated the dynamics of microstructural WM brain changes in AN patients during short-term weight restoration in a combined longitudinal and cross-sectional study design. METHODS Diffusion-weighted images were acquired in young AN patients before (acAN-Tp1, n = 56) and after (acAN-Tp2, n = 44) short-term weight restoration as well as in age-matched healthy controls (HC, n = 60). Images were processed using Tract-Based-Spatial-Statistics to compare fractional anisotropy (FA) across groups and timepoints. RESULTS In the cross-sectional comparison, FA was significantly reduced in the callosal body in acAN-Tp1 compared with HC, while no differences were found between acAN-Tp2 and HC. In the longitudinal arm, FA increased with weight gain in acAN-Tp2 relative to acAN-Tp1 in large parts of the callosal body and the fornix, while it decreased in the right corticospinal tract. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal that dynamic, bidirectional changes in WM microstructure in young underweight patients with AN can be reversed with brief weight restoration therapy. These results parallel those previously observed in GM and suggest that alterations in WM in non-chronic AN are also state-dependent and rapidly reversible with successful intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina von Schwanenflug
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience,Faculty of Medicine,Technische Universität Dresden,Dresden,Germany
| | - Dirk K Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center,Technische Universität Dresden,Dresden,Germany
| | - Joseph A King
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience,Faculty of Medicine,Technische Universität Dresden,Dresden,Germany
| | - Franziska Ritschel
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience,Faculty of Medicine,Technische Universität Dresden,Dresden,Germany
| | - Fabio Bernardoni
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience,Faculty of Medicine,Technische Universität Dresden,Dresden,Germany
| | - Siawoosh Mohammadi
- Department of Systems Neuroscience,Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf,Hamburg,Germany
| | - Daniel Geisler
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience,Faculty of Medicine,Technische Universität Dresden,Dresden,Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry,Faculty of Medicine,Eating Disorder Research and Treatment Center, Technische Universität Dresden,Dresden,Germany
| | - Ronald Biemann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Otto-von-Guericke University,Magdeburg,Germany
| | - Michael Marxen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center,Technische Universität Dresden,Dresden,Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience,Faculty of Medicine,Technische Universität Dresden,Dresden,Germany
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Leppanen J, Sedgewick F, Cardi V, Treasure J, Tchanturia K. Cortical morphometry in anorexia nervosa: An out-of-sample replication study. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2019; 27:507-520. [PMID: 31172616 PMCID: PMC6698193 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute anorexia nervosa (AN) is frequently accompanied by reduced global cortical volume. Investigations of local cortical alterations in AN have revealed widespread reduction in cortical thickness, gyrification, and curvature. The aim of the present study was to combine data from two previous studies to replicate previous findings. METHODOLOGY Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images from 46 adult women with AN and 54 age-matched healthy comparison (HC) women were analysed using FreeSurfer. Group differences in cortical volume and local cortical measures, including gyrification, curvature, thickness, and area, were examined controlling for dataset and age. RESULTS The AN group had reduced global cortical volume relative to the HC group. The AN group also had reduction in local cortical gyrification, small localised clusters of reduced cortical thickness, in the occipital and parietal cortices, and surface area in the frontal and temporal cortices. The AN group also had increased cortical thickness in the ACC relative to the HC participants. CONCLUSIONS The present findings replicate and validate previous findings of reduced global cortical volume and local gyrification in acute AN. The findings highlight the need for further investigation of local cortical folding, thickness, and surface area in AN to gain further insight into the biological underpinnings of AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Leppanen
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Felicity Sedgewick
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Valentina Cardi
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Janet Treasure
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.,South London and Maudsley Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Section of Eating Disorders, London, UK
| | - Kate Tchanturia
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.,South London and Maudsley Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Section of Eating Disorders, London, UK.,Department of Psychology, Illia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
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The reduction of astrocytes and brain volume loss in anorexia nervosa-the impact of starvation and refeeding in a rodent model. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:159. [PMID: 31164627 PMCID: PMC6548775 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0493-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an often chronic, difficult to treat illness that leads to brain volume reductions in gray and white matter. The underlying pathophysiology is poorly understood, despite its potential importance in explaining the neuropsychological deficits and clinical symptoms associated with the illness. We used the activity-based anorexia model (ABA), which includes food reduction and running wheel access in female rats to study brain changes after starvation and refeeding. Longitudinal animal MRI and post-mortem brain sections confirmed a reduction in the mean brain volumes of ABA animals compared to controls. In addition, the mean number of astrocytes was reduced by over 50% in the cerebral cortex and corpus callosum, while the mean number of neurons was unchanged. Furthermore, mean astrocytic GFAP mRNA expression was similarly reduced in the ABA animals, as was the mean cell proliferation rate, whereas the mean apoptosis rate did not increase. After refeeding, the starvation-induced effects were almost completely reversed. The observation of the astrocyte reduction in our AN animal model is an important new finding that could help explain starvation-induced neuropsychological changes in patients with AN. Astrocyte-targeted research and interventions could become a new focus for both AN research and therapy.
