Variety of opioid receptors within the mind (prime row) and sugar consumption (backside row) in sufferers with anorexia nervosa. Credit score: Turku PET Centre
A examine performed at Turku PET Middle in Finland confirmed that adjustments within the functioning of opioid neurotransmitters within the mind might underlie anorexia. The outcomes have been printed on 12 January 2025 within the journal Molecular Psychiatry.
Anorexia nervosa is a severe psychiatric dysfunction characterised by restricted consuming, concern of gaining weight, and physique picture disturbances, which can result in extreme malnutrition, melancholy and anxiousness. New examine from Turku PET Middle exhibits how adjustments in neurotransmitter operate within the mind might underlie anorexia.
“Opioid neurotransmission regulates appetite and pleasure in the brain. In patients with anorexia nervosa, the brain’s opioidergic tone was elevated in comparison with healthy control subjects. Previously we have shown that in obese patients the activity of the tone of this system is lowered. It is likely that the actions of these molecules regulate both the loss and increase in appetite,” says Professor Pirjo Nuutila from the College of Turku, Finland.
As well as, the researchers measured the mind’s glucose uptake. The mind accounts for about 20% of the physique’s whole vitality consumption, so the researchers have been occupied with how a discount within the vitality consumption impacts the mind’s vitality stability in anorexia.
“The brains of patients with anorexia nervosa used a similar amount of glucose as the brains of the healthy control subjects. Although being underweight burdens physiology in many ways, the brain tries to protect itself and maintain its ability to function for as long as possible,” says Professor Lauri Nummenmaa from Turku PET Middle and continues:
“The brain regulates appetite and feeding, and changes in brain function are associated with both obesity and low body weight. Since changes in opioid activity in the brain are also connected to anxiety and depression, our findings may explain the emotional symptoms and mood changes associated with anorexia nervosa.”
The examine was carried out in collaboration with the Turku College Hospital and Pusan Nationwide College in South Korea. The brains of sufferers with anorexia nervosa and the wholesome management topics have been imaged utilizing positron emission tomography at Turku PET Middle.
Extra data:
Kyoungjune Pak et al, Anorexia nervosa is related to larger mind mu-opioid receptor availability, Molecular Psychiatry (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41380-025-02888-3
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College of Turku
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Sufferers with anorexia have elevated opioid neurotransmitter exercise within the mind, examine exhibits (2025, January 27)
retrieved 28 January 2025
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