Increased resting metabolism in neurofibromatosis type 1

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease that is characterized by neurocutaneous changes with multisystem involvement. A previous study with adults with NF1 revealed that changes in total energy expenditure were related to food consumption and body composition. Resting energy expenditure (REE), a measure of energy that the body expends to maintain vital functions, has not been assessed in NF1 populations. This study aimed to assess REE in individuals with NF1 using indirect calorimetry (IC) and evaluate its correlation with body composition and muscle strength.

Twenty-six adults with NF1 (14 men) aged 18-45 years underwent IC for assessing REE, respiratory quotient (RQ), and substrate utilization. Body composition was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Weight, height, and waist circumference (WC) were also measured. Maximum muscular strength (Smax) was measured by handgrip test using a dynamometer. Patients in the NF1 group were compared to 26 healthy controls in the control group, who were matched by sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity level.

There were no differences in weight, WC, fat mass, and body fat percentage (BFP). Appendicular lean mass (ALM) adjusted by BMI (ALM_BMI) (0.828 ± 0.161 versus 0.743 ± 0.190; P = 0.048) and Smax (37.5 ± 10.6 versus 31.1 ± 12.2; P = 0.035) was lower in the NF1 group than in the control group. No differences in body composition, strength, and anthropometric parameters were observed in men, but women with NF1 presented lower body surface area (BSA), lean body mass (LBM), ALM, ALM_BMI, and Smax. REE adjusted by weight, LBM, or ALM was higher in the NF1 group than in the control group (medians, 21.9 versus 26.3, P = 0.046; 36.5 versus 41.1, P = 0.012; and 82.3 versus 92.4, P = 0.006, respectively), and these differences were observed only among women. RQ was lower in the NF1 group than in the control group (0.9 ± 0.1 versus 0.8 ± 0.1; P = 0.008), revealing that individuals with NF1 oxidized more lipids and fewer carbohydrates than controls. REE correlated negatively with BFP and positively with weight, height, BMI, WC, BSA, LBM, ALM, ALM_BMI, bone mineral content, and Smax.

Individuals with NF1, particularly women, presented with increased REE (adjusted by weight, LBM, or ALM) and lower RQ compared to healthy controls. These findings were associated with lower ALM_BMI and Smax, possibly indicating premature sarcopenia in this population. Further investigation concerning energy metabolism in NF1 and gender differences may be helpful in explaining underlying mechanisms of these changes.