This delivery system of α-MSH (administered orally to mice) was able to improve DSS-induced colitis by regulating the neutrophil infiltrate (as evidenced by modulation of myeloperoxidase) as well as by intervening in the cytokine imbalance by reducing the levels of TNF and IL-1β and IL-6 and increasing the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The gene discussed is STAMBP; the disease is colitis.