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Costa VV, Resende F, Melo EM, Teixeira MM. Resolution pharmacology and the treatment of infectious diseases. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:917-937. [PMID: 38355144 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is elicited by the host in response to microbes, and is believed to be essential for protection against infection. However, we have previously hypothesized that excessive or misplaced inflammation may be a major contributor to tissue dysfunction and death associated with viral and bacterial infections. The resolutive phase of inflammation is a necessary condition to achieve homeostasis after acute inflammation. It is possible that targeting inflammation resolution may be beneficial for the host during infection. In this review, we summarize the evidence demonstrating the expression, roles and effects of the best described pro-resolving molecules in the context of bacterial and viral infections. Pro-resolving molecules play a pivotal role in modulating a spectrum of pathways associated with tissue inflammation and damage during both viral and bacterial infections. These molecules offer a blend of anti-inflammatory, pro-resolving and sometimes anti-infective benefits, all the while circumventing the undesired and immune-suppressive unwanted effects associated with glucocorticoids. Whether these beneficial effects will translate into benefits to patients clearly deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Vasconcelos Costa
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Filipe Resende
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Eliza Mathias Melo
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mauro Martins Teixeira
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Shishioh-Ikejima N, Ogawa T, Yamaguti K, Watanabe Y, Kuratsune H, Kiyama H. The increase of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in the plasma of chronic fatigue syndrome patients. BMC Neurol 2010; 10:73. [PMID: 20731841 PMCID: PMC2933583 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2377-10-73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2010] [Accepted: 08/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite extensive research, no reliable biological marker for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has yet been identified. However, hyperactivation of melanotrophs in the pituitary gland and increased levels of plasma alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) have recently been detected in an animal model of chronic stress. Because CFS is considered to be caused partly by chronic stress events, increased α-MSH plasma levels may also occur in CFS patients. We therefore examined α-MSH levels in CFS patients. Methods Fifty-five CFS patients, who were previously diagnosed within 10 years of with the disease, were enrolled in this study. Thirty healthy volunteers were studied as controls. Fasting bloods samples were collected in the morning and evaluated for their plasma levels of α-MSH, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), serum cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S). Mean levels of α-MSH were compared between the CFS and control groups using Welch's t test. Results The mean plasma α-MSH concentration in the CFS group (17.9 ± 1.0 pg/mL) was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (14.5 ± 1.0 pg/mL, p = 0.02). However, there was a wide range of values in the CFS group. The factors correlated with the plasma α-MSH values were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation. A negative correlation was found between the duration of the CFS and the plasma α-MSH values (p = 0.04, rs = -0.28), but no correlations with ACTH, cortisol or DHEA-S levels were identified (p = 0.55, 0.26, 0.33, respectively). The CFS patients were divided into two groups: patients diagnosed for ≤ 5 years' duration, and those diagnosed for 5-10 years' duration. They were compared with the healthy controls using one-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison tests. The mean α-MSH concentration in the ≤ 5 years group was 20.8 ± 1.2 pg/mL, which was significantly higher than that in the healthy controls (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the 5-10 year group (15.6 ± 1.4 pg/mL) and the healthy controls. Conclusions CFS patients with a disease duration of ≤ 5 years had significantly higher levels of α-MSH in their peripheral blood. α-MSH could be a potent biological marker for the diagnosis of CFS, at least during the first 5 years after onset of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobue Shishioh-Ikejima
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Osaka City University, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
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Getting SJ. Targeting melanocortin receptors as potential novel therapeutics. Pharmacol Ther 2006; 111:1-15. [PMID: 16488018 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2005.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2005] [Accepted: 06/21/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH(1-39)) and the melanocortins (alpha, beta and gamma-melanocyte-stimulating hormone [MSH]) are derived from a larger precursor molecule known as the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) protein. They exert their numerous biological effects by activating 7 transmembrane G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR), leading to adenylyl cyclase activation and subsequent cAMP accumulation within the target cell. To date, 5 melanocortin receptors (MCR) have been identified and termed MC1R to MC5R, they have been shown to have a wide and varied distribution throughout the body, being found in the central nervous system (CNS), periphery and immune cells. Melanocortins have a multitude of actions including: (i) modulating disease pathologies including arthritis, asthma, obesity; (ii) affecting functions, for example erectile dysfunction, skin tanning; and (iii) organ systems, for example cardiovascular system. Recently a mechanistic approach has been identified with alpha-MSH preventing NF-kappaB activation via the preservation and expression of IkappaBalphaprotein. This leads to a reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators including cytokines and inhibition of adhesion molecule expression, with subsequent reduction in leukocyte emigration. Development of selective ligands with an appropriate pharmacokinetic profile will enable a pharmacological evaluation of the potential beneficial effects of the melanocortins. In this review I have discussed the potential mechanistic action for the melanocortins and some of the disease pathologies shown to be modulated. This review proposes targeting the MCR with the ultimate aim of controlling many of the diseases that we face today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Getting
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom.
