Anorexia and bulimia: linked by the same chain

Scientists have found genes associated with eating disorders in two families

RIA NewsEating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, often affect members of the same family, but it is difficult to identify the genetic abnormalities behind this, since large families need to be examined to obtain statistically reliable results.

Scientists examined two families whose members suffered from anorexia and bulimia, and found two genes whose changes are associated with the development of these diseases, according to an article published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation (Cui et al., Eating disorder predisposition is associated with ESRRA and HDAC4 mutations – VM).

Michael Lutter from the University of Iowa in Iowa City (USA) and his colleagues examined two families whose members suffered from eating disorders. In one family, scientists analyzed the genomes of 20 representatives of three generations, half of whom were ill with anorexia or bulimia, in the second family, scientists examined eight people, of whom six were ill.

Family trees of the first and second families (from an article in J Clin Invest) – VMScientists found that a genetic mutation in members of the first family directly reduced the production of a certain substance – the estrogen-related alpha receptor (ESRRA).

In the second family, genetic abnormalities led to increased production of an enzyme that reduces the production of ESRRA in the body.

As previous studies have shown, both genes are associated with metabolism in muscle and adipose tissues. The activity of both is regulated by physical exercises. Thus, both found genes clearly constitute links of the same chain in metabolism, scientists believe. It is also known that mutations in both genes affect the functioning of brain neurons, but their exact effect on the brain is unknown.

Lutter and his colleagues plan to determine the role of these proteins in the brain in experiments on mice and separately grown neurons, as well as to develop ways to influence these genes using chemicals, which may allow the development of therapy for eating disorders.

Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, affect 1-3% of women and are characterized by a high fatal outcome: approximately 1 woman out of 1000 anorexia patients dies. These diseases often affect members of the same family, but it is difficult to identify the genetic abnormalities behind this, since large families need to be examined to obtain statistically reliable results.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru09.10.2013