Short Communication: Taurine Long-Term Treatment Prevents the Development of Cardiac Hypertrophy, and Premature Death in Hereditary Cardiomyopathy of the Hamster Is Sex-Independent

Recently, we reported that during the hypertrophic phase (230 days old) of hereditary cardiomyopathy of the hamster (HCMH), short-term treatment (20 days) with 250 mg/kg/day of taurine prevents the development of hypertrophy in males but not in females. However, the mortality rate in non-treated animals was higher in females than in males. To verify whether the sex-dependency effect of taurine is due to the difference in the disease's progression, we treated the 230-day-old animals for a longer time period of 122 days. Our results showed that long-term treatment with low and high concentrations of taurine significantly prevents cardiac hypertrophy and early death in HCMH males (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively) and females (p < 0.01 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Our results demonstrate that the reported sex dependency of short-term treatments with taurine is due to a higher degree of heart remodeling in females when compared to males and not to sex dependency. In addition, sex-dependency studies should consider the differences between the male and female progression of the disease. Thus, long-term taurine therapies are recommended to prevent remodeling and early death in hereditary cardiomyopathy.

High salt-induced morphological and glycocalyx remodeling of human vascular smooth muscle cells is reversible but induces a high sodium salt-like sensitive memory

Our recent work showed that short-term treatment (1-2 days) with high sodium salt had no effect on the morphology of human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs). However, chronic (long-term treatment, 6-16 days) high sodium salt (CHSS) induced hypertrophy and decreased the relative density of the glycocalyx in hVSMCs. Whether this CHSS effect is reversible at both the morphological and the intracellular calcium and sodium levels is unknown. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the effect of CHSS on the morphological and functional levels of hVSMCs is reversible. However, it induced an irreversible increase in the sensitivity of the cells following short-term treatment with high extracellular Na+. We tested the effects of the removal of CHSS treatment on the morphology and intracellular sodium and calcium of hVSMCs. Our results showed that restoring average sodium concentration (145 mM) modeled back the relative density of the glycocalyx, the intracellular resting calcium and sodium levels, and the whole cell and nuclear volumes of hVSMCs. In addition, it induced a permanent remodeling of hVSMCs' response to a short-term increase in the extracellular level of sodium salt by developing spontaneous cytosolic and nuclear calcium waves. Our results showed that CHSS is reversible at both the morphological and basal intracellular ionic levels. However, it maintained a high sensitivity to short-term elevation of extracellular sodium. These results suggest that even if chronic high salt is corrected, it induces a high sodium salt-like sensitive memory.

Short-Communication: Short-Term Treatment with Taurine Prevents the Development of Cardiac Hypertrophy and Early Death in Hereditary Cardiomyopathy of the Hamster and Is Sex-Dependent

Premature death due to heart failure is a major health problem. Taurine is a non-essential amino acid that has received much attention. However, although many studies have been carried out on the beneficial effects of taurine in cardiac pathophysiology, no studies have investigated the effect of taurine treatment on the development of hereditary cardiomyopathy (HCM) associated with hypertrophy, heart failure, and early death. This study aims to verify whether short-term treatment (20 days) with taurine in tap water prevents the development of hypertrophy and premature death in hereditary cardiomyopathy of the hamster (HCMH) of the line UM-X7.1 and if its effect is sex-dependent. Our results show that treatment for 20 days with taurine (250 mg/kg/day or 25 mg/animal/day) during the development of the hypertrophic phase (220 days old) significantly decreased (p < 0.01) the heart weight to body weight ratio in male HCMHs without affecting the female. During the 20 days (220−240 days old), there were nearly 40% premature deaths in non-treated males HCMHs and 50% in female HCMHs. Treatment for 20 days wholly and significantly prevented early death in both males and females HCMHs. Our results demonstrate that short-term treatment with taurine prevents the development of cardiac hypertrophy associated with HCM in a sex-dependent manner; however, it prevents early death in a sex-independent fashion. Our results suggest that taurine supplementation could be used to treat HCM.

