Leptin, neuropeptide Y, and peptide YY in long-term recovered eating disorder patients

• Published in: Biological psychiatry (1969) 1999-07, Vol.46 (2), p.292-299
• Main Authors: Gendall, Kelly A, Kaye, Walter H, Altemus, Margaret, McConaha, Claire W, La Via, Maria C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adipose Tissue - metabolism; Adult; Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Anorexia nervosa; Anorexia Nervosa - diagnosis; Anorexia Nervosa - metabolism; Anorexia Nervosa - psychology; Biological and medical sciences; Body Image; Body Mass Index; Bulimia - diagnosis; Bulimia - metabolism; Bulimia - psychology; Convalescence; Eating behavior disorders; Female; Humans; Leptin; Medical sciences; neuropeptide Y; Neuropeptide Y - blood; Neuropeptide Y - cerebrospinal fluid; peptide YY; Peptide YY - blood; Peptide YY - cerebrospinal fluid; Proteins - metabolism; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; recovered eating disorders; Severity of Illness Index; Spinal Puncture
• ISSN: 0006-3223; 1873-2402
• DOI: 10.1016/S0006-3223(98)00292-3

Background: Disturbances of leptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and peptide YY (PYY) have been found in women who are ill with anorexia or bulimia nervosa. It is not certain whether peptide disturbances are cause or consequence of eating disorders. Methods: Plasma leptin and cerebrospinal fluid leptin, NPY, and PYY concentrations were measured in women who were recovered from anorexia or bulimia nervosa to determine whether alterations persisted after recovery. Results: NPY, PYY, and leptin concentrations were similar across all diagnostic groups. Conclusions: Alterations in NPY, PYY, and serum leptin concentrations are probably secondary to pathological eating behaviors. Alterations of these peptides are unlikely to be trait-related disturbances that contribute to the etiology of eating disorders.