Study of Orexin Gene Methylation and Its Link to Eating Disorders, Depression, and Sleep in Women with Anorexia Nervosa

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the methylation of the Orexin A OX-A and Orexin B OX-B gene promoters in young women aged 18 years and older with Anorexia Nervosa AN. The study compares these methylation levels with those in a control group of women with normal weight. It also evaluates how gene methylation relates to the severity of eating disorder symptoms, depression, and sleep quality. Participants include two groups young women hospitalized with Anorexia Nervosa and a control group of women of similar age with a Body Mass Index BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kgm2. The study collects blood samples to analyze gene promoter methylation and uses questionnaires to assess eating disorder severity, depression, daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, and circadian preferences. Participants will provide blood samples and complete several questionnaires including the Eating Disorder Examination Q, Eating Disorder Inventory 3, Major Depression Inventory, Symptom Checklist-revised, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Horne & Ostberg questionnaire. The primary outcomes measured at baseline are the methylation levels of the Orexin A and B gene promoters. The study is observational and sponsored by Istituto Auxologico Italiano.

Orexin Gene in Anorexia Nervosa