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Bernardoni F, Tam F, Poitz DM, Hellerhoff I, Arold D, Geisler D, Lemme F, Keeler J, Weidner K, Pariante C, Roessner V, King JA, Ehrlich S. Effect of serum concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α on brain structure in anorexia nervosa: a combined cross-sectional and longitudinal study. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:1509-1517. [PMID: 38461330 PMCID: PMC11319803 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01836-z] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies of brain structure in anorexia nervosa (AN) have reported reduced gray matter in underweight patients, which largely normalizes upon weight gain. One underlying biological mechanism may be glial cell alterations related to low-grade inflammation. Here, we investigated relationships between brain structure as measured by magnetic resonance imaging and serum concentrations of two pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha) cross-sectionally in 82 underweight adolescent and young adult female patients (mean age 16.8 years; 59 of whom were observed longitudinally after short-term weight restoration; mean duration 2.8 months), 20 individuals long-term weight-recovered from AN (mean age 22.7 years) and 105 healthy control (HC) participants (mean age 17.2 years). We measured cortical thickness, subcortical volumes and local gyrification index, a measure of cortical folding. In contrast to most previous studies of cytokine concentrations in AN, we found no cross-sectional group differences (interleukin-6: p = 0.193, tumor necrosis factor alpha: p = 0.057) or longitudinal changes following weight restoration (interleukin-6: p = 0.201, tumor necrosis factor alpha: p = 0.772). As expected, widespread gray matter reductions (cortical thickness, subcortical volumes, cortical folding) were observed in underweight patients with AN compared to HC. However, we found no evidence of associations between cytokine concentrations and structural brain measures in any participant group. Furthermore, longitudinal changes in cytokine concentrations were unrelated to changes in gray matter. In conclusion, we did not identify any association between (sub-)inflammatory processes and structural brain changes in AN. Future studies are needed to elucidate which other factors besides nutritional status may contribute to brain morphological alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Bernardoni
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Friederike Tam
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, 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
| | - David M Poitz
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Inger Hellerhoff
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, 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
| | - Dominic Arold
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniel Geisler
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Frances Lemme
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Johanna Keeler
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Kerstin Weidner
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Carmine Pariante
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Veit Roessner
- 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 Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, 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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2
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Schaumberg K, Pictor L, Frank M. Adaptive and Maladaptive Exercise in Eating Disorders. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 39042250 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2024_499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
While exercise is generally associated with positive health outcomes, in the context of eating disorders, exercise has high potential to become maladaptive. Maladaptive exercise is compelled or compulsive in nature for the purposes of weight and shape control or to obtain/avoid other eating disorder-relevant consequences. A transdiagnostic eating disorder feature with moderate-to-high prevalence across restrictive- and bulimic-spectrum eating disorders, maladaptive exercise is often associated with negative mental and physical health sequalae. Several proposed threat- and reward-related biobehavioral mechanisms may initiate or perpetuate maladaptive exercise. While exercise is generally contraindicated during periods of acute medical concern, adaptive forms of exercise are also present among those with eating disorders, and facilitation of adaptive exercise has potential to promote physical and mental health benefits during eating disorder recovery. Detailed assessment and targeted interventions are needed to address the clinical conundrum of how and when to integrate exercise into eating disorder treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren Pictor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Max Frank
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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Bahnsen K, Wronski ML, Keeler JL, King JA, Preusker Q, Kolb T, Weidner K, Roessner V, Bernardoni F, Ehrlich S. Differential longitudinal changes of hippocampal subfields in patients with anorexia nervosa. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 78:186-196. [PMID: 38018338 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13626] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a mental disorder characterized by dietary restriction, fear of gaining weight, and distorted body image. Recent studies indicate that the hippocampus, crucial for learning and memory, may be affected in AN, yet subfield-specific effects remain unclear. We investigated hippocampal subfield alterations in acute AN, changes following weight restoration, and their associations with leptin levels. METHODS T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans were processed using FreeSurfer. We compared 22 left and right hemispheric hippocampal subfield volumes cross-sectionally and longitudinally in females with acute AN (n = 165 at baseline, n = 110 after partial weight restoration), healthy female controls (HCs; n = 271), and females after long-term recovery from AN (n = 79) using linear models. RESULTS We found that most hippocampal subfield volumes were significantly reduced in patients with AN compared with HCs (~-3.9%). Certain areas such as the subiculum exhibited no significant reduction in the acute state of AN, while other areas, such as the hippocampal tail, showed strong decreases (~-9%). Following short-term weight recovery, most subfields increased in volume. Comparisons between participants after long-term weight-recovery and HC yielded no differences. The hippocampal tail volume was positively associated with leptin levels in AN independent of body mass index. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides evidence of differential volumetric differences in hippocampal subfields between individuals with AN and HC and almost complete normalization after weight rehabilitation. These alterations are spatially inhomogeneous and more pronounced compared with other major mental disorders (e.g. major depressive disorder and schizophrenia). We provide novel insights linking hypoleptinemia to hippocampal subfield alterations hinting towards clinical relevance of leptin normalization in AN recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaas Bahnsen
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marie-Louis Wronski
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Johanna Louise Keeler
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Joseph A King
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Quirina Preusker
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Theresa Kolb
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kerstin Weidner
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Fabio Bernardoni
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, 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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Amin L, Halbeisen G, Braks K, Huber TJ, Paslakis G. The State Urge to be Physically Active-Questionnaire (SUPA-Q): Development and validation of a state measure of activity urges in patients with eating disorders. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3220. [PMID: 37559422 PMCID: PMC10570484 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many people, including patients with eating disorders (EDs), experience an increased urge for physical activity. "Trait"-like activity in patients with EDs is assessed by existing questionnaires, but there are few clinically validated assessments of a "state" urge to be physically active. Here, we developed and validated the State Urge to be Physically Active-Questionnaire (SUPA-Q). METHODS After developing and piloting the items, N = 126 patients with EDs (mostly anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa) took part in our mixed-longitudinal validation study with one primary assessment for all patients and a secondary assessment for a subsample of patients. Cronbach's α and split-half-methods served as measures of consistency and reliability. Correlations with other questionnaires were used to determine convergent and divergent validity, and confirmatory factor analysis was used for investigating factorial validity. We used paired-samples t-tests for repeated assessments to investigate change sensitivity. RESULTS We found the SUPA-Q to be highly consistent, and reliable and to demonstrate convergent, divergent, and factorial validity. The comparison of SUPA-Q scores from repeated assessments within a subsample of patients demonstrated the questionnaire's change sensitivity, Cohen's d = 0.48. Moreover, an increase in SUPA-Q scores was associated with a less positive mood, more anxiety, more body dissatisfaction, more tenseness, less feelings of control, and more stress. DISCUSSION The newly developed SUPA-Q may help to accentuate the necessity to evaluate and address the acute urge to engage in physical activity in patients with EDs in clinical practice and ultimately support tailoring treatments to patients' unique symptom patterns. The questionnaire is available at https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/G2YBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Amin
