Cholecystokinin in the Pathogenesis of Bulimia Nervosa

Objective: This review aims to describe the role of the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) in the pathogenesis of bulimia nervosa (BN), the perpetuation of this illness and the possibility of its use as a target for future therapeutic advances. Methods: Search for cholecystokinin AND bulimia nervosa in Pubmed Central, with no limits, identified 38 articles published up to the present date. Results: It is well established that CCK is altered in the pathogenesis of BN, and that its main role is in the perpetuation of the disorder rather than the cause of it. Discussion: Additional studies will be needed to further understand the mechanisms by which CCK regulates orexigenic pathways. If an orally active, longer acting analogue of CCK could be developed, it would be of significant interest as an appetite suppressant and a key adjuvant in the treatment of patients suffering from BN, particularly in refractory cases.