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Abstract
An important component in the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) is the evaluation and management of its endocrine complications, including functional hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and increased fracture risk. The body's adaptive response to chronic starvation results in many endocrine abnormalities, most of which are reversible upon weight restoration. A multidisciplinary team with experience in treating patients with AN is critical to improving endocrine outcomes in patients with this disorder, including in women with AN who are interested in fertility. Much less is understood about endocrine abnormalities in men, as well as sexual and gender minorities, with AN. In this article, we review the pathophysiology and evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of endocrine complications in AN, as well as discuss the status of clinical research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie S Haines
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford Street, Suite 750B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Batury VL, Tam FI, Hellerhoff I, Wronski ML, Borucki K, Weidner K, Roessner V, Gao W, Ehrlich S. Hair-Based Assessment of Sex Steroid Hormones in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa. Metabolites 2022; 13:metabo13010021. [PMID: 36676946 PMCID: PMC9863132 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex psychiatric disorder accompanied by a variety of endocrine effects. Altered levels of the sex steroid hormones progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have been shown to occur in patients with AN using short-term hormonal measurement methods based on blood, saliva, and urine samples. However, since sex steroid hormone levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, these measurement methods require a great deal of effort due to the need to collect multiple samples in order to correctly determine the basal level of sex hormones. In contrast, hair-based assessments provide a marker of accumulated longer-term hormone exposure using a single, non-invasive sample. The aim of this study was to investigate sex steroid hormone levels via hair-based assessments in acutely underweight AN in comparison with healthy, age-matched, female control participants. Additionally, we compared progesterone and DHEA hair levels longitudinally during inpatient treatment in AN. Collected hair samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to determine a monthly hormone level of progesterone and DHEA. Our results indicate that DHEA hair hormone levels were similar across groups but progesterone was suppressed in underweight AN compared with healthy controls. In the longitudinal design, no significant change in hair hormone levels during partial weight restoration in patients with AN was observed. Our findings suggest that hair analysis can be used to detect suppressed progesterone levels in severe AN, and that progesterone does not increase during short-term weight restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria-Luise Batury
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, University Hospital C.G. Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Friederike I. Tam
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, University Hospital C.G. Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Inger Hellerhoff
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, University Hospital C.G. Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital C.G. Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Marie-Louis Wronski
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, University Hospital C.G. Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Katrin Borucki
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Weidner
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital C.G. Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital C.G. Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, University Hospital C.G. Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital C.G. Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-351-458-5214
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Kimball A, Colling C, Haines MS, Meenaghan E, Eddy KT, Misra M, Miller KK. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels predict weight gain in women with anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord 2022; 55:1100-1107. [PMID: 35779065 PMCID: PMC9357210 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23767] [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: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious condition characterized by undernutrition, complicated by endocrine dysregulation, and with few predictors of recovery. Urinary free cortisol (UFC) is a predictor of weight gain, but 24-h urine samples are challenging to collect. We hypothesized that serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), which like cortisol is regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), would predict weight gain and increases in fat mass in women with AN. METHODS We prospectively studied 34 women with AN and atypical AN, mean age 27.4 ± 7.7 years (mean ± SD), who received placebo in a 6-month randomized trial. Baseline DHEAS and 24-h UFC were measured by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Body composition was assessed at baseline and 6 months by DXA and cross-sectional abdominal CT at L4. RESULTS Mean baseline DHEAS level was 173 ± 70 μg/dl (0.7 ± 0.3 times the mean normal range for age) and mean baseline UFC (n = 15) was 20 ± 18 μg/24 h (normal: 0-50 μg/24 h). Higher DHEAS levels predicted weight gain over 6 months (r = 0.61, p < .001). DHEAS levels also predicted increases in fat mass (r = 0.40, p = .03), appendicular lean mass (r = 0.38, p = .04), and abdominal adipose tissue (r = 0.60, p < .001). All associations remained significant after controlling for age, baseline BMI, OCP use, duration of AN, and SSRI/SNRI use. DHEAS levels correlated with UFC (r = 0.61, p = .02). DISCUSSION In women with AN, higher serum DHEAS predicts weight gain and increases in fat and muscle mass. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings and further elucidate the association between DHEAS and weight gain. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Anorexia nervosa is a severe psychiatric condition, and predictors of weight recovery are needed to improve prognostication and guide therapeutic decision making. While urinary cortisol is a predictor of weight gain, 24-h urine collections are challenging to obtain. Like cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. As a readily available blood test, DHEAS holds promise as more practical biomarker of weight gain in anorexia nervosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Kimball
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caitlin Colling
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melanie S. Haines
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erinne Meenaghan
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kamryn T. Eddy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Madhusmita Misra
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen K. Miller
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Lin J, Kao TW, Cheng YC, Fan KC, Huang YC, Liu CW. Dehydroepiandrosterone status and efficacy of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation for bone health in anorexia nervosa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Eat Disord 2022; 55:733-746. [PMID: 35460091 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was designed to determine the status of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in women with anorexia nervosa (AN) and to assess the efficacy of DHEA supplementation as a treatment for bone health in women with AN. METHOD Studies were retrieved from the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases from inception to February 14, 2022. Observational studies that compared serum DHEA levels between women with AN and healthy controls were included for meta-analysis, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of DHEA supplementation on bone mass were reviewed. RESULTS Meta-analysis of 15 cross-sectional studies revealed that patients with AN had significantly elevated serum DHEA levels (mean difference (MD) = 311.63 ng/dl; 95% confidence interval (CI), 78.01-545.25) and reduced DHEAS levels (MD = -24.90 μg/dl; 95% CI, -41.72 to -8.07) compared with healthy controls. A systematic review of seven RCTs found that DHEA monotherapy does not improve bone mineral density (BMD) compared with placebo after adjusting for weight gain. While the combination of DHEA and conjugated oral contraceptives has led to increased bone strength and decreased bone loss, the beneficial effect appears to be limited to older adolescents and adults with closed physes. Potential detrimental effects on BMD were identified in younger adolescents with open physes in one study. DISCUSSION Due to the lack of apparent benefit of DHEA in women with AN and its potential detrimental effect on BMD in young patients with AN, current evidence does not support the use of DHEA. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE This study demonstrates that women with anorexia nervosa have abnormal levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), which have been suggested by previous studies to play a role in the development of low bone density in this condition. However, current evidence does not support the use of DHEA as a treatment to preserve bone health in patients with anorexia nervosa given the lack of clear benefit following its use and also because of a potential detrimental effect on bone mineral density in young patients with anorexia nervosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Lin
