Effect of dietary restriction on peripheral monoamines and anxiety symptoms in obese subjects with metabolic syndrome

Aurora Perez-Cornago; María J Ramírez; M Ángeles Zulet; J Alfredo Martinez

doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.05.003

Effect of dietary restriction on peripheral monoamines and anxiety symptoms in obese subjects with metabolic syndrome

Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2014 Sep:47:98-106. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.05.003. Epub 2014 May 13.

Authors

Aurora Perez-Cornago¹, María J Ramírez², M Ángeles Zulet³, J Alfredo Martinez⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, Centre for Nutrition Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
² Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
³ Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, Centre for Nutrition Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; CIBERobn, Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Carlos III Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain.
⁴ Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, Centre for Nutrition Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; CIBERobn, Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Carlos III Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain. Electronic address: jalfmtz@unav.es.

PMID: 25001959
DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.05.003

Abstract

Reduced circulating monoamines may have a role in the development of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is becoming a major health problem worldwide. Moreover, an association between anxiety disorder and MetS has been reported; however, it is not clear whether weight loss can diminish anxiety. This investigation is aimed to examine the effects of a weight loss intervention on peripheral monoamines levels and anxiety symptoms in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The study population encompassed subjects with MetS (age: 50±10 y.o. and BMI: 35.8±4.3 kg/m2) selected from the RESMENA study after they had completed the 6-month weight loss intervention (-30% energy). Anthropometric measurements, dietary records, anxiety symptoms, and blood monoamines levels were analysed before and after the intervention. Dopamine (DA) (+18.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI): -51.2 to -0.5) and serotonin (5-HT) (+16.1%; 95% CI: -26.3 to -2.2) blood levels were significantly increased after the intervention. Higher DA blood concentrations at the end of the study were inversely related with the carbohydrate intake during the study (B=-3.3; 95% CI: -8.4 to -0.4) and basal DA levels predicted a greater decrease in body weight and anthropometric parameters. Subjects with higher 5-HT concentrations after the weight loss intervention also showed a lower energy intake during the intervention (B=-0.04; 95% CI: -0.07 to -0.01). Additionally, anxiety symptoms decreased after the weight loss treatment (-28.3%; 95% CI: 6.2-20.4), which was parallel to a greater decrease in body weight and anthropometric markers, being related to lower 5-HT basal levels. Dietary restriction in patients with MetS may help in reducing anxiety symptoms, and also in increasing 5-HT and DA blood levels. These results provide further insights regarding emotional and neurological factors behind weight loss.

Keywords: Anxiety symptoms; Diet; Dopamine; Metabolic syndrome; Peripheral monoamines; Serotonin; Weight loss.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Anxiety / blood
Anxiety / diagnosis
Anxiety / epidemiology*
Biogenic Monoamines / blood*
Caloric Restriction* / psychology
Diet, Reducing* / psychology
Dopamine / blood
Female
Humans
Male
Metabolic Syndrome / blood
Metabolic Syndrome / complications
Metabolic Syndrome / diet therapy
Metabolic Syndrome / psychology*
Middle Aged
Obesity / blood
Obesity / complications
Obesity / diet therapy*
Obesity / psychology*
Serotonin / blood
Weight Loss
Weight Reduction Programs

Substances

Biogenic Monoamines
Serotonin
Dopamine