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Abstract
Growing interest exists in the association of gut bacteria with diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and psychiatric disorders. Gut microbiota influence the fermentation of nutrients, body-weight regulation, gut permeability, hormones, inflammation, immunology, and behavior (gut-brain axis). Regarding anorexia nervosa (AN), altered microbial diversity and taxa abundance were found and associated with depressive, anxious, and eating disorder symptoms. Potential mechanisms involve increased gut permeability, low-grade inflammation, autoantibodies, and reduced brain cell neogenesis and learning. Gut microbiome is strongly influenced by refeeding practices. Microbiota-modulating strategies like nutritional interventions or psychobiotics application could become relevant additions to AN treatment.
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Seitz J, Belheouane M, Schulz N, Dempfle A, Baines JF, Herpertz-Dahlmann B. The Impact of Starvation on the Microbiome and Gut-Brain Interaction in Anorexia Nervosa. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:41. [PMID: 30809191 PMCID: PMC6379250 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions between the gut microbiome and the brain are of increasing interest to both researchers and clinicians. Evidence is mounting on the causal role of an altered gut microbiome in inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity and diabetes, and psychiatric diseases like anxiety and depression. Mechanisms include altered energy harvest from food, hormonal changes, increased gut permeability, inflammation, immune response, and a direct influence on the brain and behavior. Anorexia nervosa (AN) is the third most common disease in adolescence and exacts a high burden on patients and caregivers. It often becomes chronic and has the highest mortality of all psychiatric diseases. As AN is characterized by nutritional restrictions, weight loss, and severe behavioral symptoms including weight phobia, comorbid anxiety and depression, accompanied by endocrine alterations, increased inflammation, and immune response, exploring the role of the gut microbiome is crucial. Here, we present an overview of the potential mechanisms of interaction between the gut microbiome, the host and particularly the brain in AN and summarize the initial findings of microbiome research on AN. We conclude by identifying future research directions and potential therapeutic approaches, including nutritional interventions, probiotics, prebiotics and food supplements, that could become important additions to current AN therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Seitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital, RWTH University Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jochen Seitz
| | - Meriem Belheouane
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel University and Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Nina Schulz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital, RWTH University Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Astrid Dempfle
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - John F. Baines
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel University and Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital, RWTH University Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Bohon C, Weinbach N, Lock J. A Protocol for Integrating Neuroscience Into Studies of Family-Based Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa: An Approach to Research and Potential Benefits for Clinical Care. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:919. [PMID: 31920765 PMCID: PMC6930315 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a life-threatening disorder with peak onset during adolescence. Prior research supports the effectiveness of family-based treatment (FBT) for AN in adolescents, but studies do not regularly include neuroimaging to investigate the effects of FBT on the brain. This is important because we know that malnutrition has a detrimental impact on brain volume, cortical thickness, and function, which often recover with weight restoration. Additionally, early weight gain in FBT has emerged as a robust predictor of treatment outcome, yet it is unclear whether it is associated with neural change. Understanding neural change during treatment, particularly in the early weeks, has the potential to improve outcome by enhancing motivation for rapid behavior change, while also highlighting mechanisms by which early treatment response leads to improved outcome. This manuscript describes a study protocol and discusses both challenges and implications for this type of integrative research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Bohon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Noam Weinbach
- Department Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - James Lock
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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Myrvang AD, Vangberg TR, Stedal K, Rø Ø, Endestad T, Rosenvinge JH, Aslaksen PM. Hippocampal subfields in adolescent anorexia nervosa. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2018; 282:24-30. [PMID: 30384147 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) exhibit volume reduction in cerebral gray matter (GM), and several studies report reduced hippocampus volume. The hippocampal subfields (HS) are functionally and structurally distinct, and appear to respond differently to neuropathology. The aim of this study was to investigate HS volumes in adolescent females with restrictive AN compared to a healthy age-matched control group (HC). The FreeSurfer v6.0 package was used to extract brain volumes, and segment HS in 58 female adolescents (AN = 30, HC = 28). We investigated group differences in GM, white matter (WM), whole hippocampus and 12 HS volumes. AN patients had significantly lower total GM and total hippocampal volume. No group difference was found in WM. Volume reduction was found in 11 of the 12 HS, and most results remained significant when adjusting for global brain volume reduction. Investigations of clinical covariates revealed statistically significant relationships between the whole hippocampus, several HS and scores on depression and anxiety scales in AN. Results from this study show that young AN patients exhibit reduced volume in most subfields of the hippocampus, and that this reduction may be more extensive than the observed global cerebral volume loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna D Myrvang
