Reduced MIP-1β as a Trait Marker and Reduced IL-7 and IL-12 as State Markers of Anorexia Nervosa.

Johanna Louise Keeler,Hubertus Himmerich,Ulrike Schmidt,Gerome Breen,Bethan Dalton,Olivia Patsalos,Raymond Chung,Janet Treasure

doi:10.3390/jpm11080814

Abstract

Alterations in certain inflammatory markers have been found in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, their relation to clinical characteristics has not been extensively explored, nor is it clear whether they are trait or state features of the disorder. This cross-sectional study measured serum concentrations of 36 inflammatory markers in people with acute AN (n = 56), recovered AN (rec-AN; n = 24) and healthy controls (HC; n = 51). The relationship between body mass index (BMI), eating disorder psychopathology, depression symptoms and inflammatory markers was assessed. Statistical models controlled for variables known to influence cytokine concentrations (i.e., age, ethnicity, smoking status and medication usage). Overall, most inflammatory markers including pro-inflammatory cytokines were unchanged in AN and rec-AN. However, in AN and rec-AN, concentrations of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β were lower than HCs. Interleukin (IL)-7 and IL-12/IL-23p40 were reduced in AN, and concentrations of macrophage-derived chemokine, MIP-1α and tumor necrosis factor-α were reduced in rec-AN compared to HC. In conclusion, a reduction in MIP-1β may be a trait marker of the illness, whereas reductions in IL-7 and IL-12/IL-23p40 may be state markers. The absence of increased pro-inflammatory cytokines in AN is contradictory to the wider literature, although the inclusion of covariates may explain our differing findings.

Highlights

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious and persistent psychiatric disorder characterised by a low body weight due to food restriction, body image disturbance and intense fear of weight gain [1]
There have been no clearly identified state or trait inflammatory markers and few studies have attempted to explore the link between inflammatory markers and clinical characteristics associated with the disorder
The majority of inflammatory marker concentrations were unaltered in the AN and recovered AN (rec-AN) groups, which aligns with the findings of our previous study [10]

Summary

Introduction

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious and persistent psychiatric disorder characterised by a low body weight due to food restriction, body image disturbance and intense fear of weight gain [1]. The precise aetiology of AN is not clear, biopsychosocial models acknowledge the interaction of genetic, societal and environmental factors, together with biological factors such as the immune system [2]. Cytokines are signalling proteins that are produced by a range of immune cells in the periphery and brain (e.g., microglia and astrocytes) [4]. They play a crucial role in the regulation of the immune system, in the pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders and in brain development and function [5]. There have been no clearly identified state or trait inflammatory markers and few studies have attempted to explore the link between inflammatory markers and clinical characteristics associated with the disorder

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Discussion

Conclusion