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Palazzi L, Pasquato A, Vicario M, Roulin A, Polverino de Laureto P, Cendron L. C‐terminal tails mimicking bioactive intermediates cause different plasma degradation patterns and kinetics in neuropeptides γ‐MSH, α‐MSH, and neurotensin. J Pept Sci 2020; 26:e3279. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luana Palazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences and CRIBI University of Padova Padova Italy
| | - Antonella Pasquato
- Institute of Microbiology University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
| | | | - Alexandre Roulin
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology and Medicine University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
| | | | - Laura Cendron
- Department of Biology University of Padova Padova Italy
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Boo YC. Up- or Downregulation of Melanin Synthesis Using Amino Acids, Peptides, and Their Analogs. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8090322. [PMID: 32882959 PMCID: PMC7555855 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8090322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Harmonious synthesis and distribution of melanin in the skin contribute to the expression of beauty and the maintenance of health. When skin pigmentary disorders occur because of internal or external factors or, when there is a need to artificially increase or reduce the pigmentation level of the skin for aesthetic or therapeutic purposes, various pharmacological therapies are applied but the results are not always satisfactory. Studies have been conducted to improve the efficacy and safety of these treatment strategies. In this review, we present the latest studies regarding peptides and related compounds that may be useful in artificially increasing or reducing skin melanin levels. Certain analogs of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) and oligopeptides with the sequences derived from the hormone were shown to promote melanin synthesis in cells and in vivo models. Various amino acids, peptides, their analogs, and their hybrid compounds with other chemical moieties were shown to inhibit tyrosinase (TYR) catalytic activity or downregulate TYR gene expression. Certain peptides were shown to inhibit melanosome biogenesis or induce autophagy, leading to decreased pigmentation. In vivo and clinical evidence are available for some compounds, including [Nle4-D-Phe7]-α-MSH, glutathione disulfide, and glycinamide hydrochloride. For many other compounds, additional studies are required to verify their efficacy and safety in vivo and in clinical trials. The accumulating information regarding pro- and antimelanogenic activity of peptides and related compounds will lead to the development of novel drugs for the treatment of skin pigmentary disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Chool Boo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Korea; ; Tel.: +82-53-420-4946
- BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea
- Cell and Matrix Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea
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Decker DA, Higgins P, Hayes K, Bollinger C, Becker P, Wright D. Repository corticotropin injection attenuates collagen-induced arthritic joint structural damage and has enhanced effects in combination with etanercept. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2020; 21:586. [PMID: 32867752 PMCID: PMC7460755 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-020-03609-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Melanocortin receptor (MCR) agonists have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties mediated by receptors expressed on cells relevant to arthritis. Repository corticotropin injection (RCI; Acthar® Gel), an MCR agonist preparation, is approved as adjunctive therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but its mechanism of action in RA is unclear. This study explored the efficacy of RCI as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy with etanercept (ETN) in an established animal model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Methods After induction of CIA, rats (n = 10 per group) were randomized to receive subcutaneous RCI (40, 160, or 400 U/kg twice daily) alone or in combination with ETN (10 mg/kg 3 times daily), ETN alone, or vehicle (on days 13 through 19). Inflammation was assessed via changes in paw edema. Bone damage was determined by microfocal computed tomography histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. Statistical analyses were performed using a 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Newman-Keuls, Dunn’s, or Dunnett’s multiple comparisons test or a 1-way ANOVA followed by the Dunnett’s or Holm-Sidak multiple comparisons test. Results RCI administration resulted in dose-dependent decreases in ankle edema and histopathologic measures of inflammation, pannus formation, cartilage damage, bone resorption, and periosteal bone formation. RCI and ETN showed combined benefits on all parameters measured. Radiographic evidence of bone damage was significantly reduced in rats that received RCI alone or in combination with ETN. This reduction in bone density loss correlated with decreases in the number of CD68-positive macrophages and cathepsin K–positive osteoclasts within the lesions. Conclusions As monotherapy or adjunctive therapy with ETN, RCI attenuated CIA-induced joint structural damage in rats. These data support the clinical efficacy of RCI as adjunctive therapy for patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dima A Decker
- Former employee of Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Bedminster, NJ, USA
| | - Paul Higgins
- Former employee of Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Bedminster, NJ, USA
| | - Kyle Hayes
- Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, 675 McDonnell Blvd, Bedminster, NJ, 63042, USA
| | - Chris Bollinger
- Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, 675 McDonnell Blvd, Bedminster, NJ, 63042, USA
| | - Patrice Becker
- Former employee of Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Bedminster, NJ, USA
| | - Dale Wright
- Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, 675 McDonnell Blvd, Bedminster, NJ, 63042, USA.
