Linkage analysis of anorexia nervosa in a large family with multiple affected individuals

Twin and family studies suggest that genetic factors contribute to anorexia nervosa. We have performed a genome-wide scan in two generations of a family in which multiple family members have had anorexia nervosa. Blood was collected and systematic semi-structured interviews were performed on 11 family members, including four with a history of anorexia nervosa, one with a history of bulimia nervosa, one with obsessive compulsive disorder, and two with severe eating disorder symptoms. A total of eight family members were classified as affected. A whole genome scan was performed using 516 markers. Parametric linkage analysis was performed using the following diagnostic criteria and assumptions: 1) Affected status was given to all family members with a lifetime history of the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or obsessive compulsive disorder using DSM-IV criteria, or serious symptoms within the spectrum of eating disorders but not reaching DSM-IV criteria; 2) autosomal dominant inheritance; and 3) 100% penetrance. Parametric linkage analysis revealed one area of linkage with LOD score > 2. This region includes markers D11S1981, D11S902, and D11S1397 on chromosome 11p14.3. The lod score was 2.4. Additional families are being collected in an attempt to further delineate gene sequence differences that contribute to this disorder.