- University Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Campus East‐WestphaliaRuhr‐University BochumLuebbeckeGermany
| | - Georg Halbeisen
- University Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Campus East‐WestphaliaRuhr‐University BochumLuebbeckeGermany
| | - Karsten Braks
- Centre for Eating DisordersKlinik am KorsoBad OeynhausenGermany
| | - Thomas J. Huber
- Centre for Eating DisordersKlinik am KorsoBad OeynhausenGermany
| | - Georgios Paslakis
- University Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Campus East‐WestphaliaRuhr‐University BochumLuebbeckeGermany
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Wronski ML, Geisler D, Bernardoni F, Seidel M, Bahnsen K, Doose A, Steinhäuser JL, Gronow F, Böldt LV, Plessow F, Lawson EA, King JA, Roessner V, Ehrlich S. Differential alterations of amygdala nuclei volumes in acutely ill patients with anorexia nervosa and their associations with leptin levels. Psychol Med 2023; 53:6288-6303. [PMID: 36464660 PMCID: PMC10358440 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722003609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The amygdala is a subcortical limbic structure consisting of histologically and functionally distinct subregions. New automated structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) segmentation tools facilitate the in vivo study of individual amygdala nuclei in clinical populations such as patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) who show symptoms indicative of limbic dysregulation. This study is the first to investigate amygdala nuclei volumes in AN, their relationships with leptin, a key indicator of AN-related neuroendocrine alterations, and further clinical measures. METHODS T1-weighted MRI scans were subsegmented and multi-stage quality controlled using FreeSurfer. Left/right hemispheric amygdala nuclei volumes were cross-sectionally compared between females with AN (n = 168, 12-29 years) and age-matched healthy females (n = 168) applying general linear models. Associations with plasma leptin, body mass index (BMI), illness duration, and psychiatric symptoms were analyzed via robust linear regression. RESULTS Globally, most amygdala nuclei volumes in both hemispheres were reduced in AN v. healthy control participants. Importantly, four specific nuclei (accessory basal, cortical, medial nuclei, corticoamygdaloid transition in the rostral-medial amygdala) showed greater volumetric reduction even relative to reductions of whole amygdala and total subcortical gray matter volumes, whereas basal, lateral, and paralaminar nuclei were less reduced. All rostral-medially clustered nuclei were positively associated with leptin in AN independent of BMI. Amygdala nuclei volumes were not associated with illness duration or psychiatric symptom severity in AN. CONCLUSIONS In AN, amygdala nuclei are altered to different degrees. Severe volume loss in rostral-medially clustered nuclei, collectively involved in olfactory/food-related reward processing, may represent a structural correlate of AN-related symptoms. Hypoleptinemia might be linked to rostral-medial amygdala alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Louis Wronski
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Geisler
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Fabio Bernardoni
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maria Seidel
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Klaas Bahnsen
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Arne Doose
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jonas L. Steinhäuser
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Franziska Gronow
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luisa V. Böldt
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Plessow
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph A. King
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Elwyn R, Mitchell J, Kohn MR, Driver C, Hay P, Lagopoulos J, Hermens DF. Novel ketamine and zinc treatment for anorexia nervosa and the potential beneficial interactions with the gut microbiome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 148:105122. [PMID: 36907256 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105122] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe illness with diverse aetiological and maintaining contributors including neurobiological, metabolic, psychological, and social determining factors. In addition to nutritional recovery, multiple psychological and pharmacological therapies and brain-based stimulations have been explored; however, existing treatments have limited efficacy. This paper outlines a neurobiological model of glutamatergic and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic dysfunction, exacerbated by chronic gut microbiome dysbiosis and zinc depletion at a brain and gut level. The gut microbiome is established early in development, and early exposure to stress and adversity contribute to gut microbial disturbance in AN, early dysregulation to glutamatergic and GABAergic networks, interoceptive impairment, and inhibited caloric harvest from food (e.g., zinc malabsorption, competition for zinc ions between gut bacteria and host). Zinc is a key part of glutamatergic and GABAergic networks, and also affects leptin and gut microbial function; systems dysregulated in AN. Low doses of ketamine in conjunction with zinc, could provide an efficacious combination to act on NMDA receptors and normalise glutamatergic, GABAergic and gut function in AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosiel Elwyn
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia; SouthWest Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
| | - Jules Mitchell
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia; SouthWest Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael R Kohn
- AYA Medicine Westmead Hospital, CRASH (Centre for Research into Adolescent's Health) Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney University, Australia; SouthWest Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Christina Driver
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia; SouthWest Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Phillipa Hay
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI) School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia; SouthWest Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Jim Lagopoulos
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia; SouthWest Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel F Hermens
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia; SouthWest Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
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Casper RC. Restlessness and an Increased Urge to Move (Drive for Activity) in Anorexia Nervosa May Strengthen Personal Motivation to Maintain Caloric Restriction and May Augment Body Awareness and Proprioception: A Lesson From Leptin Administration in Anorexia Nervosa. Front Psychol 2022; 13:885274. [PMID: 35959022 PMCID: PMC9359127 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.885274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN), a disorder of voluntary food restriction leading to severe weight loss in female adolescents, remains an enigma. In particular, the appropriation of the starved thin body into the self-concept in AN is a process insufficiently researched and still poorly understood. Healthy humans undergoing starvation experience a slowing of movements and avoid voluntary exercise. By contrast, AN tends to be not infrequently associated with voluntary, sometimes excessive and/or compulsive exercise. Such deliberate exercise, not reported in starvation, seems to be facilitated by an increased urge for movement and physical restlessness, particular to AN. The increased urge to move would reflect spontaneous daily activity, the energy expended for everything that is not sleeping, eating, or voluntary exercise. Our hypothesis is that the starvation-induced increased urge to move and restlessness may promote the development of AN. Reversal of the fasting state, by either high caloric food or by leptin administration, would be expected to reduce restlessness and the increased urge to move along with improvement in other symptoms in AN. This review explores the idea that such restless activation in AN, in itself and through accelerating body weight loss, might foster the integration of the starving body into the self-concept by (1) enhancing the person’s sense of self-control and sense of achievement and (2) through invigorating proprioception and through intensifying the perception of the changing body shape. (3) Tentative evidence from studies piloting leptin administration in chronic AN patients which support this hypothesis is reviewed. The findings show that short term administration of high doses of leptin indeed mitigated depressive feelings, inner tension, intrusive thoughts of food, and the increased urge to be physically active, easing the way to recovery, yet had little influence on the patients’ personal commitment to remain at a low weight. Full recovery then requires resolution of the individuals’ personal unresolved psychological conflicts through psychotherapy and frequently needs specialized treatment approaches to address psychiatric co-morbidities. AN might be conceptualized as a hereditary form of starvation resistance, facilitated by the effects of starvation on fitness allowing for an exceptionally intense personal commitment to perpetuate food restriction.
