Dysfunction of Inflammatory Pathways and Their Relationship with Anti-Hypothalamic Autoantibodies in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa

Background: Despite several attempts, the etiopathogenesis of anorexia nervosa (AN) is still unknown. However, activation immune response in neuropsychiatric diseases, including AN, increasingly evident. We aimed to explore parameters patients with AN and identify link between presence specific autoantibodies for hypothalamic antigens inflammatory response. The relationship markers duration disease has been also investigated. Methods: Twenty-two were included, none under psychopharmacological treatment or suffering from autoimmune conditions. Serum concentrations interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1?, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-?, transforming growth (TGF)-?, IL-21 determined by ELISA kits. In addition, against are quantitatively evaluated. Results: IL-6, IL-1 ?, TNF-?, TGF-? significantly increased AN. A positive correlation body mass index amount autoantibody exists. Notably, a progressive reduction cytokines correlates progression blood negatively concentrations. Conclusions: This study shows that pro-inflammatory phenotype affected concentration antigens. Of interest, state seems be reduced could work as stimulant response, thus possibly increasing autoreactivity.