The role of gut and fat hormones in eating disorders

Gut hormones and neuropeptides have a regulatory rain the exocrine secretions and the motor activity of th gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They also act as modulators c food intake and eating behavior. Adipose tissue (AT) als, secretes hormonal peptides, which modulate hunger feelinc food intake and energy expenditure (leptin, adiponectir resist/n). Many studies were published on the role of GI an AT regulatory peptides in eating disorders (anorexia an bulimia nervosa). They could exert their action as regionc actors or by joining the hypothalamus. The increase in ghrelin and NPY secretions and the decreas in leptin secretion in anorexia (AN) and bulimia nervosa coull to promote hunger, thus increasing fear of eating and ris of binge eating. These hormonal changes could also promote physicc hyperactivity, which is observed in 65 to 80% of AN an (20-40% of bulimia nervosa patients (orexin could also pla a role). High endorphin levels may explain the relative insensitivit to pain in AN patients. The increased GI secretion of serotonin and dopamirm associated with a high plasma ghrelin level, could contributi to increasing anxiety. Low resistin and high adiponectin plasma levels could explaii the hypersensitivity to insulin that is observed in many At patients, during the malnutrition state. The role of other GI hormones and neuropeptides remain to be clarified.