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Can VC, Locke IC, Kaneva MK, Kerrigan MJP, Merlino F, De Pascale C, Grieco P, Getting SJ. Novel anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects of the human melanocortin MC1 receptor agonist BMS-470539 dihydrochloride and human melanocortin MC3 receptor agonist PG-990 on lipopolysaccharide activated chondrocytes. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 872:172971. [PMID: 32004526 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.172971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Human melanocortin MC1 and MC3 receptors expressed on C-20/A4 chondrocytes exhibit chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects when activated by melanocortin peptides. Nearly 9 million people in the UK suffer from osteoarthritis, and bacterial infections play a role in its development. Here, we evaluate the effect of a panel of melanocortin peptides with different selectivity for human melanocortin MC1 (α-MSH, BMS-470539 dihydrochloride) and MC3 ([DTrp8]-γ-MSH, PG-990) receptors and C-terminal peptide α-MSH11-13(KPV), on inhibiting LPS-induced chondrocyte death, pro-inflammatory mediators and induction of anti-inflammatory proteins. C-20/A4 chondrocytes were treated with a panel of melanocortin peptides prophylactically and therapeutically in presence of LPS (0.1 μg/ml). The chondroprotective properties of these peptides determined by cell viability assay, RT-PCR, ELISA for detection of changes in inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8 and MMP-1, -3 and -13) and western blotting for expression of the anti-inflammatory protein heme-oxygenase-1. C-20/A4 expressed human melanocortin MC1 and MC3 receptors and melanocortin peptides elevated cAMP. LPS stimulation caused a reduction in C-20/A4 viability, attenuated by the human melanocortin MC1 receptor agonist BMS-470539 dihydrochloride, and MC3 receptor agonists PG-990 and [DTrp8]-γ-MSH. Prophylactic and therapeutic regimes of [DTrp8]-γ-MSH significantly inhibited LPS-induced modulation of cartilage-damaging IL-6, IL-8, MMPs -1,-3 and -13 mediators both prophylactically and therapeutically, whilst human melanocortin MC1 and MC3 receptor agonists promoted an increase in HO-1 production. In the presence of LPS, activation of human melanocortin MC1 and MC3 receptors provided potent chondroprotection, upregulation of anti-inflammatory proteins and downregulation of inflammatory and proteolytic mediators involved in cartilage degradation, suggesting a new avenue for osteoarthritis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedia C Can
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6UW, UK
| | - Ian C Locke
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6UW, UK
| | - Magdalena K Kaneva
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Mark J P Kerrigan
- Plymouth College of Art, Tavistock Place, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AT, UK
| | - Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples, Via D. Montesano, 49 - 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Clara De Pascale
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6UW, UK
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples, Via D. Montesano, 49 - 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Stephen J Getting
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6UW, UK.
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O'Banion CP, Nguyen LT, Wang Q, Priestman MA, Holly SP, Parise LV, Lawrence DS. The Plasma Membrane as a Reservoir, Protective Shield, and Light-Triggered Launch Pad for Peptide Therapeutics. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201508767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Colin P. O'Banion
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Pharmacology; University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill NC 27599 USA
| | - Luong T. Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Pharmacology; University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill NC 27599 USA
| | - Qunzhao Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Pharmacology; University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill NC 27599 USA
| | - Melanie A. Priestman
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Pharmacology; University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill NC 27599 USA
| | - Stephen P. Holly
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics; University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill NC 27599 USA
| | - Leslie V. Parise
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics; University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill NC 27599 USA
| | - David S. Lawrence
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Pharmacology; University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill NC 27599 USA
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O'Banion CP, Nguyen LT, Wang Q, Priestman MA, Holly SP, Parise LV, Lawrence DS. The Plasma Membrane as a Reservoir, Protective Shield, and Light-Triggered Launch Pad for Peptide Therapeutics. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015; 55:950-4. [PMID: 26636264 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201508767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Although peptide-based therapeutics are finding increasing application in the clinic, extensive structural modification is typically required to prevent their rapid degradation by proteases in the blood. We have evaluated the ability of erythrocytes to serve as reservoirs, protective shields (against proteases), and light-triggered launch pads for peptides. We designed lipidated peptides that are anchored to the surface of red blood cells, which furnishes a protease-resistant environment. A photocleavable moiety is inserted between the lipid anchor and the peptide backbone, thereby enabling light-triggered peptide release from erythrocytes. We have shown that a cell-permeable peptide, a hormone (melanocyte stimulating hormone), and a blood-clotting agent can be anchored to erythrocytes, protected from proteases, and photolytically released to create the desired biological effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin P O'Banion
