Endocrine Abstracts

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is known as a state of gonadotrophin and leptin deficiency. Leptin, the product of OB gene, secreted by adipocytes, is proved to play an important role in regulating apetite and energy expenditure. Thyroid hormones are Important regulators of total energy expenditure are thyroid hormones and also are able to increase oxygen consumption by tissues. The aim of the study was to evaluate a possible interaction of thyroid hormones (T₃, T₄, TSH) with leptin in a patients with AN. We evaluated 19 patients with AN, female age 21±1.3 years who have gained weight (BMI 14.8±0.6–19.1±0.5 kg/m²). At the moment of diagnosis, serum leptin levels were 2.1±0.3 μg/l while after behavioural therapy and hypercaloric diet for 3–12 months serum leptin levels rose to 6.5±1.5 μg/l not different from 11 healthy female subjects (age 29±5.2 years, BMI 21.1±0.3 kg/m²) whose serum leptin levels were 9.3±0.7 μg/l (P>0.05). Thyroid function was assessed by measuring serum fasting triiodo thyronine (T₃), thyroxine (T₄) and TSH. None of the subjects was taking any medications. Leptin values correlated well with BMI and the mean serum leptin contrecations in AN subjects was 2.39±0.15 ng/ml as compared to 9.3±1.1 ng/ml in control subjects (P<0.01). No significant differences in thyroid hormone levels (T₃ 1.2±0.3 vs 1.8±0.4 nmol/l, P>0.05, T₄ 88.3±10.1 vs 110.2±28.3 nmol/l P>0.05, TSH 1.5±0.4 vs 1.9±0.9 mUI/l, P>0.05) were recorded. Thyroid hormone axis remains normal in secondary leptin deficiency.: Keywords: leptin, anorexia nervosa, thyroid hormones.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.