Epigenetics in eating disorders: a systematic review

Hübel, Christopher; Marzi, Sarah J.; Breen, Gerome; Bulik, Cynthia M.

doi:10.1038/s41380-018-0254-7

Cited by 116Eating Disorders and BehaviorsEpigenetics and DNA MethylationGenetic Associations and Epidemiology

Epigenetics in eating disorders: a systematic review

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Hübel, Christopher, Marzi, Sarah J., Breen, Gerome, Bulik, Cynthia M.·2019·Molecular Psychiatry

DOI 10.1038/s41380-018-0254-7PMC PMC6544542

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Abstract

Eating disorders are complex heritable conditions influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Given the progress of genomic discovery in anorexia nervosa, with the identification of the first genome-wide significant locus, as well as animated discussion of epigenetic mechanisms in linking environmental factors with disease onset, our goal was to conduct a systematic review of the current body of evidence on epigenetic factors in eating disorders to inform future directions in this area. Following PRISMA guidelines, two independent authors conducted a search within PubMed and Web of Science and identified 18 journal articles and conference abstracts addressing anorexia nervosa (n = 13), bulimia nervosa (n = 6), and binge-eating disorder (n = 1), published between January 2003 and October 2017. We reviewed all articles and included a critical discussion of field-specific methodological considerations. The majority of epigenetic analyses of eating disorders investigated methylation at candidate genes (n = 13), focusing on anorexia and bulimia nervosa in very small samples with considerable sample overlap across published studies. Three studies used microarray-based technologies to examine DNA methylation across the genome of anorexia nervosa and binge-eating disorder patients. Overall, results were inconclusive and were primarily exploratory in nature. The field of epigenetics in eating disorders remains in its infancy. We encourage the scientific community to apply methodologically sound approaches using genome-wide designs including epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS), to increase sample sizes, and to broaden the focus to include all eating disorder types.

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Pjetri, E., Schmidt, U., Kas, M. J., & Campbell, I. C. (2012) · Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care · doi:10.1097/mco.0b013e3283546fd3 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
A Comparison of Personality, Life Events, Comorbidity, and Health in Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Anorexia Nervosa
Thornton, L. M., Trace, S. E., Brownley, K. A., Ålgars, M., Mazzeo, S. E., Bergin, J. E., Maxwell, M., Lichtenstein, P., Pedersen, N. L., & Bulik, C. M. (2017) · Twin Research and Human Genetics · doi:10.1017/thg.2017.27 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
450. In Bipolar Disorder, SLC1A2 Promoter Hypomethylation is Associated with Binge Eating Disorder and Nicotine Dependance
Veldić, M., Jia, Y., Choi, Y., Ayers-Ringler, J. R., Biernacka, J. M., Geske, J. R., McElroy, S. L., Frye, M. A., & Choi, D. (2017) · Biological Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.02.934 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Epigenetics in the Remission of Anorexia Nervosa: A Follow-up Study of Whole-genome Methylation Profiles
Ramoz, N., Guillaume, S., Courtet, P., & Gorwood, P. A. P. M. (2017) · European Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.316 · Cited by 2 · see citing works

