C hronic inflammatory processes are related to conditions as distinct as atherosclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, asthma, systemic lupus, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. The continuous use of antiinflammatory agents is required to treat these conditions. However, the longterm use of these drugs creates an additional challenge: the high frequency of severe side effects. For ...

-MSH is a tridecapeptide derived from proopiomelanocortin. Many studies over the last few years have provided evidence that -MSH has potent protective and antiinflammatory effects. These effects can be elicited via centrally expressed melanocortin receptors that orchestrate descending neurogenic antiinflammatory pathways. -MSH can also exert antiinflammatory and protective effects on cells of t...

Inflammation is a major component of the vicious cycle characterizing cystic fibrosis pulmonary disease. If untreated, this inflammatory process irreversibly damages the airways, leading to bronchiectasis and ultimately respiratory failure. Antiinflammatory drugs for cystic fibrosis lung disease appear to have beneficial effects on disease parameters. These agents include oral corticosteroids a...