Nutrient Intake and Dietary Inflammatory Potential in Current and Recovered Anorexia Nervosa

Dietary intake of adults with eating disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Studies have confirmed the link between altered dietary intake and eating disorders (EDs), although no systematic assessment of this research exists. Rigorous synthesis of dietary intake in anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge-eating disorder (BED), and similar EDs is needed to explore similarities and differences. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, we conducted a systematic review and quantitative synthesis of studies of dietary intake. Searches of three electronic databases resulted in thirty-nine included studies. Meta-analyses of subsets of these studies were undertaken to summarise macronutrient intake across AN, BN, and BED. Study quality was assessed using the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist, with ratings either Positive (k = 27) or Neutral (k = 12). Adults with AN had low energy intake and those with BED reported elevated macronutrient intake. Individuals with BN reported wide variation in energy intake, including some of the highest estimates. Individuals with AN were likely to under-consume key micronutrients, with sodium potentially over-consumed in BN and BED. Vitamin D was under-consumed across all disorders. This meta-analysis highlights important diagnostic differences and synthesises dietary intake in EDs, with particular relevance to risk assessment and treatment.

The Role of the Gut Microbiota in Anorexia Nervosa in Children and Adults-Systematic Review

Among the factors incriminated in the appearance of eating disorders, intestinal microbiota has recently been implicated. Now there is evidence that the composition of gut microbiota is different in anorexia nervosa. We gathered many surveys on the changes in the profile of gut microbiota in patients with anorexia nervosa. This review comprehensively examines the contemporary experimental evidence concerning the bidirectional communication between gut microbiota and the brain. Drawing from recent breakthroughs in this area of research, we propose that the gut microbiota significantly contributes to the intricate interplay between the body and the brain, thereby contributing to overall healthy homeostasis while concurrently impacting disease risk, including anxiety and mood disorders. Particular attention is devoted to elucidating the structure and functional relevance of the gut microbiota in the context of Anorexia Nervosa.

Use of pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) results in monofollicular ovulation and high cumulative live birth rates: a 25-year cohort

PURPOSE

To analyze outcomes of pulsatile administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in infertile women diagnosed with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA).

METHODS

A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted from 1996 to 2020. Sixty-six patients with the diagnosis FHA that underwent therapy using the pulsatile GnRH pump for conception were included and analyzed. The primary outcome was the live birth rate (LBR). Secondary outcomes were the number of dominant follicles, ovulation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate (BPR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), miscarriage rate, and multiple pregnancy rate. A matched control group was selected to compare the birth weight of newborn children.

RESULTS

During the study period, 66 patients with FHA underwent 82 treatments (14 of 66 patients had more than one treatment) and a total of 212 cycles (ovulation induction attempts) using pulsatile GnRH. The LBR per treatment was 65.9%. The ovulation rate per cycle was 96%, and monofollicular ovulation was observed in 75% of cycles. The BPR per treatment was 80.5%, and the cumulative CPR per treatment was 74.4%. The miscarriage rate was 11.5%. One dizygotic twin pregnancy was observed (1.6%). Average newborn birth weight (NBW) from patients with FHA was comparable to the control group.

CONCLUSION(S)

In patients with FHA, excellent pregnancy rates were achieved using the subcutaneous GnRH pump. The high cumulative LBR with normal NBW as well as low rates of multiple gestation indicate that the pulsatile GnRH pump represents a safer and more physiologic alternative to ovulation induction with injectable gonadotropins.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Ethics Committee Northwest and Central Switzerland (Ethikkommission Nordwest- und Zentralschweiz - EKNZ) - Project-ID 2020-01612.

Expression of CXCR4 on CD4+ T cells predicts body composition parameters in female adolescents with anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe eating disorder characterized by excessive weight loss and lack of recognition of the seriousness of the current low body weight. Individuals with AN frequently exhibit an enhanced inflammatory state and altered blood levels of cytokines and chemokines. However, the expression of chemokine receptors in AN and the association with body composition parameters and treatment effects are still unknown. In this study, we examined the expression of CCR4, CCR6, CXCR3, and CXCR4 on peripheral blood T cells in female adolescents with AN before (T0, n = 24) and after 6 weeks of multimodal therapy (T1, n = 20). We also investigated their value to predict body mass index (BMI) and fat mass index (FMI) at baseline. Using multi-parameter flow cytometry, we found increased expression of CCR4, CXCR3, and CXCR4, but not CCR6, on CD4⁺ T cells in AN at T0 when compared to healthy controls (HC, n = 20). At T1, CXCR3 and CXCR4 expression decreased in AN. We found a close link between CCR4, CCR6 and CXCR4 expression and the adolescent mental health status in the study cohort as determined by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Specifically, CXCR4 expression correlated positively with emotional symptoms and peer relationship problems, as well as with the total sum score of the SDQ. In addition, CXCR4 expression on CD4⁺ T cells was a significant predictor of BMI and FMI in female adolescents. Our findings that CXCR4 expression on T cells is altered in adolescents with AN and predicts body composition parameters in adolescents suggest an impact of this chemokine receptor in the pathogenesis of AN.