Hungry brain: about the possible contribution of neurotrophic factors to anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterized by restricted energy intake leading to weight loss below the healthy range. It is accompanied by anxiety and distorted body perception. While the disorder often manifests during adolescence, there is a noted decrease in the average age of onset, with an increasing number of cases in childhood. Successful treatment and maintenance of healthy body weight require an understanding of the complex etiology of AN, encompassing both psychosocial and specific biological factors. Material and methods: For the review, databases PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were utilized, searching for the following keywords: anorexia nervosa, neurotrophins, neurotrophin 3, neurotrophin 4, BDNF, nerve growth factor, from the inception of the databases until September 2023. Discussion: In the biological context, neurotrophic growth factors such as neurotrophin 3 (NT-3), neurotrophin 4 (NT-4), brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF) may play a significant role in the etiopathogenesis of AN. These substances are involved in processes such as neuroprotection, proliferation, maturation, and survival of neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. They regulate neuronal plasticity, impact the production of neurotransmitters, and control synaptic activity. BDNF and neurotrophin 3 influence the serotoninergic and noradrenergic systems, which may be associated with neurobiological processes responsible for anxiety and mood disorders. Conclusions: Understanding the role of neurotrophins in AN has the potential to lead to more effective and personalized therapies, enabling a better comprehension of the biological mechanisms of this disorder and the development of targeted pharmacological interventions. Keywords: anorexia nervosa, bdnf, neurotrophin 3, neurotrophin 4, nerve growth factor