Objective: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by markedly changes in hormone secretion influencing food intake, energy homeostasis and long-term body weight regulation. The aim of this study was to determine neuropeptide Y (NPY), ghrelin and leptin plasma levels and their changes after six weeks of nutritional-rehabilitation program in severely malnourished anorexia nervosa patients.
Methods: Ten women with DSM-IV diagnosed anorexia nervosa, hospitalized (BMI 14.74 +/- 0.43; age 23.3 +/- 1.0) and ten age-matched healthy women (BMI 21.45 +/- 0.72; age 24.3 +/- 0.8) were enrolled to the study. Fasting plasma levels of NPY, ghrelin and leptin were measured before and after the treatment.
Results: Fasting plasma ghrelin and NPY levels were significantly increased in AN patients comparing to healthy women, while plasma leptin was decreased. After six weeks of the treatment plasma ghrelin levels significantly decreased and plasma leptin levels increased. Plasma NPY levels didn't change during the treatment, average BMI significantly increased in AN patients.
Conclusions: We confirmed that ghrelin and leptin plasma levels express actual nutritional status of a body and did change during the six-weeks refeeding in AN patients. Plasma leptin levels together with constantly increased NPY levels indicate to persisting dysregulation of appetite and body weight control mechanisms in AN patients.