Antiinflammatory potential of an alpha-MSH fragment

[Kofi]

This is probably small enough to penetrate the skin. Its stability is
another matter.

Endocr Rev. 2008 Aug;29(5):581-602. Epub 2008 Jul 8.
�
Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides:
biochemistry, antiinflammatory and protective effects in vitro and in
vivo, and future perspectives for the treatment of immune-mediated
inflammatory diseases.
Brzoska T, Luger TA, Maaser C, Abels C, Bohm M.
Department of Dermatology, University of Munster, Von Esmarch-Strasse
58, D-48149 Munster, Germany.

Alpha-MSH is a tridecapeptide derived from proopiomelanocortin. Many
studies over the last few years have provided evidence that alpha-MSH
has potent protective and antiinflammatory effects. These effects can be
elicited via centrally expressed melanocortin receptors that orchestrate
descending neurogenic antiinflammatory pathways. alpha-MSH can also
exert antiinflammatory and protective effects on cells of the immune
system and on peripheral nonimmune cell types expressing melanocortin
receptors. At the molecular level, alpha-MSH affects various pathways
implicated in regulation of inflammation and protection, i.e., nuclear
factor-kappaB activation, expression of adhesion molecules and chemokine
receptors, production of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators, IL-10
synthesis, T cell proliferation and activity, inflammatory cell
migration, expression of antioxidative enzymes, and apoptosis. The
antiinflammatory effects of alpha-MSH have been validated in animal
models of experimentally induced fever; irritant and allergic contact
dermatitis, vasculitis, and fibrosis; ocular, gastrointestinal, brain,
and allergic airway inflammation; and arthritis, but also in models of
organ injury. One obstacle limiting the use of alpha-MSH in inflammatory
disorders is its pigmentary effect. Due to its preserved
antiinflammatory effect but lack of pigmentary action, the C-terminal
tripeptide of alpha-MSH, KPV, has been delineated as an alternative for
antiinflammatory therapy. KdPT, a derivative of KPV corresponding to
amino acids 193-195 of IL-1beta, is also emerging as a tripeptide with
antiinflammatory effects. The physiochemical properties and expected low
costs of production render both agents suitable for the future treatment
of immune-mediated inflammatory skin and bowel disease, fibrosis,
allergic and inflammatory lung disease, ocular inflammation, and
arthritis.

Publication Types:
* Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
* Review

PMID: 18612139

[Jim Godamnski]

"Kofi" <ko...@anon.un> wrote in message
news:kofi-250D04.0...@news.east.earthlink.net...

Agreed. JimG

[Ernie]

On Sep 3, 4:07 am, "Jim Godamnski" <J...@webtv.not> wrote:
> "Kofi" <k...@anon.un> wrote in message

> Agreed. JimG- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

asshole farrel didn't understand a word of it. Ernie