Stimulating the Melanocortin System in Uveitis and Diabetes Preserves the Structure and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Retina.

Autor: Ng TF; Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA., Taylor AW; Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: International journal of molecular sciences [Int J Mol Sci] 2023 Apr 08; Vol. 24 (8). Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Apr 08.
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086928
Abstrakt: The endogenous neuropeptide α-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH) is a potent suppressor of inflammation and has an essential role in maintaining the normal anti-inflammatory microenvironment of the retina. While the therapeutic use of α-MSH peptide in uveitis and diabetic retinopathy models has been demonstrated, its short half-life and instability limit its use as a therapeutic drug. A comparable analog, PL-8331, which has a stronger affinity to melanocortin receptors, longer half-life, and, so far, is functionally identical to α-MSH, has the potential to deliver melanocortin-based therapy. We examined the effects of PL-8331 on two mouse models of retinal disease, Experimental Autoimmune Uveoretinitis (EAU) and Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). PL-8331 therapy applied to mice with EAU suppressed EAU and preserved retinal structures. In diabetic mice, PL-8331 enhanced the survival of retinal cells and suppressed VEGF production in the retina. In addition, retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) from PL-8331-treated diabetic mice retained normal anti-inflammatory activity. The results demonstrated that the pan-melanocortin receptor agonist PL-8331 is a potent therapeutic drug to suppress inflammation, prevent retinal degeneration, and preserve the normal anti-inflammatory activity of RPE.
Databáze: MEDLINE
Nepřihlášeným uživatelům se plný text nezobrazuje