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Anorexia nervosa and polymorphonuclear (PMN) granulocyte reactions
Scandinavian Journal of Haematology
|October 1, 1977
Summary
Anorexia nervosa patients exhibit reduced polymorphonuclear (PMN) granulocyte bactericidal capacity and adherence. While some PMN functions are altered, the clinical significance for infection risk remains uncertain in this study.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Psychiatry
- Hematology
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder associated with malnutrition.
- Nutritional deficiencies can impact immune cell function.
- Polymorphonuclear (PMN) granulocytes are crucial for innate immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate peripheral blood polymorphonuclear (PMN) granulocyte function in patients with anorexia nervosa.
- To compare PMN bactericidal capacity, adherence, chemotaxis, and alkaline phosphatase activity between anorexia nervosa patients and normal-weight controls.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of 10 anorexia nervosa patients with age- and sex-matched normal-weight controls.
- Assessment of PMN bactericidal capacity, adherence, and chemotaxis.
- Measurement of intracellular alkaline phosphatase activity in PMNs.
Main Results:
- Anorexia nervosa patients showed significantly decreased PMN bactericidal capacity and adherence compared to controls.
- Mean PMN chemotaxis did not differ, but was nearly absent in two patients.
- Intracellular alkaline phosphatase activity was below reference values in 5 out of 6 patients tested.
Conclusions:
- Altered granulocyte function, including reduced bactericidal capacity and adherence, may be present in anorexia nervosa.
- The clinical significance of these granulocyte function changes regarding infectious disease risk is uncertain in the absence of severe infections in the study cohort.