Adrenal and Gonadal Hormone Replacement in Anorexia Nervosa
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Psychiatric, Psychiatric |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 15 - 30 |
| Updated: | 4/17/2018 |
| Start Date: | April 2004 |
| End Date: | December 2010 |
Effects of Adrenal and Gonadal Hormone Replacement in Young Women With Anorexia Nervosa
This study seeks to gain new information on why young women with anorexia nervosa are
predisposed to early bone loss and osteoporosis. Through a randomized treatment trial in
which participants will receive either combined therapy with the adrenal hormone,
dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and estrogen replacement therapy or placebo, we will determine
the effects of an 18-month treatment course on bone mass, circulating markers of bone
turnover, and serum levels of a factor, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). We are also
studying if these therapies change bone structure to increase skeletal strength compared to
placebo, as assessed through cross-sectional geometric analysis of our bone density data by
dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
predisposed to early bone loss and osteoporosis. Through a randomized treatment trial in
which participants will receive either combined therapy with the adrenal hormone,
dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and estrogen replacement therapy or placebo, we will determine
the effects of an 18-month treatment course on bone mass, circulating markers of bone
turnover, and serum levels of a factor, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). We are also
studying if these therapies change bone structure to increase skeletal strength compared to
placebo, as assessed through cross-sectional geometric analysis of our bone density data by
dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
Profound osteopenia is a frequent and often irreversible complication of anorexia nervosa
(AN). Adolescents with AN often have a reduced peak bone mass and are at increased risk for
early osteoporosis and fractures. These young women have subnormal serum levels of gonadal
steroids and the adrenal androgen dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) that may be associated with
their low bone mineral density (BMD). Low DHEA levels are accompanied by decreased levels of
insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), estrogen, and testosterone. Previous data from our
group indicate that oral DHEA therapy in young women with AN: increases lean body mass, serum
levels of bone formation markers and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and decreases
urinary markers of bone resorption. We also found that standard hormonal replacement therapy
(HRT) significantly decreased bone resorption markers. Information on the effects of these
therapies on bone strength and ultimate fracture risk is lacking.
In this project, we will test the hypothesis that combined therapy with DHEA and
estrogen/progestin will enhance bone mass in patients with AN through anabolic and
antiosteolytic mechanisms. We will test the hypothesis that 18 months of DHEA + HRT will
increase bone mineral density (BMD) and markers of bone formation, while decreasing bone
resorption markers in these patients. The proposed study will examine whether restoring
normal levels of DHEA and estrogen in these young women will increase bone mass during a
critical period for bone accretion. The study will also examine whether DHEA's anabolic
effects on bone are mediated through the skeletal IGF-I regulatory system. Using
cross-sectional analyses of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) data, we will also measure
indices of bone structural geometry to determine if mechanical strength is compromised in
these young women, and if strength is restored in response to combined
anabolic/antiresorptive therapy.
To gain new information on the mechanisms underlying bone loss and fracture risk in young
women with AN, our research goals are:
Specific Aim I: Through a randomized controlled trial, to measure the effects of an 18-month
course of DHEA + HRT on bone mass, markers of bone turnover, and serum levels of IGF-I
compared to placebo. Specific Aim II: To determine whether combined therapy with adrenal and
gonadal steroid replacement changes bone structure to increase strength compared to placebo,
as assessed through cross-sectional geometric analysis of DXA data.
(AN). Adolescents with AN often have a reduced peak bone mass and are at increased risk for
early osteoporosis and fractures. These young women have subnormal serum levels of gonadal
steroids and the adrenal androgen dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) that may be associated with
their low bone mineral density (BMD). Low DHEA levels are accompanied by decreased levels of
insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), estrogen, and testosterone. Previous data from our
group indicate that oral DHEA therapy in young women with AN: increases lean body mass, serum
levels of bone formation markers and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and decreases
urinary markers of bone resorption. We also found that standard hormonal replacement therapy
(HRT) significantly decreased bone resorption markers. Information on the effects of these
therapies on bone strength and ultimate fracture risk is lacking.
In this project, we will test the hypothesis that combined therapy with DHEA and
estrogen/progestin will enhance bone mass in patients with AN through anabolic and
antiosteolytic mechanisms. We will test the hypothesis that 18 months of DHEA + HRT will
increase bone mineral density (BMD) and markers of bone formation, while decreasing bone
resorption markers in these patients. The proposed study will examine whether restoring
normal levels of DHEA and estrogen in these young women will increase bone mass during a
critical period for bone accretion. The study will also examine whether DHEA's anabolic
effects on bone are mediated through the skeletal IGF-I regulatory system. Using
cross-sectional analyses of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) data, we will also measure
indices of bone structural geometry to determine if mechanical strength is compromised in
these young women, and if strength is restored in response to combined
anabolic/antiresorptive therapy.
To gain new information on the mechanisms underlying bone loss and fracture risk in young
women with AN, our research goals are:
Specific Aim I: Through a randomized controlled trial, to measure the effects of an 18-month
course of DHEA + HRT on bone mass, markers of bone turnover, and serum levels of IGF-I
compared to placebo. Specific Aim II: To determine whether combined therapy with adrenal and
gonadal steroid replacement changes bone structure to increase strength compared to placebo,
as assessed through cross-sectional geometric analysis of DXA data.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 15 - 30 years
- Anorexia nervosa by psychiatric criteria
- Amenorrhea for at least 3 months
Exclusion Criteria:
- Receiving no medications known to affects bone metabolism
- No other chronic medical conditions
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