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Wan Kao
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chih Cheng
- Research center of big data and meta-analysis, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital, China Medical University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Chih Fan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Huang
- Research center of big data and meta-analysis, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Dermatology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Wei Liu
- Research center of big data and meta-analysis, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Orthopedics, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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Bulant J, Hill M, Velíková M, Yamamotová A, Martásek P, Papežová H. Changes of BMI, steroid metabolome and psychopathology in patients with anorexia nervosa during hospitalization. Steroids 2020; 153:108523. [PMID: 31622616 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.108523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with various alterations including the dysfunction of the HPA axis and consequently the hypercortisolemia and deficit in sex hormones but the comprehensive evaluation of changes in circulating steroids during the hospitalization of AN patients is lacking. We investigated the effect of realimentation of women with AN during hospitalization on 45 circulating steroids, the relationships between BMI, its change during hospitalization and physical activity, on one side and initial levels and their changes for two adipokines, circulating steroids, anorexia-specific (hunger, appetite and satiety), and anorexia non-specific symptoms (anxiety, depression fatigue, sleep, and body pain) on the other side. We included 33 women with anorexia who were hospitalized for 38(35, 44) days (median with quartiles). The increase of BMI from the initial value 15.2 (13.2, 16.6) kg/m2 was 1.69 (1.37, 2.66) kg/m2. The patients with more severe anorexia showed higher activity in 7β-, and 16α-hydroxylation of androgen precursors, which declined during hospitalization. Otherwise, the 7α-hydroxylation activity is higher in AN patients with less severe malnutrition and the ratio of 5-androstene-3β,7α,17β-triol to 5-androstene-3β,7β,17β-triol increased during the realimentation. Our data allow to speculate that the intensive 7β-, and 16α- and possibly also the 7α-hydroxylation of C19 Δ5 steroids participate in the pathophysiology of anorexia by additional catabolism of substrates available for synthesis of active androgens and estrogens. However, the question remains whether the synthetic analogues of 7α/β- and 16α-hydroxy-steroids prevent the catabolism of the sex steroid precursors, or further activate the "energy wasting" mitochondrial thermogenic metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Bulant
- Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Hill
- Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | | | - Anna Yamamotová
- Department of Physiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Martásek
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Biotechnology and Biomedicine Center of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University in Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Hana Papežová
- Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Kimball A, Schorr M, Meenaghan E, Bachmann KN, Eddy KT, Misra M, Lawson EA, Kreiger-Benson E, Herzog DB, Koman S, Keane RJ, Ebrahimi S, Schoenfeld D, Klibanski A, Miller KK. A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Low-Dose Testosterone Therapy in Women With Anorexia Nervosa. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:4347-4355. [PMID: 31219558 PMCID: PMC6736210 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2019-00828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric illness with considerable morbidity and no approved medical therapies. We have shown that relative androgen deficiency in AN is associated with greater depression and anxiety symptom severity. OBJECTIVE To determine whether low-dose testosterone therapy is an effective endocrine-targeted therapy for AN. DESIGN Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING Clinical research center. PARTICIPANTS Ninety women, 18 to 45 years, with AN and free testosterone levels below the median for healthy women. INTERVENTION Transdermal testosterone, 300 μg daily, or placebo patch for 24 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary end point: body mass index (BMI). Secondary end points: depression symptom severity [Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)], anxiety symptom severity [Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A)], and eating disorder psychopathology and behaviors. RESULTS Mean BMI increased by 0.0 ± 1.0 kg/m2 in the testosterone group and 0.5 ± 1.1 kg/m2 in the placebo group (P = 0.03) over 24 weeks. At 4 weeks, there was a trend toward a greater decrease in HAM-D score (P = 0.09) in the testosterone vs placebo group. At 24 weeks, mean HAM-D and HAM-A scores decreased similarly in both groups [HAM-D: -2.9 ± 4.9 (testosterone) vs -3.0 ± 5.0 (placebo), P = 0.72; HAM-A: -4.5 ± 5.3 (testosterone) vs -4.3 ± 4.4 (placebo), P = 0.25]. There were no significant differences in eating disorder scores between groups. Testosterone therapy was safe and well tolerated with no increase in androgenic side effects compared with placebo. CONCLUSION Low-dose testosterone therapy for 24 weeks was associated with less weight gain-and did not lead to sustained improvements in depression, anxiety, or disordered eating symptoms-compared with placebo in women with AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Kimball
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Melanie Schorr
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Erinne Meenaghan
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Katherine N Bachmann
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kamryn T Eddy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Madhusmita Misra
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth A Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | - Seda Ebrahimi
- Cambridge Eating Disorder Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - David Schoenfeld
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anne Klibanski
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karen K Miller
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Karen K. Miller, MD, Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Bulfinch 457B, Boston, Massachusetts 02114. E-mail:
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Hawkes CP, Mostoufi-Moab S. Fat-bone interaction within the bone marrow milieu: Impact on hematopoiesis and systemic energy metabolism. Bone 2019; 119:57-64. [PMID: 29550266 PMCID: PMC6139083 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2018.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between fat, bone and systemic metabolism is a growing area of scientific interest. Marrow adipose tissue is a well-recognized component of the bone marrow milieu and is metabolically distinct from current established subtypes of adipose tissue. Despite recent advances, the functional significance of marrow adipose tissue is still not clearly delineated. Bone and fat cells share a common mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) within the bone marrow, and hormones and transcription factors such as growth hormone, leptin, and peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor γ influence MSC differentiation into osteoblasts or adipocytes. MSC osteogenic potential is more vulnerable than adipogenic potential to radiation and chemotherapy, and this confers a risk for an abnormal fat-bone axis in survivors following cancer therapy and bone marrow transplantation. This review provides a summary of data from animal and human studies describing the relationship between marrow adipose tissue and hematopoiesis, bone mineral density, bone strength, and metabolic function. The significance of marrow adiposity in other metabolic disorders such as osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, and estrogen and growth hormone deficiency are also discussed. We conclude that marrow adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ with important metabolic functions contributing to bone energy maintenance, osteogenesis, bone remodeling, and hematopoiesis. Future studies on the metabolic role of marrow adipose tissue may provide the critical insight necessary for selecting targeted therapeutic interventions to improve altered hematopoiesis and augment skeletal remodeling in cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- C P Hawkes
