Hormone Shows Promise for Treating Celiac Disease

Results from a recent study suggest that a synthetic form of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) has an anti-inflammatory effect on celiac mucosa and may lead to the first medical treatment for celiac disease. The study appeared in the February 20, 2003, issue of NeuroImmunoModulation.

Alpha-MSH is a naturally occurring molecule that modulates inflammatory and immune responses. Data confirming the presence of alpha-MSH in celiac mucosa suggest the presence of a local reaction of the molecule to control the inflammatory response elicited by gliadin. Gliadin is the subfraction of gluten that acts as a toxin in people with celiac disease, causing an immune reaction and resulting in damage to the small intestine.

"Our research suggests that locally produced alpha-SH modulates inflammation and perhaps limits epithelial damage in patients with celiac disease,” said James M. Lipton, Ph.D., study investigator and chief scientific officer of Zengen, Inc. (Woodland Hills, CA, USA). "We are particularly excited by these findings as these data, coupled with abundant evidence of the anti-inflammatory and anti-infective activity of Zengen's novel molecules based on alpha-MSH, further validate our research and development efforts in numerous areas, including celiac disease.”





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