Flagged first, then by citations

Sorted by citations

Eating disorders
Treasure, J. L., Duarte, T. A., & Schmidt, U. H. (2020) · The Lancet · doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(20)30059-3 · Cited by 1,110 · see citing works
Paving the Way to Precision Nutrition Through Metabolomics
Tebani, A., & Bekri, S. (2019) · Frontiers in Nutrition · doi:10.3389/fnut.2019.00041 · Cited by 143 · see citing works
Principles and Challenges of Applying Epigenetic Epidemiology to Psychology
Jones, M. J., Moore, S. R., & Kobor, M. S. (2017) · Annual Review of Psychology · doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-122414-033653 · Cited by 88 · see citing works
Reconceptualizing anorexia nervosa
Bulik, C. M., Flatt, R. E., Abbaspour, A., & Carroll, I. M. (2019) · Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences · doi:10.1111/pcn.12857 · Cited by 69 · see citing works
“We conducted a systematic review of epigenetics in eating disorders and identified a small number of discoverable investigations: AN (n = 13), bulimia nervosa (n = 6), and BED (n = 1; January 2003 to October 2017).(67) Although epigenetic processes fall into three categories – DNA modifications, histone modifications,…”
Mechanisms by which adverse childhood experiences, other traumas and PTSD influence the health and well-being of individuals with eating disorders throughout the life span
Brewerton, T. D. (2022) · Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1186/s40337-022-00696-6 · Cited by 71 · see citing works
Where Sex Meets Gender: How Sex and Gender Come Together to Cause Sex Differences in Mental Illness
Christiansen, D. M., McCarthy, M. M., & Seeman, M. V. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.856436 · Cited by 65 · see citing works
“Susceptibility genes, it should be noted, may lie dormant for long periods and only become expressed under specific dietary or perhaps hormonal conditions (55).”
Background
Underlying Susceptibility to Eating Disorders and Drug Abuse: Genetic and Pharmacological Aspects of Dopamine D4 Receptors
Botticelli, L., Bonaventura, E. M. D., Bello, F. D., Giorgioni, G., Piergentili, A., Romano, A., Quaglia, W., Cifani, C., & Bonaventura, M. V. M. D. (2020) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu12082288 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
Eating Disorders, Heredity and Environmental Activation: Getting Epigenetic Concepts into Practice
Steiger, H., & Booij, L. (2020) · Journal of Clinical Medicine · doi:10.3390/jcm9051332 · Cited by 55 · see citing works
“, [3,4]), but rather to provide an informed update on the latest findings, along with a discussion of clinical implications.”
Background
Genetics of eating disorders in the genome-wide era
Watson, H. J., Palmos, A. B., Hunjan, A. K., Baker, J. H., Yılmaz, Z., & Davies, H. L. (2021) · Psychological Medicine · doi:10.1017/s0033291720005474 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
Growth factors in anorexia nervosa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional and longitudinal data
Keeler, J. L., Robinson, L., Keeler-Schäffeler, R., Dalton, B., Treasure, J. L., & Himmerich, H. (2021) · The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry · doi:10.1080/15622975.2021.2015432 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Hippocampal volume, function, and related molecular activity in anorexia nervosa: A scoping review
Keeler, J. L., Patsalos, O., Thuret, S., Ehrlich, S., Tchanturia, K., Himmerich, H., & Treasure, J. L. (2020) · Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology · doi:10.1080/17512433.2020.1850256 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
Introduction to Epigenetics
Singla, N., Thapa, R., Kulshrestha, R., Bhat, A. A., Gupta, S. K., Purohit, M., Singh, S. K., & Gupta, G. (2023) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-981-99-4780-5_2 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
Epigenetic alterations in patients with anorexia nervosa—a systematic review
Käver, L., Hinney, A., Rajcsanyi, L. S., Maier, H. B., Frieling, H., Steiger, H., Voelz, C., Beyer, C., Trinh, S., & Seitz, J. (2024) · Molecular Psychiatry · doi:10.1038/s41380-024-02601-w · Cited by 29 · see citing works
“The previous systematic review of Hübel et al [13] focused on epigenetic changes in eating disorders in general (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder) and included 13 studies on epigenetics in AN.”
Detecting multiple differentially methylated CpG sites and regions related to dimensional psychopathology in youths