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - S Mostoufi-Moab
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA; Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
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Luz Neto LMD, Vasconcelos FMND, Silva JED, Pinto TCC, Sougey ÉB, Ximenes RCC. Differences in cortisol concentrations in adolescents with eating disorders: a systematic review. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2019; 95:18-26. [PMID: 29654749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To perform a systematic review of the literature for scientific evidence of possible differences in cortisol concentrations in adolescents with eating disorders. SOURCE OF DATA Electronic searches were conducting in the PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Virtual Health Library, and Science Direct databases for articles published between 2007 and 2017 using the keywords, cortisol, hydrocortisone; eating disorders, bulimia, bulimia nervosa, anorexia, anorexia nervosa; adolescence, adolescent, adolescents. SYNTHESIS OF DATA A total of 192 articles were found. After the analysis of the eligibility criteria using the PRISMA method, 19 articles were selected for the present review. Most studies were conducted in Europe. Adolescents diagnosed with anorexia nervosa were evaluated in all studies, except one, when other eating disorders were investigated. Blood was the means used for the determination of cortisol. In ten studies, cortisol levels were higher in the group with anorexia than the control group and a reduction in cortisol levels occurred in the adolescents after being submitted to nutritional recovery. CONCLUSIONS Patients with eating disorders may have several clinical consequences, such as changes in body fat distribution, changes in bone mineral density, worsening of neurocognitive ability, and endocrine changes (e.g., hypercortisolemia), which in turn can lead to hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, and increased risk of infections. The findings demonstrate that adolescents with eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa, have increased cortisol levels, which are reduced after the treatment period. Further studies on differences in cortisol concentrations in adolescents with other eating disorders are needed, using different methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laércio Marques da Luz Neto
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Programa de Pós-graduação em Neuropsiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Flávia Maria Nassar de Vasconcelos
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Programa de Pós-graduação em Neuropsiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Tiago Coimbra Costa Pinto
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Programa de Pós-graduação em Neuropsiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Éverton Botelho Sougey
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Programa de Pós-graduação em Neuropsiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, Recife, PE, Brazil
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Differences in cortisol concentrations in adolescents with eating disorders: a systematic review. JORNAL DE PEDIATRIA (VERSÃO EM PORTUGUÊS) 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedp.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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10
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Dichtel LE, Lawson EA, Schorr M, Meenaghan E, Paskal ML, Eddy KT, Pinna G, Nelson M, Rasmusson AM, Klibanski A, Miller KK. Neuroactive Steroids and Affective Symptoms in Women Across the Weight Spectrum. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:1436-1444. [PMID: 29090684 PMCID: PMC5916351 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
3α-5α-Tetrahydroprogesterone, a progesterone metabolite also known as allopregnanolone, and 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol, a testosterone metabolite also known as 3α-androstanediol, are neuroactive steroids and positive GABAA receptor allosteric modulators. Both anorexia nervosa (AN) and obesity are complicated by affective comorbidities and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal dysregulation. However, it is not known whether neuroactive steroid levels are abnormal at the extremes of the weight spectrum. We hypothesized that serum allopregnanolone and 3α-androstanediol levels would be decreased in AN compared with healthy controls (HC) and negatively associated with affective symptoms throughout the weight spectrum, independent of body mass index (BMI). Thirty-six women were 1 : 1 age-matched across three groups: AN, HC, and overweight/obese (OW/OB). AN were amenorrheic; HC and OW/OB were studied in the follicular phase. Fasting serum neuroactive steroids were measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Mean Hamilton depression and anxiety scores were highest in AN (p<0.0001). Mean serum allopregnanolone was lower in AN and OW/OB than HC (AN 95.3±56.4 vs OW/OB 73.8±31.3 vs HC 199.5±167.8 pg/ml, p=0.01), despite comparable mean serum progesterone. Allopregnanolone levels, but not progesterone levels, were negatively associated with depression and anxiety symptom severity, independent of BMI. Serum 3α-androstanediol levels did not differ among groups and were not associated with depression or anxiety scores, despite a significant negative association between free testosterone levels and both anxiety and depression severity. In conclusion, women at both extremes of the weight spectrum have low mean serum allopregnanolone, which is associated with increased depression and anxiety severity, independent of BMI. Neuroactive steroids such as allopregnanolone may be potential therapeutic targets for depression and anxiety in traditionally treatment-resistant groups, including AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Dichtel
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, BUL457B, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA, Tel: +1 617 726 3870, Fax: +1 617 726 5072, E-mail:
| | - Elizabeth A Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melanie Schorr
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erinne Meenaghan
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Kamryn T Eddy
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Marianela Nelson
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ann M Rasmusson
- National Center for PTSD, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anne Klibanski
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen K Miller
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder characterized by altered body image, persistent food restriction and low body weight, and is associated with global endocrine dysregulation in both adolescent girls and women. Dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis includes hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with relative oestrogen and androgen deficiency, growth hormone resistance, hypercortisolaemia, non-thyroidal illness syndrome, hyponatraemia and hypooxytocinaemia. Serum levels of leptin, an anorexigenic adipokine, are suppressed and levels of ghrelin, an orexigenic gut peptide, are elevated in women with anorexia nervosa; however, levels of peptide YY, an anorexigenic gut peptide, are paradoxically elevated. Although most, but not all, of these endocrine disturbances are adaptive to the low energy state of chronic starvation and reverse with treatment of the eating disorder, many contribute to impaired skeletal integrity, as well as neuropsychiatric comorbidities, in individuals with anorexia nervosa. Although 5-15% of patients with anorexia nervosa are men, only limited data exist regarding the endocrine impact of the disease in adolescent boys and men. Further research is needed to understand the endocrine determinants of bone loss and neuropsychiatric comorbidities in anorexia nervosa in both women and men, as well as to formulate optimal treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Schorr
