Non-pigmentary actions of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone--lessons from the cutaneous melanocortin system.

The study highlighted the diverse roles of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) beyond its pigment-inducing effects, identifying its expression in various non-pigmentary skin cells and its involvement in several biological processes. It was found that α-MSH and related peptides exhibited lipogenic activity and had significant immunomodulatory effects, such as regulating chemokine expression, downregulating proinflammatory signals, and modulating collagen metabolism. These actions suggested a potential role for α-MSH in managing chronic inflammatory skin responses. Additionally, α-MSH demonstrated cytoprotective activity against UVB-induced apoptosis and DNA damage, indicating its role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and preventing genotoxicity during inflammation.