Melanocortins in fibroblast biology – current update and future perspective for dermatology

The document discussed the role of proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides, particularly α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), in skin biology, focusing on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and their expression of melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs). It was found that α-MSH had anti-inflammatory effects on fibroblastic skin cells by reducing IL-8 production and other inflammatory responses. Additionally, α-MSH counteracted the effects of transforming growth factor-β 1 on collagen synthesis, showing antifibrogenic activity in a mouse model. These findings suggested that α-MSH could modulate inflammatory and fibrogenic responses in the skin, offering potential new therapeutic approaches for treating fibrotic skin disorders and inflammatory diseases of the hair follicle.