Melanocortins in Fibroblast Biology: Current Update and Future Perspective for Dermatology
October 2004
in “
Experimental Dermatology
”
proopiomelanocortin α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone α-MSH human dermal fibroblasts HDFs dermal papilla cells DPCs hair follicle melanocortin receptors MC-Rs anti-inflammatory cytokine collagen synthesis fibrotic skin disorders inflammatory diseases POMC alpha-MSH melanocortin fibroblasts papilla cells hair follicle inflammation collagen skin fibrosis
TLDR α-MSH may help treat skin inflammation and fibrosis.
The document discussed the role of proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides, particularly α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), in skin biology, focusing on their interaction with human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and dermal papilla cells (DPCs) of the hair follicle. It was found that α-MSH binds to melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs) expressed by these cells, exerting anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing certain cytokine-induced responses and inhibiting collagen synthesis. These findings suggested that α-MSH could modulate inflammatory and fibrogenic responses in the skin, offering potential therapeutic avenues for treating fibrotic skin disorders and inflammatory diseases of the hair follicle.