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Bulfinch 457B, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Karen K Miller
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Bulfinch 457B, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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12
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Ghali O, Al Rassy N, Hardouin P, Chauveau C. Increased Bone Marrow Adiposity in a Context of Energy Deficit: The Tip of the Iceberg? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:125. [PMID: 27695438 PMCID: PMC5025430 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [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: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated bone marrow adiposity (BMA) is defined as an increase in the proportion of the bone marrow (BM) cavity volume occupied by adipocytes. This can be caused by an increase in the size and/or number of adipocytes. BMA increases with age in a bone-site-specific manner. This increase may be linked to certain pathophysiological situations. Osteoporosis or compromised bone quality is frequently associated with high BMA. The involvement of BM adipocytes in bone loss may be due to commitment of mesenchymal stem cells to the adipogenic pathway rather than the osteogenic pathway. However, adipocytes may also act on their microenvironment by secreting factors with harmful effects for the bone health. Here, we review evidence that in a context of energy deficit (such as anorexia nervosa (AN) and restriction rodent models) bone alterations can occur in the absence of an increase in BMA. In severe cases, bone alterations are even associated with gelatinous BM transformation. The relationship between BMA and energy deficit and the potential regulators of this adiposity in this context are also discussed. On the basis of clinical studies and preliminary results on animal model, we propose that competition between differentiation into osteoblasts and differentiation into adipocytes might trigger bone loss at least in moderate-to-severe AN and in some calorie restriction models. Finally, some of the main questions resulting from this hypothesis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olfa Ghali
- Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des Maladies Osseuses Inflammatoires, Université de Lille, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
- Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des Maladies Osseuses Inflammatoires, Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
| | - Nathalie Al Rassy
- Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des Maladies Osseuses Inflammatoires, Université de Lille, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
- Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des Maladies Osseuses Inflammatoires, Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
| | - Pierre Hardouin
- Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des Maladies Osseuses Inflammatoires, Université de Lille, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
- Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des Maladies Osseuses Inflammatoires, Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
| | - Christophe Chauveau
- Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des Maladies Osseuses Inflammatoires, Université de Lille, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
- Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des Maladies Osseuses Inflammatoires, Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
- *Correspondence: Christophe Chauveau,
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Solmi M, Veronese N, Manzato E, Sergi G, Favaro A, Santonastaso P, Correll CU. Oxidative stress and antioxidant levels in patients with anorexia nervosa: A systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis. Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:826-41. [PMID: 26311090 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review and meta-analyze oxidative stress and antioxidant markers in anorexia nervosa (AN). METHODS Electronic PubMed search from database inception until 12/31/2013. Out of 1062 hits, 29 studies comparing oxidative stress/antioxidant markers between patients with AN and healthy controls (HCs) with a total of 1,729 participants (AN = 895, HCs = 834) were eligible. Data about oxidative stress and antioxidant markers, independent of their source, were extracted. We calculated random effects standardized mean differences (SMDs) as effect size measures for outcomes reported in ≥5 studies; others were summarized descriptively. RESULTS Compared to HCs, AN patients showed significantly higher apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels (studies = 7; n = 551; SMD = 0.75; p = .0003, I(2) = 74%), with higher age being associated with higher ApoB (Coefficient: 0.61 ± 0.15, p < .0001), whereas BMI (p = .15) and measurement method (p = .70) did not moderate the results. Serum albumin levels were similar between AN and HCs (studies = 13; n = 509; SMD =-0.19; 95%CI: -0.62 to 0.24; p = .38; I(2) = 81%), with neither age (p = .84) nor BMI (p = .52) being significant moderators. Lower superoxide dismutase levels were reported in 2 studies, while findings for vitamin A and its metabolites were inconclusive. In single studies, patients with AN had significantly higher catalase and nitric oxide (NO) parameter levels (platelet NO, exhaled NO and nitrites), such as lower glutathione and free cysteine levels, compared to HCs. DISCUSSION AN appears to be associated with some markers of increased oxidative stress. Additional research is needed to discern whether oxidative stress is a potential cause or effect of AN, and whether treatments improving oxidative stress could be useful in AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Solmi
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
| | - Nicola Veronese
- Department of Medicine- DIMED, University of Padova, Geriatrics Section, via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
| | - Enzo Manzato
- Department of Medicine- DIMED, University of Padova, Geriatrics Section, via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sergi
- Department of Medicine- DIMED, University of Padova, Geriatrics Section, via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
| | - Angela Favaro
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Santonastaso
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
| | - Christoph U Correll
- Department of Psychiatry, the Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, New York.,Hofstra North Shore LIJ School of Medicine, Hempstead, New York.,The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York.,Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
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14
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Lee JL, Oh ES, Lee RW, Finucane TE. Serum Albumin and Prealbumin in Calorically Restricted, Nondiseased Individuals: A Systematic Review. Am J Med 2015; 128:1023.e1-22. [PMID: 25912205 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2015.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Undernutrition is often suspected in patients when serum albumin or prealbumin levels are low. We asked whether these measures are indeed low in undernourished people if no inflammatory illness is present. METHODS We did a systematic review to identify otherwise healthy subjects who were severely nutrient-deprived due to poor access to food or unwillingness to eat. We excluded children and pregnant women. We tabulated available measures of nutrient intake, anthropometry, serum albumin and prealbumin, and, when available, changes in these measures during nutritional intervention. RESULTS In otherwise healthy subjects, serum albumin and prealbumin levels remained normal despite marked nutrient deprivation until the extremes of starvation, that is, body mass index <12 or more than 6 weeks of starvation. CONCLUSIONS In these otherwise healthy subjects, serum albumin and prealbumin levels are not "markers of nutritional status." The "markers" failed to identify subjects with severe protein-calorie malnutrition until extreme starvation. That is, they failed to identify healthy individuals who would benefit from nutrition support, becoming abnormal only when starvation was already obvious. In contrast, serum albumin and prealbumin levels are known to fall promptly with injury or illness regardless of nutrient intake. They are negative acute-phase reactants. When these measures are low in sick patients, this cannot be assumed to reflect nutritional deprivation. Decisions about nutrition support should be based on evidence of meaningful benefit from this treatment rather than on assessment of "nutritional markers."
