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Linking the Gut Microbiota to Bone Health in Anorexia Nervosa

  • Secondary Causes of Osteoporosis (S Warden, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to examine the anorexia nervosa-microbiota-bone relationship, offering a compilation of the relevant human and animal studies that may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of potential mechanisms involved.

Recent Findings

Recent studies have implicated fermentation by-products of the gut microbiota in bone metabolism.

Summary

Compromised bone health often accompanies anorexia nervosa due to energy deficiency and hypoestrogenism. The gut microbiome has been implicated as a link between these conditions and impaired bone growth phenotypes. Current research supports decrements in Firmicutes and short-chain fatty acids with increases in Methanobrevibacter smithii and Proteobacteria in anorexia nervosa. A potential mechanism for microbiome-regulated bone growth is through modulation of insulin-like growth factor-1. Future research should aim to examine short-chain fatty acids, probiotics, and prebiotics as alternative therapies to treat low bone density in anorexia nervosa.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Women’s Health and Exercise Lab, Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Nicole C. Aurigemma & Kristen J. Koltun

  2. Departments of Nutritional Sciences and Clinical and Translational Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Hannah VanEvery

  3. Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Connie J. Rogers

  4. Women’s Health and Exercise Lab, Department of Kinesiology and Physiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Mary Jane De Souza

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  1. Nicole C. Aurigemma
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Correspondence to Nicole C. Aurigemma.

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Nicole Aurigemma, Kristen Koltun, Hannah VanEvery, Connie Rogers, and Mary Jane De Souza declare no conflict of interest.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Secondary Causes of Osteoporosis

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Aurigemma, N.C., Koltun, K.J., VanEvery, H. et al. Linking the Gut Microbiota to Bone Health in Anorexia Nervosa. Curr Osteoporos Rep 16, 65–75 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-018-0420-5

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