Spindola, L. M., Santoro, M. L., Pan, P. M., Ota, V. K., Xavier, G., Carvalho, C. M., Talarico, F., Sleiman, P., March, M., Pellegrino, R., et al. (2019) · Clinical Epigenetics · doi:10.1186/s13148-019-0740-z · Cited by 25 · see citing works
DNA methylation of ghrelin and leptin receptors in underweight and recovered patients with anorexia nervosa
Batury, V.-L., Walton, E., Tam, F. I., Wronski, M., Buchholz, V., Frieling, H., & Ehrlich, S. (2020) · Journal of Psychiatric Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.08.026 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
On the Role of Central Type-1 Cannabinoid Receptor Gene Regulation in Food Intake and Eating Behaviors
Pucci, M., Zaplatić, E., Bonaventura, M. V. M. D., Bonaventura, E. M. D., Cristofaro, P. D., Maccarrone, M., Cifani, C., & D’Addario, C. (2021) · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · doi:10.3390/ijms22010398 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
“The environment, both independently and in interaction with heritable factors, plays a relevant role in the onset of EDs and may influence gene expression via epigenetic mechanisms [139].”
Background
Two identical twin pairs discordant for longstanding anorexia nervosa and OSFED: lived experience accounts of eating disorder and recovery processes
Elwyn, R., Williams, M., Smith, E., & Smith, S. E. (2024) · Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1186/s40337-024-01078-w · Cited by 24 · see citing works
“For families with discordant twins, ED psychoeducation should include education on genetics, heritability, environmental risk factors, and epigenetics [1, 4, 10, 255, 275, 276].”
Background
Applying epigenetic science to the understanding of eating disorders: a promising paradigm for research and practice
Booij, L., & Steiger, H. (2020) · Current Opinion in Psychiatry · doi:10.1097/yco.0000000000000632 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Rigor and reproducibility in genetic research on eating disorders
Hübel, C., Leppä, V., Breen, G. D., & Bulik, C. M. (2018) · International Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1002/eat.22896 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Chronic stress and adipose tissue in the anorexic state: endocrine and epigenetic mechanisms
Xiao, Y., Liu, D., Cline, M. A., & Gilbert, E. R. (2020) · Adipocyte · doi:10.1080/21623945.2020.1803643 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
“review on epigenetics and eating disorders, thus far, human studies have only assessed DNA methylation status, and exclusively in female patients [90].”
Background
Individuals Diagnosed with Binge-Eating Disorder Have DNA Hypomethylated Sites in Genes of the Metabolic System: A Pilot Study
Rodríguez-López, M. L., Martínez-Magaña, J., Ruiz-Ramos, D., García, A. R., González, L., Tovilla-Zárate, C., Sarmiento, E., Juárez-Rojop, I., Nicolini, H., González-Castro, T., et al. (2021) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu13051413 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“The main studies have focused on candidate regions, with few studies on genome-wide DNA methylation scanning [24].”
Background
World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) consensus statement on candidate biomarkers for anorexia nervosa
Himmerich, H., Keeler, J. L., King, J. A., Ehrlich, S., Kaufmann, L., Bulik, C. M., Cohen‐Woods, S., Wade, T. D., Steiger, H., Booij, L., et al. (2026) · The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry · doi:10.1080/15622975.2026.2626934 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Genetics of anorexia nervosa: An overview of genome-wide association studies and emerging biological links
Martínez, C. D. J., Rukh, G., Williams, M. J., Gaudio, S., Brooks, S. J., & Schiöth, H. B. (2021) · Journal of genetics and genomics/Journal of Genetics and Genomics · doi:10.1016/j.jgg.2021.09.005 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Systematic review of prospective studies assessing risk factors to predict anorexia nervosa onset
Charrat, J.-P., Massoubre, C., Germain, N., Gay, A., & Galusca, B. (2023) · Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1186/s40337-023-00882-0 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
“Genetic elements have been also identified to define a particular risk profile for the development of AN [69–73].”
Background
Histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4): a new player in anorexia nervosa?
Sild, M., & Booij, L. (2019) · Molecular Psychiatry · doi:10.1038/s41380-019-0366-8 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling in anorexia nervosa discordant identical twins