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Artic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
| | - Torgil R Vangberg
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Artic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Department of Clinical Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Norway
| | - Kristin Stedal
- Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | - Øyvind Rø
- Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Tor Endestad
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan H Rosenvinge
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Artic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Per M Aslaksen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Artic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Regional Center for Eating Disorders, University hospital of North Norway, Norway
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Exploration of Shared Genetic Architecture Between Subcortical Brain Volumes and Anorexia Nervosa. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:5146-5156. [PMID: 30519816 PMCID: PMC6647452 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1439-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In MRI scans of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), reductions in brain volume are often apparent. However, it is unknown whether such brain abnormalities are influenced by genetic determinants that partially overlap with those underlying AN. Here, we used a battery of methods (LD score regression, genetic risk scores, sign test, SNP effect concordance analysis, and Mendelian randomization) to investigate the genetic covariation between subcortical brain volumes and risk for AN based on summary measures retrieved from genome-wide association studies of regional brain volumes (ENIGMA consortium, n = 13,170) and genetic risk for AN (PGC-ED consortium, n = 14,477). Genetic correlations ranged from − 0.10 to 0.23 (all p > 0.05). There were some signs of an inverse concordance between greater thalamus volume and risk for AN (permuted p = 0.009, 95% CI: [0.005, 0.017]). A genetic variant in the vicinity of ZW10, a gene involved in cell division, and neurotransmitter and immune system relevant genes, in particular DRD2, was significantly associated with AN only after conditioning on its association with caudate volume (pFDR = 0.025). Another genetic variant linked to LRRC4C, important in axonal and synaptic development, reached significance after conditioning on hippocampal volume (pFDR = 0.021). In this comprehensive set of analyses and based on the largest available sample sizes to date, there was weak evidence for associations between risk for AN and risk for abnormal subcortical brain volumes at a global level (that is, common variant genetic architecture), but suggestive evidence for effects of single genetic markers. Highly powered multimodal brain- and disorder-related genome-wide studies are needed to further dissect the shared genetic influences on brain structure and risk for AN.
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39
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Santos M, Osório E, Finnegan S, Clarkson M, Timóteo S, Brandão I, Roma-Torres A, Fox NC, Bastos-Leite AJ. Registration-based methods applied to serial high-resolution T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for the assessment of brain volume changes in anorexia nervosa of the restricting type. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2018; 279:14-18. [PMID: 30075347 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2018.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to determine whether variation in the body mass index (BMI)—a marker of anorexia nervosa (AN) severity—is associated with brain volume changes longitudinally estimated using registration-based methods on serial high-resolution T1-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI). Fifteen female patients (mean age = 21 years; standard deviation [SD] = 5.7; range: 15–33 years) with the diagnosis of AN of the restricting type (AN-r)—according to the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition criteria—underwent T1-weighted MRI at baseline and after a mean follow-up period of 11 months (SD = 6.4). We used the brain boundary shift integral (BSI) and the ventricular BSI (VBSI) to estimate volume changes after registering voxels of follow-up onto baseline MRI. Very significant and strong correlations were found between BMI variation and the brain BSI, as well as between BMI variation and the VBSI. After adjustment for age at onset, duration of illness, and the BMI rate of change before baseline MRI, the statistical significance of both associations persisted. Registration-based methods on serial MRI represent an additional tool to estimate AN severity, because they provide measures of brain volume change strongly associated with BMI variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Santos
- University of Porto, Faculty of Medicine, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eva Osório
- University of Porto, Faculty of Medicine, Porto, Portugal; Hospital de São João, Department of Psychiatry, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sarah Finnegan
- University College London, Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Clarkson
- University College London, Centre for Medical Image Computing, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Isabel Brandão
- University of Porto, Faculty of Medicine, Porto, Portugal; Hospital de São João, Department of Psychiatry, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Nick C Fox
- University College London, Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
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40
