Valorphin Explained

Valorphin, also known as VV-hemorphin-5, is a naturally occurring, endogenous opioid heptapeptide of the hemorphin family with the amino acid sequence H-Val-Val-Tyr-Pro-Trp-Thr-Gln-OH (VVYPWTQ).^{[1] [2] [3]} It is produced in the body via proteolyic cleavage of residues 33-39 of the β-chain of hemoglobin.^[4] Valorphin binds preferentially to the μ-opioid receptor and produces effects such as analgesia and self-administration in animals. It also possesses cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties against tumor cells,^{[5] [6]} the mediation of which, because they are reversed by naloxone, appears to be dependent on the opioid receptors.

See also

• Hemorphin

Notes and References

1. Maurer R, Römer D, Büscher HH, Gähwiler BH, Thies PW, David S . Valorphin: a novel chemical structure with opioid activity . Neuropeptides . 5 . 4–6 . 387–90 . February 1985 . 2860596 . 10.1016/0143-4179(85)90035-6. 46078832 .
2. Erchegyi J, Kastin AJ, Zadina JE, Qiu XD . Isolation of a heptapeptide Val-Val-Tyr-Pro-Trp-Thr-Gln (valorphin) with some opiate activity . International Journal of Peptide and Protein Research . 39 . 6 . 477–84 . June 1992 . 1356941 . 10.1111/j.1399-3011.1992.tb00277.x.
3. Blishchenko EY, Sazonova OV, Kalinina OA, etal . Family of hemorphins: co-relations between amino acid sequences and effects in cell cultures . Peptides . 23 . 5 . 903–10 . May 2002 . 12084521 . 10.1016/S0196-9781(02)00017-7. 44834813 .
4. Blishchenko E, Sazonova O, Surovoy A, etal . Antiproliferative action of valorphin in cell cultures . Journal of Peptide Science . 8 . 8 . 438–52 . August 2002 . 12212807 . 10.1002/psc.402 . 46177846 .
5. Blishchenko EYu . Mernenko OA . Mirkina II . Tumor cell cytolysis mediated by valorphin, an opioid-like fragment of hemoglobin beta-chain . Peptides . 18 . 1 . 79–85 . 1997 . 9114456 . 10.1016/S0196-9781(96)00248-3. 11332853 . etal.
6. Blishchenko EY, Sazonova OV, Kalinina OA, etal . Antitumor effect of valorphin in vitro and in vivo: combined action with cytostatic drugs . Cancer Biology & Therapy . 4 . 1 . 118–24 . January 2005 . 15662114 . 10.4161/cbt.4.1.1474. free .