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Yamaoka-Tojo M, Tojo T, Shioi T, Masuda T, Inomata T, Izumi T. Central neurotranspeptide, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is upregulated in patients with congestive heart failure. Intern Med 2006; 45:429-34. [PMID: 16679696 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.45.1546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), a pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) derivative, is a neuropeptide with potent anti-inflammatory properties that inhibits tissue injury in a wide array of inflammation models. OBJECTIVE To determine if alpha-MSH is involved in the development of congestive heart failure (CHF) with the specific aim of examining its peripheral source and one of the mechanisms. METHODS The circulating levels of alpha-MSH were measured in 115 patients with CHF using a double-antibody radioimmunoassay. To determine one of the sources of circulating alpha-MSH, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Furthermore, to clarify one of the functions of alpha-MSH, PBMC were cultured in the presence or absence of alpha-MSH. RESULTS Plasma levels of alpha-MSH were significantly higher in NYHA class II patients with CHF than in control subjects (p<0.0001). A significant correlation was found between the levels of alpha-MSH and high-sensitive testing for C-reactive protein in patients with CHF (r=0.41, p<0.0005). PBMC stimulated with LPS or TNF-alpha released alpha-MSH in a concentration-dependent manner. alpha-MSH inhibited LPS-induced TNF-alpha production, and alpha-MSH simultaneously augmented production of interleukin (IL)-10 by PBMC. CONCLUSIONS Circulating alpha-MSH was increased in patients with CHF. Inflammatory response induced alpha-MSH production in cultured human PBMC. Treatment of alpha-MSH could modify the immunobalance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses in cultured PBMC. These findings suggest that alpha-MSH may play an important role in the pathophysiology of CHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minako Yamaoka-Tojo
- Department of Cardiology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara
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Catania A, Gatti S, Colombo G, Lipton JM. Targeting Melanocortin Receptors as a Novel Strategy to Control Inflammation. Pharmacol Rev 2004; 56:1-29. [PMID: 15001661 DOI: 10.1124/pr.56.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocorticotropic hormone and alpha-, beta-, and gamma-melanocyte-stimulating hormones, collectively called melanocortin peptides, exert multiple effects upon the host. These effects range from modulation of fever and inflammation to control of food intake, autonomic functions, and exocrine secretions. Recognition and cloning of five melanocortin receptors (MCRs) has greatly improved understanding of peptide-target cell interactions. Preclinical investigations indicate that activation of certain MCR subtypes, primarily MC1R and MC3R, could be a novel strategy to control inflammatory disorders. As a consequence of reduced translocation of the nuclear factor kappaB to the nucleus, MCR activation causes a collective reduction of the major molecules involved in the inflammatory process. Therefore, anti-inflammatory influences are broad and are not restricted to a specific mediator. Short half-life and lack of selectivity could be an obstacle to the use of the natural melanocortins. However, design and synthesis of new MCR ligands with selective chemical properties are already in progress. This review examines how marshaling MCR could control inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Catania
- Division of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Maggiore di Milano, Instituto di Ricovero e Cura a Caraterre Scientifico, Milano, Italy.