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Monté-Rubio GC, Falcón C, Pomarol-Clotet E, Ashburner J. A comparison of various MRI feature types for characterizing whole brain anatomical differences using linear pattern recognition methods. Neuroimage 2018; 178:753-768. [PMID: 29864520 PMCID: PMC6202442 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.05.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a widespread interest in applying pattern recognition methods to anatomical neuroimaging data, but so far, there has been relatively little investigation into how best to derive image features in order to make the most accurate predictions. In this work, a Gaussian Process machine learning approach was used for predicting age, gender and body mass index (BMI) of subjects in the IXI dataset, as well as age, gender and diagnostic status using the ABIDE and COBRE datasets. MRI data were segmented and aligned using SPM12, and a variety of feature representations were derived from this preprocessing. We compared classification and regression accuracy using the different sorts of features, and with various degrees of spatial smoothing. Results suggested that feature sets that did not ignore the implicit background tissue class, tended to result in better overall performance, whereas some of the most commonly used feature sets performed relatively poorly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma C Monté-Rubio
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Avda. Jordà 8, 08035, Barcelona, Spain; Fundació ACE. Institut Català de Neurociències Aplicades, Marqués de Sentmenat 57, 08029, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Carles Falcón
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center, Pasqual Maragall Foundation. Barcelona, Carrer de Wellington 30, 08005, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER en Bioingenieria, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain.
| | - Edith Pomarol-Clotet
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Avda. Jordà 8, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - John Ashburner
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Institute of Neurology, 12 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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41
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Nickel K, Joos A, Tebartz van Elst L, Matthis J, Holovics L, Endres D, Zeeck A, Hartmann A, Tüscher O, Maier S. Recovery of cortical volume and thickness after remission from acute anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord 2018; 51:1056-1069. [PMID: 30212599 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Reduced grey (GM) and white matter (WM) volumes and increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been frequently reported in anorexia nervosa (AN), but studies focusing on cortical thickness (CT) are scarce and findings inconsistent. We conducted the first study in AN that analyzed both parameters in the same study to gain novel and comprehensive insight. METHOD Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was performed on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images from 34 predominantly adult women with acute AN, 24 REC participants, and 41 healthy controls (HC). Global brain segment volumes (GM, WM, and CSF), regional GM volume, and cortical thickness measures were obtained from the same study sample. We further focused on recovery by including a REC group. RESULTS The GM and WM volumes were decreased, and correspondingly, the CSF volume increased in the AN in comparison to the HC and REC groups. No significant volume differences between the REC and HC groups could be observed. AN patients showed reduced regional GM volumes in the right hippocampus and the left middle and right inferior frontal gyrus. Cortical thinning occurred in the AN group, which was particularly robust in fronto-parietal areas. The REC and HC groups failed to show any regional GM or cortical thickness differences. DISCUSSION AN is accompanied by severe loss of brain volume and cortical thickness as assessed by complementary investigation tools. However, these changes seem to be largely reversible, which should be encouraging for therapists and patients. The underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain unclear and should be assessed in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Nickel
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Joos
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jamila Matthis
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Holovics
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dominique Endres
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Almut Zeeck
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Armin Hartmann
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Tüscher
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Simon Maier
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Graell M, de Andrés P, Sepúlveda AR, Moreno A, Villaseñor Á, Faya M, Martínez‐Cantarero C, Gómez‐Martínez S, Marcos A, Morandé G, Nova E. The adolescent onset anorexia nervosa study (ANABEL): Design and baseline results. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2018; 27:e1739. [PMID: 30133037 PMCID: PMC6877151 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.1739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The anorexia nervosa adolescent longitudinal biomarker assessment study (ANABEL) is a 2-year longitudinal study. OBJECTIVE Evaluate several clinical, biochemical, immunological, psychological, and family variables and their interactions in adolescent onset eating disorders (EDs) patients and their 2-year clinical and biological outcome. This article illustrates the framework and the methodology behind the research questions, as well as describing general features of the sample. METHODS A longitudinal study of 114 adolescents with EDs seeking treatment was performed. Only adolescents were selected during 4 years (2009-2013). The variables were collected at different times: baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of the start of treatment. Diagnoses were completed through the semi-structured Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia interview. RESULTS At baseline, the mean age was 15.11 (SD = 1.36). The mean ED duration was 10 months (SD = 5.75). The mean body mass index was 16.1 (SD = 1.8). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition diagnosis at baseline for restrictive anorexia nervosa was 69.6%, 17.4% for purgative anorexia nervosa, and 24.3% for other specified feeding disorder. At 12 months, 19.4% were in partial remission, whereas at 24 months, 13.8% had fully recovered and 29.2% had partially recovered. CONCLUSIONS There was an acceptable physical and psychopathological improvement during the first year of treatment, with recovery being more evident during the first 6 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Graell
