Bone markers, bone health and body composition assessment in patients with early stage of anorexia nervosa and in patients with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa.

• Grant number: 19/22533-7
• Support type: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Effective date (Start): January 13, 2020
• Effective date (End): January 12, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nutrition
• Principal researcher: Lígia Araújo Martini
• Grantee: Mariana Agostinho de Pádua Lopes
• Supervisor abroad: Ulrike Schmidt
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Research place: King's College London, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 16/25751-7 - Bone health assessment in patients with Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, BP.DD

Abstract

Women with anorexia nervosa (AN) present increased risk to develop osteopaenia, osteoporosis, and bone fractures. The main associated factors are low weight, illness course and duration, and amenorrhea. Biochemical markers of bone turnover and hormone profile measurement can detect bone turnover changes early and predict bone mineral density and fracture occurrence. Aim: To evaluate bone markers, bone health and body composition of patients with early stage first episode of AN and of patients with severe and enduring AN. Methods: Participants (18 to 25 years) will be recruited from South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and FREED services in other London EDs units. Referred females with early stage first episode with AN (FREED-AN) (N=20) (illness duration less than 3 years); females with severe and enduring AN (SE-AN) (N=20) (illness duration more than 3 years) and a group of healthy young women from the community (N=20) will enroll the study. The participants will undergo an interview, fasting blood test, anthropometry and body composition analyser. Independent General Linear Model (GLM), Chi Square, Pearson's linear correlation tests and linear regression and logistic models will be performed in SPSS. Sample data from AN patients collected in Brazil will be included for more complex statistical analysis. Expected results: Bone health (bone mineral content, and levels of oestrogen, testosterone, biochemical marker of bone formation and resorption, and IGF-1) and body composition parameters (body fat and muscle mass) when impaired, are expected to be positively related to Body Mass Index and negatively with increased severity of ED symptoms and illness duration. (AU)