Vascular smooth muscle remodeling in health and disease

In blood vessels, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) generally exist in two major phenotypes: contractile and non-contractile (synthetic). The contractile phenotype is predominant and includes quiescent or differentiated VSMCs, which function as the regulators of blood vessel diameter and blood flow. According to some literature in the field, contractile VSMCs do not switch to the non-contractile phenotype due to the activation of specific transcription factors that are considered as guardians of the contractile phenotype. However, a vast amount of the literature uses the terms remodeling and phenotype switching of contractile VSMCs interchangeably based mainly on studies dealing with atherosclerosis. The use of the terms remodeling and switching to describe changes in phenotype based on morphological criteria can be confusing. The term remodeling was first used to describe morphological changes in the heart and was soon used to describe phenotype changes of contractile VSMCs based on morphological criteria. The latter were introduced in early studies, and new molecular criteria were later added, including changes in gene expression, which could be irreversible. In this review, we will discuss the different views concerning remodeling and possible switching of contractile VSMCs to a non-contractile phenotype. We conclude that only remodeling of contractile VSMCs may take place upon vascular injury and disease.

Taurine and cardiac disease: state of the art and perspectives

Taurine is a nonessential amino acid that has received much attention. Two organs, the heart and the brain, are known to produce their own taurine, but in very limited quantities. It is for this reason that supplementation with this amino acid is necessary. Today, taurine is present in almost all energy drinks. A very vast literature reported beneficial effects of taurine in hepatic dysfunction, gastrointestinal injury, kidney diseases, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Most of its effects were attributed to its modulation of Ca2+homeostasis as well as to its antioxidant properties. In this review, we will focus on the current status of taurine modulation of the cardiovascular system and discuss future avenues for its use as a supplement therapy in a specific cardiovascular disease, namely hypertrophy, and heart failure.

High salt-induced hypertrophy of human vascular smooth muscle cells associated with a decrease in glycocalyx

All health organizations agree that, presently, the average daily salt (sodium chloride) consumption per person has attained almost double the recommended amount. A chronic high salt diet contributes to the increase in blood pressure and to the development of cardiovascular disease. Although our knowledge of hypertension, in general, is abundant, little is known about salt-sensitive hypertension. Here we tested the hypothesis that acute and/or chronic high salt mimicking that present in high-salt sensitive hypertensive patients may induce hypertrophy of human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs) and their nuclei that are associated with damage to the plasma membrane glycocalyx. Using quantitative 3D confocal microscopy coupled to immunofluorescence techniques, we tested the effects of acute (2-4 days) and chronic (6-16 days) treatments of hVSMCs without (145 mM) or with high (149 mM) extracellular sodium chloride. Our results showed that acute treatment with high salt significantly decreased the relative density of membrane glycocalyx without affecting the whole cell and nuclear volumes of hVSMCs. However, chronic treatments with high salts induced significant decreases in the relative density of glycocalyx accompanied by significant increases in the whole cell and nuclear volumes as well as in the protein/DNA ratio. The high salt-induced hVSMC hypertrophy was associated with a sustained increase in intracellular sodium and calcium. Our results clearly showed that, increasing salt concentration by as little as 4 mM immediately induced damage to the cell membrane glycocalyx leading to chronic Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ overloads and hVSMC hypertrophy. The latter may reduce the lumen of arteries leading to an increase in blood pressure. Future identification of the mechanisms that are implicated in a high salt-induced remodeling of hVSMCs may permit the development of new therapeutic interventions for the treatment of high salt-sensitive hypertension and the prevention of the associated cardiovascular diseases.

Cephalometric assessment of craniofacial dysmorphologies in relation with Msx2 mutations in mouse

OBJECTIVES

To determine the role of Msx2 in craniofacial morphology and growth, we used a mouse model and performed a quantitative morphological characterization of the Msx2 (-/-) and the Msx2 (+/-) phenotype using a 2D cephalometric analysis applied on micrographs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-four three-and-a-half-month-old female CD1 mice were divided into the following three groups: Msx2 (+/+) (n = 16), Msx2 (+/-) (n = 16), and Msx2 (-/-) (n = 12). Profile radiographs were scanned. Modified cephalometric analysis was performed to compare the three groups.