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Lee
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Esther S Oh
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Rebecca W Lee
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Thomas E Finucane
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md.
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15
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Abstract
Anorexia nervosa is prevalent in adolescents and young adults, and endocrine changes include hypothalamic amenorrhoea; a nutritionally acquired growth-hormone resistance leading to low concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1); relative hypercortisolaemia; decreases in leptin, insulin, amylin, and incretins; and increases in ghrelin, peptide YY, and adiponectin. These changes in turn have harmful effects on bone and might affect neurocognition, anxiety, depression, and the psychopathology of anorexia nervosa. Low bone-mineral density (BMD) is particularly concerning, because it is associated with changes in bone microarchitecture, strength, and clinical fractures. Recovery leads to improvements in many--but not all--hormonal changes, and deficits in bone accrual can persist. Oestrogen-replacement therapy, primarily via the transdermal route, increases BMD in adolescents, although catch-up is incomplete. In adults, oral oestrogen--combined with recombinant human IGF-1 in one study and bisphosphonates in another--increased BMD, but not to the normal range. More studies are necessary to investigate the optimum therapeutic approach in patients with, or recovering from, anorexia nervosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhusmita Misra
- Neuroendocrine Unit and Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Anne Klibanski
- Neuroendocrine Unit and Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Anorexia nervosa is among the most prevalent chronic medical conditions in young adults. It has acute as well as long-term consequences, some of which, such as low bone mineral density (BMD), are not completely reversible even after weight restoration. This review discusses our current understanding of endocrine consequences of anorexia nervosa. RECENT FINDINGS Anorexia nervosa is characterized by changes in multiple neuroendocrine axes including acquired hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, growth hormone resistance with low insulin-like growth factor-1 (likely mediated by fibroblast growth factor-1), relative hypercortisolemia, alterations in adipokines such as leptin, adiponectin and resistin, and gut peptides including ghrelin, PYY and amylin. These changes in turn contribute to low BMD. Studies in anorexia nervosa have demonstrated abnormalities in bone microarchitecture and strength, and an association between increased marrow fat and decreased BMD. One study in adolescents reported an improvement in BMD following physiologic estrogen replacement, and another in adults demonstrated improved BMD following risedronate administration. Brown adipose tissue is reduced in anorexia nervosa, consistent with an adaptive response to the energy deficit state. SUMMARY Anorexia nervosa is associated with widespread physiologic adaptations to the underlying state of undernutrition. Hormonal changes in anorexia nervosa affect BMD adversely. Further investigation is underway to optimize therapeutic strategies for low BMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibha Singhal
- Pediatric Endocrine Units of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Madhusmita Misra
- Pediatric Endocrine Units of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Neuroendocrine Units of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anne Klibanski
- Neuroendocrine Units of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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17
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Lawson EA, Holsen LM, DeSanti R, Santin M, Meenaghan E, Herzog DB, Goldstein JM, Klibanski A. Increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal drive is associated with decreased appetite and hypoactivation of food-motivation neurocircuitry in anorexia nervosa. Eur J Endocrinol 2013; 169:639-47. [PMID: 23946275 PMCID: PMC3807591 DOI: 10.1530/eje-13-0433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH)-mediated hypercortisolemia has been demonstrated in anorexia nervosa (AN), a psychiatric disorder characterized by food restriction despite low body weight. While CRH is anorexigenic, downstream cortisol stimulates hunger. Using a food-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigm, we have demonstrated hypoactivation of brain regions involved in food motivation in women with AN, even after weight recovery. The relationship between hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation and appetite and the association with food-motivation neurocircuitry hypoactivation are unknown in AN. We investigated the relationship between HPA activity, appetite, and food-motivation neurocircuitry hypoactivation in AN. DESIGN Cross-sectional study of 36 women (13 AN, ten weight-recovered AN (ANWR), and 13 healthy controls (HC)). METHODS Peripheral cortisol and ACTH levels were measured in a fasting state and 30, 60, and 120 min after a standardized mixed meal. The visual analog scale was used to assess homeostatic and hedonic appetite. fMRI was performed during visual processing of food and non-food stimuli to measure the brain activation pre- and post-meal. RESULTS In each group, serum cortisol levels decreased following the meal. Mean fasting, 120 min post-meal, and nadir cortisol levels were high in AN vs HC. Mean postprandial ACTH levels were high in ANWR compared with HC and AN subjects. Cortisol levels were associated with lower fasting homeostatic and hedonic appetite, independent of BMI and depressive symptoms. Cortisol levels were also associated with between-group variance in activation in the food-motivation brain regions (e.g. hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, orbitofrontal cortex, and insula). CONCLUSIONS HPA activation may contribute to the maintenance of AN by the suppression of appetitive drive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Laura M. Holsen
- Division of Women’s Health, Department of Medicine, and Department of Psychiatry, Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02120
| | - Rebecca DeSanti
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - McKale Santin
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Erinne Meenaghan
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - David B. Herzog
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Jill M. Goldstein
- Division of Women’s Health, Department of Medicine, and Department of Psychiatry, Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02120
| | - Anne Klibanski
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
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18
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Abstract