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology DepartmentHospital Infantil Universitario Niño JesúsMadridSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM)España
| | - Patricia de Andrés
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology DepartmentHospital Infantil Universitario Niño JesúsMadridSpain
| | | | - Alba Moreno
- School of PsychologyAutonomous University of MadridMadridSpain
| | - Ángel Villaseñor
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology DepartmentHospital Infantil Universitario Niño JesúsMadridSpain
| | - Mar Faya
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology DepartmentHospital Infantil Universitario Niño JesúsMadridSpain
| | - Carmen Martínez‐Cantarero
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology DepartmentHospital Infantil Universitario Niño JesúsMadridSpain
| | - Sonia Gómez‐Martínez
- Immunonutrition Research Group, Department of Metabolism and NutritionInstitute of Food Science and Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)MadridSpain
| | - Ascensión Marcos
- Immunonutrition Research Group, Department of Metabolism and NutritionInstitute of Food Science and Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)MadridSpain
| | - Gonzalo Morandé
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology DepartmentHospital Infantil Universitario Niño JesúsMadridSpain
| | - Esther Nova
- Immunonutrition Research Group, Department of Metabolism and NutritionInstitute of Food Science and Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)MadridSpain
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Frintrop L, Liesbrock J, Paulukat L, Johann S, Kas MJ, Tolba R, Heussen N, Neulen J, Konrad K, Herpertz-Dahlmann B, Beyer C, Seitz J. Reduced astrocyte density underlying brain volume reduction in activity-based anorexia rats. World J Biol Psychiatry 2018; 19:225-235. [PMID: 28132573 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2016.1273552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Severe grey and white matter volume reductions were found in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) that were linked to neuropsychological deficits while their underlying pathophysiology remains unclear. For the first time, we analysed the cellular basis of brain volume changes in an animal model (activity-based anorexia, ABA). METHODS Female rats had 24 h/day running wheel access and received reduced food intake until a 25% weight reduction was reached and maintained for 2 weeks. RESULTS In ABA rats, the volumes of the cerebral cortex and corpus callosum were significantly reduced compared to controls by 6% and 9%, respectively. The number of GFAP-positive astrocytes in these regions decreased by 39% and 23%, total astrocyte-covered area by 83% and 63%. In neurons no changes were observed. The findings were complemented by a 60% and 49% reduction in astrocyte (GFAP) mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS Volumetric brain changes in ABA animals mirror those in human AN patients. These alterations are associated with a reduction of GFAP-positive astrocytes as well as GFAP expression. Reduced astrocyte functioning could help explain neuronal dysfunctions leading to symptoms of rigidity and impaired learning. Astrocyte loss could constitute a new research target for understanding and treating semi-starvation and AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Frintrop
- a Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany
| | - Johanna Liesbrock
- a Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany.,b Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy , University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany
| | - Lisa Paulukat
- a Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany.,b Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy , University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany
| | - Sonja Johann
- a Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany
| | - Martien J Kas
- c Department of Translational Neuroscience , Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht , The Netherlands.,d Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen , the Netherlands
| | - Rene Tolba
- e Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Experimental Surgery , University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany
| | - Nicole Heussen
- f Department of Medical Statistics , University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany
| | - Joseph Neulen
- g Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine , University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany
| | - Kerstin Konrad
- b Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy , University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany
| | - Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann
- b Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy , University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany
| | - Cordian Beyer
- a Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany
| | - Jochen Seitz
- b Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy , University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany
