Adrenomedullin: Not Just Another Gastrointestinal Peptide

Abstract

Adrenomedullin (AM) and proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide (PAMP) are two bioactive peptides derived from the same precursor with several biological functions including vasodilation, angiogenesis, or anti-inflammation, among others. AM and PAMP are widely expressed throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract where they behave as GI hormones, regulating numerous physiological processes such as gastric emptying, gastric acid release, insulin secretion, bowel movements, or intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, it has been recently demonstrated that AM/PAMP have an impact on gut microbiome composition, inhibiting the growth of bacteria related with disease and increasing the number of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Due to their wide functions in the GI tract, AM and PAMP are involved in several digestive pathologies such as peptic ulcer, diabetes, colon cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). AM is a key protective factor in IBD onset and development, as it regulates cytokine production in the intestinal mucosa, improves vascular and lymphatic regeneration and function and mucosal epithelial repair, and promotes a beneficial gut microbiome composition. AM and PAMP are relevant GI hormones that can be targeted to develop novel therapeutic agents for IBD, other GI disorders, or microbiome-related pathologies.

Proteomics of the phase angle: Results from the population-based KORA S4 study

“…This reinforces the inverse association of ADM with the PhA, as a lower PhA is related to higher fluid overload (higher ECF/ICF) relative to BCM [1]. Next to volume overload [40], other stimuli of ADM synthesis are inflammation-related markers [41], which can induce cell damage, while cell damage can initiate inflammation [42], potentially decreasing the PhA.…”

Fresh Parent’s Own Milk for Preterm Infants: Barriers and Future Opportunities

“…However, it can be hypothesized that the protective factors of milk components are diminished when components are reduced or eliminated through storage and feeding practices. For example, adrenomedullin (AM) is a hormone in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract present in human milk [32]. Within the GI tract, AM is known to help regulate many physiological processes, including anti-inflammation, organ protection, tissue repair, and improved intestinal barrier function [32].…”

Animal models of the placenta accreta spectrum: current status and further perspectives

“…The protein encoded by this gene is a preprohormone that is cleaved to form two biologically active peptides, adrenomedullin and proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide. Adrenomedullin is a bioactive peptide consisting of 52 amino acids ( 107 ) that possesses a variety of biological functions, including vasodilation, regulation of hormone secretion, promotion of angiogenesis, and antimicrobial activity ( 108 – 111 ). Previous studies have shown that AM and its receptors are highly expressed in the uterus and placenta, especially in the fetal membranes and umbilical cord blood vessels, which could relax the placental blood vessels in a dose-dependent manner through autocrine or paracrine forms and reduce the resistance of placental blood vessels ( 112 , 113 ).…”