RESULTS

Compared with the wild-type mice, the Msx2 (-/-) mutant mice presented an overall craniofacial size decrease and modifications of the shape of the different parts of the craniofacial skeleton, namely the neurocranium, the viscerocranium, the mandible, and the teeth. In particular, dysmorphologies were seen in the cochlear apparatus and the teeth (taurodontism, reduced incisor curvature). Finally contrary to previous published results, we were able to record a specific phenotype of the Msx2 (+/-) mice with this methodology. This Msx2 (+/-) mouse phenotype was not intermediate between the Msx2 (-/-) and the wild-type animals.

CONCLUSION

Msx2 plays an important role in craniofacial morphogenesis and growth because almost all craniofacial structures were affected in the Msx2(-/-) mice including both intramembranous and endochondral bones, the cochlear apparatus, and the teeth. In addition, Msx2 haploinsufficiency involves a specific phenotype with subtle craniofacial structures modifications compared with human mutations.

[Anorexia nervosa: bioelectrical impedance analysis in body composition measurement during hospitalization]

Monitoring parameters for anorexia nervosa include clinical, biological and psychological factors. Many research groups are currently trying to identify parameters more likely to predict the severity or the evolution of the illness. Body composition has been proposed as one of those parameters. The aim of the present study is to demonstrate that measures of body composition are more accurate and efficient than the use of body composition index (BMI). We also aim to show that body composition could be used as a prognostic factor in the long-term evolution of patients with anorexia nervosa. It's a retrospective study investigating body composition and BMI in 44 patients treated in a specialized unit for eating disorder. Measures of body composition and BMI were gathered at the time of admission and again 3 months after refeeding onset. Data was correlated to the EDI-2 questionnaire scores. BMI and %FM where found to be increased (P < 0.05) between admission and after 3 months refeeding. The double objective of reaching a BMI value > or = 20 kg/m2 and a %FM value > or = 2% was achieved by 22% of patients. No significant correlation was found between EDI-2 scores and measures of BMI and %FM either on admission or after the 3 months refeeding period. In conclusion, results of our study don't allow concluding for a prognostic superiority of %FM. Nonetheless, BMI currently used as a reference for the monitoring of eating disorders patients seems to lack sensitivity where measures of body composition seem more informative regarding nutritional status. Furthermore, fat mass plays an important role in other clinical manifestations. In addition, measures of body composition should allow more individualised therapeutic support.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy by people accessing services from non-governmental HIV support organisations in three Caribbean countries

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence in order to guide the development of strategies to improve the situation.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with people living with HIV (PLHIV) who receive services from non-governmental organisations affiliated to the Caribbean Regional Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (CRN+) in Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago. PLHIV from CRN+, traced potential participants, administered informed consent procedures and carried out structured interviews. The main outcome measure was 95% to 100% adherence over the previous seven days. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to identify associations with demographic characteristics, psychological status, health and support service use, sexual behaviour and substance abuse.

RESULTS

Of 394 respondents, 69.5% were currently taking ART. Of these, 70.1% took 95% to 100% of their prescribed pills. One in 20 took more pills than prescribed, all of whom were prescribed fewer or equal to the median pill number. Factors independently associated with adherence were use of a counselling service (OR 3.20; 95% CI 1.55, 6.61), revelation of HIV status without consent (OR 2.31; 95% CI 1.13, 4.74), alcohol consumption (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.23, 0.96) and side effects (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.15, 0.68). Drug resistance to ART was reported by 6% of users.

CONCLUSION

Improvements in ART adherence may be achieved by counselling, focussed attention to alcohol users and developing drugs with reduced side effects. Such measures are critical to maintain PLHIV quality of life gains and prevent the proliferation of drug resistant HIV strains.

Factors associated with condom use: economic security and positive prevention among people living with HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean

