Orexigenic Neuropeptide 26RFa: New Evidence for an Adaptive Profile of Appetite Regulation in Anorexia Nervosa

Context: Restrictive anorexia nervosa (AN) presents an adaptive appetite regulating profile including mainly high levels of ghrelin. Because this adaptive mechanism is not effective on food intake, other appetite-regulating peptides need to be explored. 26RFa is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that stimulates appetite, gonadotropin release, and bone metabolism. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the circadian levels of 26RFa in AN patients compared with healthy subjects, other eating disorders, and constitutional thinness (CT). Design and Settings: This was a cross-sectional study performed in an endocrine unit and an academic laboratory. Investigated Subjects: Five groups of age-matched young women were included in the study: 19 restrictive AN, 10 AN with bingeing/purging episodes, 14 with CT, 10 bulimic, and 10 normal-weight controls. Main Outcome Measures: Twelve-point circadian profiles of plasma 26RFa levels were measured in each subject. Results: Significant circadian variations of 26...