A key feature of anorexia nervosa, a disease primarily psychiatric in origin, is chronic starvation, which results in profound neuroendocrine dysregulation, including hypogonadism, relative growth hormone resistance, and hypercortisolemia. A recent area of investigation is appetite hormone dysregulation. Whether such dysregulation is compensatory or plays a role in the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa is incompletely understood. The primary therapy for anorexia remains psychiatric, and endocrine abnormalities tend to improve with weight restoration, although residual endocrine dysfunction can occur. In addition, therapies directed at specific complications have been a particular focus of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Klahr Miller
- Harvard Medical School and Neuroendocrine Unit, BUL 457B, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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19
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Misra M, Klibanski A. Anorexia nervosa, obesity and bone metabolism. PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY REVIEWS : PER 2013; 11:21-33. [PMID: 24079076 PMCID: PMC4007116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa and obesity are conditions at the extreme ends of the nutritional spectrum, associated with marked reductions versus increases respectively in body fat content. Both conditions are also associated with an increased risk for fractures. In anorexia nervosa, body composition and hormones secreted or regulated by body fat content are important determinants of low bone density, impaired bone structure and reduced bone strength. In addition, anorexia nervosa is characterized by increases in marrow adiposity and decreases in cold activated brown adipose tissue, both of which are related to low bone density. In obese individuals, greater visceral adiposity is associated with greater marrow fat, lower bone density and impaired bone structure. In this review, we discuss bone metabolism in anorexia nervosa and obesity in relation to adipose tissue distribution and hormones secreted or regulated by body fat content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhusmita Misra
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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20
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Pluchino N, Carmignani A, Cubeddu A, Santoro A, Cela V, Errasti T, Alcalà TE. Androgen therapy in women: for whom and when. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2013; 288:731-7. [PMID: 23912530 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-013-2969-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Androgens play a primary role in female physiopathology. The age-related reduction in the production of ovarian and adrenal androgens may significantly affect women's health. The decline of circulating androgens results from a combination of two events: reduced ovarian production and aged-related decline in adrenal androgen synthesis. The relative androgen deficiency in pre- and postmenopausal women may induce impairment of sexual function, libido, well-being, energy and may contribute to reduced cognitive functions. Whether androgen deficiency also affects cardiovascular or bone biology in women during reproductive aging is still controversial. Both in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues, there are multiple ways whereby androgens target their specific actions through a particular tropism of the brain areas that are involved in sexual function, behavior and cognition. Among circulating available androgens that are involved in several domains of sexual response, adrenal androgens seem to be related to some sexual symptoms as well as diminished cognitive function in postmenopausal women. The possibilities of treating low sexual desire/hypoactive sexual desire disorder are multifaceted and should include the combination of both pharmacological treatments able to maximize biological signals that drive the sexual response as well as individualized psychosocial therapies to overcome personal and relational difficulties. Transdermal testosterone has been proved to be effective but the use of additional treatment like oral or vaginal dehydroepiandrosterone is still controversial, despite many evidences support it. The decision to treat premenopausal or postmenopausal women with signs/symptoms of androgen insufficiency is mainly based on the clinical judgment, together with estrogens co-administration and following informed consent related to the unknown long-term risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Pluchino
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Child Development, Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Pisa, Via Roma 35, 56100, Pisa, Italy,
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21
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Gicquel L. Anorexia nervosa during adolescence and young adulthood: towards a developmental and integrative approach sensitive to time course. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 107:268-77. [PMID: 23542549 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphysparis.2013.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa is situated at the junction between two time scales, the time scale of adolescence, in which intense physiological and psychological upheavals are occurring over a relatively short period of time, and the time scale of the potentially chronic evolution of the disease over the course of the patient's lifespan. This second time scale links the critical period of adolescence with the pre-morbid period, during which a complex state of vulnerability, often unseen and unheard, combines with different risk factors, which may be isolated, associated, dissociated or concomitant, to produce the emergence of anorexia; it ushers also adolescence into the period of adulthood, flagged with the reorganization that occurs in the course of the healing process (in case of recovery), or pervaded by somatic and mental distress (in cases where the condition becomes chronic). Given the lifespan nature of the disease, it is difficult to differentiate premorbid pathogenic factors from changes resulting from the acute or chronic phases of the illness. It is also difficult to establish straightforward correlations between physiological disturbances and their clinical consequences, or conversely to assume that the restoration of physiological parameters means the disappearance of the underlying mental disorder. Taken together, these observations support an approach to anorexia nervosa that is both developmental and integrative, taking into account both the complexity of the pathways involved and the developmental timescales of these pathways. This type of approach can help to adjust therapeutic strategies and thus enhance prognosis, in particular by integrating the temporal parameter into the dynamics of care plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Gicquel
- INSERM U 894 Team 1, Centre de Psychiatrie et de Neurosciences, Paris, France.