In the Caribbean region, an estimated 1.1% of the population aged 15-49 is living with HIV. We aimed to measure factors associated with condom use, the primary form of positive prevention in the Caribbean, among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in its major agency advocating on behalf of PLHIV (the Caribbean Regional Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, or CRN +). Condom use at last sex was selected for analysis from a broad-ranging cross-sectional survey (n=394) among PLHIV who were members of or received services from CRN+ in Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago. PLHIV from CRN+ traced potential participants, administered informed consent procedures and carried out structured interviews. Fifty-four percent of respondents reported using a condom the last time they had sex. Condom use was positively associated with partner being HIV negative, disclosure of HIV status, alcohol use, economic security, education level and being employed. Multivariate logistic regression found independent associations between condom use and economic security (p=0.031; odds ratio (OR) for "enough" income 5.06; 95% CI 1.47-17.39), partner being HIV negative (p=0.036; OR 2.85; 95% CI 1.28-6.33) and being married (p=0.043; OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.03-7.91). Seventy-three percent of respondents reported inadequate family income, 26% reported an HIV-negative partner and 9% were married. Condom use appears to be motivated by protection of HIV-negative partners and spouses. Low socioeconomic status is associated with the overall percentage using condoms. Restriction to members of CRN+ limits generalisability of the findings. Nevertheless, the findings support the view that programmes for the socioeconomic empowerment of PLHIV are needed to slow the Caribbean HIV epidemic. Expectations for protection of different types of partners should be further explored in order to develop culturally appropriate interventions with couples.

[Orthopedic activators for growth and treatment of Class II malocclusion]

Activators are functional jaw orthopedic appliances which provide various mandibular position, but always different from habitual positions. Mechanisms and modus operandi of activators explain therapeutic objectives of clinicians. When we analyse different determinants of modus operandi of activators (skeletal, muscular and articular), it is possible to classify these appliances in rigid monobloc appliances, composite or elastic activators and thrusting activators. Many prospective or retrospective clinical studies analyse dentoalveolar or skeletal effects of the activators.

[The Procuste superimpositions: its value in the study of typology and its development during Edgewise Tweed-Merrifield treatment]

By transforming all figures into the same size, the Procruste mathematical superimpositions system allows orthodontists to analyze and compare geometric shapes whose different areas and forms would otherwise have made comparison impossible. Procruste is, accordingly, particularly useful in the study of facial types. In this retrospective study we analyzed the effects exerted by both growth and Edgewise Tweed Merrifield treatment upon changes in patients' typology of three different facial types. One hundred patients with Class II dental malocclusions were divided into three groups of deep bite, normal bite, and open bite. We found no significant statistical difference in the effects of treatment and of growth on modification of "form" of the facial skeleton as seen on profile cephalograms of the three categories. Patients in all the groups showed an average anterior rotation of the mandible.

Social aspects of the new assisted reproduction technologies: attitudes of Israeli gynecologists

AIM

To evaluate attitudes of gynecologists as to the social aspects of assisted reproduction technologies.

METHODS

The survey was sent electronically to 600 gynecologists covering their opinions on impact of reproductive technologies, the role of gynecologists in reshaping social reality, their definition of family, concern for the unborn child, accessibility to the new technologies, and potential partners in the decision-making process.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-five gynecologists completed the questionnaire. The majority agreed that the new reproduction technologies have major social consequences (90.3%); that gynecologists, by putting these technologies to use, play a major role in changing social reality; and that the interests of the unborn child should be taken into consideration (84.5%). More than half included single parents and same-sex couples in the definition of a "family" and believed that fertility treatments should be available to everyone. As to sharing responsibility, 65.2% (n = 101) felt the gynecologist should not be the sole decision-maker regarding the necessity of treatment; among them, 49.7% preferred that social workers or psychologists be involved--rather than jurists.

CONCLUSIONS

The gynecologists in the present survey seemed to be well aware of the importance of the social revolution initiated by the development of assisted reproduction technologies. While they accepted a broader definition of the family, they have not lost sight of the rights of the unborn child and as such, the need for related professionals to take a greater part in the decision-making process. These findings have important implications for educational programs in the health care professions and for future legislation regarding public accessibility to these procedures.

Olfactory sensitivity for aliphatic aldehydes in squirrel monkeys and pigtail macaques

Using a conditioning paradigm, the olfactory sensitivity of three squirrel monkeys and three pigtail macaques for a homologous series of aliphatic aldehydes ( n-butanal to n-nonanal) was assessed. With only few exceptions, the animals of both species significantly discriminated concentrations below 1 ppm from the odorless solvent, and with n-butanal and n-hexanal individual pigtail macaques even demonstrated thresholds below 1 ppb. The results showed (1). both primate species to have a well-developed olfactory sensitivity for aliphatic aldehydes, (2). pigtail macaques to generally perform better than squirrel monkeys in detecting members of this class of odorants, and (3). no significant correlation between perceptibility in terms of olfactory detection thresholds and carbon chain length of the aliphatic aldehydes in both species tested. These findings lend further support to the growing body of evidence suggesting that between-species comparisons of the number of functional olfactory receptor genes or of neuroanatomical features are poor predictors of olfactory performance. Further, our findings suggest that olfaction may play an important and hitherto underestimated role in the regulation of behavior in the species tested.

