Therapeutic effects and benefits of Semax and Selank on Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, head trauma, and Depression: A Qualitative Research Study. (Research Paper Sample)

Therapeutic effects and benefits of Semax and Selank on Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, head trauma, and Depression: A Qualitative Research Study. Abstract The study aims to explore the therapeutic effects and benefits of Semax and Selank on Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, head trauma, and Depression. The data was gathered from secondary data sources. The data was collected from journals, books, published and research articles, websites, literature reviews, and newspapers. According to animal and cell studies, the experimental compound Semax is similar to Selank and is also known as a synthetic peptide. Both peptides are claimed to have multiple effects of nootropics and provide multiple therapeutic effects. Selank helps to boost memory and is also used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), Parkinson's disease, headaches, depression, and head traumas (Medvedeva et al., 2017). The studies also conducted that Semax has various action which helps multiple receptors in suggesting and acting at the partial level and these receptors in turn helps to provide tremendous benefits to the human brain. The study concluded that Semax and Selank provide therapeutic value in multiple conditions and provide enormous benefits, particularly in treating Depression by stabilizing the chemicals in the brain, and head traumas by boosting healing and maintaining emotions, for treating Alzheimer's disease by improving the attention span and memory and Parkinson disease as well. Keywords: Semax, Selank, Parkinson, Alzheimer, Depression, Head Trauma Table of Contents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u Therapeutic effects and benefits of Semax and Selank on Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, head trauma, and Depression: A Qualitative Research Study. PAGEREF _Toc142840542 \h 1I.Introduction PAGEREF _Toc142840543 \h 3II.Literature Review PAGEREF _Toc142840544 \h 10III.Methodology PAGEREF _Toc142840545 \h 23IV.Analysis PAGEREF _Toc142840546 \h 24V.Discussion PAGEREF _Toc142840547 \h 32VI.Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc142840548 \h 47VII.References PAGEREF _Toc142840549 \h 49 * Introduction Semax and Selank are peptide-based drugs that have thoroughly been studied for their anxiolytic and cognitive effects. They belong to a class of nootropic peptides that are responsible for the enhancement of the cognitive functioning and memory of the brain and are also associated with betterment in learning capabilities. Semax was originally developed in Russia and helps in the treatment of circulatory problems. It is also known as heptapeptide semax (MEHFPGP) and is considered an analog of ACTH. Semax is responsible for prolonging neuropathic activity. Semax is associated with patients having brain circulation dysfunction pathological conditions [57]. This is because it exerts its effects on carboxypeptidase, which is responsible for increasing physical performance and adaptation capabilities. This may be due to high intensity or exercises even at high doses. Semax is a synthetic peptide that is developed based on the molecular structure of the adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH [3]. In Russia, Semax was promptly used in the treatment of stroke and brain damage. It is also reported to have beneficial effects in animal models as it enhances their memory performance by reducing stress. Semax is a peptide that is known for having nootropic, neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects [72]. It is considered a basis for a wide variety of drugs in the US that are used for treating various CNS diseases, including ischemic brain stroke, optic nerve atrophy, and circulatory encephalopathy. It also enhances adaptability under extreme conditions [3]. Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 1: Chemical Structure of Semax Semax provides a wide variety of benefits and is also associated with the treatment of ADHD conditions. According to the studies it is suggested that Semax improves memory and also increases neurotransmitters which are reduced in patients with ADHD. As ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition it disturbs dopamine levels which are then addressed by Semax. Semax helps to prevent oxidative degeneration because it has an oxidative protection effect. Mild oxidative stress is beneficial to regulate the growth of body tissues as it stimulates antioxidant production. However oxidative stress for a longer period of time can result in other diseases or conditions like stroke which is responsible for damaging the protein cells and DNA [3]. Semax decreases the effects of stress. The body responds to stress by increasing the production of liver enzymes. Semax prevents enzymatic production mainly caused by stress. Semax is also helpful in patients suffering from cerebrovascular insufficiency. In such patients, it reduces the further risks of strokes by improving blood