Does NUCB2/Nesfatin-1 Influence Eating Behaviors in Obese Patients with Binge Eating Disorder? Toward a Neurobiological Pathway

The role of periostin, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), nesfatin-1, and NUCB2 in asthma and obesity

BACKGROUND

Obesity has a significant impact on asthma incidence and control. Nesfatin-1, encoded by the nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2) gene, regulates energy balance. This study aimed to evaluate NUCB2 gene polymorphism (rs757081 C > G) and its association with serum levels of nesfatin-1 and inflammatory cytokines in obese and non-obese patients with asthma.

METHODS

Obese (n = 43) and non-obese (n = 44) patients diagnosed with asthma and 45 control subjects were included. Nesfatin-1, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and periostin were studied in serum samples using the ELISA method. NUCB2 polymorphism was studied by PCR method.

RESULTS

No difference was found between groups regarding NUCB2 polymorphism (CC, CG, GG) (p = 0.497). Nesfatin-1 levels were higher in the obese asthmatics than in the control (median 1.69 ng/ml vs 1.36 ng/ml, p = 0.004). ECP levels were higher in the obese asthmatics (median 7.67 ng/ml) compared to non-obese asthmatic (median 1.98 ng/ml) and control (median 1.45 ng/ml) (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively). Periostin was found to be lower in both obese (median 0.34 ng/ml) and non-obese asthmatics (median 0.35 ng/ml) compared to control (median 1.2 ng/ml) (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). There was a positive correlation between BMI and nesfatin-1 (r = 0.33, p < 0.001) and ECP (r = 0.58, p < 0.001). In regression analysis, ECP (95% CI: 0.19 to 0.75, p = 0.005) and periostin (95% CI: 4.5 to 375.1, p = 0.003) were independent predictors for asthma.

CONCLUSION

Nesfatin-1 and ECP have been shown to be increased in obese asthmatics. ECP and periostin have been identified as a predictor of asthma independent of obesity.

Exploring biologically oriented precision mental health initiatives for the care of patients with eating disorders: A narrative review

OBJECTIVE

Eating disorders (EDs) represent a major public health burden. Increasingly, studies suggest mental health (MH) fields are failing to improve the effectiveness of treatments and that alternative models of care must be considered. Precision mental health (PMH) seeks to tailor treatment to individual needs and relies on a comprehensive understanding of the neurobiological and physiological underpinnings of mental illness.

METHODS

In this narrative review, published literature with focus on biological application of PMH strategies for EDs is reviewed and summarised.

RESULTS

A total of 39 articles were retained for the review covering a variety of themes with relevance to PMH. Many studies of biological markers with PMH applicability focused on anorexia nervosa. Although a variety of potential PMH research applications were identified, the review failed to identify any evidence of implementation into routine ED practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the theoretical merit of biological application of PMH in ED treatment, clinical applications for standard practice are lacking. There is a need to invest further in studies that seek to identify biological markers and investigate neurobiological underpinnings of disease in hopes of targeting and developing treatments that can be better tailored to the individualised needs of patients.

Hypoxia in Human Obesity: New Insights from Inflammation towards Insulin Resistance-A Narrative Review

Insulin resistance (IR), marked by reduced cellular responsiveness to insulin, and obesity, defined by the excessive accumulation of adipose tissue, are two intertwined conditions that significantly contribute to the global burden of cardiometabolic diseases. Adipose tissue, beyond merely storing triglycerides, acts as an active producer of biomolecules. In obesity, as adipose tissue undergoes hypertrophy, it becomes dysfunctional, altering the release of adipocyte-derived factors, known as adipokines. This dysfunction promotes low-grade chronic inflammation, exacerbates IR, and creates a hyperglycemic, proatherogenic, and prothrombotic environment. However, the fundamental cause of these phenomena remains unclear. This narrative review points to hypoxia as a critical trigger for the molecular changes associated with fat accumulation, particularly within visceral adipose tissue (VAT). The activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), a transcription factor that regulates homeostatic responses to low oxygen levels, initiates a series of molecular events in VAT, leading to the aberrant release of adipokines, many of which are still unexplored, and potentially affecting peripheral insulin sensitivity. Recent discoveries have highlighted the role of hypoxia and miRNA-128 in regulating the insulin receptor in visceral adipocytes, contributing to their dysfunctional behavior, including impaired glucose uptake. Understanding the complex interplay between adipose tissue hypoxia, dysfunction, inflammation, and IR in obesity is essential for developing innovative, targeted therapeutic strategies.

Nesfatin-1: A Novel Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Digestive Diseases

Nesfatin-1, deriving from a precursor protein, NUCB2, is a newly discovered molecule with anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anorexigenic effects. It was initially identified in the central nervous system (CNS) and received increasing interest due to its energy-regulating properties. However, research showed that nesfatin-1 is also expressed in peripheral tissues, including the digestive system. The aim of this review is to give a résumé of the present state of knowledge regarding its structure, immunolocalization, and potential implications in diseases with inflammatory components. The main objective was to focus on its clinical importance as a diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic molecule in a variety of disorders, among which digestive disorders were of particular interest. Previous studies have shown that nesfatin-1 regulates the balance between pro- and antioxidant agents, which makes nesfatin-1 a promising therapeutic agent. Further in-depth research regarding the underlying mechanisms of action is needed for a better understanding of its effects.

