B3923 - Examining the relationship between leptin levels in childhood and lifetime anorexia nervosa using observational and genetic epid - 16/11/2021

B number: 
B3923
Principal applicant name: 
Jon Heron | MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) (United Kingdom)
Co-applicants: 
Grace Power
Title of project: 
Examining the relationship between leptin levels in childhood and lifetime anorexia nervosa using observational and genetic epid
Proposal summary: 

In this project we plan to use longitudinal observational data and human genetics to examine the relationship between leptin and anorexia nervosa

Leptin is a hormone with pleiotropic functions that affect several tissues in animal and human subjects (Hebebrand, 2006) and is shown to be involved in eating behaviour (Farooqi, 2007). Several symptoms in individuals with anorexia nervosa have been reported to be related to low leptin levels (Hebebrand, 2006) and a recent MR investigation found that a low endogenous leptin synthesis represented a risk factor for developing anorexia nervosa (Peters, 2021). Whether this association is dependent on leptin levels at particular time periods in the lifecourse is yet to be determined. In this project we plan to use longitudinal observational data and human genetics to examine the relationship between leptin in childhood and anorexia nervosa later in the lifecourse.

Impact of research: 
We aim to develop a stronger understanding of how leptin levels in childhood affect psychiatric risk and problem behaviours throughout the life course.
Date proposal received: 
Monday, 15 November, 2021
Date proposal approved: 
Tuesday, 16 November, 2021
Keywords: 
Genetic epidemiology (including association studies and mendelian randomisation)