Association between eating disorders and 5-HTTLPR polymorphism: The experience of an Italian eating disorders unit

Abstract

Introduction

Eating Disorders (ED) as Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED) are severe and debilitating psychiatric diseases whose etiology is complex and still largely unknown. Several studies seem to suggest that serotonin could be involved and notably there are several associations with 5-HTTLPR polymorphism, especially with the S allele and the S/S genotype.

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to evaluate if an association between ED and 5-HTTLPR (especially the S allele frequency) can be shown.

Material and methods

A group of about 100 subjects attending the eating disorders unit of Ancona will be tested. Their DNA will be taken and the frequency of the S allele will be compared with a control subjects group negative for ED. Then, the ED group will be divided, according to the DSM-5 criteria, in 3 subgroups (AN, BN, BED) and potential differences will be evaluated.

Results

At the moment, we are still collecting patients. According to other studies involving 5-HTTLPR, the S allele frequency in Italy is comparable with the European one, so there is reason to believe that an association could be found.

Conclusions

Serotonin involvement in ED in literature is shown, but it still has to be completely expounded. Studies as this one could help in describing the etiology and the development of this disease.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.