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8
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Tam FI, Steding J, Steinhäuser JL, Ritschel F, Gao W, Weidner K, Roessner V, Kirschbaum C, Ehrlich S. Hair endocannabinoid concentrations in individuals with acute and weight-recovered anorexia nervosa. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 107:110243. [PMID: 33444649 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endocannabinoid system has been suggested to modulate energy metabolism and stress response and could be an important factor in the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa (AN). In the context of AN, excessive physical activity may influence endocannabinoid concentrations. The objective of this study was to investigate hair endocannabinoid concentrations at different stages of the disorder. Measurement in hair allows for a cumulative assessment of endocannabinoid concentrations independent of circadian rhythms. METHODS In a combined cross-sectional and longitudinal design, we measured hair concentrations of the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol and the endocannabinoid-related compounds palmitoylethanolamide, oleoylethanolamide, and stearoylethanolamide in female underweight patients with acute AN (n = 67, reassessment of n = 47 after short-term weight restoration with a body mass index increase of at least 14%), individuals long-term recovered from AN (n = 27), and healthy control participants (n = 84). RESULTS Hair concentrations of anandamide and all endocannabinoid-related compounds were elevated in acute AN and decreased over the course of short-term weight restoration. Anandamide concentrations remained elevated in long-term recovered AN patients. In long-term recovered patients, physical activity correlated positively with the concentrations of all endocannabinoid-related compounds. CONCLUSION The current study provides evidence for a significant alteration of the endocannabinoid system in acute AN, which may partly persist into long-term recovery. The endocannabinoid system may be a possible target for pharmaceutical interventions in AN, which should be explored in further preclinical and subsequently clinical randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike I Tam
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julius Steding
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jonas L Steinhäuser
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Franziska Ritschel
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Wei Gao
- Biopsychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kerstin Weidner
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital C. G. Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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9
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Dittmer N, Voderholzer U, Mönch C, Cuntz U, Jacobi C, Schlegl S. Efficacy of a Specialized Group Intervention for Compulsive Exercise in Inpatients with Anorexia Nervosa: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2021; 89:161-173. [PMID: 32036375 DOI: 10.1159/000504583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment of compulsive exercise is recognized as a key unmet challenge in the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN). To address this challenge, we developed the manualized group intervention "healthy exercise behavior" (HEB). This study evaluates the efficacy of HEB for the reduction of compulsive exercise as add-on to routine inpatient treatment (treatment as usual [TAU]) in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS Two hundred and seven adolescent and adult female inpatients with (atypical) AN were randomly allocated to TAU or to additional participation in HEB (TAU + HEB). HEB integrates elements of exercise-based therapy into a cognitive-behavioral approach. Assessments took place at admission, pre-intervention, post-intervention, discharge, and 6 months follow-up. Primary outcome was the severity of compulsive exercise assessed by the Commitment to Exercise Scale between pre- and post-intervention; secondary outcomes were additional aspects of compulsive exercise, assessed by the Compulsive Exercise Test, weight gain, eating disorder and general psychopathology, and emotion regulation. RESULTS In intention-to-treat analysis for the primary outcome, the TAU + HEB group showed significantly stronger reductions in the severity of compulsive exercise compared to the TAU group (z = -2.81; p = 0.005; effect size [ES] = -0.3). We also found significantly stronger reductions from admission to discharge (z= 2.62; p = 0.009; ES = -0.43), and from admission to follow-up (z = 2.1; p = 0.035; ES = -0.39). Regarding secondary outcomes, we found significant group differences between pre- and post-intervention in additional aspects of compulsive exercise (z = -2.55; p = 0.011; ES = -0.27). We did not find significant differences regarding weight gain, eating disorder and general psychopathology, and emotion regulation. CONCLUSIONS Our intervention proved efficacious in reducing compulsive exercise in inpatients with (atypical) AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Dittmer
- Schoen Clinic Roseneck, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany, .,Department of Clinical Psychology and E-Mental-Health, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany,
| | - Ulrich Voderholzer
- Schoen Clinic Roseneck, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Cuntz
- Schoen Clinic Roseneck, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany.,Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Corinna Jacobi
- Department of Clinical Psychology and E-Mental-Health, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sandra Schlegl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
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10
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Is Serum BDNF Altered in Acute, Short- and Long-Term Recovered Restrictive Type Anorexia Nervosa? Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020432. [PMID: 33572701 PMCID: PMC7910942 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin involved in the regulation of food intake and body weight, has been implicated in the development and maintenance of Anorexia nervosa (AN). The majority of previous studies reported lower BDNF levels in acutely underweight AN patients (acAN) and increasing levels after weight rehabilitation. Here, we investigated serum BDNF concentrations in the largest known AN sample to date, both before and after weight restoration therapy. Serum BDNF was measured in 259 female volunteers: 77 in-patient acAN participants of the restrictive type (47 reassessed after short-term weight rehabilitation), 62 individuals long-term recovered from AN, and 120 healthy controls. We validated our findings in a post-hoc mega-analysis in which we reanalyzed combined data from the current sample and those from our previous study on BDNF in AN (combined sample: 389 participants). All analyses carefully accounted for known determinants of BDNF (age, sex, storage time of blood samples). We further assessed relationships with relevant clinical variables (body-mass-index, physical activity, symptoms). Contrary to our hypotheses, we found zero significant differences in either cross-sectional or longitudinal comparisons and no significant relationships with clinical variables. Together, our study suggests that BDNF may not be a reliable state- or trait-marker in AN after all.
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Short-term metreleptin treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa: rapid on-set of beneficial cognitive, emotional, and behavioral effects. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:303. [PMID: 32855384 PMCID: PMC7453199 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-00977-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To examine the hypothesis that normalization of low circulating leptin levels in patients with anorexia nervosa ameliorates hyperactivity, three seriously ill females with hyperactivity were treated off-label with metreleptin (recombinant human leptin) for up to 14 days. Drive for activity, repetitive thoughts of food, inner restlessness, and weight phobia decreased in two patients. Surprisingly, depression improved rapidly in all patients. No serious adverse events occurred. Due to obvious limitations of uncontrolled case series, placebo-controlled clinical trials are mandatory to confirm the observed rapid onset of beneficial effects. Our findings suggest an important role of hypoleptinemia in the mental and behavioral phenotype of anorexia nervosa.