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Luong T Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Qunzhao Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Melanie A Priestman
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Stephen P Holly
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Leslie V Parise
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - David S Lawrence
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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Madan A. Repository corticotropin injection in a patient presenting with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and optic neuritis: a case report. Int J Gen Med 2015; 8:119-24. [PMID: 25848316 PMCID: PMC4374712 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s79815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) causes scarring or sclerosis of glomeruli that act as tiny filters in the kidneys, damage to which results in diminished ability to properly filter blood, resulting in the urinary loss of plasma proteins and subsequent proteinuria. Case presentation A 60-year-old, white female with a history of intermittent proteinuria was referred by her primary care physician for renal dysfunction. Biopsy confirmed FSGS and she was treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. She also had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but no active synovitis and was maintained on prednisone 5 mg/d. She also complained of worsening vision in her right eye and was diagnosed with optic neuritis (ON). She remained stable for about 8 months when examination indicated FSGS relapse, and she reported painful RA flares. She was treated with Acthar® Gel (40 mg biweekly) for 6 months, after which proteinuria and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio decreased to about half. Her ON improved, and she reported that she had fewer RA flares and pain improved by 50%. This case of confirmed FSGS showed an improved response to treatment with Acthar Gel for FSGS with concomitant RA and ON. Conclusion This referral case is relevant to primary care practitioners who treat disorders that may be responsive to corticosteroid therapy. The antiproteinuric effects and ancillary improvement in RA and ON symptoms during treatment with Acthar Gel are not entirely explained by its steroidogenic actions. ACTH is a bioactive peptide that, together with α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, exhibits biologic efficacy by modulating proinflammatory cytokines and subsequent leukocyte extravasation and may have autocrine/paracrine effects in joints. While Acthar Gel was primarily administered in this case to treat proteinuria, it also showed ancillary benefits in patients with concomitant inflammatory disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Madan
- Nephrology Associates of Central Florida, PA, Orlando, FL, USA
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Kaneva MK, Kerrigan MJ, Grieco P, Curley GP, Locke IC, Getting SJ. Melanocortin peptides protect chondrocytes from mechanically induced cartilage injury. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 92:336-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Daoussis D, Antonopoulos I, Andonopoulos AP. ACTH as a treatment for acute crystal-induced arthritis: Update on clinical evidence and mechanisms of action. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2014; 43:648-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2013.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Revised: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Gómez-SanMiguel AB, Martín AI, Nieto-Bona MP, Fernández-Galaz C, López-Menduiña M, Villanúa MÁ, López-Calderón A. Systemic α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone administration decreases arthritis-induced anorexia and muscle wasting. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2013; 304:R877-86. [PMID: 23515620 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00447.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid cachexia is associated with rheumatoid arthritis and it increases mortality and morbidity. Adjuvant-induced arthritis is an experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis that causes anorexia and muscle wasting. α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) has anti-inflammatory actions, and it is able to decrease inflammation in several inflammatory diseases including experimental arthritis. In this study we tested whether systemic α-MSH treatment is able to ameliorate cachexia in arthritic rats. On day 8 after adjuvant injection control and arthritic rats were treated with α-MSH (50 μg/rat ip) twice a day, until day 16 when all rats were euthanized. Arthritis decreased food intake, but it increased hypothalamic expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and Agouti-related peptides (AgRP) as well as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA. In arthritic rats, α-MSH decreased the external signs of arthritis and increased food intake (P < 0.01). In addition, α-MSH decreased hypothalamic expression of IL-1β, COX-2, proopiomelanocortin, and prohormone-converting (PC) enzymes PC1/3 and PC2 mRNA in arthritic rats. In control rats, α-MSH did not modify food intake or hypothalamic expression of aforementioned mRNA. α-MSH prevented arthritis-induced increase in gastrocnemius COX-2, muscle-specific RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1), and atrogin-1 expression, and it increased fast myofiber size. In conclusion our data show that in arthritic rats peripheral α-MSH treatment has an anti-cachectic action increasing food intake and decreasing muscle wasting.