Iranzo-Tatay, C., Hervás, D., Rojo-Bofill, L. M., Garcia, D., Leal, F. J. V., Calabria, I., Beato‐Fernández, L., Oltra, S., Sandoval, J., & Rojo‐Moreno, L. (2022) · Translational Psychiatry · doi:10.1038/s41398-021-01776-y · Cited by 17 · see citing works
“Extended information regarding epigenetics on EDs is detailed in specific reviews [8] and systematic reviews papers [26, 27].”
Background
The emerging role of the endocannabinoidome-gut microbiome axis in eating disorders
Mir, H.-D., Giorgini, G., & Marzo, V. D. (2023) · Psychoneuroendocrinology · doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106295 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
Influence of the gut microbiome on appetite-regulating neuropeptides in the hypothalamus: Insight from conventional, antibiotic-treated, and germ-free mouse models of anorexia nervosa
Roubalová, R., Procházková, P., Kovářová, T., Ježková, J., Hrnčíř, T., Tlaskalová‐Hogenová, H., & Papežová, H. (2024) · Neurobiology of Disease · doi:10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106460 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
“While the etiology of AN is unknown, risk factors include being female, food restriction, stress, social factors, and genetic and epigenetic predispositions (Hubel et al., 2019).”
Background
Eating Disorders in Top Elite Beach Handball Players: Cross Sectional Study
Martínez-Rodríguez, A., Vicente-Martínez, M., Sánchez‐Sánchez, J., Miralles-Amorós, L., Martínez-Olcina, M., & Sánchez-Sáez, J. A. (2021) · Children · doi:10.3390/children8030245 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
GABAergic interneurons’ feedback inhibition of dorsal raphe-projecting pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex suppresses feeding of adolescent female mice undergoing activity-based anorexia
Du, M., Santiago, A. N., Akiz, C., & Aoki, C. J. (2022) · Brain Structure and Function · doi:10.1007/s00429-022-02507-9 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
“Furthermore, recent research could even trace the etiology of AN to an epigenetic level (Hubel et al. 2019).”
Background
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Binge Eating Disorder: A Systematic Review
Caldiroli, A., Tegola, D. L., Manzo, F., Scalia, A., Affaticati, L. M., Capuzzi, E., Colmegna, F., Argyrides, M., Giaginis, C., Mendolicchio, L., et al. (2023) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu15173777 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
Cytokine and Microbiome Changes in Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa at Admission, Discharge, and One-Year Follow-Up
Käver, L., Voelz, C., Specht, H. E., Thelen, A. C., Keller, L., Dahmen, B., Andreani, N. A., Tenbrock, K., Biemann, R., Borucki, K., et al. (2024) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu16111596 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Peripheral Vascular Abnormalities in Anorexia Nervosa: A Psycho-Neuro-Immune-Metabolic Connection
Sirufo, M. M., Ginaldi, L., & Martinis, M. D. (2021) · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · doi:10.3390/ijms22095043 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
No evidence for intervention-associated DNA methylation changes in monocytes of patients with posttraumatic stress disorder
Hummel, E. M., Elgizouli, M., Beygo, J., Giuranna, J., Sicorello, M., Leitão, E., Schröder, C., Zeschnigk, M., Müller, S., Öztürk, D., et al. (2022) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-022-22177-1 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
SLC6A4 DNA Methylation Levels and Serum Kynurenine/Tryptophan Ratio in Eating Disorders: A Possible Link with Psychopathological Traits?
Franzago, M., Orecchini, E., Porreca, A., Mondanelli, G., Orabona, C., Ragione, L. D., Nicola, M. D., Stuppia, L., Vitacolonna, E., Beccari, T., et al. (2023) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu15020406 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
“, few studies have evaluated DNA methylation at selected candidate genes [61] mainly involved in synaptic transmission, endoplasmic reticulum stress response, growth hormone signaling, fluid balance, the cannabinoid system, dopamine transmission, stress response, and appetite regulation [62–64].”
Background
A Multicenter Network Analysis Examining the Psychological Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Eating Disorders versus Their Healthy Siblings
Meneguzzo, P., Mico, A. D., Gori, P., Ajello, A., Ceccato, E., Consolati, M. D., Vita, A., Sala, A., & Santonastaso, P. (2022) · Journal of Clinical Medicine · doi:10.3390/jcm11237187 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Genç Yetişkinlerde Sosyal Medya Kullanımına Dair Özellikler ile Sosyal Görünüş Kaygısı ve Yeme Tutumları İlişkisi