Selective handling of information in patients suffering from restrictive anorexia in an emotional Stroop test and a word recognition test

Several studies have been carried out using the Stroop test in eating disorders. Some of these studies have brought to light the existence of cognitive and attention deficits linked principally to weight and to food in anorexic and bulimic patients. The aim of the current study is to replicate and to clarify the existence of cognitive and attention deficits in anorexic patients using the Stroop test and a word recognition test. The recognition test is made up of 160 words; 80 words from the previous Stroop experiment mixed at random and matched from a semantic point of view to 80 distractions. The recognition word test is carried out 2 or 3 days after the Stroop test. Thirty-two subjects took part in the study: 16 female patients hospitalised for anorexia nervosa and 16 normal females as controls. Our results do not enable us to confirm the existence of specific cognitive deficits in anorexic patients.

Article

The different behaviour of hydrocarbons with respect to autoignition phenomena is, at present, not yet fully explained. We have therefore investigated the oxidation of two alkanes that have different octane numbers: neopentane (85.5) and isopentane (92.3), to obtain a better understanding of their reaction mechanisms, in particular, those reactions that are responsible for the onset of knock in spark ignition engines. The experimental study was performed at 873 K in a jet-stirred flow reaction vessel. The oxidation mechanisms were simplified by using the CHEMKIN programme of simulation of reaction mechanisms. These mechanisms were compared to those accounting for the oxidation of n-pentane, cyclopentane, n-heptane, and isooctane that we have previously studied. This comparison shows that the different behaviour of these hydrocarbons can be explained, at least in part, by the presence, in the reaction medium, of resonance-stabilized radicals.Key words: oxidation, neopentane, isopentane, autoignition, modelling.

A marked increase in bone mineral density in a patient with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

During the densitometric follow-up of a 73-yr-old male suffering from bullous pemphigoid and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, a marked increase in bone mineral density (BMD) led to the diagnosis of an asymptomatic prostatic cancer with secondary diffuse bone lesions. This eventuality must be considered in patients with a rapid and unexplained gain in BMD.

Bone mineral density and vertebral fractures in men

In women, many studies indicate that the risk of vertebral fragility fractures increases as bone mineral density (BMD) declines. In contrast, few studies are available for BMD and vertebral fractures in men. It is uncertain that the strength of the relationship between BMD and fractures is similar in magnitude in middle-aged men and in postmenopausal women. In the present study, 200 men (mean age 54.7 years) with lumbar osteopenia (T-score < -1.5) were recruited to examine the relationships between spine BMD and hip BMD and the associations of BMD with vertebral fractures. Lumbar BMD was assessed from L2 to L4, in the anteroposterior view, using dual-energy X-ray densitometry. At the upper left femur, hip BMD was measured at five regions of interest: femoral neck, trochanter, intertrochanter, Ward's triangle and total hip. Spinal radiographs were analyzed independently by two trained investigators and vertebral fracture was defined as a reduction of at least 20% in the anterior, middle or posterior vertebral height. Spinal radiographs evidenced at least one vertebral crush fracture in 119 patients (59.5%). The results of logistic regression showed that age, femoral and spine BMDs were significant predictors of the presence of a vertebral fracture. Odds ratios for a decrease of 1 standard deviation ranged from 1.8 (1.3-2.8) for spine BMD to 2.3 (1.5-3.6) for total hip BMD. For multiple fractures odds ratios ranged from 1.7 (1.1-2.5) for spine BMD to 2.6 (1.7-4.3) for total hip BMD. In all models, odds ratios were higher for hip BMD than for spine BMD, particularly in younger men, under 50 years. A T-score < -2.5 in the femur (total femoral site) was associated with a 2.7-fold increase in the risk of vertebral fracture while a T-score < -2.5 in the spine was associated with only a 2-fold increase in risk. This study confirms the strong association of age and BMD with vertebral fractures in middle-aged men, shows that the femoral area is the best site of BMD measurement and suggests that a low femoral BMD could be considered as an index of severity in young men with lumbar osteopenia.

