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Angiotensin-converting enzyme and anorexia nervosa
S Matsubayashi1, H Tamai, N Kobayashi
1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Patients with anorexia nervosa show low angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, which normalizes after weight gain. This suggests ACE levels are linked to body weight in underweight individuals.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays a role in cardiovascular and endocrine regulation.
- Altered ACE activity has been observed in various metabolic and endocrine disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum ACE activity in patients with anorexia nervosa, hyperthyroid Graves' disease, and primary hypothyroidism.
- To explore the relationship between ACE activity, body weight, and thyroid hormones in anorexia nervosa.
Main Methods:
- Serum ACE activity was measured in patient groups and normal subjects.
- ACE activity was reassessed in anorexia nervosa patients after weight restoration.
- Correlation analysis was performed between ACE activity and percentage of ideal body weight.
Main Results:
- Patients with anorexia nervosa exhibited significantly lower serum ACE activity compared to normal subjects.
- Hyperthyroid Graves' disease was associated with elevated ACE activity, while primary hypothyroidism showed a trend towards lower activity.
- Weight gain in anorexia nervosa patients normalized ACE activity and serum T3 concentrations.
- ACE activity positively correlated with ideal body weight percentage in anorexia nervosa patients.
Conclusions:
- Decreased serum ACE activity in underweight anorexia nervosa patients is likely related to emaciation.
- ACE activity is sensitive to nutritional status and thyroid hormone levels in anorexia nervosa.
- ACE activity may serve as a potential biomarker for nutritional status in eating disorders.