Investigating the Orexin Gene in Women with Anorexia Nervosa

The Methylation Level of the Orexin Gene in Anorexia Nervosa: Relationship With Eating Disorder, Depressive State, and Sleep Quality

Observational Istituto Auxologico Italiano · NCT06800898

This study is trying to see how certain genes related to hunger and sleep are changed in young women with Anorexia Nervosa compared to those without the condition, and how these changes might relate to the severity of their eating disorder and other mental health issues.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorIstituto Auxologico Italiano Academic / other
Locations1 site (Oggebbio, Verbania)
Trial IDNCT06800898 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to analyze the methylation patterns of the Orexin A and B genes in young women diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa, comparing these patterns to a control group. It will also explore the relationship between gene methylation and the severity of the eating disorder, as well as associated psychiatric conditions like depression and sleep quality. Participants will provide blood samples and complete questionnaires to gather relevant data.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are females aged 18 years and older who are hospitalized with a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have Anorexia Nervosa or those with significant physical or mental health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying Anorexia Nervosa, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on Orexin gene methylation in Anorexia Nervosa is novel, related studies on epigenetics and eating disorders have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Patients with Anorexia Nervosa:

Inclusion Criteria:

* Female sex
* Age 18 years and older
* Anorexia Nervosa
* Hospitalized at the Division of Eating and Nutrition Disorders, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Piancavallo, Italy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Absence of signed informed consent

Control group:

Inclusion Criteria:

* Female sex
* Age 18 years and older
* Body Mass Index between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

* Absence of signed informed consent
* Presence of any physical and mental pathology

Where this trial is running

Oggebbio, Verbania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Anorexia NervosaOrexinsMethylationEpigeneticsPsychiatric comorbiditiesEating disorderQuality of sleep
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.