Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Behavioral Disturbances: An Innovative Approach to Monitor the Modulatory Effects of a Nutraceutical Diet
07:05

Behavioral Disturbances: An Innovative Approach to Monitor the Modulatory Effects of a Nutraceutical Diet

Published on: January 3, 2017

[Immunomodulatory effects of selank in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders]

O N Uchakina, P N Uchakin, N F Miasoedov

    Zhurnal Nevrologii I Psikhiatrii Imeni S.S. Korsakova
    |June 26, 2008
    PubMed

    Insights

    The neurotrophic peptide selank modulates immune responses by affecting interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. These findings suggest selank

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Neuroscience
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a critical role in immune responses and is implicated in various disorders.
    • Cytokine balance, particularly the Th1/Th2 axis, is crucial for immune homeostasis.
    • Selank, a novel neurotrophic heptapeptide, warrants investigation for its immunomodulatory potential.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the immunotropic effects of the neurotrophic heptapeptide selank.
    • To assess selank's impact on interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene expression and concentration.
    • To examine selank's influence on the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance in vivo.

    Main Methods:

    • In vitro experiments assessed IL-6 gene expression and concentration in peripheral blood cells.
    • Peripheral blood cell cultures from patients with depression and healthy controls were used.
    • In vivo studies analyzed Th1/Th2 cytokine balance in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders receiving selank.

    Main Results:

    • Selank (10-7 M) suppressed IL-6 gene expression in patients with depression but not healthy controls.
    • A significant increase in IL-6 concentration was observed in patient cell cultures with selank.
    • Selank administration altered Th1/Th2 cytokine balance in patients with generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia.

    Conclusions:

    • Selank exhibits immunomodulatory effects, impacting IL-6 and cytokine balance.
    • These findings support selank's potential as a novel immunomodulator for anxiety-asthenic disorders.
    • Selank's adaptogenic properties may aid in preventing infectious diseases in vulnerable populations.

    More Related Videos

    The Forced Swim Test as a Model of Depressive-like Behavior05:42

    The Forced Swim Test as a Model of Depressive-like Behavior

    Published on: March 2, 2015

    Related Concept Videos

    Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview01:26

    Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview

    Anxiolytic drugs are vital in managing anxiety disorders by effectively alleviating symptoms such as excessive fear, tachycardia, and tremors. There are several classes of anxiolytic medications, each with unique mechanisms of action and potential side effects.
    Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
    1. Benzodiazepines:
    Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry.
    Stress and Mental Health01:30

    Stress and Mental Health

    Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
    Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
    Anxiety: Overview01:18

    Anxiety: Overview

    Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
    Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
    Anxiolytic Drugs: Benzodiazepines and Buspirone01:29

    Anxiolytic Drugs: Benzodiazepines and Buspirone

    Benzodiazepines are a class of anxiolytic drugs known for their rapid efficacy and high therapeutic-to-lethal dose ratio, but with a potential risk of drug dependence. These drugs are lipophilic, allowing for rapid absorption after oral administration, eventually reaching the central nervous system (CNS). Once in the CNS, benzodiazepines bind to the allosteric site of the GABAA receptor. This binding enhances the inhibitory effects of the neurotransmitter GABA. By doing so, they prevent...
    Generalized Anxiety Disorder01:30

    Generalized Anxiety Disorder

    Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...
    Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer01:19

    Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

    Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...