Plasma levels of leptin and orexin A in the restrictive type of anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to analyze the pattern of leptin and orexin A plasma levels in patients with the restrictive type of anorexia nervosa (AN-R), during the course of treatment. Thirty females with AN-R, aged 18.0 ± 1.6 years (mean ± SD), range of 15.5–21.0 years, were investigated before and after 2, 3, and 6 months of treatment, which included a normocaloric diet and cognitive–behavioral psychotherapy. The control group consisted of 20 age-matched, healthy control females. Results Before the therapy, both leptin and orexin A plasma levels were significantly lower than in the control group and were negatively correlated. During treatment, leptin levels increased and, after 6 months, showed a correlation with body mass index (BMI). Orexin A levels showed a further decrease during treatment, with no correlation with BMI. Conclusions The results corroborate those of other researchers showing a decrease of leptin levels in patients with AN-R and its increase with body mass increment. They may also suggest a possible relationship between leptin and orexin A plasma level patterns in such patients.