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12
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Peptide YY 3-36 concentration in acute- and long-term recovered anorexia nervosa. Eur J Nutr 2020; 59:3791-3799. [PMID: 32166384 PMCID: PMC7669786 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-020-02210-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The gut–brain axis could be a possible key factor in the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa. The neuropeptide peptide YY3–36, secreted by endocrine L cells of the gastrointestinal tract, is a known regulator of appetite and food intake. The objective of this study was to investigate peptide YY3–36 plasma concentrations at different stages of anorexia nervosa in a combined cross-sectional and longitudinal design to differentiate between effects of acute undernutrition and more enduring characteristics. Methods We measured fasting plasma peptide YY3–36 concentrations in young patients with acute anorexia nervosa (n = 47) and long-term recovered patients (n = 35) cross-sectionally in comparison to healthy control participants (n = 58), and longitudinally over the course of inpatient treatment. Physical activity was controlled as it may modulate peptide YY secretion. Results There was no group difference in peptide YY3–36 concentration among young acutely underweight anorexia nervosa patients, long-term recovered anorexia nervosa patients, and healthy control participants. Longitudinally, there was no change in peptide YY3–36 concentration after short-term weight rehabilitation. For acute anorexia nervosa patients at admission to treatment, there was a negative correlation between peptide YY3–36 concentration and body mass index. Conclusions The current study provides additional evidence for a normal basal PYY3–36 concentration in AN. Future studies should study multiple appetite-regulating peptides and their complex interplay and also use research designs including a food challenge. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00394-020-02210-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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13
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Zeeck A, Schlegel S, Jagau F, Lahmann C, Hartmann A. The Freiburg sport therapy program for eating disorders: a randomized controlled trial. J Eat Disord 2020; 8:31. [PMID: 32647573 PMCID: PMC7339379 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-020-00309-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unhealthy attitudes towards sport and problematic exercise behavior in eating disorders (ED) are common and associated with poorer treatment outcome and higher relapse rates. There is a need to develop and empirically test interventions that could complement standard treatment. The study aimed to assess the efficacy of the Freiburg sport therapy program for eating disorders (FSTP). METHODS Outpatients with ED were randomized either to a 3 month sport therapy program (sport therapy group: STG) or a waiting list control group (CG). Patients were assessed when starting the program and at the end of the intervention. The intervention group (STG) was followed up after 6 month. Main outcome criterion was a reduction in unhealthy exercise (Commitment to Exercise Scale, CES). Secondary outcomes encompassed eating pathology (Eating Disorder Examination, EDE), different dimensions of unhealthy exercise (Compulsive Exercise Test, CET subscales) and exercise quantity (accelerometer). RESULTS Recruitment was challenging. Fifteen patients were randomized to the STG and 11 were randomized to the CG condition. There was no statistically significant difference between groups according to the main outcome criterion. However, the STG showed a significantly stronger reduction in avoidance and rule driven behavior (CET subscale) when compared to the CG. Improvements (STG) were maintained at follow up. CONCLUSIONS There was no statistically significant difference in the reduction of unhealthy attitudes towards sport and problematic exercise behavior between the intervention and the group, as measured with the Commitment to Exercise Scale. Further findings may point to the effectiveness of the program, but have to be interpreted with caution and verified in further studies. A major limitation is the small sample size. TRIAL REGISTRATION Study register: ISRCTN 14776348 (registered 26 January, 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almut Zeeck
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine und Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstraße 8, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Schlegel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine und Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstraße 8, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Friederike Jagau
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine und Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstraße 8, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claas Lahmann
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine und Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstraße 8, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Armin Hartmann
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine und Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstraße 8, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
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Hebebrand J, Milos G, Wabitsch M, Teufel M, Führer D, Bühlmeier J, Libuda L, Ludwig C, Antel J. Clinical Trials Required to Assess Potential Benefits and Side Effects of Treatment of Patients With Anorexia Nervosa With Recombinant Human Leptin. Front Psychol 2019; 10:769. [PMID: 31156489 PMCID: PMC6533856 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The core phenotype of anorexia nervosa (AN) comprises the age and stage dependent intertwining of both its primary and secondary (i.e., starvation induced) somatic and mental symptoms. Hypoleptinemia acts as a key trigger for the adaptation to starvation by affecting diverse brain regions including the reward system and by induction of alterations of the hypothalamus-pituitary-“target-organ” axes, e.g., resulting in amenorrhea as a characteristic symptom of AN. Particularly, the rat model activity-based anorexia (ABA) convincingly demonstrates the pivotal role of hypoleptinemia in the development of starvation-induced hyperactivity. STAT3 signaling in dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) plays a crucial role in the transmission of the leptin signal in ABA. In patients with AN, an inverted U-shaped relationship has been observed between their serum leptin levels and physical activity. Albeit obese and therewith of a very different phenotype, humans diagnosed with rare congenital leptin deficiency have starvation like symptoms including hypothalamic amenorrhea in females. Over the past 20 years, such patients have been successfully treated with recombinant human (rh) leptin (metreleptin) within a compassionate use program. The extreme hunger of these patients subsides within hours upon initiation of treatment; substantial weight loss and menarche in females ensue after medium term treatment. In contrast, metreleptin had little effect in patients with multifactorial obesity. Small clinical trials have been conducted for hypothalamic amenorrhea and to increase bone mineral density, in which metreleptin proved beneficial. Up to now, metreleptin has not yet been used to treat patients with AN. Metreleptin has been approved by the FDA under strict regulations solely for the treatment of generalized lipodystrophy. The recent approval by the EMA may offer, for the first time, the possibility to treat extremely hyperactive patients with AN off-label. Furthermore, a potential dissection of hypoleptinemia-induced AN symptoms from the primary cognitions and behaviors of these patients could ensue. Accordingly, the aim of this article is to review the current state of the art of leptin in relation to AN to provide the theoretical basis for the initiation of clinical trials for treatment of this eating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Hebebrand
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Gabriella Milos
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Wabitsch
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Martin Teufel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Führer
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical Center and Central Laboratory, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Judith Bühlmeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lars Libuda
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christine Ludwig
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jochen Antel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Casper RC. Not the Function of Eating, but Spontaneous Activity and Energy Expenditure, Reflected in "Restlessness" and a "Drive for Activity" Appear to Be Dysregulated in Anorexia Nervosa: Treatment Implications. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2303. [PMID: 30532724 PMCID: PMC6265370 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is uncommon as a syndrome, despite widespread dieting or voluntary food restriction, especially among female adolescents. This suggests that restriction of caloric intake might not be the only component driving weight loss in AN. Historical observations and experimental evidence from energy expenditure studies and recordings from movement sensors reviewed in this paper reveal that AN is associated with motor activity levels and with an energy output not significantly different from that in normal-weight healthy age-matched controls. By contrast, other conditions of prolonged caloric under-nutrition are typically associated with loss of energy, slowing of movements and a decrease in self-initiated activity and well-being. Several hypotheses can be inferred from the findings: (a) that long term severe caloric restriction fails in downregulating movements and energy expenditure in AN. (b) Clinically and subjectively observable as mental and physical restlessness and continued motor activity, this restless energy, differing in intensity, seems to serve as the permissive factor for and possibly to drive exercise and hyperactivity in AN. (c) Such restless energy and increased arousal, generated sometime in the course of the weight loss process, appear to enhance the person's self-perception and wellbeing, to heighten proprioception, to intensify body awareness and to improve self-esteem. (d) Restlessness and continued motor activity may constitute a phenotype of AN. The therapeutic value of the concept of an abnormality in the energy regulatory system, likely the result of a host of genetic and epigenetic changes in AN, lies primarily in its heuristic and explanatory power and its potential for disease prevention. Restless energy as a permissive and important component for the development and in the maintenance of AN, does not fundamentally alter treatment, since prolonged food deprivation is the principal causal factor for the development of AN. Re-nutrition within a structured treatment plan, to include individual and family therapy and, if indicated, heat application, remains the most effective symptomatic treatment for AN. Corroboration of the concept of restless activation will require the patient's cooperation and input to identify and capture more precisely the experiences, sensations, and changes that allow the emaciated patient to remain mobile and active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina C. Casper
- Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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16
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Excessive physical activity in young girls with restrictive-type anorexia nervosa: its role on cardiac structure and performance. Eat Weight Disord 2018; 23:653-663. [PMID: 29058271 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-017-0447-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of hyperactivity on left ventricular mass (LVM) in Anorexia Nervosa restricting-type (AN-R) and the correlation between LVM and auxologic parameters/circulating hormones. METHODS Echocardiography was performed in 44 AN-R girls, subgrouped in 24 hyperactive (ANH+) and 20 non-hyperactive (ANH-), and in 20 controls (HC). LVM indexed to Body Surface Area (LVMi) and LVM indexed to height (LVMh) were calculated. RESULTS LVMi and LVMh were significantly lower in the AN-R subjects compared to HC. Moreover, both LVMi and LVMh were higher in the ANH+ than in the ANH-. In the HC, LVMi was higher when compared to the ANH- subjects than to the ANH+. Stepwise analysis revealed that in the ANH+ group, fT4 was the only independent predictor of LVMh, while in the ANH- group, height was the only independent predictors of LVMi. CONCLUSIONS Despite its negative influence on disease severity and outcome, hyperactivity from the standpoint of cardiac function makes the LVM of AN-R young girls more similar to HC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, case-control study.