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Barcellini W, Colombo G, La Maestra L, Clerici G, Garofalo L, Brini AT, Lipton JM, Catania A. α‐Melanocyte‐stimulating hormone peptides inhibit HIV‐1 expression in chronically infected promonocytic U1 cells and in acutely infected monocytes. J Leukoc Biol 2000. [DOI: 10.1189/jlb.68.5.693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gualtiero Colombo
- Internal Medicine, Ospedale Maggiore di Milano IRCCS, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | | | | | - Letizia Garofalo
- Internal Medicine, Ospedale Maggiore di Milano IRCCS, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Anna T. Brini
- Department of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy, and Toxicology, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | | | - Anna Catania
- Internal Medicine, Ospedale Maggiore di Milano IRCCS, 20122 Milano, Italy
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Wikberg JE, Muceniece R, Mandrika I, Prusis P, Lindblom J, Post C, Skottner A. New aspects on the melanocortins and their receptors. Pharmacol Res 2000; 42:393-420. [PMID: 11023702 DOI: 10.1006/phrs.2000.0725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of melanocortins and their receptors has increased tremendously over the last few years. The cloning of five melanocortin receptors, and the discovery of two endogenous antagonists for these receptors, agouti and agouti-related peptide, have sparked intense interest in the field. Here we give a comprehensive review of the pharmacology, physiology and molecular biology of the melanocortins and their receptors. In particular, we review the roles of the melanocortins in the immune system, behaviour, feeding, the cardiovascular system and melanoma. Moreover, evidence is discussed suggesting that while many of the actions of the melanocortins are mediated via melanocortin receptors, some appear to be mediated via mechanisms distinct from melanocortin receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Wikberg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Box 591 BMC, SE751 24, Sweden.
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Katsuki A, Sumida Y, Murashima S, Furuta M, Araki-Sasaki R, Tsuchihashi K, Hori Y, Yano Y, Adachi Y. Elevated plasma levels of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) are correlated with insulin resistance in obese men. Int J Obes (Lond) 2000; 24:1260-4. [PMID: 11093286 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ijo.0801400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The role of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) in obesity has been well-documented. However, circulating alpha-MSH concentrations in obese men and their relationship with clinical indicators of obesity and glucose metabolism have not as yet been evaluated. METHODS We measured the plasma concentrations of alpha-MSH in 15 obese and 15 non-obese male subjects. The relationship of the plasma concentrations of alpha-MSH with body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (measured by bioelectric impedance), body fat distribution (measured by computed tomography), insulin levels, insulin resistance (assessed by the glucose infusion rate (GIR) during an euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp study) and with the serum concentrations of leptin and TNF-alpha were also evaluated. RESULTS In obese men, the plasma alpha-MSH concentrations were significantly increased compared with those in non-obese men (P< 0.02). The plasma levels of alpha-MSH were positively correlated with BMI (r= 0.560, P< 0.05), fasting insulin levels (r=0.528, P< 0.05) and with visceral fat area (r=0.716, P<0.01), but negatively correlated with GIR (r= -0.625, P< 0.02) in obese male subjects. There were significant correlations between plasma concentrations of alpha-MSH and visceral fat area (r=0.631, P< 0.02), and GIR (r = -0.549, P< 0.05) in non-obese male subjects. Circulating concentrations of alpha-MSH were not significantly correlated with the serum concentrations of leptin and TNF-alpha in both obese and non-obese men. CONCLUSION Circulating concentrations of alpha-MSH are significantly increased and correlated with insulin resistance in obese men.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Katsuki
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Mie University School of Medicine, Japan.
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Catania A, Airaghi L, Colombo G, Lipton JM. Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in normal human physiology and disease states. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2000; 11:304-8. [PMID: 10996524 DOI: 10.1016/s1043-2760(00)00296-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, research in animal models has indicated that alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, recent data show that the peptide has antimicrobial effects and probably contributes to innate immunity. alpha-MSH, which is produced by many extrapituitary human cells, should no longer be considered solely a pituitary hormone; rather, it should be viewed as a ubiquitous modulatory peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Catania
- Third Division of Internal Medicine, Padiglione Granelli, Ospedale Maggiore di Milano IRCCS, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy.
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