Neuropeptide Y and Peptide YY in Association with Depressive Symptoms and Eating Behaviours in Adolescents across the Weight Spectrum: From Anorexia Nervosa to Obesity.

Marta Tyszkiewicz-Nwafor,Natalia Pytlinska,Monika Dmitrzak-Weglarz,Agata Dutkiewicz,Bogda Skowronska,Marta Suminska,Agata Krasinska,Agata Pruciak,Agnieszka Slopien,Katarzyna Jowik

doi:10.3390/nu13020598

Marta Tyszkiewicz-Nwafor, Natalia Pytlinska + Show 8 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020598

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Abstract

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and peptide YY (PYY) are involved in metabolic regulation. The purpose of the study was to assess the serum levels of NPY and PYY in adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) or obesity (OB), as well as in a healthy control group (CG). The effects of potential confounders on their concentrations were also analysed. Eighty-nine adolescents were included in this study (AN = 30, OB = 30, and CG = 29). Anthropometric measurements and psychometric assessment of depressive symptoms, eating behaviours, body attitudes, and fasting serum levels of NPY and PYY were analysed. The AN group presented severe depressive symptoms, while the OB group held different attitudes towards the body. The levels of NPY were lower in the AN and OB groups as compared with the CG. The PYY levels were higher in the OB group than in the AN group and the CG. The severity of eating disorder symptoms predicted fasting serum concentrations of NPY. Lower levels of NPY in AN, as well as in OB suggests the need to look for a common link in the mechanism of this effect. Higher level of PYY in OB may be important in explaining complex etiopathogenesis of the disease. The psychopathological symptoms may have an influence on the neurohormones regulating metabolism.

Highlights

Eating disorders (EDs) and obesity (OB) are distinct conditions with several overlapping biopsychosocial risk factors, such as ethnicity, personality traits, adverse events, and neurobehavioural disturbances [1,2]
The fasting serum levels of neuropeptide Y were decreased in adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa, as well as in those with obesity
The right direction of further research should be taking into consideration additional confounding variables, including those related to the mental state of the patients

Summary

Introduction

Eating disorders (EDs) and obesity (OB) are distinct conditions with several overlapping biopsychosocial risk factors, such as ethnicity, personality traits, adverse events, and neurobehavioural disturbances [1,2]. Recent studies have highlighted OB and anorexia associated with medical conditions, as well as OB and EDs as potentially being two sides of the same coin [4,5,6]. A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) resulted in the reconceptualisation of AN, i.e., it is not just a mental illness, but a metabo-psychiatric disease [9], which allows us to compare it with other metabolic disorders, including OB. AN is characterised by a disturbed body image, an extreme fear of weight gain, and weight loss, mostly due to restricted food intake. It has a chronic course and a high mortality rate. It reduces the patient’s quality of life and places an emotional burden on individuals and families

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