[Anorexia nervosa--new view on neuroendocrine and genetic determinations]

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder, characterized by low body weight, distorted body image, amenorrhea and an intense fear of gaining weight. The occurrence of anorexia nervosa has increased over the past 10 years among adolescents and young women and it is estimated to occur in 0,5-1% of population. The Anorexia nervosa is not only a psychiatric illness may have many serious gynecological and medical ramifications. Preventive measures to reduce the incidence of anorexia are not known at this time. However, early detection, intervention and cooperation between many specialists can reduce the severity of symptoms and health consequences. Gynecologists assume a broader role in preventative medicine and health maintenance, that is why their awareness of anorexia nervosa is needed. Anorectic patients have metabolic and endocrine complications. Most of them are caused by the dysfunction of hypothalamus, which produces many nueropeptides and neurotransmitters. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by numerous aberrations in neuropeptides and neurotransmitters, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone, corticotropin-releasing hormone, neuropeptyd Y, leptin, beta-endorfins and serotonine, dopamine. The relationship of anorexia nervosa with genetic factor is being enhanced lower the last few years. However, the studies on the role of polymorphism in some genes brought conflicting results.