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22
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Fazeli PK, Horowitz MC, MacDougald OA, Scheller EL, Rodeheffer MS, Rosen CJ, Klibanski A. Marrow fat and bone--new perspectives. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013; 98:935-45. [PMID: 23393168 PMCID: PMC3590487 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2012-3634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT There is growing interest in the relationship between bone mineral density, bone strength, and fat depots. Marrow adipose tissue, a well-established component of the marrow environment, is metabolically distinct from peripheral fat depots, but its functional significance is unknown. OBJECTIVE In this review, we discuss animal and human data linking the marrow adipose tissue depot to parameters of bone density and integrity as well as the potential significance of marrow adipose tissue in metabolic diseases associated with bone loss, including type 1 diabetes mellitus and anorexia nervosa. Potential hormonal determinants of marrow adipose tissue are also discussed. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that whereas most animal and human data demonstrate an inverse association between marrow adipose tissue and measures of bone density and strength, understanding the functional significance of marrow adipose tissue and its hormonal determinants will be critical to better understanding its role in skeletal integrity and the role of marrow adipose tissue in the pathophysiology of bone loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouneh K Fazeli
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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23
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Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment effects on weight, bone density, bone metabolism and mood in women suffering from anorexia nervosa-a pilot study. Psychiatry Res 2012; 200:544-9. [PMID: 22858403 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2012.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Revised: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 07/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of the administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on weight, bone metabolism, bone density and clinical mood symptoms in outpatient Anorexia Nervosa (AN) patients. AN patients (n=26) were double-blindly randomized to receive DHEA (100mg) or placebo for 6 months. Outcome measures were bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and metabolism indexes, steroid hormones, and mood and eating disorder symptoms measured at baseline and at the 3 and 6 months follow-up visits. Mood and eating disorder symptoms were assessed monthly by the Beck Depression Inventory, Eating Disorder Inventory and Clinical Global Improvement Scales. No treatment or treatment by time interaction was observed for any bone density measures. Deoxypiridinolyne (DPD) was positively correlated with weight (P=0.02). An increase in body mass index (BMI) in the DHEA group was significantly higher at 4 months compared to the control group (P=0.05). Improvement of mood was significantly correlated with weight only in the DHEA group. Despite a significant decrease in DPD, no improvement in bone mineral density was detected. However, patients treated with DHEA benefited from a significant increase in BMI, which was positively correlated with improvement in mood.
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24
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Ostrowska Z, Ziora K, Oświęcimska J, Swiętochowska E, Szapska B, Wołkowska-Pokrywa K, Dyduch A. RANKL/RANK/OPG system and bone status in females with anorexia nervosa. Bone 2012; 50:156-60. [PMID: 22001124 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2011.09.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2011] [Revised: 09/21/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Minimal data exist concerning the relationship between osteokines of the RANKL/RANK/OPG system, especially RANKL, and bone status in females with anorexia nervosa (AN). For this reason we investigated the relationship between bone metabolism (as assessed based on serum levels of OC and CTx), and OPG and sRANKL concentrations in females with AN. Ninety-one female patients with AN and 29 healthy female subjects aged 13 to 18 years of age participated in the study. Serum OC, CTx, OPG and sRANKL were measured by ELISA. The female patients with AN demonstrated an essential suppression of OC and CTx, increased OPG and sRANKL levels, and a reduced OPG/sRANKL ratio. OC, CTx and the OPG/sRANKL ratio correlated positively with body mass and BMI in these patients, whereas in the case of OPG and sRANKL the relationship was negative. A significant positive correlation was observed between OPG and sRANKL and also between bone markers and the OPG/sRANKL ratio, and negative between CTx and sRANKL. In female patients with AN, the OPG/RANKL ratio was a significant and independent predictor of osteocalcin, a bone formation marker - OC (R(2)=0.065, p=0.012) whereas the OPG/sRANKL ratio and BMI were significant and independent predictors of a bone resorption marker - CTx (R(2)=0.095; p=0.012). In conclusion, the body mass, BMI values, and bone markers suppression observed in female patients with AN might be associated with an increase in OPG and sRANKL levels and a significant decrease of the OPG/sRANKL ratio. Although higher OPG levels may compensate for excessive bone resorption in female patients with AN, the lower OPG/sRANKL ratio seems to indicate that some inadequacies exist regarding this compensation effect, which might contribute to low bone density in these patients. The OPG/sRANKL ratio might prove a more relevant marker to predict bone metabolism in female patients with AN than sRANKL and/or OPG alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia Ostrowska
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
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25
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Abstract
CONTEXT Anorexia nervosa is a primary psychiatric disorder with serious endocrine consequences, including dysregulation of the gonadal, adrenal, and GH axes, and severe bone loss. This Update reviews recent advances in the understanding of the endocrine dysregulation observed in this state of chronic starvation, as well as the mechanisms underlying the disease itself. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Findings of this update are based on a PubMed search and the author's knowledge of this field. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Recent studies have provided insights into the mechanisms underlying endocrine dysregulation in states of chronic starvation as well as the etiology of anorexia nervosa itself. This includes a more complex understanding of the pathophysiologic bases of hypogonadism, hypercortisolemia, GH resistance, appetite regulation, and bone loss. Nevertheless, the etiology of the disease remains largely unknown, and effective therapies for the endocrine complications and for the disease itself are lacking. CONCLUSIONS Despite significant progress in the field, further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the development of anorexia nervosa and its endocrine complications. Such investigations promise to yield important advances in the therapeutic approach to this disease as well as to the understanding of the regulation of endocrine function, skeletal biology, and appetite regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- K K Miller
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
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26
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Abstract
Adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) are at risk for low bone mass at multiple sites, associated with decreased bone turnover. Bone microarchitecture is also affected, with a decrease in bone trabecular volume and trabecular thickness, and an increase in trabecular separation. The adolescent years are typically the time when marked increases occur in bone mass accrual towards the attainment of peak bone mass, an important determinant of bone health and fracture risk in later life. AN often begins in the adolescent years, and decreased rates of bone mass accrual at this critical time are therefore also concerning for deficits in peak bone mass. Factors contributing to low bone density and decreased rates of bone accrual include alterations in body composition such as low body mass index and lean body mass, and hormonal alterations such as hypogonadism, a nutritionally acquired resistance to GH and low levels of IGF-I, relative hypercortisolemia, low levels of leptin, and increased adiponectin (for fat mass) and peptide YY. Therapeutic strategies include optimizing weight and menstrual recovery, and adequate calcium and vitamin D replacement. Oral estrogen-progesterone combination pills are not effective in increasing bone density in adolescents with AN. Recombinant human IGF-I increases levels of bone formation markers in the short term, while long-term effects remain to be determined. Bisphosphonates act by decreasing bone resorption, and are not optimal for use in adolescents with AN, in whom the primary defect is low bone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Misra
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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27
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Alterations in serotonin impact bone metabolism in animal models, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) have been associated with increased fracture risk in older adults. SSRIs are commonly used in anorexia nervosa (AN), a condition that predisposes to low bone mineral density (BMD). Our objective was to determine whether SSRI use is associated with low BMD in AN. METHODS We examined Z-scores for spine, hip and whole body (WB) BMD, spine bone mineral apparent density and WBBMC/height (Ht) in females with AN 12-21 years old who had never been on SSRIs, on SSRIs for <6 months (<6M) or >6 months (>6M). RESULTS Subjects on SSRIs for >6M had lower spine, femoral-neck and WBBMD Z-scores than those on SSRIs for <6M. Hip BMD and WBBMC/Ht Z-scores were lowest in subjects on SSRIs for >6M. Duration of SSRI use, duration since AN diagnosis and duration of amenorrhea inversely predicted BMD, whereas BMI was a positive predictor. In a regression model, duration of SSRI use remained an independent negative predictor of BMD. DISCUSSION Duration of SSRI use >6M is associated with low BMD in AN. CONCLUSION It may be necessary to monitor BMD more rigorously when duration of SSRI use exceeds 6M.
