Researchers have identified high levels of the hormone LEAP2 in the blood of patients with acute-phase anorexia nervosa, according to findings presented at the 2026 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Forum. This hormone, produced by the liver and intestines, appears to override normal hunger signals and may serve as a biological marker for identifying patients at higher risk of relapse following nutritional rehabilitation.
Why does LEAP2 affect eating behavior?
LEAP2, or liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2, acts in direct opposition to ghrelin, the hormone typically responsible for signaling hunger to the brain. According to Dr. Virginie Tolle, a neuroscientist at INSERM and the Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, patients hospitalized for anorexia nervosa exhibited LEAP2 levels 20% higher than those recorded after four months of clinical refeeding. This biological mechanism suggests that the body’s natural ability to regulate hunger is fundamentally altered in patients with the disorder.
Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate amongst all psychiatric disorders, yet there are currently no effective drug to treat this disorder.
Can LEAP2 predict treatment outcomes?
The research indicates a potential link between LEAP2 levels and the likelihood of relapse. In the study, which tracked 30 women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa at the Clinique des Maladies Mentales et de l’Encéphale in Paris, the difference in LEAP2 levels was most pronounced in patients who relapsed six months after discharge. Dr. Tolle suggests that if these findings hold true in larger cohorts, testing for this biomarker could allow clinicians to tailor care plans, providing more intensive support to patients at the highest risk.
How does metabolism influence anorexia nervosa?
The study challenges the traditional view of anorexia as purely a psychiatric condition, highlighting a “metabolic tolerance” to being underfed. By observing both human patients and mouse models, researchers found that restricted food intake triggered higher levels of LEAP2, which in turn increased impulsivity and impaired the regulation of blood sugar. According to Dr. Tolle, this provides evidence of a genetic and metabolic link to the disorder, suggesting that the drive to restrict food may be reinforced by these internal biological signals.
Researchers are currently looking into how ghrelin and LEAP2 modify brain cell activity. Follow ongoing updates from the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies to stay informed on future clinical breakthroughs.
What are the next steps for treatment development?
While current recovery relies on multidisciplinary care and nutritional rehabilitation, relapse rates remain high, reaching up to 40%. Professor Christina Dalla, chair of the FENS Forum communication committee, notes that the combination of human data and animal models is essential for understanding the biological mechanisms of the disorder. Future research aims to use these findings to develop pharmacological strategies that could eventually target the LEAP2 pathway to help patients maintain healthy weight and impulse control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of LEAP2 in the body?
LEAP2 is produced by the liver and intestines and functions to inhibit the effects of ghrelin, the hormone that signals hunger to the brain.
Is anorexia nervosa considered a metabolic disorder?
Recent research, including the work presented by Dr. Tolle, suggests that anorexia nervosa is a complex condition with both psychiatric and metabolic origins, involving blood glucose and insulin resistance.
Could a blood test for LEAP2 be used in clinical settings?
Researchers believe LEAP2 has the potential to serve as a biomarker for relapse. Further studies are required to confirm these findings in larger patient groups before a diagnostic test can be standardized.
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