Biological Explanation of AN Flashcards
AN statistic of likeliness
Strober 2000 = 11.3x more common in relatives of those who have ED
Gorwood et al (2003) - 70% heritability
What does the EPHX2 gene do
Codes for enzyme epoxide hydrolase which regulates cholesterol metabolism
What do most ppl with acute AN have
Abnormally high cholesterol levels
Strength of EPHX2
Scott-Va Zeeland et al (2014)
152 candidate genes
Significantly linked with AN
Inherited variant causes overactivity of epoxide hydrolase, disrupting metabolism of cholesterol and other fatty acids
What does the ITPR3 gene do
Encodes a protein which is a receptor for inositol triphosphate
How does ITPR3 affect ppl with AN
May genetically determined dysfunction of the taste pathway so ppl with AN in different tasks that others enjoy & partially motivates eating
What neurotransmitters affect an
Dopamine and serotonin
Gene coding for dopamine
DAT1
What does DAT1 do
DAT1 gene codes for a protein called dopamine transporter
(regulate movement of dopamine in reuptake)
What does a mutation to the DAT1 gene affect
disrupts leaving abnormally high dopamine tor transmission
disregulates brains reward systems (mesocorticolimbic dopamine) so eating’s normal rewarding is impaired
Gene that regulates serotonin
5-HTR2A gene
What does the 5-HTR2A gene code for
Postsynaptic serotonin receptor - 5HT2A
What does the 5-HTR2A gene mutation affect
5HT2A receptor structure, causing less binding to serotonin
What did Kaye et al (2005) find
Signif decrease 5-HT2A activity in serotonergic system throughout brains of people with AN
Supporting evidence
Holland et al (1988) found AN concordance rates on (56% for MZs and 32% her DZ)
Treasure + Holland (1995)
study replicated found 65% concordance rate for MZ & 32% DZ