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Hecht D. Transcranial direct current stimulation in the treatment of anorexia. Med Hypotheses 2010; 74:1044-7. [PMID: 20096507 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2009.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2009] [Accepted: 12/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive technique for brain stimulation and it increasingly being used in the treatments of some neurological/psychiatric conditions (e.g. chronic pain, epilepsy, depression, motor rehabilitation after stroke and Parkinson's disease). With tDCS, cortical neurons excitability increases in the vicinity of the anodal electrode and suppressed near the cathodal electrode. There is evidence that anorexia is associated with hyperactivity in right-hemisphere frontal regions. tDCS, therefore has a promising potential in facilitating inter-hemispheric balance. A tDCS protocol is proposed: the anode electrode placed over the left prefrontal cortex and the cathode electrode located, either on the right homotopic region for non-SSRI-medicated anorexics, or on a non-cephalic site for SSRI-medicated anorexics. Together with nutritional supplements, psychotherapy and other treatments, tDCS have a good potential, as a complementary tool, in the treatment of anorexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hecht
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London WC1N 3AR, UK.
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29
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Misra M, Klibanski A. Neuroendocrine consequences of anorexia nervosa in adolescents. ENDOCRINE DEVELOPMENT 2010; 17:197-214. [PMID: 19955768 PMCID: PMC3731628 DOI: 10.1159/000262540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a condition of severe undernutrition characterized by alterations in multiple neuroendocrine axes and peptides that signal or regulate energy intake. These alterations include a state of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a nutritionally acquired resistance to growth hormone (GH) with low IGF-1 levels, relative hypercortisolemia, low total T3 despite normal TSH, low levels of leptin and insulin, and elevated levels of ghrelin, peptide YY (PYY) and possibly adiponectin. Although many of these changes are adaptive to low weight, they can impact bone metabolism, body composition, reproductive function and statural growth. Low bone mass is characteristic of AN in both adolescent boys and girls. In girls, sites of trabecular bone are more likely to be affected than sites of cortical bone, whereas in boys with AN, sites of cortical bone are more commonly affected. Bone microarchitecture is also affected in adolescent girls with AN, with a decrease in trabecular thickness and bone trabecular volume, and an increase in trabecular separation. Important predictors of low bone density include nutritional factors, body composition, hypogonadism, low IGF-1, elevated cortisol and PYY levels, with possible contributions of low insulin. Weight gain is associated with a stabilization of bone density, although residual deficits persist in the short term, and in some cases, long term.
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30
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Lawson EA, Donoho D, Miller KK, Misra M, Meenaghan E, Lydecker J, Wexler T, Herzog DB, Klibanski A. Hypercortisolemia is associated with severity of bone loss and depression in hypothalamic amenorrhea and anorexia nervosa. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009; 94:4710-6. [PMID: 19837921 PMCID: PMC2795653 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2009-1046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Anorexia nervosa (AN) and functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) are associated with low bone density, anxiety, and depression. Women with AN and HA have elevated cortisol levels. Significant hypercortisolemia, as in Cushing's disease, causes bone loss. It is unknown whether anxiety and depression and/or cortisol dysregulation contribute to low bone density in AN or HA. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to investigate whether hypercortisolemia is associated with bone loss and mood disturbance in women with HA and AN. DESIGN AND SETTING We conducted a cross-sectional study in a clinical research center. PARTICIPANTS We studied 52 women [21 healthy controls (HC), 13 normal-weight women with functional HA, and 18 amenorrheic women with AN]. OUTCOME MEASURES Serum samples were measured every 20 min for 12 h overnight and pooled for average cortisol levels. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at anteroposterior and lateral spine and hip. Hamilton Rating Scales for Anxiety (HAM-A) and Depression (HAM-D) were administered. RESULTS BMD was lower in AN and HA than HC at all sites and lower in AN than HA at the spine. On the HAM-D and HAM-A, AN scored higher than HA, and HA scored higher than HC. Cortisol levels were highest in AN, intermediate in HA, and lowest in HC. HAM-A and HAM-D scores were associated with decreased BMD. Cortisol levels were positively associated with HAM-A and HAM-D scores and negatively associated with BMD. CONCLUSIONS Hypercortisolemia is a potential mediator of bone loss and mood disturbance in these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Bulfinch 457B, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
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