Genetic Study Points to Metabolic Roots of Anorexia Nervosa

The article, “Genetic Study Points to Metabolic Roots of Anorexia Nervosa”, by Nicoletta Lanese discusses the recent insight into the genetic markers of anorexia nervosa. The data collected became part of one of the biggest studies on the eating disorder that has ever been made. It has become more evident that there is a lot more to anorexia nervosa than previously thought. The disorder has psychiatric and metabolic origins. 

Through the study, I found two very interesting discoveries. The first is that anorexia nervosa shares single-nucleotide polymorphisms with other psychiatric disorders. These include obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, and a few others. The second is the disorder’s relation to metabolism. Certain gene variants indicate that anorexia nervosa may stem from one’s metabolism functioning differently. Apparently, the part of the body that signals when we are hungry, does not work properly. As a result, those with anorexia nervosa might just be able to physiologically starve themselves longer. 

Another article by Amy Lewis called “Researchers Explore the Genetics of Eating Disorders” offers more facts. The scientist Cynthia Bulik has worked with the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders. In a study on twins, Bulik and her team found that anorexia nervosa is 50 to 60 percent heritable. She was also responsible for the studies in 2017 that are mentioned earlier concerning anorexia nervosa’s link to other psychiatric problems. Going forwards, she hopes to understand more about all of the eating disorders. The center has begun an initiative to look into binge eating on a genetic basis as well. 

Above is an image depicting some statistics on the severity of eating disorders. Genetics could be key in lowering these statistics drastically. 

The subject of eating disorders is an extremely important topic of research. Genetics allowed us to learn this new information. Without the field, we would not be able to make the same leaps and bounds in understanding the devastating disorder. Anorexia nervosa is the deadliest of the eating disorders currently. It affects a lot of younger individuals especially of high school and college age. For this reason, the subject was very interesting. Looking into the genetics of eating disorders can help us to understand more about how they work, how to treat them, and even who is at a higher risk.

Gene Linked to Binge Eating Disorder

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have recently published their findings in Biological Psychiatry on a gene that has been linked to Binge Eating Disorder. Through the use of gene mapping they have been able to identify this gene (CYFIP2) as a possible risk, though it is the first to be discovered in model organisms or human beings. They have also been able to discover genes that are involved in a process called myelination (where a casing forms on a nerve to promote quick impulses) that are linked to binge eating as well. There is little knowledge based on linking genes to certain diseases and disorders, so this research may be essential in treating many issues. 

Binge Eating Disorder is a huge problem for millions of people, consisting of a desire to eat large quantities of food in a short period of time and often making oneself sick or uncomfortable from being too full afterwards. It stems from a loss of control that is very difficult to regain. 

The significance of this study is that it provides a starting point that researchers can go off of for further research revolving around genes and disorders. If we can figure out what genes are influencing disorders like Binge Eating then the next step is to find a way to manipulate them, and this in turn will lower obesity rates and benefit many people as a whole. I believe this is an extremely important study because most people know others who have been affected by an eating disorder, and if scientists can pinpoint the exact genes that cause them, then it would be extremely life altering for millions of people. 

Link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/313772.php

A Genetic Link to Anorexia

What is Anorexia?
Anorexia is an eating disorder that's chracterized by distored body image with an intense fear of being overweight. People with anorexia have a perception that their body is abnormal and must take every control on losing weight. Individuals with anorexia will take extreme ways such as, restrict the amount of food, less calorie intake, misusing laxatives, diet supplements or try to excercise excesssively. Anorexia can be very difficult to overcome, but with correct treatment you can return to healthier eating habits and gain a better lifestyle. Now, reasearchers from Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) suspect the possible risks of anorexia is genetic oriented. Scientist, Lori Zelster used mice and had them on strict diet. They discovered that there is a correlation of feeding behavior between humans and mice. Peer pressure and social stress cause the mice to reduce their calorie-intake upto 20-30%. Researchers found that the BDNF gene is associated with anorexia along with enviromental and social factors. Moneek Madra concluded that, "In the end, we achieved a model that closely replicates the factors that elicit anorexic behavior in humans."

I found this finding to be very essential because peer pressure and body image is a problem that any individual can have. Adolscents and teenagers go through immense pressure and many changes in their lives, it is important for parents to help make positive choices for a better and a healthy lifestyle. Social media and our surroundings influences young kids to acheive the perfect body image.