ŞENGÖNÜL, M., & Aydın, B. N. (2023) · Haliç Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi · doi:10.56206/husbd.1196068 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
[Risk factors and prevention strategies in eating disorders].
Canals, J., & Val, V. A. (2022) · Nutrición Hospitalaria · doi:10.20960/nh.04174 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Psychiatric Comorbidity in Mexican Adolescents with a Diagnosis of Eating Disorders Its Relationship with the Body Mass Index
Ruíz-Ramos, D., Martínez‐Magaña, J. J., García, A. R. S., Juárez‐Rojop, I. E., González‐Castro, T. B., Tovilla‐Zárate, C. A., Sarmiento, E., López‐Narváez, M. L., Nicolini, H., & Mendoza, A. D. G. (2021) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph18083900 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“Eating disorders (ED) are multifactorial psychiatric disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and, binge eating disorder), characterized by alterations in eating patterns and body weight perceptions [1,2].”
Background
Food Security and Nutrition as the Neglected Missing Links in Cultural Evolution: The Role of the Sociotype
Berry, E. M. (2022) · Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal · doi:10.5041/rmmj.10477 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Study protocol of comprehensive risk evaluation for anorexia nervosa in twins (CREAT): a study of discordant monozygotic twins with anorexia nervosa
Seidel, M., Ehrlich, S., Breithaupt, L. E., Welch, E., Wiklund, C. A., Hübel, C., Thornton, L. M., Savva, A., Fundín, B. T., Pege, J., et al. (2020) · BMC Psychiatry · doi:10.1186/s12888-020-02903-7 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
“Epigenetic studies to date have focused solely on the role of DNA methylation [45, 46].”
Background
OXTR DNA methylation differentiates men on the obesity spectrum with and without binge eating disorder
Giel, K. E., Schag, K., Leehr, E. J., Mack, I., Schuster, L.-S., Wiegand, A., Zipfel, S., Hallschmid, M., & Nieratschker, V. (2022) · Clinical Epigenetics · doi:10.1186/s13148-022-01318-3 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
“Our sample size of N > 200 is decent compared to most previous studies, but still might be underpowered to detect more subtle differences [24].”
BackgroundResultInfluential
Exploring biologically oriented precision mental health initiatives for the care of patients with eating disorders: A narrative review
Norris, M. L. (2024) · European Eating Disorders Review · doi:10.1002/erv.3114 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Genetic and epigenetic findings in anorexia nervosa
Hirtz, R., & Hinney, A. (2020) · Medizinische Genetik · doi:10.1515/medgen-2020-2005 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“[31] recently reviewed the literature on epigenetic findings in AN considering global methylation as well as candidate gene studies and epigenome-wide associations studies (EWASs).”
Background
Hypermethylation of the serotonin transporter gene and paternal parenting styles in untreated anorexia nervosa patients: A pilot study
He, Q., Lian, C., Peng, S., Chen, H., Kang, Q., & Chen, J. (2023) · Heliyon · doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12635 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“DNA methylation is the most extensive epigenetic study, caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors [24], whose changes can affect gene expression associated with the stress regulatory systems that has been noted to greatly contribute to the pathogenesis of mental disorders [25].”
Background
Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Analysis in Male Methamphetamine Users With Different Addiction Qualities
Liu, L., Luo, T., Dong, H., Zhang, C., Liu, T., Zhang, X., & Hao, W. (2020) · Frontiers in Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.588229 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Experiences of eating difficulties in siblings of people with anorexia nervosa: a reflexive thematic analysis
Scutt, E., Langdon-Daly, J., & Smithson, J. (2022) · Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1186/s40337-022-00646-2 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“Estimates regarding the heritability of AN vary from 48 to 74% [19, 20], suggesting a strong genetic contribution but not negating the impact of environmental factors.”
Background
Biotechnology applications in precision food