Brain hypometabolism of glucose in bulimia nervosa

OBJECTIVE

A cerebral function lateralization has been described in bulimic patients in positron emission tomography (PET) studies realized during a specific cognitive task. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, at rest, brain glucose metabolism in patients with bulimia nervosa.

METHOD

PET with (18-F)-fluorodeoxyglucose was used to evaluate cerebral glucose metabolism in 11 normal-weight bulimic girls compared to 11 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Patients were diagnosed following DSM-IV and were off psychoactive medication.

RESULTS

In comparison with control subjects, bulimic patients showed global and regional absolute hypometabolism of glucose. In relative values, only parietal cortex metabolism was significantly lower in bulimic patients. No correlation was found within groups for absolute or relative cerebral glucose metabolic rates (rCMRglu) and body mass index (BMI), anxiety scores, or Hamilton scores of depression.

DISCUSSION

Since previous studies have demonstrated similar disturbances in anorectic patients, we hypothesized that these observations could be a consequence of neurobiological perturbations following nutritional deficiencies or a particular cerebral dysfunction in eating disorders.

Étude expérimentale et modélisation des réactions d'oxydation du n-pentane et du cyclopentane

The reduction of automotive emissions and the reformulation of gasoline composition require a better understanding of the combustion mechanism, in particular aiming at the determination of the influential reactions which are responsible for the onset of knock in spark ignition engines. We have studied the oxidation mechanism of two hydrocarbons of different research octane number: n-pentane (62) and cyclopentane (100). This work follows a previous study on the oxidation of n-heptane and isooctane. The experimental study was performed at 873 K in a jet-stirred flow reaction vessel. The reaction mechanisms of n-pentane and cyclopentane were analysed on a purely kinetic basis, derived from our experimental results, and were finally modelled by using a programme of simulation of reaction mechanisms. The different behaviour of these two hydrocarbons with respect to autoignition phenomena is mainly dependent on the relative concentration of resonance-stabilized radicals in the reaction medium. Keywords: oxidation reaction, n-pentane, cyclopentane, modelling, autoignition.

Brain hypometabolism of glucose in anorexia nervosa: normalization after weight gain

Using positron emission tomography and (18-F)-fluorodeoxyglucose, we studied cerebral glucose metabolism in 10 anorectic girls within their underweight state and after weight gain. Ten age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were used as controls. Both groups were scanned during rest, eyes closed and with low ambient noise. In absolute values, the underweight anorectic patients, when compared to control subjects, showed a global (p = 0.002) and regional (p < or = 0.001) hypometabolism of glucose which normalized with weight gain. In relative values, no global difference could be assessed between underweight anorectic patients and controls but a trend can, nevertheless, be observed toward parietal and superior frontal cortex hypometabolism associated with a relative hypermetabolism in the caudate nuclei and in the inferior frontal cortex. After weight gain, all regions normalized for absolute and relative values, although a trend appears toward relative parietal hypometabolism and inferior frontal cortex hypermetabolism in weight gain anorectic patients. Absolute brain glucose hypometabolism might result from neuroendocrinological or morphological aspects of anorexia nervosa or might be the expression of altered neurotransmission following deficient nutritional state. As some differences exists in relative values in underweight patients and tend to persist in weight gain states, this could support a potential abnormal cerebral functioning, a different reaction to starvation within several regions of the brain or different restoration rates according to the region.

Taste responsiveness in anorexia nervosa

Preferences for sugar/fat mixtures were examined in 12 anorectic females and in 14 normal-weight volunteer controls. The subjects, recruited at an eating-disorders clinic in Paris, were tested after an overnight fast and 2 hours after lunch. Anorectic patients disliked the taste of foods rich in fat more than did controls. Perceptions and preferences for sweet taste did not differ between anorectic females and controls. After lunch, taste preference ratings were equally reduced in both groups, suggesting that satiety aversion to sucrose is present even in anorexia nervosa.