Research progress on the relationship between Nesfatin-1 and glucose metabolism

Nesfatin-1 is a neuropeptide hormone known for its biological functions, including inhibiting food intake, regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, promoting apoptosis, and providing anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. Glucose metabolism is a crucial pathway for the body's energy supply. Current research has demonstrated that Nesfatin-1 can affect glucose metabolism through various mechanisms, such as inhibiting food intake, regulating enzyme activity, and improving insulin resistance, though the findings are not entirely consistent. Investigating the relationship between Nesfatin-1 and glucose metabolism may offer new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to glucose metabolism disorders.

Influence of NUCB/Nesfatin-1 Polymorphism on Treatment Response to Naltrexone/Bupropion SR in Binge Eating Disorder and Obesity

Background and Objectives: The NUCB2 gene and its polymorphisms were identified as novel players in the regulation of food intake, potentially leading to obesity (OBE) and altered eating behaviors. Naltrexone/bupropion SR (NB) showed good efficacy and tolerability for treating OBE and altered eating behaviors associated with binge eating disorder (BED). This prospective study investigates the influence of NUCB2 gene polymorphism on NB treatment response in OBE and BED. Materials and Methods: Body mass index (BMI), eating (EDE-Q, BES, NEQ, GQ, Y-FAS 2.0) and general psychopathology (BDI, STAI-S) were evaluated at baseline (t0) and after 16 weeks (t1) of NB treatment in patients with OBE and BED (Group 1; N = 22) vs. patients with OBE without BED (Group 2; N = 20). Differences were evaluated according to the rs757081 NUCB2 gene polymorphism. Results: NUCB2 polymorphism was equally distributed between groups. Although weight at t0 was higher in Group 1, weight loss was similar at t1 in both groups. BMI was not influenced by NUCB2 polymorphism. In Group 1, the CG-genotype reported significant improvement in eating psychopathology while the GG-genotype reported improvement only for FA. No differences were observed in Group 2. Conclusions: Patients diagnosed with BED and treated with NB exhibited a more favorable treatment response within the CG-genotype of the NUCB2 polymorphism.

CETP and APOA2 polymorphisms are associated with weight loss and healthy eating behavior changes in response to digital lifestyle modifications

Response to digital healthcare lifestyle modifications is highly divergent. This study aimed to examine the association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes and clinical efficacy of a digital healthcare lifestyle modification. We genotyped 97 obesity-related SNPs from 45 participants aged 18-39 years, who underwent lifestyle modification via digital cognitive behavioral therapy for obesity for 8 weeks. Anthropometric, eating behavior phenotypes, and psychological measures were analyzed before and after the intervention to identify their clinical efficacy. CETP (rs9939224) SNP significantly predict "super-responders" with greater body mass index (BMI) reduction (p = 0.028; GG - 2.91%, GT - 9.94%), while APOA2 (rs5082) appeared to have some potential for predicting "poor-responders" with lower BMI reduction (p = 0.005; AA - 6.17%, AG + 2.05%, and GG + 5.11%). These SNPs was also associated with significant differences in eating behavior changes, healthy diet proportions, health diet diversity, emotional and restrained eating behavior changes. Furthermore, classification using gene-gene interactions between rs9939224 and rs5082 significantly predicted the best response, with a greater decrease in BMI (p = 0.038; - 11.45% for the best response group (CEPT GT/TT × APOA2 AA) vs. + 2.62% for the worst response group (CEPT GG × APOA2 AG/GG)). CETP and APOA2 SNPs can be used as candidate markers to predict the efficacy of digital healthcare lifestyle modifications based on genotype-based precision medicine.Trial registration: NCT03465306, ClinicalTrials.gov. Registered March, 2018.

Gastric Myoelectric Activity and Body Composition in Women with Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa: A Preliminary Trial Study

Women with eating disorders (EDs) often complain of abnormal gastric responses, which may impact their eating patterns and, consequently, their body composition. Binge eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa (BN) have been shown to affect gastric myoelectric activity (GMA), which may provide a basis for the gastric response in this disease population. This study aimed to examine GMA and body composition in patients with an ED compared to age-body mass index (BMI) matched controls. This case-control study included 18 adults diagnosed with BED or BN compared to 19 age-gender-BMI-matched controls. The electrogastrography with water load test was used to measure GMA during fasting and after water loading to satiety. Body composition was measured using a bioelectric impedance analyzer. The results showed that the ED group had a significantly higher water load than the control group and increased percentages of tachygastria times. Comparing the BED and BN subgroups showed differences in body composition status between the subgroups in the form of less fat mass, muscle mass, and total body water in the BN subgroup. In the BN subgroup, fat mass was associated with the average dominant frequency in the EGG. Thus, measuring GMA may be a promising approach to understanding gastric abnormalities in patients with EDs. Therapies targeting improving body composition in women with BED and BN are recommended in future ED management strategies.