Elucidating the Pathophysiology of Anorexia Nervosa through the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: Development of Novel Nutritional Therapies

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H04106
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59040:Nutrition science and health science-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Sudo Nobuyuki 九州大学, 医学研究院, 教授 (60304812)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 吉原 一文 九州大学, キャンパスライフ・健康支援センター, 教授 (20444854) ; 高倉 修 九州大学, 大学病院, 講師 (40532859) ; 三上 克央 東海大学, 医学部, 教授 (90548504)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 神経性やせ症 / 脳腸相関 / プレバイオティクス / 腸内細菌 / ディスバイオシス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we investigated the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa (AN) from the perspective of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Animal experiments revealed that a diet containing acylated acetate increased colonic acetate levels and reduced anxiety-like behavior. An amino acid-deficient model exhibited hyperactivity and a decrease in neurotransmitter levels in the serum and brain. Conversely, mice that consumed kestose throughout the three generations showed increased physical activity and activation of the brain's reward system. Additionally, our gAN mouse model demonstrated improvement in anxiety-like behavior with probiotics. Clinical research indicated that AN patients had not only elevated levels of uremic toxins, but also persistent abnormalities in the gut microbiota despite weight gain. These findings suggest the necessity of interventions targeting the gut microbiota for effective treatment.

Free Research Field

心身医学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

神経性やせ症（AN）患者は、体重を増やすのが非常に難しく、さまざまな治療に抵抗性を示し、重い感染症や肝臓の問題を引き起こして命に関わることもあります。ANに対する新しい治療法が強く求められていますが、まだ十分な成果が得られていません。本研究では、AN患者に見られる腸内細菌の異常に注目し、この異常を改善することで、体重が増えにくいという問題や行動の異常を改善できる可能性があることを示しています。