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Kaneva MK, Kerrigan MJP, Grieco P, Curley GP, Locke IC, Getting SJ. Chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory role of melanocortin peptides in TNF-α activated human C-20/A4 chondrocytes. Br J Pharmacol 2013; 167:67-79. [PMID: 22471953 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01968.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Melanocortin MC(1) and MC(3 ) receptors, mediate the anti-inflammatory effects of melanocortin peptides. Targeting these receptors could therefore lead to development of novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents. We investigated the expression of MC(1) and MC(3) receptors on chondrocytes and the role of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and the selective MC(3) receptor agonist, [DTRP(8) ]-γ-MSH, in modulating production of inflammatory cytokines, tissue-destructive proteins and induction of apoptotic pathway(s) in the human chondrocytic C-20/A4 cells. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Effects of α-MSH, [DTRP(8) ]-γ-MSH alone or in the presence of the MC(3/4) receptor antagonist, SHU9119, on TNF-α induced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, MMPs, apoptotic pathway(s) and cell death in C-20/A4 chondrocytes were investigated, along with their effect on the release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. KEY RESULTS C-20/A4 chondrocytes expressed functionally active MC(1,3) receptors. α-MSH and [DTRP(8) ]-γ-MSH treatment, for 30 min before TNF-α stimulation, provided a time-and-bell-shaped concentration-dependent decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8) release and increased release of the chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10, whilst decreasing expression of MMP1, MMP3, MMP13 genes.α-MSH and [DTRP(8) ]-γ-MSH treatment also inhibited TNF-α-induced caspase-3/7 activation and chondrocyte death. The effects of [DTRP(8) ]-γ-MSH, but not α-MSH, were abolished by the MC(3/4) receptor antagonist, SHU9119. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Activation of MC(1) /MC(3) receptors in C-20/A4 chondrocytes down-regulated production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cartilage-destroying proteinases, inhibited initiation of apoptotic pathways and promoted release of chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Developing small molecule agonists to MC(1) /MC(3) receptors could be a viable approach for developing chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory therapies in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
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Montero-Melendez T, Patel HB, Seed M, Nielsen S, Jonassen TEN, Perretti M. The melanocortin agonist AP214 exerts anti-inflammatory and proresolving properties. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2011; 179:259-69. [PMID: 21703408 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2010] [Revised: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic and natural melanocortin (MC) peptides afford inhibitory properties in inflammation and tissue injury, but characterization of receptor involvement is still elusive. We used the agonist AP214 to test MC-dependent anti-inflammatory effects. In zymosan peritonitis, treatment of mice with AP214 (400 to 800 μg/kg) inhibited cell infiltration, an effect retained in MC receptor type 1, or MC(1), mutant mice but lost in MC(3) null mice. In vitro, cytokine release from zymosan-stimulated macrophages was affected by AP214, with approximately 80%, 30%, and 40% reduction in IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-6, respectively. Inhibition of IL-1β release was retained in MC(1) mutant cells but was lost in MC(3) null cells. Furthermore, AP214 augmented uptake of zymosan particles and human apoptotic neutrophils by wild-type macrophages: this proresolving property was lost in MC(3) null macrophages. AP214 displayed its pro-efferocytotic effect also in vivo. Finally, in a model of inflammatory arthritis, AP214 evoked significant reductions in the clinical score. These results indicate that AP214 elicits anti-inflammatory responses, with a preferential effect on IL-1β release. Furthermore, we describe for the first time a positive modulation of an MC agonist on the process of efferocytosis. In all cases, endogenous MC(3) is the receptor that mediates these novel properties of AP214. These findings might clarify the tissue-protective properties of AP214 in clinical settings and may open further development for novel MC agonists.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Arthritis, Experimental/drug therapy
- Arthritis, Experimental/metabolism
- Arthritis, Experimental/pathology
- Blotting, Western
- Cytokines/genetics
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Humans
- Inflammation/drug therapy
- Inflammation/metabolism
- Inflammation/pathology
- Interleukin-1beta/genetics
- Interleukin-1beta/metabolism
- Interleukin-6/genetics
- Interleukin-6/metabolism
- Macrophages/cytology
- Macrophages/drug effects
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/cytology
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/drug effects
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/metabolism
- Male
- Melanocortins/agonists
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Mutation/genetics
- Neutrophils/cytology
- Neutrophils/drug effects
- Neutrophils/metabolism
- Peritonitis/drug therapy
- Peritonitis/metabolism
- Peritonitis/pathology
- Phagocytosis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1/physiology
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 3/physiology
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
- alpha-MSH/analogs & derivatives
- alpha-MSH/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Trinidad Montero-Melendez
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Barts, and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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