Integrated insights into the role of alpha-melanocyte stimulatory hormone in the control of food intake and glycaemia

Peptides. 2018 Feb:100:243-248. doi: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.12.003.

Abstract

Identifying peptide hormones with multipotent actions on both weight and glycaemia can have a significant impact on therapeutic options in the treatment of obesity and diabetes. This has been exemplified by recent advances involving pharmacological exploitation of glucagon-like peptide 1 biology. Herein, we summarise evidence supporting the potential candidacy in this light of alpha-melanocyte stimulatory hormone, an endogenous peptide hormone and a breakdown product of the neuropeptide pro-opiomelanocortin. We reference its well described central actions in the control of food intake and moreover highlight new data pointing to an important role for this peptide hormone in the periphery, in relation to glycaemic control.

Keywords: Diabetes; Hormones; Hypothalamus; Obesity; Pituitary; Skeletal muscle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Body Weight / genetics
  • Diabetes Mellitus / genetics*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / metabolism
  • Diabetes Mellitus / pathology
  • Eating / genetics
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / genetics
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Obesity / genetics*
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Obesity / pathology
  • Pro-Opiomelanocortin / genetics*
  • Pro-Opiomelanocortin / metabolism
  • Pro-Opiomelanocortin / therapeutic use
  • alpha-MSH / genetics*
  • alpha-MSH / metabolism

Substances

  • alpha-MSH
  • Pro-Opiomelanocortin
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1