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Ritschel F, Clas S, Geisler D, Haas V, Seidel M, Steding J, Roessner V, Kirschbaum C, Ehrlich S. Is hypercortisolism in anorexia nervosa detectable using hair samples? J Psychiatr Res 2018; 98:87-94. [PMID: 29309960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe mental disorder accompanied by extensive metabolic and endocrine abnormalities. It has been associated with hypercortisolism using short-term measurement methods such as 24 h-urine, saliva, and blood. The aim of this study was to examine whether the proposed hypercortisolism in acutely underweight AN (acAN) is also reflected in a long-term measure: hair cortisol (HCC). To gain further insight, we compared hair cortisol to a well-established classical cortisol measure (24 h-urine; UCC) longitudinally in acAN. Hair samples were collected and analyzed using a LC-MS/MS-based method to provide a monthly cortisol value. We compared HCC in samples of 40 acAN with 40 pairwise age-matched healthy controls (HC) as well as 23 long-term recovered AN participants (recAN) with 23 pairwise age-matched HC (cross-sectional design). In the second part, UCC collected weekly during 14 weeks of weight-restoration therapy in 16 acAN was compared with the (time-corresponding) HCC using linear mixed models and bivariate correlations (longitudinal design). No group differences in HCC occurred comparing acAN and recAN to HC (cross-sectional study). The longitudinal analysis revealed a decrease of UCC but not HCC with weight gain. Furthermore, there was no overall significant association between UCC and HCC. Only in the last four weeks of weight-restoration therapy we found a significant moderate correlation between UCC and HCC. HCC did not reflect the expected hypercortisolism in acAN and did not decrease during short-term weight-restoration. Time-corresponding measurements of UCC and HCC were not consistently associated in our longitudinal analysis of acAN undergoing inpatient treatment. Given the drastic metabolic disturbances in acutely underweight AN our findings could be interpreted as disturbed cortisol incorporation or altered activity of 11-β-HSD-enzymes in the hair follicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Ritschel
- Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Division of Psychological & Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sabine Clas
- Division of Psychological & Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniel Geisler
- Division of Psychological & Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Verena Haas
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, CVK, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Seidel
- Division of Psychological & Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julius Steding
- Division of Psychological & Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Department of Biopsychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Division of Psychological & Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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The real-life costs of emotion regulation in anorexia nervosa: a combined ecological momentary assessment and fMRI study. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:28. [PMID: 29362440 PMCID: PMC5802555 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-017-0004-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of emotions is necessary for successful attainment of short-term and long-term goals. However, over-regulation may also have its costs. In anorexia nervosa (AN), forgoing food intake despite emaciation and endocrine signals that promote eating is an example of "too much" self-control. Here we investigated whether voluntary emotion regulation in AN patients comes with associated disorder-relevant costs. Thirty-five patients with acute AN and thirty-five age-matched healthy controls (HCs) performed an established emotion regulation paradigm during functional magnetic resonance imaging after an overnight fast. The task required reducing emotions induced by positively valenced pictures via distancing. We calculated a neural regulation score from responses recorded in a reward-related brain region of interest (ventral striatum; VS) by subtracting activation measured on "positive distance" trials from that elicited under the "positive watch" (baseline) condition. Complementing the imaging data, we used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to probe disorder-related rumination and affect six times/day for 2 weeks following the scanning session. The neural regulation score indicating reduced VS activation during emotion regulation was used as a predictor in hierarchical linear models with EMA measures as outcomes. No group differences in neural activity were found for the main contrasts of the task. However, regulation of VS activity was associated with increased body-related rumination and increased negative affect in AN, but not in HC. In line with this finding, correlational analysis with longitudinal BMI measurements revealed a link between greater VS regulation and poorer treatment outcome after 60 and 90 days. Together, these results identify a neural correlate of altered emotion regulation in AN, which seems to be detrimental to psychological well-being and may interfere with recovery.
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Dittmer N, Jacobi C, Voderholzer U. Compulsive exercise in eating disorders: proposal for a definition and a clinical assessment. J Eat Disord 2018; 6:42. [PMID: 30505444 PMCID: PMC6260729 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-018-0219-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compulsive exercise has been recognized as a highly prevalent symptom in eating disorders (ED) for over 100 years and is associated with poor short-term and long-term treatment outcome. Progress in understanding and treatment of compulsive exercise will remain limited as long as no consensus framework for definition and assessment of compulsive exercise exists, as results cannot be compared across clinical studies.Based on existing literature, it was our aim to propose a transdiagnostic definition and a clinical assessment for compulsive exercise, that can be applied to adolescent and adult patients with ED. METHOD During a series of meetings of experienced clinicians at a highly specialized hospital for eating disorders, we elaborated a transdiagnostic definition of compulsive exercise in ED. Additionally, we derived a clinical interview for the assessment of compulsive exercise and its different subtypes. RESULTS The core criterion when defining and assessing compulsive exercise is a pathologically increased exercise pattern characterized by 1) excessive exercise that a patient feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly, and 2) exercise that is aimed at preventing or reducing distress or at preventing some dreaded consequence. A second necessary criterion is the physical or psychological burden caused by compulsive exercise, i.e., that it is time-consuming, significantly interferes with the patient's daily routine, occupational functioning or social relationships or is continued despite medical injury, illness, or lack of enjoyment. Insight that compulsive exercise is excessive or unreasonable was added as an optional criterion.Compulsive exercise manifests itself in three different subtypes: 1) vigorous exercise, 2) marked increase in daily movement, or 3) motor restlessness.The above criteria must be met during the past 6 months, together with one of the three subtypes of compulsive exercise. CONCLUSIONS The proposed criteria aim to foster the discussion around definition and assessment of compulsive exercise with the goal of reaching an international consensus in the near future.Providing a consistent framework for researchers and clinicians would considerably advance understanding and treatment of compulsive exercise in ED patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Dittmer
- Schoen Clinic Roseneck, Am Roseneck 6, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany.,2Department of Clinical Psychology and E-Mental-Health, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Corinna Jacobi
- 2Department of Clinical Psychology and E-Mental-Health, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ulrich Voderholzer
- Schoen Clinic Roseneck, Am Roseneck 6, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany.,3Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,4Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
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Stengel A, Haas V, Elbelt U, Correll CU, Rose M, Hofmann T. Leptin and Physical Activity in Adult Patients with Anorexia Nervosa: Failure to Demonstrate a Simple Linear Association. Nutrients 2017; 9:nu9111210. [PMID: 29099750 PMCID: PMC5707682 DOI: 10.3390/nu9111210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
High physical activity (PA) in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) is hypothesized to be, at least in part, a consequence of hypoleptinemia. However, most studies on the association of leptin and PA in AN were performed in adolescents or young adults, and PA was generally measured with subjective tools. We aimed to explore the association of leptin and PA in adults with AN using an objective technique to quantify PA. Using a cross-sectional, observational design, we analyzed body fat (bioelectrical impedance), PA (accelerometry, SenseWear™ armband) and plasma leptin (ELISA) in 61 women with AN (median age: 25 years, range: 18–52 years; median BMI: 14.8 ± 2.0 kg/m2) at the start of hospitalization. Results indicated a mean step count per day of 12,841 ± 6408 (range: 3956–37,750). Leptin was closely associated with BMI and body fat (ρ = 0.508 and ρ = 0.669, p < 0.001), but not with steps (ρ = 0.015, p = 0.908). Moreover, no significant association was observed between BMI and steps (ρ = 0.189, p = 0.146). In conclusion, there was no simple, linear association of leptin and PA, highlighting the need for more complex and non-linear models to analyze the association of leptin and PA in adults with AN in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Stengel
- Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12200 Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Verena Haas
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin 13353, Germany.