Siddique, A., Tayyaba, T., Imran, M., & Rahman, A. (2022) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-90042-3.00013-x · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells; New Tools for Investigating Molecular Mechanisms in Anorexia Nervosa
Maussion, G., Demirova, I., Gorwood, P. A. P. M., & Ramoz, N. (2019) · Frontiers in Nutrition · doi:10.3389/fnut.2019.00118 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Temperament impact on eating disorder symptoms and habit formation: a novel model to inform treatment
Hill, L. (2024) · Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1186/s40337-024-00998-x · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“This means that the environment and one’s behaviours impact neurobiological and trait responses through alterations in gene expressions [29, 31, 32].”
Background
Causal Relationship between Aging and Anorexia Nervosa: A White-Matter-Microstructure-Mediated Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Qiu, H., Shi, M., Zhong, Z., Hu, H., Sang, H., Zhou, M., & Feng, Z. (2024) · Biomedicines · doi:10.3390/biomedicines12081874 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Adverse childhood experiences and profiles of healthy orthorexia versus orthorexia nervosa: towards an explanatory model of orthorexia as a multidimensional eating style
Rzeszutek, M., Kowalkowska, J., Dragan, M., Schier, K., Lis‐Turlejska, M., Holas, P., Drabarek, K., Hoy, A. V., Maison, D. A., Wdowczyk, G., et al. (2024) · Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity · doi:10.1007/s40519-024-01694-0 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“Attempts to find some direct genetic or epigenetic explanations have failed [21].”
Background
Elevated plasma B12 and betaine levels in women with anorexia nervosa: possible role in illness pathophysiology and epigenetic regulation
Steiger, H., Casey, K. F., Burdo, J., Marcil, V., Harvison, M., Meyerfreund, J., Breton, É., Nemoda, Z., Thaler, L., St‐Hilaire, A., et al. (2025) · Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience · doi:10.1503/jpn.240155 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Genetic variants in genes involved in creatine biosynthesis in patients with severe obesity or anorexia nervosa
Rajcsanyi, L. S., Hoffmann, A., Ghosh, A., Matrisch-Dinkler, B., Zheng, Y., Peters, T., Sun, W., Dong, H., Noé, F., Wolfrum, C., et al. (2023) · Frontiers in Genetics · doi:10.3389/fgene.2023.1128133 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“AN is a severe psychiatric disorder marked by an extremely reduced body weight and a distorted body image (Hübel et al., 2019; Mitchell and Peterson, 2020).”
BackgroundMethod
Inclusion of the severe and enduring anorexia nervosa phenotype in genetics research: a scoping review
Ramsay, S., Allison, K., Temples, H. S., Boccuto, L., & Sarasua, S. M. (2024) · Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1186/s40337-024-01009-9 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“…Association Studies (GWAS) as well as analyses of polymorphisms, expression, and gene methylation, including but not limited to the leptin ( LEP ) and the leptin receptor ( LEPR ) genes, the fat mass and obesity-associated gene ( FTO ), and the oxytocin receptor ( OXTR ) gene [16, 71–73].”
Ebenen der genetischen Analyse komplexer Phänotypen am Beispiel der Anorexia nervosa und der Varianz des Körpergewichts
Hirtz, R., Zheng, Y., Rajcsanyi, L. S., Libuda, L., Antel, J., Peters, T., Hebebrand, J., & Hinney, A. (2021) · Zeitschrift für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und Psychotherapie · doi:10.1024/1422-4917/a000829 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Epigenotoxicity: a danger to the future life
Kefayati, F., Babaahmadi, A. K., Mousavi, T., Hodjat, M., & Abdollahi, M. R. (2023) · Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part A · doi:10.1080/10934529.2023.2190713 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
IUPHAR review: Eating disorders, gut microbiota dysbiosis and epigenetic aberrations
Nohesara, S., Abdolmaleky, H. M., Pettinato, G., Pirani, A., Thiagalingam, S., & Zhou, J. (2025) · Pharmacological Research · doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2025.107653 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Association Study among Comethylation Modules, Genetic Polymorphisms and Clinical Features in Mexican Teenagers with Eating Disorders: Preliminary Results
Nolasco-Rosales, G. A., Martínez‐Magaña, J. J., Juárez‐Rojop, I. E., González‐Castro, T. B., Tovilla‐Zárate, C. A., García, A. R. S., Sarmiento, E., Ruíz-Ramos, D., Mendoza, A. D. G., & Nicolini, H. (2021) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu13093210 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“Additionally, the genetic-environment relationship in ED has been studied through DNA methylation, reporting perturbations in the methylation levels of some genes (DRD2, SLC6A3, POMC, OXTR, among others) [2,7,8].”
