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Researchers from the Schepens Eye Research Institute have conducted a study on Fuchs' dystrophy, a disease that affects the cornea. The study found that DNA damage, particularly from ultraviolet-A (UV-A) exposure, plays a significant role in the development of the disease. The researchers investigated the potential use of neuropeptide alpha-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (a-MSH) in mitigating oxidative stress-induced damage to corneal endothelial cells. Their findings showed that a-MSH treatment protected the cells from oxidative DNA damage and cell death. In a mouse model, a-MSH treatment also preserved corneal endothelial morphology and reduced corneal swelling. These results suggest that a-MSH could be a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating corneal endothelial damage in Fuchs' dystrophy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Department of Internal Medicine reveals new findings on hormones and their role in promoting an anti-inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The study focused on alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (a-MSH), which is known to regulate food intake, energy expenditure, and have anti-inflammatory effects. The researchers used a mouse model to investigate the role of endogenous a-MSH in regulating immune responses. The results showed that mice without a-MSH had an exaggerated immune response to LPS, along with impaired metabolic responses. The study suggests that targeting the melanocortin system could be a potential therapeutic approach for sepsis or inflammatory diseases. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Toyama in Japan discusses the effects of a-melanocyte stimulating hormone (a-MSH) on food intake and anxiety-like behavior in goldfish. The researchers found that intraperitoneal administration of a-MSH reduced food consumption and increased thigmotaxis (a behavior associated with anxiety) in the goldfish. These effects were mediated by the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) signaling pathway in the brain. The study suggests that a-MSH acts as an anorexigenic and anxiogenic factor in goldfish. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at China Medical University in Taichung, Taiwan, has found that Coenzyme Q0 (CoQ0), a derivative from Antrodia camphorata, has anti-melanogenic, anti-photoaging, and anti-inflammatory effects on keratinocyte cells. The researchers discovered that CoQ0 activates Nrf2-mediated antioxidant pathways, downregulates alpha-MSH expression, and inhibits melanogenesis and melanin generation. Additionally, CoQ0 enhances Nrf2 nuclear translocation, resulting in antioxidant expression and the inhibition of ROS-mediated inflammation. The study suggests that CoQ0 could be used in topical cosmetic applications. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Boston University has found that alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (a-MSH) can protect retinal cells from degeneration caused by ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). The study used a mouse model and found that a-MSH treatment reduced retinal deformation and ganglion cell loss. Additionally, it suppressed the density of microglial cells in the retinas. The findings suggest that therapeutically augmenting the melanocortin pathways could help preserve retinal structure and cell survival in cases of neuroretinal degenerative disease. [Extracted from the article]