Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report

Summary: Renal infarction, a rare and serious condition, can potentially be caused by Melanotan II, a drug known for increasing skin pigmentation and causing sexual stimulation. This study reviews the possible effects of Melanotan II on the kidneys, including a case where it likely induced renal infarction, possibly through blood clot formation or direct toxicity to kidney tissue.

Link: PubMed

Melanotan-II reverses memory impairment induced by a short-term HF diet

Summary: This study found that a short-term high-fat diet can negatively impact memory, anxiety, and exploratory behavior in zebrafish. However, treatment with Melanotan-II reversed these effects, suggesting its potential to mitigate diet-induced neurobehavioral impairments.

Link: ScienceDirect

Combining MALDI mass spectrometry imaging and droplet-base surface sampling analysis for tissue distribution, metabolite profiling, and relative quantification of cyclic peptide melanotan II

Summary: This study used two advanced mass spectrometry techniques to analyze the distribution, stability, and clearance of peptide therapeutics, specifically using the peptide melanotan II as a model. By combining Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) and droplet-based liquid microjunction surface sampling liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LMJ-SSP-LC-HRMS), the researchers obtained a more comprehensive understanding of how these therapies behave within the body, enhancing drug development processes.

Link: ScienceDirect

Melanocortin receptor agonist melanotan-II microinjected in the nucleus accumbens decreases appetitive and consumptive responding for food

Summary: This study found that injecting melanotan-II (MT-II) into a specific brain area of mice reduced their food intake and motivation to eat without causing aversive effects or changing metabolic rates. The findings suggest that targeting melanocortin signaling in this brain region may help control appetite and satiety without adverse side effects.

Link: ScienceDirect

The effect of chitosan-furcellaran biopolymeric films and coatings incorporated with LL-37 and RW4 bioactive peptides on the microbiological and sensory quality of cheese

Summary: This study investigated the effect of chitosan-furcellaran films and coatings with bioactive peptides on cheese preservation. Results showed that these coatings, particularly those with LL-37 peptide, delayed yeast and mold growth in both Gouda and Mozzarella cheeses, while also maintaining their sensory qualities.

Link: ScienceDirect

The potent melanocortin receptor agonist melanotan-II promotes peripheral nerve regeneration and has neuroprotective properties in the rat

Summary: Researchers tested the α-MSH analog melanotan-II for its ability to aid nerve recovery and protection in rats with sciatic nerve damage. They found that a specific dose of 20 μg/kg significantly improved sensory function and provided some protection against nerve damage from cisplatin toxicity, showcasing melanotan-II’s effectiveness in nerve regeneration and neuroprotection.

Link: ScienceDirect

Effects of melanotan II, a melanocortin agonist, on grooming and exploration in rats after repeated restraint/immobilization

Summary: In this study, a single dose of 2 mg/kg melanotan II (MTII) increased grooming behaviors in naïve rats without affecting their movement or rearing when placed in a new environment. When rats were exposed to repeated stress, MTII enhanced their grooming response initially, but this effect decreased over time, indicating potential adaptation to the stress and tolerance to the peptide.

Link: ScienceDirect

The Use of Telemetry Technology to Test the Proerectile Effect of Melanotan-II (MT-II) in Conscious Rats

Summary: This study shows that using telemetry technology to monitor intracavernosal pressure (ICP) in freely moving rats treated with melanotan-II (MT-II) can effectively evaluate the effects of proerectile drugs. The results suggest that this method provides reliable data on erectile activity, making it a valuable model for testing similar pharmacological agents.

Link: ScienceDirect

Melanotan-II: Investigation of the inducer and facilitator effects on penile erection in anaesthetized rat

Summary: This study investigated how melanotan-II, a compound that activates melanocortin receptors, influences erections in anesthetized rats, finding that it enhances erectile activity depending on the administration method and site. The research concludes that melanotan-II works through both central and peripheral pathways to trigger and support erections, with its effectiveness influenced by how and where it is delivered in the body.

Link: ScienceDirect

The protective effects of the melanocortin receptor (MCR) agonist, melanotan-II (MTII), against binge-like ethanol drinking are facilitated by deletion of the MC3 receptor in mice

Summary: This study explores how the melanocortin (MC) system affects binge drinking of alcohol using mice models. It found that a drug called melanotan-II (MTII) successfully reduces binge drinking by working through certain receptors, and blocking a specific receptor (MC3R) may enhance these protective effects, suggesting new avenues for treating excessive alcohol consumption.

Link: ScienceDirect