Leptin, neuropeptide Y, and peptide YY in long-term recovered eating disorder patients.
BACKGROUND
Disturbances of leptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and peptide YY (PYY) have been found in women who are ill with anorexia or bulimia nervosa. It is not certain whether peptide disturbances are cause or consequence of eating disorders.


METHODS
Plasma leptin and cerebrospinal fluid leptin, NPY, and PYY concentrations were measured in women who were recovered from anorexia or bulimia nervosa to determine whether alterations persisted after recovery.


RESULTS
NPY, PYY, and leptin concentrations were similar across all diagnostic groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Alterations in NPY, PYY, and serum leptin concentrations are probably secondary to pathological eating behaviors. Alterations of these peptides are unlikely to be trait-related disturbances that contribute to the etiology of eating disorders.
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA 15213-2593, USA.
K A
KA
Gendall
W H
WH
Kaye
M
M
Altemus
C W
CW
McConaha
M C
MC
La Via
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000523:psychology; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002032:Bulimia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000523:psychology; D003289:Convalescence; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000097:blood* / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D019894:Peptide YY / Q000097:blood* / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013129:Spinal Puncture
D009478:Neuropeptide Y; D011506:Proteins; D019894:Peptide YY