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Published on: May 14, 2018
Ghrelin reactive autoantibodies in restrictive anorexia nervosa
Mutsumi Terashi1, Akihiro Asakawa, Toshiro Harada
1Digestive System and Nutrition Laboratory (ADEN EA4311), Rouen University, IFR23, Rouen, France.
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|March 12, 2011
Summary
In anorexia nervosa (AN), decreased free ghrelin autoantibodies form immune complexes, potentially causing elevated ghrelin levels and resistance. Refeeding improves body mass index and acyl ghrelin IgM autoantibodies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Nutritional Psychiatry
Background:
- Restrictive anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with elevated plasma ghrelin levels that normalize post-refeeding.
- The underlying mechanisms for increased ghrelin in AN remain unclear.
- Investigating ghrelin autoantibodies (autoAbs) offers a potential explanation for altered ghrelin dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if changes in ghrelin-reactive autoantibodies contribute to elevated plasma ghrelin in AN.
- To explore the relationship between autoantibodies, ghrelin peptides, and clinical parameters in AN.
Main Methods:
- Plasma autoantibody levels (IgG, IgM, IgA) targeting acyl and des-acyl ghrelin were quantified using ELISA in AN patients and controls.
- Measurements were taken before and after refeeding in AN subjects.
- Ghrelin peptide levels and antibody-antigen interactions were analyzed.
Main Results:
- AN patients exhibited decreased levels of IgG, IgM, and IgA autoantibodies against acyl ghrelin.
- High levels of IgG autoantibodies against des-acyl ghrelin were observed in AN patients, primarily as immune complexes.
- A negative correlation was found between plasma ghrelin peptide levels and IgG autoantibodies against des-acyl ghrelin.
Conclusions:
- Ghrelin IgG autoantibodies in AN predominantly exist as immune complexes with des-acyl ghrelin, reducing the free antibody fraction.
- This reduction in bioavailable ghrelin autoantibodies may contribute to persistent hyperghrelinemia and ghrelin resistance in malnourished AN patients.
- Improved body mass index after refeeding correlated with increased acyl ghrelin IgM autoantibodies.
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