VASOACTIVE INTESTINAL PEPTIDE
What is VIP?
VIP is a neuropeptide with 28 amino acid residues that is widely distributed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. VIP has a wide range of biological effects and functions as a neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, and hormone. VIP was first identified as a vasodilator peptide that relaxes smooth muscle in the lung; it was isolated from pig gut in 1970. Its previous title as a “potential gastrointestinal hormone” was quickly replaced with its new, and presumably accurate, identification as a neuropeptide having neurotransmitter and neuromodulator capabilities.
Characteristics of VIP
CAS:37221-79-7
Molecular Formula: C147H237N43O43S
Sequence: HSDAVFTDNYXRLRKQMAVKKYLNSXLN
PubChem CID: 445567960
Synonyms: Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide, PHM27
Researched Functionality
VIP has been investigated in many different bodily systems, such as the gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, immunological, central, and peripheral neurological systems, and it was discovered that it plays many important functions in each of these systems. It has been difficult to estimate the exact engagement within the system, however, owing to the variety of positions that exist inside the system and the many responsibilities that each plays.
According to research, VIP may help decrease inflammation throughout the body, but it may be especially beneficial for neurological diseases, pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cardiac fibrosis. The peptide seems to possibly be extremely effective in a variety of fibrotic pathways and may give therapeutic advantages in the process of fibrosis that causes so much morbidity and death.
The research indicates VIP potentially can be a strong immune system regulator and a general anti-inflammatory, in addition to its possible antifibrotic properties, which seem to be mediated through anti-inflammatory activities. It has also been shown in the research that the peptide can possibly protect the central nervous system against injury and that its potential to retain cognitive function in the presence of neurodegenerative illness is of great interest.
VIP is highlighted to possibly being effective in multiple organ systems.
Mechanism of action
Due to VIP being so prevalent in the body, it is difficult to pinpoint its precise mechanism of action but here is an idea.
“[VIP] acts on the HPA Axis: the “stress” axis of the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands to regulate adrenal hormone production and release. This means everything downstream from the adrenals improves, including cortisol, DHEA (the precursor to sex hormones) and aldosterone, which regulates fluid volume in conjunction with ADH.” (Source)
“VIP stimulates prolactin secretion from the pituitary and catecholamine release from the adrenal medulla In the immune system, VIP regulates T cell traffic and inhibits mitogen-activated proliferation of T cells by inhibiting IL-2 production Other actions of VIP include stimulation of electrolyte secretion and protection against oxidant injury.” (Source)
References:
https://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/content/56/2/249.abstract
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6743256/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasoactive_intestinal_peptide
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/vasoactive-intestinal-peptide
https://selfhacked.com/blog/vip-a-potent-anti-inflammatory-hormone-and-natural-ways-to-increase-it/
