Elevated plasma levels of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) are correlated with insulin resistance in obese men

OBJECTIVE: The role of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) in obesity has been well-documented. However, circulating α-MSH concentrations in obese men and their relationship with clinical indicators of obesity and glucose metabolism have not as yet been evaluated. METHODS: We measured the plasma concentrations of α-MSH in 15 obese and 15 non-obese male subjects. The relationship of the plasma concentrations of α-MSH with body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (measured by bioelectric impedance), body fat distribution (measured by computed tomography), insulin levels, insulin resistance (assessed by the glucose infusion rate (GIR) during an euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp study) and with the serum concentrations of leptin and TNF-α were also evaluated. RESULTS: In obese men, the plasma α-MSH concentrations were significantly increased compared with those in non-obese men (P