학술논문

Plasma concentrations of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone are elevated in patients on chronic haemodialysis.
Document Type
Article
Source
Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation; August 2000, Vol. 15 Issue: 8 p1212-1216, 5p
Subject
Language
ISSN
09310509; 14602385
Abstract
Clinical and/or laboratory signs of systemic inflammation occur frequently in patients undergoing long-term haemodialysis. It is likely, therefore, that a compensatory release of endogenous anti-inflammatory molecules occurs to limit host reactions. The aim of the present research was to determine if the potent anti-inflammatory peptide alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), a pro-opiomelanocortin derivative, is increased in plasma of haemodialysis patients. Because endotoxin and cytokines induce alpha-MSH in vivo and in vitro, we also measured plasma concentrations of endotoxin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and the two circulating products of activated monocytes, nitric oxide (NO) and neopterin.