New therapeutic approaches to target gut-brain axis dysfunction during anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Summary: Dysregulation of gut-brain axis seems to play a key role in anorexia nervosa (AN) pathophysiology. Central alterations of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, neurotransmission, food intake regulation, and peripheral alterations of gut barrier, gut microbiota, immune system, have been reported in AN. Potential beneficial effects of physical activity on gut-brain axis have been observed during refeeding in AN. As nutritional support, psychotherapy, anxiolytics, antidepressants, programmed physical activity needs to be considered as a novel therapeutic tool in AN management. In the future, combined strategies of gut-brain modulations should be assessed in AN, including other promising candidates, probiotics, glutamine and omega-3 fatty acids. Keywords: Physical activity, Anorexia nervosa, Microbiota, Gut, Brain