The increased incidence of malignant melanoma in obese individuals is due to impaired melanogenesis and melanocyte DNA repair

Medical Hypotheses
Giorgio MorpurgoLuigi Catacuzzeno

Abstract

Obese individuals have a higher incidence of malignant melanoma (MM). We here suggest that the higher incidence is caused by a reduction of melanogenesis and a decreased capacity of melanocytes DNA repair. These effects are caused by an increase in the haematic levels of melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) antagonists, namely of the protein attractin, the melanocyte concentrating hormone (MCH), the agouti related protein (ASRP) and perhaps also agouti protein (ASIP), determining a lower activity of circulating MSH and of melanocortotropin receptors (MCRs) 1 and 4. MCR1 is fundamental in melanocyte DNA repair and melanogenesis, and a reduction of its activity could well account for the increased incidence of MM. All these changes are ultimately caused by the leptin resistance normally present on obese individuals, that is a low effectiveness of leptin in spite of its high circulating level.

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Citations

Dec 11, 2014·Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV·S KontautieneS Valiukeviciene
Dec 9, 2014·Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology·Hyoseung ShinSeong Jin Jo
Dec 17, 2015·Journal of Cellular Biochemistry·Pedro CoelhoRaquel Soares
Oct 23, 2016·Life Sciences·Sofia OliveiraRúben Fernandes
Oct 7, 2017·International Journal of Cancer. Journal International Du Cancer·Jo S StenehjemTrude E Robsahm
Dec 18, 2018·Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology·Ersoy AcerMuzaffer Bilgin
Dec 3, 2020·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Dóra KovácsDániel Törőcsik
Jan 4, 2022·Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research·Jo S StenehjemTrude E Robsahm

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