Background
A preliminary study on the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms and methylation of dopamine system‐related genes with psychotic symptoms in patients with methamphetamine use disorder
Fang, T., Liu, M., Liu, M., Tian, X., Zhang, X., Liu, F., Hao, W., Wu, N., Li, H., & Li, J. (2023) · European Journal of Neuroscience · doi:10.1111/ejn.16238 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“DNA methylation is linked to pathophysiological changes in a variety of psychiatric disorders, such as eating disorders (Hubel et al., 2019), depressive disorders (Chen et al., 2017), schizophrenia (Ovenden et al., 2018), cocaine use disorder (Fonteneau et al., 2017), and alcohol dependence (Liu et…”
Background
Epigenetic inheritance of metabolic signals
van Steenwyk, G., Jawaid, A., & Mansuy, I. M. (2019) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-816843-1.00011-4 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Prevalence of problematic eating behavior and assessment of awareness on eating disorder among medical students
Priyam, A., Das, S. K., Samantray, S., Ravan, J. R., & Pattnaik, J. I. (2024) · Industrial Psychiatry Journal · doi:10.4103/ipj.ipj_157_24 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“[15] They are more prevalent among females as per older studies, but recent trends show higher prevalence in males.”
Epigenetics in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Yan, Z., Cao, F., shao, T., Liao, B., Wang, G., Tang, X., Luo, H., Zhu, F., Liao, Y., Zhang, F., et al. (2025) · Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease · doi:10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167652 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Genome-Wide Analysis of Disordered Eating Behavior in the Mexican Population
Martínez‐Magaña, J. J., Hernández, S., García, A. R. S., Cardoso-Barajas, V., Sarmiento, E., Camarena, B., Caballero, A., Gonzalez, L., Velázquez, J. A. V., Medina‐Mora, M. E., et al. (2022) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu14020394 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“DNA methylation is the most studied epigenetic molecular modification, and several studies have reported alterations in DNA methylation in individuals diagnosed with ED [23].”
Background
Recovery From Anorexia Nervosa: A Concept Analysis
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“Studies of the methylation of candidate genes for the development of AN have been inconclusive (Hübel et al. 2019).”
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Authors: Hübel, C., Marzi, S. J., Breen, G., & Bulik, C. M.
Affiliations: King's College London (GB)
Queen Mary University of London (GB)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (US)
Corresponding author: Bulik, Cynthia M.
ORCID: Hübel, Christopher
Marzi, Sarah J.
Breen, Gerome
Bulik, Cynthia M.
Venue: Molecular Psychiatry
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published: 2018-10-23
Volume: 24
Issue: 6
Pages: 901-915
ISSN: 1359-4184 (ISSN-L)
1476-5578
DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0254-7
PMC: PMC6544542
OpenAlex: W2896204269
Cited by: 116
References: 84
Citations by year: 2026: 8 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 19 · 2023: 14 · 2022: 24 · 2021: 15 · 2020: 14 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 1
FWCI: 1.57
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: green
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Licence: www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
Locations: Molecular Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Research Portal (King's College London) (submittedVersion)
Spiral (Imperial College London) (submittedVersion)
Funders: Vetenskapsrådet (538-2013-8864)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Eating Disorders and Behaviors
Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Epigenetics and DNA Methylation
Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetic Associations and Epidemiology
Keywords: epigenetics, eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, DNA methylation, candidate genes, epigenome-wide association study, genome-wide association study, heritability, environmental risk factors
MeSH terms: Anorexia Nervosa, Feeding and Eating Disorders, Humans, DNA Methylation, Epigenesis, Genetic, Bulimia Nervosa, Epigenomics

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