The melanocortin system in control of inflammation

Melanocortin peptides, the collective term for alpha-, beta-, and gamma-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-, beta-, gamma-MSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), are elements of an ancient modulatory system. Natural melanocortins derive from the common precursor pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:TheScientificWorld 2010-01, Vol.10, p.1840-1853
Main Authors: Catania, Anna, Lonati, Caterina, Sordi, Andrea, Carlin, Andrea, Leonardi, Patrizia, Gatti, Stefano
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone - metabolism
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone - pharmacology
Animals
Brain - drug effects
Brain - metabolism
Brain - pathology
Development and progression
Health aspects
Humans
Inflammation
Inflammation - metabolism
Inflammation - prevention & control
Melanocortins - metabolism
Melanocortins - pharmacology
Models, Biological
Peptide hormones
Physiological aspects
Pro-Opiomelanocortin - metabolism
Receptors, Melanocortin - metabolism
Review
Signal Transduction - drug effects
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Summary:Melanocortin peptides, the collective term for alpha-, beta-, and gamma-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-, beta-, gamma-MSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), are elements of an ancient modulatory system. Natural melanocortins derive from the common precursor pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). Five receptor subtypes for melanocortins (MC1-MC5) are widely distributed in brain regions and in peripheral cells. Melanocortin receptor activation by natural or synthetic ligands exerts marked anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. The anticytokine action and the inhibitory influences on inflammatory cell migration make melanocortins potential new drugs for treatment of inflammatory disorders. Effectiveness in treatment of acute, chronic, and systemic inflammatory disorders is well documented in preclinical studies. Further, melanocortins are promising compounds in neuroprotection. This review examines the main signaling circuits in anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions of melanocortins, and the potential therapeutic use of these molecules.
ISSN:1537-744X
2356-6140
1537-744X
DOI:10.1100/tsw.2010.173