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Antioxidant status in anorexia nervosa
1Department of Biochemistry, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|January 30, 1999
Summary
Female adolescents with anorexia nervosa show reduced tocopherol levels and altered antioxidant enzyme activity, indicating oxidative stress. This suggests both poor nutrient intake and oxidative damage contribute to the condition.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa is associated with various physiological disturbances.
- Oxidative stress may play a role in the pathophysiology of eating disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the antioxidant status in female adolescents with anorexia nervosa.
- To measure erythrocyte tocopherol concentration and key antioxidant enzyme activities.
Main Methods:
- Tocopherol levels were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
- Antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase) were measured using spectrometric methods.
Main Results:
- Erythrocyte tocopherol concentration was significantly decreased in patients with anorexia nervosa compared to controls (p < .02).
- Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly reduced (p < .0001), while catalase activity was significantly increased (p < .0001).
- Glutathione system enzyme activities showed no significant differences between groups.
Conclusions:
- Deficient tocopherol and altered antioxidant enzyme activities suggest oxidative damage in anorexia nervosa.
- Both inadequate micronutrient intake and increased oxidative stress likely contribute to these findings.