Pharmacological activation of the melanocortin system limits plaque inflammation and ameliorates vascular dysfunction in atherosclerotic mice.
Rinne P, Silvola JM, Hellberg S et al. · Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology · PMID 24790139
Study summary
Main finding
Melanotan II reduced plaque glucose-tracer uptake and inflammatory markers and improved aortic relaxation measures. Plaque size, macrophage accumulation, and cholesterol were not reduced.
Atherosclerosis-prone mice on a high-fat diet received Melanotan II or vehicle; their aortas were also tested outside the body.
What the researchers measured
Plaque glucose-tracer uptake, inflammation markers, plaque size, cholesterol, and vessel relaxation were assessed.
How to read this evidence
Researchers studied cells, isolated tissue, or animals. These experiments can help explain a mechanism, but do not establish benefits or safety in people. Human cells grown in a laboratory also belong in this category.
Results in context
Inflammation-related and vessel responses changed, but plaque size and cholesterol did not. The paper does not show plaque removal or prevention of cardiovascular events.
What this does not establish
Changes in mouse inflammation and ex vivo vascular function do not establish clinical cardiovascular benefit or tanning safety.
Publication & source
Why this paper is included
Melanotan II was experimentally tested in atherosclerotic mice.
Publication indexing
Journal Article · Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't