Elevated levels of exhaled nitric oxide in patients with anorexia nervosa.

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in eating behavior and inflammatory response. Moreover, there is evidence that NO production is altered in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN).

AIM: To assess whether the overproduction of NO in AN can affect NO level in exhaled air.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Exhaled NO level was studied in 23 girls with AN and compared with that of healthy age- and gender-matched nonatopic controls.

RESULTS

Exhaled NO levels were significantly higher in girls with AN compared with healthy age-matched controls.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that anorexia nervosa was accompanied by a higher level of exhaled NO, likely resulting from a systemic increase in NO production because of the severe catabolic state.