New tool can switch behavior -- such as voracious eating -- 'on' and 'off'

A new chemogenetic technique can now be used to control voracious eating within mice.  This technique can be used as an on or off switch that control a certain behavior by targeting the cell surface of receptors for neurons and either enabling or inhibiting a certain receptor.  Neuron receptors are responsible for sending signals throughout the nervous system.  This is a delicate system and even the slightest error within this system can lead to epilepsy, schizophrenia, depression or even Alzheimer's disease.  This new chemogenetic tool can change the shape of a neuroreceptor and allow only a certain signal to be sent through.  This may lead to a better understanding of the neurological system.  Although, it is unclear how to change certain receptors to control different neurological impulses.  More studies are being done to determine an "on and off switch" for certain behaviors.  This study will hopefully shine light on therapeutic uses.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150430124000.htm

I had some initial concerns when I was first reading this article.  I know that the neurological system is a highly sensitive system and there is still a lot to learn about it.  Although this therapy is effective on changing a certain behavior, you can't help but wonder what the long term effects of this chemogenetic technique can be for this nervous system.  If the long term effects are better understood, this may lead to breakthroughs in treating schizophrenia and or any dangerous neurological problems.  This can also lead to therapy for drug related issues.

The Price of Beauty

The pressure and stress society deems someone as “beautiful” can be quite demanding; for some it may mean taking great risk to achieve that beauty. This risk is also the cause of one million suffering in Britain—either by starvation or suicide, this is known as anorexia disorder. We have seen forms of anorexia from models and demanding parents. However studies have shown that anorexia can be also inherited!

In reality, scientists showed there is not just one social cause that leads to anorexia. In fact, the main drive for this disorder could either be the fear of entering adulthood or of losing parents’ attention. What which gene is the cause for this disorder, compared to schizophrenia—this disorder did not caught enough attention to gene hunters.

 Now, Britain and America teamed up with the rest of the world in order to gather 25,000 DNA samples from those who are anorexic and compare it to the DNA of the unaffected controlled group. Scientists hope that this will allow them to pinpoint the genes and study their function in order to develop a treatment. However the finding cannot be replicated and the project is back at square one.

The scientists hope that if the finding was successful, it can help lessen the guilt to parents of the anorexic child. According to Professor Janet, Treasure director of the Eating Disorders Unit at Bethlem Royal Hospital, the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, that parents need to understand that anorexia is caused by both environment and genetics cause. This disorder tends to happen during adolescence, it is a natural response—but it is the emotional reactions that get children sick.

Anorexia happens to 1-2% of teenagers and college students, though it can happen at any age. People who have anorexia sees themselves fat even though they eat the bare minimum amount of food allowing them to survive. They tend to secretly starve themselves and vomit the food they ate. People who tend to have anorexia tend to be: perfectionist, anxious or depressed, and obsessive. This disorder usually happens to more females than males; more specifically the daughter of two professional couples.

The global project for finding the gene responsible for anorexia, led by Professor Cynthia Bulik, an expert in eating disorders at the University of North Carolina in the US, identified the genes to be, AN25k. It is likely as the project continues they find other genes contributing to the cause of this disease. Studies show that of the risk 56% anorexia is contributed by genetic factors. The researchers are now hoping they find one gene that linked the illness altogether so they can develop a treatment.

This article to me was a relief to read, in my high school days my health teacher has shown me some very disturbing pictures of anorexia—we even watched videos about them. I feel so bad for all the girls I've seen, I want to tell them they are beautiful already—that they are harming their body by not eating. This disorder causes so much pain to not only to those who have it, but also to family members as well. 

Article: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/the-genetics-of-anorexia-9778489.html

Related article: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2732887/UK-scientists-launch-hunt-anorexia-gene-Plea-1-000-volunteers-help-prove-health-victims-born-deadly-condition.html

The role of Genetics in Eating Disorders

Concentric circles complicate predisposition of eating disorders

This article uses family, twin, and molecular genetic studies which support the hypothesis that, there is a large influence of genetic inheritance and predisposition for eating disorders. For many years, it was thought that eating disorders were strictly a social choice; today, it is classified by the DSM 4 as an Axis 1 disorder. There is much research regarding the heritability of eating disorders regarding the existence of an altered serotonin neurotransmitter specifically in Anorexia Nervosa. There is also a co-morbidity factor between those with Anorexia Nervosa and anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and other anxiety disorders while Bulimia Nervosa was linked more with substance abuse, bipolar, and other mood disorders. The problem with studying eating disorders in general in the nature versus nurture issue. Bulimia and Anorexia can both be associated with other mood disorders that are known to be caused by distorted levels of certain neurotransmitters. These altered levels are often seen in many mood disorders and other addictions. The same transmitters are affected. How much does the environment influence the development of an eating and how much, if any is caused by genetics?

A very interesting study was conducted in 2004 by a woman named Ann Becker. She introduced American television to the people of Fiji in the 90's. Before the introduction, women in general were very happy with there bodies and had no reason to be unhappy. After the introduction, the incidences of dissatisfaction and dieting increased dramatically. This proses a question about how much environmental influence has on ones own insight into their own views of themselves.