AMINO ACIDS, SEROTONIN AND BODY WEIGHT REGULATION

这个子项目是许多研究子项目中的一个 由NIH/NCRR资助的中心赠款提供的资源。子项目和 研究者（PI）可能从另一个NIH来源获得了主要资金， 因此可以在其他CRISP条目中表示。所列机构为 研究中心，而研究中心不一定是研究者所在的机构。 神经性厌食症（AN）是一种严重的精神疾病，导致患者及其家属的心理社会痛苦，潜在的严重医疗后果，以及长期死亡率。 最常见于年轻女性，这种疾病通常对目前可用的治疗方法无效。 此外，在延长住院或门诊治疗期间实现的体重恢复通常伴随着进食障碍症状的复发和低体重的复发。 目前AN治疗研究的一个主要重点是探索新的干预措施，以稳定恢复和预防复发的患者谁已经实现体重恢复。 该项目的重点是稳定AN的恢复。 虽然AN的病因尚不清楚，但中枢神经系统（CNS）中神经递质5-羟色胺的调节改变被认为有助于对体型和体重的关注，饮食模式失调，持续焦虑和频繁的情绪波动。 在从AN恢复的个体中也发现CNS 5-羟色胺调节异常，这反映在脑脊液中5-羟色胺代谢物5-HIAA水平升高、PET成像研究中5-羟色胺受体功能改变以及服用阿托伐他汀活性药物后行为反应改变。 本项目采用随机、安慰剂对照、双盲交叉设计，评估支链氨基酸混合物对从AN中恢复的个体的潜在治疗作用。 据推测，这种干预，通过降低中枢神经系统色氨酸水平减少血清素合成，将减少残留的进食障碍症状。

This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious psychiatric disorder resulting in psychosocial distress for patients and their families, potentially severe medical consequences, and substantial long-term mortality. Occuring most commonly in young women, the disorder is frequently refractory to currently available treatments. Moreover, weight restoration achieved during extended inpatient or outpatient treatment is often followed by recurrence of eating disorder symptoms and relapse to low weight. A major emphasis in current therapeutic research in AN is exploration of new interventions to stabilize recovery and prevent relapse in patients who have achieved weight restoration. This project focuses on stabilization of recovery in AN. Although the etiology of AN is unknown, altered regulation of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the central nervous system (CNS) is thought to contribute to preoccupation with body shape and weight, dysregulated eating patterns, persistent anxiety, and frequent mood fluctuations. Abnormalities in CNS serotonin regulation have also been identified in individuals who have recovered from AN, as reflected in elevated levels of the serotonin metabolite 5-HIAA in cerebrospinal fluid, alterations in serotonin receptor function in PET imaging studies and altered behavioral responses following administration of serotonin-active drugs. This project uses a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover design to assess the potential therapeutic effects of a mixture of branched-chain amino acids in individuals who have recovered from AN. It is hypothesized this intervention, by decreasing serotonin synthesis through lowered CNS tryptophan levels, will diminish residual eating disorder symptoms.