The Neuropeptide α‐MSH in HIV Infection and Other Disorders in Humansa
Abstract
Abstract: We measured plasma concentration of α‐melanoctye‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH), a proopiomelanocortin derivative that modulates pyrogenic and proinflammatory effects of cytokines, in infectious and inflammatory disorders in humans to learn if changes in this peptide take place in naturally occurring disease. α‐MSH was elevated in HIV‐infected patients of the CDC groups III and IV. Although the peptide increased in the circulation of normal subjects injected with endotoxin, it was reduced in patients with septic syndrome. α‐MSH was found in the synovial fluid of arthritis patients, and its concentration was greater in the forms of arthritis marked by greater inflammation. We found that α‐MSH is increased in the circulation of patients with acute myocardial infarction receiving thrombolitic therapy. Plasma concentrations of α‐MSH is increased in the circulation of patients with acute myocardial infarction receiving thrombolitic therapy. Plasma concentrations of α‐MSH were lower in healthy elderly subjects than in young controls. Because an excess of proinflammatory cytokines can have detrimental effects, we investigated the influences of α‐MSH on the production of interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in HIV‐infected patients and in patients with septic syndrome. Production of these cytokines in whole‐blood samples stimulated with endotoxin was significantly reduced by treatment of blood with α‐MSH. α‐MSH has been injected into at least 106 human subjects to study its effects on pituitary function, menstrual bleeding, and tanning. The peptide was always well tolerated. α‐MSH administration could open new perspectives in treatment of inflammatory diseases in humans.
Key Biomarkers
Symptom Clusters
Cited By (9)
- Targeting melanocortin receptors as a novel strategy to control inflammationPharmacological Reviews · 2004
- Sick building syndrome (SBS) and exposure to water-damaged buildings: Time series study, clinical trial and mechanismsNeurotoxicology and Teratology · 2006
- Plasma concentrations and anti-L-cytokine effects of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone in septic patientsCritical Care Medicine · 2000
- Resolution pharmacology and the treatment of infectious diseases.British Journal of Pharmacology · 2024
- Targeting melanocortin receptors as potential novel therapeuticsPharmacology & Therapeutics · 2006
- α-Melanocyte-stimulating Hormone in Normal Human Physiology and Disease StatesTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism · 2000
- α-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone in Critically Injured Trauma PatientsThe Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care · 2009
Related Papers
- Synergistic interaction in simultaneous exposure to Streptomyces californicus and Stachybotrys chartarumEnvironmental Health Perspectives · 2004 · 15 shared tags
- Correction to “Maitotoxin induces biphasic interleukin-1β secretion and membrane blebbing in murine macrophages”Mol Pharmacol · 2004 · 15 shared tags
- HUMAN VISUAL FUNCTION IN THE NORTH CAROLINA CLINICAL STUDYON POSSIBLE ESTUARY-ASSOCIATED SYNDROMEJournal of Toxicology and Environmental Health · 2001 · 15 shared tags
- Cholestyramine protection against ochratoxin A toxicity: role of ochratoxin A sorption by the resin and bile acid enterohepatic circulationJournal of Food Protection · 1999 · 15 shared tags
- In vitro and in vivo studies to assess the effectiveness of cholestyramine as a binding agent for fumonisinsMycopathologia · 2001 · 15 shared tags
- Occurrence of Toxigenic Aspergillus versicolor Isolates and Sterigmatocystin in Carpet Dust from Damp Indoor EnvironmentsApplied and Environmental Microbiology · 2002 ·