title: Postprandial oxytocin secretion is associated with severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms in anorexia nervosa.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Anorexia nervosa, a psychiatric disorder characterized by self-induced starvation, is associated with endocrine dysfunction and comorbid anxiety and depression. Animal data suggest that oxytocin may have anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. We have reported increased postprandial oxytocin levels in women with active anorexia nervosa and decreased levels in weight-recovered women with anorexia nervosa compared to healthy controls. A meal may represent a significant source of stress in patients with disordered eating. We therefore investigated the association between postprandial oxytocin secretion and symptoms of anxiety and depression in anorexia nervosa.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a cross-sectional study of 35 women (13 women with active anorexia nervosa, 9 with weight-recovered anorexia nervosa, and 13 healthy controls). Anorexia nervosa was diagnosed according to DSM-IV-TR criteria. Serum oxytocin and cortisol and plasma leptin levels were measured fasting and 30, 60, and 120 minutes after a standardized mixed meal. The area under the curve (AUC) and, for oxytocin, postprandial nadir and peak levels were determined. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). The study was conducted from January 2009 to March 2011.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In women with anorexia nervosa, oxytocin AUC and postprandial nadir and peak levels were positively associated with STAI trait and STAI premeal and postmeal state scores. Oxytocin AUC and nadir levels were positively associated with BDI-II scores. After controlling for cortisol AUC, all of the relationships remained significant. After controlling for leptin AUC, most of the relationships remained significant. Oxytocin secretion explained up to 51% of the variance in STAI trait and 24% of the variance in BDI-II scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Abnormal postprandial oxytocin secretion in women with anorexia nervosa is associated with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression. This link may represent an adaptive response of oxytocin secretion to food-related symptoms of anxiety and depression.
authors.affiliation: Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA. ealawson@partners.org
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Lawson
authors.forename: Laura M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Holsen
authors.forename: McKale
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Santin
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: DeSanti
authors.forename: Erinne
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Meenaghan
authors.forename: Kamryn T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Eddy
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Herzog
authors.forename: Jill M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Goldstein
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Klibanski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001007:Anxiety / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D019518:Postprandial Period / Q000502:physiology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010121:Oxytocin