Circadian neuroendocrine functions in disorders of eating behavior

Eating behavior is a complex function determined by regulatory mechanisms characterized by bioperiodic fluctuations. It involves the hypothalamus as well as the related higher centers in the central nervous system (CNS). Many hormones, neurotransmitters and neuropeptides play an important role in the synchronization of food intake. Our study therefore sets out to evaluate the circadian rhythms of several endocrine functions in women with eating disorders, to clarify the pathophysiology of the limbic-hypothalamic system. We measured the circadian rhythms of plasma melatonin, serum cortisol, growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) in 26 patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), 27 with primary obesity (OB) and 7 with bulimia nervosa (BN). Simultaneous evaluation of different neuroendocrine rhythms in these three groups revealed similar circadian abnormalities, (namely daytime persistence of melatonin secretion in AN and OB, and similar cortisol profile changes in AN and BN), together with evidence of internal desynchronization among the different bioperiodic functions. These findings suggest that some changes of the central pathways involved in the control of eating, mood and endocrine functions are common to dissimilar kinds of eating disorders.