Acute tryptophan depletion balances altered resting-state functional connectivity of the salience network in female patients recovered from anorexia nervosa

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftForschungsartikelBeigetragenBegutachtung

Abstract

Background: It has been suggested that individuals predisposed to or recovered from anorexia nervosa experience a hyperserotonergic state associated with anxiety that might be mitigated by restricted food intake, because diminished levels of the tryptophan precursor lower the central availability of serotonin (5-HT). At the neural level, the salience network is a system of functionally connected brain regions; it has been closely associated with 5-HT functioning and mental disorders (including anorexia nervosa). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect on the salience network of a temporary dietary manipulation of 5-HT synthesis in patients with anorexia nervosa. Methods: In this double-blind crossover study, we obtained data on resting-state functional connectivity from 22 weight-recovered female patients with a history of anorexia nervosa, and 22 age-matched female healthy controls. The study procedure included acute tryptophan depletion (a dietary intervention that lowers the central 5-HT synthesis rate) and a sham condition. Results: We identified an interaction of group and experimental condition in resting-state functional connectivity between the salience network and the orbitofrontal cortex extending to the frontal pole (F1,42 = 12.52; pFWE = 0.026). Further analysis revealed increased resting-state functional connectivity during acute tryptophan depletion in patients recovered from anorexia nervosa, resembling that of healthy controls during the sham condition (T42 = –0.66; p = 0.51). Limitations: The effect of acute tryptophan depletion on the central availability of 5-HT can be judged only indirectly using plasma ratios of tryptophan to large neutral amino acids. Moreover, the definition of anorexia nervosa recovery varies widely across studies, limiting comparability. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings support the notion of 5-HT dysregulation in anorexia nervosa and indicate that reduced 5-HT synthesis and availability during acute tryptophan depletion (and possibly with food restriction) may balance hyperserotonergic functioning and the associated resting-state functional connectivity of the salience network.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Seiten (von - bis)E351-E358
Seitenumfang8
FachzeitschriftJournal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience
Jahrgang47
Ausgabenummer5
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 4 Okt. 2022
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Externe IDs

Scopus 85139397458
ORCID /0000-0002-2864-5578/work/142233479
ORCID /0000-0003-2132-4445/work/142236355

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