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Adiponectin in eating disorders

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Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To elucidate the possible role of adiponectin, an adipokine secreted by white adipose tissue that plays an important role in the neuromodulation of food intake, in the pathogenesis of eating disorders.

Methods

A comprehensive review of the available literature via MedLine is done using the term “adiponectin” in association with one of the following terms: “anorexia nervosa”, “bulimia nervosa”, “binge eating disorder” or “eating disorders”.

Results

The majority of studies evaluating serum adiponectin levels in patients with eating disorders show that serum adiponectin levels are increased in patients with anorexia nervosa. After refeeding, adiponectin levels tend to rejoin the levels of healthy individuals. Data concerning serum adiponectin levels in patients with bulimia nervosa show that these levels can be equal, higher or lower than those found in healthy controls and lower than those found in anorexia nervosa patients. Binge eating disorder is accompanied with lower serum adiponectin levels than normal. Adiponectin receptor type 1 seems to be more related to the central pathological effect of adiponectin on eating behavior.

Conclusion

The potential role that plays adiponectin in the pathogenesis of eating disorders needs to be elucidated by further studies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon

    Rami Bou Khalil & Charline El Hachem

  2. Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, P.O. box: 60096, Jalledib, Lebanon

    Rami Bou Khalil

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  1. Rami Bou Khalil
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  2. Charline El Hachem
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Correspondence to Rami Bou Khalil.

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Bou Khalil, R., El Hachem, C. Adiponectin in eating disorders. Eat Weight Disord 19, 3–10 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-013-0094-z

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