The overall aim of this present study is to evaluate Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) and inflammatory cytokines as a possible novel and readily treatable target for the successful therapy of Anorexia Nervosa (AN). Therefore, GDF-15, neuronal and glial damage markers such as Neurofilament light chain (Nfl) and Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and cytokines (such as Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) levels will be assessed in the serum as well as in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with diagnosed restrictive AN with and without exercising behavior compared to sex- and age-matched healthy controls to consolidate previous findings and to identify the main site of production of GDF-15 and cytokines in AN.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 60 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
N=8 adult male and female patients with confirmed diagnosis of anorexia nervosa restrictive type, non-exercising subtype
Inclusion criteria:
* Age 18-60 years
* Written informed consent
* BMI 10-16 kg/m2
N=8 adult male and female patients with confirmed diagnosis of anorexia nervosa restrictive type, exercising subtype will be included in this study.
Inclusion criteria:
* Age 18-60 years
* Written informed consent
* BMI 10-16 kg/m2
N=16 control participants, sex- and age-matched to the individual anorexia nervosa patients.
Inclusion criteria:
* Age 18-60 years
* Written informed consent
* BMI 19-24.9 kg/m2
Exclusion Criteria:
* Use of antibiotics within the last 31 days
* Current illicit drug abuse including daily marijuana or CBD (cannabidiol) consumption (≤ 24 g of alcohol per day allowed)
* Any kind of severe chronic disease other than AN (e.g. active cancer disease)
* Severe renal impairment (e.g. estimated glomerular filtration rate \<30 ml/min/m2) if resulting from another disease than AN
* Known liver cirrhosis or other severe liver impairment if resulting from another disease than AN
* Acute upper respiratory tract infection within the last 31 days
* Uncontrolled dysthyroidism
* Uncontrolled hypertension
* Current pregnancy/lactation or current treatment for in vitro fertilization
* Inability to understand the study information, to sign the consent form and to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementi…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) (pg/ml) level in the plasma
Timeframe: one time assessment 3 weeks after screening
2
Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) (pg/ml) level in the cerebrospinal fluids
Timeframe: one time assessment 3 weeks after screening