Translational Medicine in Fish-derived Peptides: From Fish Endocrinology to Human Physiology and Diseases

Accession number;04A0170015
Title;Translational Medicine in Fish-derived Peptides: From Fish Endocrinology to Human Physiology and Diseases
Author; TAKAHASHI K (Tohoku Univ. School Of Medicine, Miyagi, Jpn)
Journal Title;Endocr J
Journal Code:F0625A
ISSN:0918-8959
VOL.51;NO.1;PAGE.1-17(2004)
Figure&Table&Reference;FIG.8, TBL.3, REF.159
Pub. Country;Japan
Language;English
Abstract;Recent studies have revealed the importance of fish-derived peptide hormones to human endocrinology. These peptides include melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), urocortins (human urotensin-I), and urotensin-II. MCH, a hypothalamic peptide, is a potent stimulator on appetite. Urocortins, e.g. urocortin 1 and urocortin 3 (stresscopin), are endogenous ligands for the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptors, particularly CRF type 2 receptor, that mediates a vasodilator action, a positive inotropic action and a central appetite-inhibiting action. These actions mediated by CRF type 2 receptor may ameliorate the stress response. Human urotensin-II is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide, while it acts as a vasodilator on some arteries. Human urotensin-II is expressed in various types of cells and tissues, including cardiovascular tissues, as well as many types of tumor cells. Thus, these fish-derived peptides appear to play important roles in human physiology, such as appetite regulation, stress response and cardiovascular regulation, and also in diseases, for example, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and tumors. Development of antagonists/agonists against the receptors for these peptides may open new strategies for the treatment of various diseases, including obesity-related diseases, hypertension, heart failure and malignant tumors. (author abst.)
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