Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric eating disorder predominantly affecting women in early adolescence characterized by abnormally low body weight associated with fear of gaining weight and cognitive distortions relating to thinness. A debilitating disorder, anorexia nervosa causes fatigue, dizziness, syncope, and multiple organ dysfunction and has the highest mortality of all mental illnesses. Genetic factors are estimated to account for about 80% of the risk of developing this disease. Various family and twin studies, whole exome analysis and genome-wide and candidate gene association studies suggest a fundamental role of genetics in anorexia nervosa. Management of this disorder requires a multidisciplinary approach. In fact, the aim of our research is to develop a multiomic test using genomic, metabolomic, proteomic and microbiomic data aimed at identifying the biological basis of this disease and improve the diagnosis. Food intake involves so many biological systems that have been studied by our research group such as the pathway of serotonin, dopamine, vitamin D3, endocannabinoids and appetite regulatory hormones. The use of natural molecules contained in plants typical of the Mediterranean diet, due to their beneficial properties, could modulate these pathways to improve the treatment of this disease.

• “Genetic contributions to the etiology of anorexia nervosa: New perspectives in molecular diagnosis and treatment“;

• “Pheromone receptors and their putative ligands: possible role in humans”;

• “A next generation sequencing gene panel for use in the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa”;

• “Taste, olfactory and texture related genes and food choices: implications on health status”;

• “5-HT2AR and BDNF gene variants in eating disorders susceptibility”;

• “Association Between DRD2 and DRD4 Polymorphisms and Eating Disorders in an Italian Population”. 
• “Gene variants in eating disorders. Focus on anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder”;
• “Main nutritional deficiencies”;
• “Association Between DRD2 and DRD4 Polymorphisms and Eating Disorders in an Italian Population”;
• “A next generation sequencing gene panel for use in the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa”;

*“None of the reported studies or the patent can be used to claim the properties of dietary supplements. Dietary supplements do not possess any therapeutic or preventive properties.”