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Structural Neuroimaging of Anorexia Nervosa: Future Directions in the Quest for Mechanisms Underlying Dynamic Alterations. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:224-234. [PMID: 28967386 PMCID: PMC6053269 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and extreme weight loss. Pseudoatrophic brain changes are often readily visible in individual brain scans, and AN may be a valuable model disorder to study structural neuroplasticity. Structural magnetic resonance imaging studies have found reduced gray matter volume and cortical thinning in acutely underweight patients to normalize following successful treatment. However, some well-controlled studies have found regionally greater gray matter and persistence of structural alterations following long-term recovery. Findings from diffusion tensor imaging studies of white matter integrity and connectivity are also inconsistent. Furthermore, despite the severity of AN, the number of existing structural neuroimaging studies is still relatively low, and our knowledge of the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms for macrostructural brain changes is rudimentary. We critically review the current state of structural neuroimaging in AN and discuss the potential neurobiological basis of structural brain alterations in the disorder, highlighting impediments to progress, recent developments, and promising future directions. In particular, we argue for the utility of more standardized data collection, adopting a connectomics approach to understanding brain network architecture, employing advanced magnetic resonance imaging methods that quantify biomarkers of brain tissue microstructure, integrating data from multiple imaging modalities, strategic longitudinal observation during weight restoration, and large-scale data pooling. Our overarching objective is to motivate carefully controlled research of brain structure in eating disorders, which will ultimately help predict therapeutic response and improve treatment.
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Pfuhl G, King JA, Geisler D, Roschinski B, Ritschel F, Seidel M, Bernardoni F, Müller DK, White T, Roessner V, Ehrlich S. Preserved white matter microstructure in young patients with anorexia nervosa? Hum Brain Mapp 2018; 37:4069-4083. [PMID: 27400772 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A massive but reversible reduction of cortical thickness and subcortical gray matter (GM) volumes in Anorexia Nervosa (AN) has been recently reported. However, the literature on alterations in white matter (WM) volume and microstructure changes in both acutely underweight AN (acAN) and after recovery (recAN) is sparse and results are inconclusive. Here, T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted MRI data in a sizable sample of young and medication-free acAN (n = 35), recAN (n = 32), and age-matched female healthy controls (HC, n = 62) were obtained. For analysis, a well-validated global probabilistic tractography reconstruction algorithm including rigorous motion correction implemented in FreeSurfer: TRACULA (TRActs Constrained by UnderLying Anatomy) were used. Additionally, a clustering algorithm and a multivariate pattern classification technique to WM metrics to predict group membership were applied. No group differences in either WM volume or WM microstructure were detected with standard analysis procedures either in acAN or recAN relative to HC after controlling for the number of performed statistical tests. These findings were not affected by age, IQ, or psychiatric symptoms. While cluster analysis was unsuccessful at discriminating between groups, multivariate pattern classification showed some ability to separate acAN from HC (but not recAN from HC). However, these results were not compatible with a straightforward hypothesis of impaired WM microstructure. The current findings suggest that WM integrity is largely preserved in non-chronic AN. This finding stands in contrast to findings in GM, but may help to explain the relatively intact cognitive performance of young patients with AN and provide the basis for the fast recovery of GM structures. Hum Brain Mapp 37:4069-4083, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerit Pfuhl
- Eating Disorders Research and Treatment Center at the Dept. of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Psychology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway & Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Joseph A King
- Eating Disorders Research and Treatment Center at the Dept. of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniel Geisler
- Eating Disorders Research and Treatment Center at the Dept. of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Benjamin Roschinski
- Eating Disorders Research and Treatment Center at the Dept. of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Franziska Ritschel
- Eating Disorders Research and Treatment Center at the Dept. of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maria Seidel
- Eating Disorders Research and Treatment Center at the Dept. of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Fabio Bernardoni
- Eating Disorders Research and Treatment Center at the Dept. of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dirk K Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tonya White
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Department of Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Veit Roessner
- Eating Disorders Research and Treatment Center at the Dept. of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Eating Disorders Research and Treatment Center at the Dept. of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany. .,Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany. .,MGH/MIT/HMS Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts. .,Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Seitz J, Konrad K, Herpertz-Dahlmann B. Extend, Pathomechanism and Clinical Consequences of Brain Volume Changes in Anorexia Nervosa. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:1164-1173. [PMID: 29119931 PMCID: PMC6187749 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666171109145651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 01/01/1970] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Brain volume deficits of grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) are often found in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, until recently, little was known about the influencing factors of these brain volume alterations, nor their exact quantification and rehabilitation. METHODS This review addresses these open questions and further explores what is now known about the underlying pathobiology and the clinical consequences including human studies as well as animal studies mimicking anorexia nervosa in rodents. RESULTS GM was reduced by 3.7% in adults and 7.6% in adolescents with AN. WM was reduced on average 2.2% in adult patients and 3.2% in adolescents. Most volume deficits in adults are reversible after long-term recovery; for adolescents, data are less clear. The main influencing factors for GM were absolute lowest weight at admission and illness duration. Cerebellar and WM reductions at admission predicted clinical outcome at one year follow-up. New studies found GABA receptor changes in GM and astrocyte loss in both GM and WM, as well as a possible role for oestrogen deficit. All three could partly explain clinical symptoms of anxiety, rigidity and learning impairments in patients with AN. CONCLUSION Brain volume deficits in AN seem to play a causal role in the course and the prognosis of AN. A better understanding of these brain changes could lead to more targeted therapies for patients with AN, including astrocyte-directed approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Seitz
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Konrad
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Readdressing Fornix Pathology in Anorexia Nervosa. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2017; 2:386-387. [PMID: 29560925 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Opel N, Redlich R, Kaehler C, Grotegerd D, Dohm K, Heindel W, Kugel H, Thalamuthu A, Koutsouleris N, Arolt V, Teuber A, Wersching H, Baune BT, Berger K, Dannlowski U. Prefrontal gray matter volume mediates genetic risks for obesity. Mol Psychiatry 2017; 22:703-710. [PMID: 28348383 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Genetic and neuroimaging research has identified neurobiological correlates of obesity. However, evidence for an integrated model of genetic risk and brain structural alterations in the pathophysiology of obesity is still absent. Here we investigated the relationship between polygenic risk for obesity, gray matter structure and body mass index (BMI) by the use of univariate and multivariate analyses in two large, independent cohorts (n=330 and n=347). Higher BMI and higher polygenic risk for obesity were significantly associated with medial prefrontal gray matter decrease, and prefrontal gray matter was further shown to significantly mediate the effect of polygenic risk for obesity on BMI in both samples. Building on this, the successful individualized prediction of BMI by means of multivariate pattern classification algorithms trained on whole-brain imaging data and external validations in the second cohort points to potential clinical applications of this imaging trait marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Opel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - R Redlich
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - C Kaehler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - D Grotegerd
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - K Dohm
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - W Heindel
- Department of Clinical Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - H Kugel
- Department of Clinical Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - A Thalamuthu
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - N Koutsouleris
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - V Arolt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - A Teuber
- Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - H Wersching
- Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - B T Baune
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - K Berger
- Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - U Dannlowski
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Seitz J, Herpertz-Dahlmann B, Konrad K. Brain morphological changes in adolescent and adult patients with anorexia nervosa. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2016; 123:949-59. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-016-1567-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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50
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Bang L, Rø Ø, Endestad T. Normal gray matter volumes in women recovered from anorexia nervosa: a voxel-based morphometry study. BMC Psychiatry 2016; 16:144. [PMID: 27177782 PMCID: PMC4866026 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-016-0856-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anorexia nervosa (AN) has consistently been associated with reduced gray (GM) and white matter (WM) brain volumes. It is unclear whether GM alterations are present following recovery from AN, as previous findings are inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to determine if women recovered from AN exhibit reduced global or regional GM volumes. METHODS Global GM and WM, as well as regional GM volumes, were investigated in 22 women recovered from AN and 22 age-matched healthy controls using magnetic resonance imaging. Women were considered recovered if they had maintained a body mass index above 18.0 and had not engaged in binge eating, purging, or restrictive eating behaviors during the past year. RESULTS There were no significant differences between recovered AN women and healthy controls in terms of GM and WM volumes. There were also no significant differences between restricting and binging-purging AN subtypes. Lowest lifetime weight was positively correlated with regional GM volumes in the precuneus and insula. CONCLUSIONS The present study showed that regional GM and global GM and WM volumes were similar for women long-term recovered from AN and age-matched healthy controls. Further research is needed to determine the extent to which illness severity affect regional GM volumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Bang
- Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4956, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Øyvind Rø
- Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4956, Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway ,Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171, Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Tor Endestad
- Institute of Psychology, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1094, Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
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