Dear Colleague,

Neuropeptides are short-chain amino acids produced by neurons and the most abundant chemical messengers in the brain. These small molecules are biologically active at very low concentration and exert a broad range of effects in the central nervous system, including regulatory functions in the endocrine and immune system.

Studies to date suggest that dysregulated activities of neuropeptide-expressing neurons or altered levels of neuropeptides in the brain contribute to the onset and/or development of neuroendocrine, metabolic or neuroimmune disorders. However, in many cases, a causal relationship has not been clearly identified. In contrast, a number of studies have determined that certain dietary, lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that trigger the above disorders also impact different neuropeptide systems.

Therefore, the purpose of this Special Issue is to shed more light into our understanding of how currently known neuropeptide systems contribute to the onset of and/or are dysregulated by pathological conditions of the endocrine and immune system. Original contributions and review articles addressing the role of neuropeptides in the onset and pathogenesis of auto-immune conditions affecting the CNS or involving HPA axis dysfunctions will also be considered

Dr. Alessandro Castorina
Guest Editor

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• neuropeptide
• autoimmune disease
• metabolic syndrome
• stress
• multiple sclerosis
• diabetes
• metabolic syndrome
• prolactinoma
• Cushing’s disease
• acromegaly