| | - Ulf Elbelt
- Center for Internal Medicine with Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Division for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12200 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Christoph U Correll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin 13353, Germany.
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research at Hofstra/Northwell, Islandia, NY 11749, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, NY 11004, USA.
| | - Matthias Rose
- Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12200 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Tobias Hofmann
- Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12200 Berlin, Germany.
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Paslakis G, Fauck V, Röder K, Rauh E, Rauh M, Erim Y. Virtual reality jogging as a novel exposure paradigm for the acute urge to be physically active in patients with eating disorders: Implications for treatment. Int J Eat Disord 2017; 50:1243-1246. [PMID: 28801958 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The acute urge to be physically active is a relevant clinical phenomenon in patients suffering from eating disorders. In this study with n = 20 female patients with anorexia nervosa and n = 10 female patients with bulimia nervosa, a virtual reality (VR) jogging paradigm was applied as a novel highly immersive 3D exposure paradigm. Patients were asked to rate their acute urge to be physically active during the exposure procedure. A 10-item self-report questionnaire (smQ) was developed to capture the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of the acute urge to move. We hypothesized that exposure would lead to habituation of the urge to be physically active. We also hypothesized that leptin levels would be associated with the degree of the subjective urge to be physically active, while habituation would be associated with a decrease in stress hormones (α-amylase, cortisol, and cortisone in saliva). A statistically significant change in subjective scores in the smQ from baseline to postexposure was seen. Our novel VR paradigm may serve as a therapeutic tool for exposure and habituation of the urge of acutely engaging in physical activity in patients with eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Paslakis
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Vanessa Fauck
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Röder
- Schön Klinik Bad Staffelstein, Bad Staffelstein, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Rauh
- Schön Klinik Bad Staffelstein, Bad Staffelstein, Germany
| | - Manfred Rauh
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yesim Erim
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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22
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Schaumberg K, Welch E, Breithaupt L, Hübel C, Baker JH, Munn-Chernoff MA, Yilmaz Z, Ehrlich S, Mustelin L, Ghaderi A, Hardaway AJ, Bulik-Sullivan EC, Hedman AM, Jangmo A, Nilsson IAK, Wiklund C, Yao S, Seidel M, Bulik CM. The Science Behind the Academy for Eating Disorders' Nine Truths About Eating Disorders. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2017; 25:432-450. [PMID: 28967161 PMCID: PMC5711426 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In 2015, the Academy for Eating Disorders collaborated with international patient, advocacy, and parent organizations to craft the 'Nine Truths About Eating Disorders'. This document has been translated into over 30 languages and has been distributed globally to replace outdated and erroneous stereotypes about eating disorders with factual information. In this paper, we review the state of the science supporting the 'Nine Truths'. METHODS The literature supporting each of the 'Nine Truths' was reviewed, summarized and richly annotated. RESULTS Most of the 'Nine Truths' arise from well-established foundations in the scientific literature. Additional evidence is required to further substantiate some of the assertions in the document. Future investigations are needed in all areas to deepen our understanding of eating disorders, their causes and their treatments. CONCLUSIONS The 'Nine Truths About Eating Disorders' is a guiding document to accelerate global dissemination of accurate and evidence-informed information about eating disorders. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Schaumberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elisabeth Welch
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lauren Breithaupt
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Christopher Hübel
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- MRC Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jessica H Baker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Zeynep Yilmaz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Linda Mustelin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Public Health and Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ata Ghaderi
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrew J Hardaway
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Emily C Bulik-Sullivan
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anna M Hedman
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Jangmo
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ida A K Nilsson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Camilla Wiklund
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shuyang Yao
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Seidel
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Cynthia M Bulik
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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23
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Neural correlates of altered feedback learning in women recovered from anorexia nervosa. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5421. [PMID: 28710363 PMCID: PMC5511172 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04761-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with exaggerated self-control and altered reward-based decision making, but the underlying neural mechanisms are poorly understood. Consistent with the notion of excessive cognitive control, we recently found increased dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) activation in acutely ill patients (acAN) on lose-shift trials in a probabilistic reversal learning (PRL) task. However, undernutrition may modulate brain function. In attempt to disentangle trait from state factors, the current fMRI study investigated cognitive control in recovered patients (recAN). Thirty-one recAN and 31 healthy controls (HC) completed a PRL task during fMRI. Based on previous findings, we focused on hemodynamic responses during lose-shift behaviour and conducted supplementary functional connectivity analysis. RecAN showed elevated lose-shift behaviour relative to HC. On the neural level, recAN showed normal dACC responses, but increased activation in fronto-parietal control regions. A trend for increased coupling between frontal and parietal regions of interest was also evident in recAN. The current findings in recAN differ from those in our previous study in acAN. While aberrant dACC response to negative feedback may be a correlate of the underweight state in acAN, impaired behavioural adaptation and elevated activation of cognitive control regions in recAN is suggestive of altered neural efficiency.
