5 ms·
Both anorexia nervosa and bulimia are likely linked to a single E. coli protein and the immune reaction against it. The clinical presentation depends on whethe
by pygy_ 11y ago
Both anorexia nervosa and bulimia are likely linked to a single E. coli protein and the immune reaction against it.
The clinical presentation depends on whether the antibodies end up acting as agonists or antagonists of the receptor the bacterial protein targets.
There's experimental (causative) evidence in rodents and correlations in humans.
http://www.nature.com/tp/journal/v4/n10/full/tp201498a.html http://www.nature.com/tp/journal/v4/n10/full/tp201498a.html
- Kenji 11y agoDoes that mean anorexia and bulimia could be treated with antibiotics that would cut back the population of bacteria that excrete this protein?
- pygy_ 11y agoMaybe a total wipe of the gut flora followed by an appropriate (e. coli-free) stool transplant could do it. It's still very early, no clinical data has been published.