circulation. It also prevents the heart from enlargement due to high blood pressure. Semax is also helpful in the prevention of the breakdown of enkephalins; the neurotransmitters which tell the pain sensation. Semax also works by increasing enkephalin production, which helps reduce pain severity [42]. Enkephalin is a neurotransmitter that seemed to influence perception. Semax increases the formulation of memories which helps in the regulation of moods. It increases attention to detail and improves short-term memory. It is helpful during recovery from stroke or hypoxia. Its neuroprotective effects help in the protection of the brain from various types of stress and damage [3]. Semax works by increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). It is the most active neurotrophin and helps in the stimulation and control of neurogenesis. BDNF is also considered to play an important role in neuroplasticity which is responsible for allowing the nerve cells in the brain to compensate for the injury and adapt to the changing conditions in the environment. BDNF helps in the survival of already existing neurons by encouraging the regeneration, creation, and growth of new neurons as well as synapses. Enkephalins are associated with decreasing pain, preventing the growth of cancerous cells, and reducing inflammation and activity of immune cells. It also plays an important role in memory, Spain, emotional behavior, and learning. Balance in the levels of enkephalins is necessary to maintain the normal functioning of the brain. These findings have suggested that Semax has potential benefits as a pain reliever, however further research is required to confirm the findings [71]. Semax is delivered in the synthetic form of adrenocorticotropic hormone by a nasal spray of Semax. It works like other regular hormones by counteracting stress which is brought about by external factors. It also induces a controlled state of mental stress which is necessary for brain functioning optimization. By chemical stimulation Semax works on the limbic reticular complex, systems of the body, receptors, and hippocampus [3]. Based on the benefits semax can provide to the brain's functioning and health, its abilities for different treatment options are thoroughly being considered and developed. Semax is mainly provided in the conditions of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Improvement in pain, Physical exertion, Anti-thrombosis, Learning, Metal Toxicity, Cognitive enhancement, Neuroprotection, Anxiety and mood disorders, Recovery from stroke, Traumatic brain injury Semax is administered as a subcutaneous injection of 0.3-1 ml twice a week. The dosage also depends on the response of the patient. For anxiety disorders, Semax is taken intranasally and the difference in the drops depends on the health conditions of the patient. Injectable Semax is also available which can be administered upon the recommendation of physicians and other healthcare professionals [71]. Animal studies have proposed that Semax is effective in enhancing the dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission system which ultimately leads to betterment in providing antidepressant effects. Semax is mainly useful in the treatment of depression because of its psychostimulant effect. Antidepressants and psychostimulant combinations are responsible for accelerating the antidepressant responses in depressed patients [41]. Intranasal administration of Semax (0.5 mg/kg) is responsible for relieving migraine headaches and pain associated with dental plexalgia. Semax exerts analgesic effects due to spasmolytic and regulatory activities but not due to its influence on pain sensitivity [30]. Semax is a heptapeptide having properties resembling that of ACTH and has thoroughly been investigated for its effects on Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is mainly caused by the accumulation of amyloid beta protein which leads to the formation of toxic complexes. Semax works by counteracting the harmful processes as it forms complexes with copper ions and exhibits neuroprotective and neurotropic effects [52] Semax modulates neurotransmitter systems by reducing inflammation and is involved in overall neuronal health support. It exerts a positive effect on Parkinson’s disease due to its neuroprotective ability and property to modulate the neurotransmitter systems [57]. Semax decreases progression of the diseases and other secondary injuries by decreasing neuronal loss and is also neurorestorative in nature. It increases short-term memory and attention and helps in recovery from stroke or hypoxia. Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide that is derived from Tuftsin, a naturally occurring peptide in the body. Tuftsin is derived from human immunoglobulin and stimulates the phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. It is activated mainly in the spleen that is bounded by a carrier molecule known as gamma globulin, coating the polymorph. Thus, tuftsin is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system. It is also significant to say that tuftsin has important impacts on CNS. Selank is a synthetic p...