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24
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Bernardoni F, King JA, Geisler D, Stein E, Jaite C, Nätsch D, Tam FI, Boehm I, Seidel M, Roessner V, Ehrlich S. Weight restoration therapy rapidly reverses cortical thinning in anorexia nervosa: A longitudinal study. Neuroimage 2016; 130:214-222. [PMID: 26876474 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural magnetic resonance imaging studies have documented reduced gray matter in acutely ill patients with anorexia nervosa to be at least partially reversible following weight restoration. However, few longitudinal studies exist and the underlying mechanisms of these structural changes are elusive. In particular, the relative speed and completeness of brain structure normalization during realimentation remain unknown. Here we report from a structural neuroimaging study including a sample of adolescent/young adult female patients with acute anorexia nervosa (n=47), long-term recovered patients (n=34), and healthy controls (n=75). The majority of acutely ill patients were scanned longitudinally (n=35): at the beginning of standardized weight restoration therapy and again after partial weight normalization (>10% body mass index increase). High-resolution structural images were processed and analyzed with the longitudinal stream of FreeSurfer software to test for changes in cortical thickness and volumes of select subcortical regions of interest. We found globally reduced cortical thickness in acutely ill patients to increase rapidly (0.06 mm/month) during brief weight restoration therapy (≈3 months). This significant increase was predicted by weight restoration alone and could not be ascribed to potentially mediating factors such as duration of illness, hydration status, or symptom improvements. By comparing cortical thickness in partially weight-restored patients with that measured in healthy controls, we confirmed that cortical thickness had normalized already at follow-up. This pattern of thinning in illness and rapid normalization during weight rehabilitation was largely mirrored in subcortical volumes. Together, our findings indicate that structural brain insults inflicted by starvation in anorexia nervosa may be reversed at a rate much faster than previously thought if interventions are successful before the disorder becomes chronic. This provides evidence drawing previously speculated mechanisms such as (de-)hydration and neurogenesis into question and suggests that neuronal and/or glial remodeling including changes in macromolecular content may underlie the gray matter alterations observed in anorexia nervosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Bernardoni
- Eating Disorder Services and Researech Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Joseph A King
- Eating Disorder Services and Researech Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniel Geisler
- Eating Disorder Services and Researech Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Elisa Stein
- Eating Disorder Services and Researech Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Charlotte Jaite
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dagmar Nätsch
- Eating Disorder Services and Researech Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Friederike I Tam
- Eating Disorder Services and Researech Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ilka Boehm
- Eating Disorder Services and Researech Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maria Seidel
- Eating Disorder Services and Researech Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Eating Disorder Services and Researech Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Eating Disorder Services and Researech Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; MGH/MIT/HMS Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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25
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The Freiburg sport therapy program for eating disordered outpatients: a pilot study. Eat Weight Disord 2015; 20:319-27. [PMID: 25694219 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-015-0182-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Many patients with anorexia or bulimia nervosa use physical activity as a method to influence weight and shape and/or exercise in a compulsive manner. This form of exercising is associated with a more severe illness and higher relapse rates. In a proof-of-concept study, effects of a newly developed sport therapy program aiming to reduce unhealthy exercising were assessed. METHODS Thirty-six patients with eating disorders took part in four group terms of the program, each lasting 3 months. They were compared to a matched control group. Main outcome criterion was a reduction in the total score of the commitment to exercise scale (CES). RESULTS In the completer analysis, we found statistically significant reductions in the CES total score over time (time × group; p = 0.003) and significant improvements in overall eating psychopathology and quality of life (pre → post). The dropout rate was high (34 %), mainly due to external reasons (time schedule, etc.). CONCLUSIONS Findings point to specific effects of a newly developed outpatient sport therapy program for eating disorders. Detailed assessments of patients before assigning them to the program will be necessary to reduce dropout rates. The next step has to be a randomized controlled study.
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26
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Seidel M, King JA, Ritschel F, Döpmann J, Bühren K, Seitz J, Roessner V, Westphal S, Egberts K, Burghardt R, Wewetzer C, Fleischhaker C, Hebebrand J, Herpertz-Dahlmann B, Ehrlich S. Serum visfatin concentration in acutely ill and weight-recovered patients with anorexia nervosa. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 53:127-35. [PMID: 25617618 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Visfatin is a recently described protein that is thought to regulate the process of adipocyte differentiation. Findings suggest that visfatin may be actively involved in the control of weight regulatory networks. However, to what extent and which role it plays in eating disorders is still poorly understood, as mixed results have been reported. The aim of the current study was to investigate serum visfatin concentrations on a cross sectional sample between acute anorexia nervosa patients (n=44), weight recovered patients (n=13) and healthy controls (n=46) and a longitudinal sample of acute patients (n=57) during weight recovery at three different time-points. Results did not show significant differences in visfatin between the three groups; however, acute patients showed a higher visfatin/BMI-SDS ratio than controls and recovered patients. Longitudinal results revealed an increase of visfatin levels during therapy. Our results suggest that high ratios of visfatin/BMI-SDS could be a state marker in acute anorexia nervosa, displaying a compensatory mechanism of the individual to maintain normal visfatin levels under malnourished conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Seidel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Eating Disorder Services and Research Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital C. G. Carus, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Joseph A King
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Eating Disorder Services and Research Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital C. G. Carus, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Franziska Ritschel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Eating Disorder Services and Research Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital C. G. Carus, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Johanna Döpmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Bühren
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH University, Neuenhofer Weg 21, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jochen Seitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH University, Neuenhofer Weg 21, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Eating Disorder Services and Research Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital C. G. Carus, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sabine Westphal
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Magdeburg University Hospital, Leipziger Strasse 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Karin Egberts
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, University Würzburg, Füchsleinstrasse 15, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Roland Burghardt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Wewetzer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Cologne, University Cologne, Robert-Koch-Strasse 10, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Christian Fleischhaker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Freiburg, University Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 8, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Hebebrand
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstrasse 21, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH University, Neuenhofer Weg 21, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Eating Disorder Services and Research Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital C. G. Carus, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
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Borer KT. Counterregulation of insulin by leptin as key component of autonomic regulation of body weight. World J Diabetes 2014; 5:606-629. [PMID: 25317239 PMCID: PMC4138585 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v5.i5.606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A re-examination of the mechanism controlling eating, locomotion, and metabolism prompts formulation of a new explanatory model containing five features: a coordinating joint role of the (1) autonomic nervous system (ANS); (2) the suprachiasmatic (SCN) master clock in counterbalancing parasympathetic digestive and absorptive functions and feeding with sympathetic locomotor and thermogenic energy expenditure within a circadian framework; (3) interaction of the ANS/SCN command with brain substrates of reward encompassing dopaminergic projections to ventral striatum and limbic and cortical forebrain. These drive the nonhomeostatic feeding and locomotor motivated behaviors in interaction with circulating ghrelin and lateral hypothalamic neurons signaling through melanin concentrating hormone and orexin-hypocretin peptides; (4) counterregulation of insulin by leptin of both gastric and adipose tissue origin through: potentiation by leptin of cholecystokinin-mediated satiation, inhibition of insulin secretion, suppression of insulin lipogenesis by leptin lipolysis, and modulation of peripheral tissue and brain sensitivity to insulin action. Thus weight-loss induced hypoleptimia raises insulin sensitivity and promotes its parasympathetic anabolic actions while obesity-induced hyperleptinemia supresses insulin lipogenic action; and (5) inhibition by leptin of bone mineral accrual suggesting that leptin may contribute to the maintenance of stability of skeletal, lean-body, as well as adipose tissue masses.
