Leptin, neuropeptide Y, and peptide YY in long-term recovered eating disorder patients

Background: Disturbances of leptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and peptide YY (P YY) have been found in women who are ill with anorexia or bulimia nervosa. it is not certain whether peptide disturbances are cause or consequence of eating disorders. Methods: Plasma leptin and cerebrospinal fluid leptin, NPY, and PW concentr ations were measured ill women who were recovered from anorexia or bulimia nervosa to determine, whether alterations persisted after recovery. Results: NPY, PYY, and leptin concentrations were similar across all diagno stic groups. Conclusions: Alterations in NPY, PYY, and serum leptin concentrations are p robably secondary to pathological eating behaviors. Alterations of these pe ptides are unlikely to be trait-related disturbances that contribute to the etiology of eating disorders. (C) 1999 Society of Biological Psychiatry.