Study of Blood Lipid Profiles in Women with Anorexia Nervosa to Explore Links With Hormones and Mental Health

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the sphingolipidomic profile in adult women diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa AN, including its two main types restricting AN-R and binge-eating purging AN-BP. This observational study aims to understand how these lipid profiles relate to the severity of the eating disorder, depressive symptoms including suicidality, and gonadal function by measuring hormone levels and contraceptive use. The goal is to use these insights to improve dietary rehabilitation programs and treatment effectiveness over time. The study involves two groups women with Anorexia Nervosa who are hospitalized at a specialized nutrition disorders division, and a control group of healthy women with normal body weight. Researchers will analyze plasma and serum levels of various sphingolipids, such as ceramides, dihydroceramides, sphingomyelins, sphingosine, and related metabolites. These measurements will help define the specific lipidomic profiles associated with the disorder. Participants will complete questionnaires assessing eating disorder severity and depressive state, along with clinical evaluations of hormone levels to understand endocrine status. The primary outcomes focus on baseline levels of ceramides and dihydroceramides. The study is observational, so participants will be monitored without intervention, and the research team will use collected data to explore clinical, endocrine, and psychiatric relationships. Participation involves blood sample collection and questionnaire completion, with the study expected to continue until mid-2026.

Sphingolipidomic Profile in Anorexia Nervosa