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Kappel V, van Noort B, Ritschel F, Seidel M, Ehrlich S. [Anorexia nervosa - from a neuroscience perspective]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KINDER-UND JUGENDPSYCHIATRIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2013; 42:39-48; quiz 49-50. [PMID: 24365962 DOI: 10.1024/1422-4917/a000268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa is a frequent disorder especially among adolescent girls and young women, with high morbidity, mortality, and relapse rates. To date, no single therapeutic approach has proved to be superior to others (Herpertz et al., 2011). It remains unclear how its etiology and pathology are encoded within cognitive, neural, and endocrinological processes that modulate important mechanisms in appetitive processing and weight regulation. Yet, several trait characteristics have been identified in AN which might reflect predisposing factors. Further, altered levels of neuropeptides and hormones that regulate appetite and feeding behavior have been found during both the acute and the recovered state, pointing to dysfunctional mechanisms in AN that persist even after malnutrition has ceased. Researchers are also hoping that brain imaging techniques will allow for a more detailed investigation of the neural basis of reward and punishment sensitivity that appears to be altered in AN. The integration and extension of recent findings in these areas will hopefully provide a more comprehensive understanding of the disorder and hence enable the development of more effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Kappel
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters
| | - Betteke van Noort
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters
| | - Franziska Ritschel
- Technische Universität Dresden, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie
| | - Maria Seidel
- Technische Universität Dresden, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Technische Universität Dresden, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Psychiatric Neuroimaging Research Program
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Trajectories of agouti-related protein and leptin levels during antipsychotic-associated weight gain in patients with schizophrenia. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2012; 32:767-72. [PMID: 23131879 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0b013e318270e5c5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Some but not all second-generation antipsychotics can induce considerable weight gain and metabolic syndrome. Although the exact biochemical mechanisms for these adverse effects are unclear, appetite-regulating neuropeptides of the central nervous system are thought to be implicated in this process. The hypothalamic mediator Agouti-related protein (AGRP) is inhibited by leptin and was shown to increase food intake. The aim of the present study was to investigate the trajectory of AGRP levels during antipsychotic-induced weight gain. METHODS As part of a controlled prospective clinical study, we determined indicators of body fat mass, plasma AGRP, and leptin levels in 16 patients with schizophrenia treated with ziprasidone and 21 patients with schizophrenia treated with olanzapine. Measurements by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were obtained before treatment (T0), after 4 weeks (T1), and after 3 months (T2) of treatment. RESULTS Whereas body mass index and leptin levels increased in patients treated with olanzapine compared to patients treated with ziprasidone, plasma AGRP levels did not differ among the treatment groups and did not change over time. Associations between AGRP and fat mass as well as appetite were disrupted in the olanzapine-treated patients but not in the ziprasidone group. CONCLUSION Future studies are needed to test whether the lack of a decrease in AGRP levels during weight gain in patients treated with olanzapine could perpetuate adverse metabolic long-term effects.
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Brandl EJ, Frydrychowicz C, Tiwari AK, Lett TAP, Kitzrow W, Büttner S, Ehrlich S, Meltzer HY, Lieberman JA, Kennedy JL, Müller DJ, Puls I. Association study of polymorphisms in leptin and leptin receptor genes with antipsychotic-induced body weight gain. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2012; 38:134-41. [PMID: 22426215 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2012] [Revised: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG) is a serious side-effect of antipsychotic medication leading to metabolic syndrome and increased cardiovascular morbidity. Unfortunately, there are still no valid predictors to assess an individual's risk to gain weight. Previous studies have indicated an impact of genetic variation in the genes encoding leptin, LEP, and leptin receptor, LEPR, on AIWG, but results have not been conclusive. Thus, we investigated polymorphisms in both genes for an association with AIWG. METHODS A total of 181 schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients treated with various antipsychotics were included. In a small subset of patients, leptin plasma levels were additionally obtained. Five polymorphisms in LEP and LEPR (LEP: rs7799039 (-2548G/A polymorphism), rs10954173, rs3828942; LEPR: rs1327120, rs1137101 (Q223R polymorphism) were genotyped using TaqMan assays. Statistical association with % weight change from baseline weight was performed using ANCOVA with baseline weight as covariate. RESULTS ANCOVA showed a non-significant trend for genotype association of the rs7799039 marker (p=.068). No significant association of the other LEP and LEPR SNPs with AIWG was detected. However, we found a significant association between a haplotype of LEP rs7799039G-rs10954173G-rs3828942G (p=.035) and AIWG. The rs7799039 G-allele (p=.042) and G-allele of rs3828942 (p=.032) were associated with higher weight gain. CONCLUSION Our study supports the hypothesis of an impact of LEP gene variation on AIWG. Limitations of our study include heterogeneous samples, short treatment duration and multiple comparisons. Our findings were compared to previous studies in detail in order to provide the readers with a more conclusive picture. However, further studies are warranted including more gene variants and interaction analyses with other genes of the leptin-melanocortin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Brandl
- Centre of Addiction and Mental Health, Neurogenetics Section, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Ehrlich S, Walton E, Roffman JL, Weiss D, Puls I, Doehler N, Burghardt R, Lehmkuhl U, Hillemacher T, Muschler M, Frieling H. Smoking, but not malnutrition, influences promoter-specific DNA methylation of the proopiomelanocortin gene in patients with and without anorexia nervosa. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2012; 57:168-76. [PMID: 22398003 DOI: 10.1177/070674371205700306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our pilot study evaluates the impact of environmental factors, such as nutrition and smoking status, on epigenetic patterns in a disease-associated gene. METHOD We measured the effects of malnutrition and cigarette smoking on proopiomelanocortin (POMC) promoter-specific DNA methylation in female patients with and without anorexia nervosa (AN). POMC and its derived peptides (alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone) are implicated in stress and feeding response. Promoter-specific DNA methylation of the POMC gene was determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 54 healthy female control subjects, 40 underweight patients with AN, and 21 weight-restored patients with AN using bisulfite sequencing. Malnutrition was characterized by plasma leptin. RESULTS POMC promoter-specific DNA methylation was not affected by diagnosis or nutritional status but significantly negatively associated with cigarette smoking. CONCLUSIONS Although malnutrition may be expected to reduce DNA methylation through its effects on one-carbon metabolism, our negative results are in line with several in vitro and clinical studies that did not show a direct relation between gene-specific DNA methylation and folate levels. In contrast, smoking has been repeatedly reported to alter DNA methylation of specific genes and should be controlled for in future epigenetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Ehrlich
- Dresden University of Technology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Dresden, Germany.
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Nonhomeostatic control of human appetite and physical activity in regulation of energy balance. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2010; 38:114-21. [PMID: 20577059 DOI: 10.1097/jes.0b013e3181e3728f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin and leptin, putative controllers of human appetite, have no effect on human meal-to-meal appetite but respond to variations in energy availability. Nonhomeostatic characteristics of appetite and spontaneous activity stem from inhibition by leptin and ghrelin of brain reward circuit that is responsive to energy deficit, but refractory in obesity, and from the operation of a meal-timing circadian clock.
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Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) has serious negative effects on multiple organs and systems of the human body. As patients often do not make their eating disorder the subject of discussion, the physician is forced to rely on the physical examination and laboratory parameters as diagnostic hints. Obvious signs of AN are a body mass index (BMI) below 17.5 kg/m, dry and scaly skin, lanugo, edema, acrocyanosis, petechias, dental problems, and low blood pressure. However, because the often complex laboratory alterations can be difficult for the general psychiatrist to interpret, this article presents some useful guidelines. The plasma of patients with AN often shows alterations in laboratory parameters and appetite regulators, including electrolytes, liver enzymes, leukocyte count, hemoglobin (Hb), leptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), triiodothyronine (T3), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, ghrelin, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and cortisol. Medical problems secondary to AN or due to the treatment itself may lead to further laboratory abnormalities. To date, despite these associated laboratory alterations, the diagnosis of anorexia is a clinical one, based on weight and specific psychopathology.
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