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Turku, Finland – A groundbreaking study conducted at the Turku PET Center in Finland has uncovered that patients with anorexia nervosa exhibit increased opioid neurotransmitter activity in the brain, a discovery that could help explain the neurobiological underpinnings of this complex psychiatric disorder. The study, published on January 12, 2025, in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, provides fresh insights into the role of neurotransmitters in anorexia nervosa, a disorder characterized by extreme food restriction, an intense fear of gaining weight, and severe body image disturbances.
Professor Pirjo Nuutila, from the University of Turku, explained that the opioid neurotransmission system regulates both appetite and pleasure within the brain. The study revealed that in patients suffering from anorexia, the activity of this system’s opioidergic tone was significantly elevated compared to healthy control subjects. Interestingly, previous research has shown that the opposite occurs in obese individuals, with the opioid system’s tone being lowered. “It is likely that the actions of these molecules regulate both the loss and increase in appetite,” said Professor Nuutila.
The study also explored how the brain’s energy balance is affected in anorexia nervosa, as the brain accounts for roughly 20% of the body’s total energy consumption. Despite the extreme malnutrition seen in anorexia, the research found that the brains of anorexia patients used a similar amount of glucose as those of healthy individuals. “Although being underweight burdens physiology in many ways, the brain tries to protect itself and maintain its ability to function for as long as possible,” said Professor Lauri Nummenmaa from Turku PET Center. This finding suggests that the brain may adapt to energy deprivation by striving to preserve its basic functions.
Furthermore, changes in opioid neurotransmitter activity are known to be linked to anxiety and depression, both of which are common emotional symptoms in anorexia nervosa. These findings could help explain the mood disturbances and emotional turmoil often experienced by individuals with the disorder.
The study was conducted in collaboration with Turku University Hospital and Pusan National University in South Korea. Using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, researchers compared the brain activity of patients with anorexia nervosa to that of healthy control subjects.
Disclaimer: The results of this study provide a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms behind anorexia nervosa, but further research is needed to fully understand the complex nature of this disorder and how these findings can inform treatment. The conclusions presented are based on the data available at the time of publication and may evolve with future research.
