Selank (10mg)

What is the Selank Peptide?

Selank is a small peptide studied for its potential nootropic and anxiolytic properties. It is a synthetic analog of naturally occurring Tuftsin, an immunomodulatory peptide regulating T helper cells, IL-6, monoamine neurotransmitters, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Selank appears to differ from Tuftsin in the additional four amino acids in its chain that appears to enhance its metabolic stability and half-life. It has been tested in clinical trials as a potential therapy for generalized anxiety disorder.

Specifications

Molecular Formula: C33H57N11O9

Molecular Weight: 751.89 g/mol

Sequence: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro

PubChem: CID 11765600

CAS Number: 129954-34-3

Reconstitution: Required

Selank Research

Selank and Anxiety Genes Related to GABA Neurotransmitters
As per Dr. Anastasiya Volkova of the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Russia, “numerous clinical studies have [suggested] that Selank has strong antianxiety and neuroprotective effects in the treatment of anxiety. Selank and classical antianxiety medications such as benzodiazepine have a similar mode of action. Selank allosterically modulates GABAA receptors and increases the inhibitory action of GABA.” Researchers like Dr. Volkova have suggested that the peptide reduces anxiety, improves mood, decreases stress levels, and positively influences memory and learning. Studies focused on small doses of Selank have reported its sedating effect similar to benzodiazepines. However, unlike the latter, it appears to be neither habit-forming nor lead to symptoms of withdrawal or amnesia. It has been suggested to strongly influence expression of seven genes and moderately affect the expression of 45 other targets from a set of about 84 genes known to be involved in GABA signaling.^[1] The researcher reported that their “results showed that Selank caused a number of alterations in the expression of genes involved in neurotransmission.” Thus the peptide may stimulate gene expression in neurons and can influence affinity of GABA receptors for GABA. Synergism between Selank and benzodiazepines and other GABA receptor agonists appears to be mediated through alteration of the receptor affinity. Research in rats observes that Selank and benzodiazepines, when used alone, appear to have similar effects on anxiety, particularly generalized anxiety disorder. The combined use of the two may address unpredictable chronic mild stress, despite Selank’s potential to be better equipped to relieve anxiety than benzodiazepines.^[2] The effect of Selank on enkephalin degradation appears to modulate its influence on GABA receptors to a certain extent. Studies have suggested enkephalins with shorter blood stability is present in patients with anxiety and phobic disorders. This is apparently caused by increased enkephalinase activity in their blood, which degrades the enkephalins. The peptide appears to inhibit enkephalinase, stabilizes enkephalins, resets the enzymatic pathway, and thus may preserve the natural anxiolytic peptides of the body. Studies in murine models of anxiety also support the view of the above hypothesis.^[3]

Selank Peptide and the Immune System in Anxiety
Selank has been studied for its potential to inhibit the gene responsible for the production of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in patients suffering from depression, but not in healthy individuals.^[4] Researchers also note that “the adaptogenic properties of selank may be beneficial to its use in elderly people and people exposed to environmental stressors for the prevention of infectious diseases.” Thus it may be useful in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders, severe anxiety, fatigue, headache, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, nerve pain, and depression. Compared to standard anxiolytic treatments, like benzodiazepines, Selank research suggests it improves asthenic symptoms such as fatigue and pain.^[5] This is due to its apparent stabilization of enkephalins and modification of expression of IL-6. The peptide appears to affect expression of nearly 34 genes in the inflammatory pathway including those affecting chemokines, cytokines, and receptors. Specifically, it has been studied in relation to Bcl6 expression which promotes immune development. This scientific study not only helps to reveal the complex biological effects of the peptide but also may improve our understanding of the immune system. Selank and its truncated versions may mediate transient alter gene expression for C3, CAsp1, Il2rf, and Xcr1 in the mouse spleen. Selank may therefore alter the balance of the immune system and thereby modulate inflammation.^[6]

Selank Peptide and Memory, Learning
Anxiety and learning/memory show a strong inverse association. Like traditional treatment regimens, the peptide appears to reduce the impact of anxiety on cognitive function. Selank research has suggested that the peptide may improve memory traceability and storage in rats.^[7] This improvement was independent of the anxiety levels of the rats. The peptide appears to trigger better memory through the hippocampal expression of 36 different genes. The majority of the targets are membrane-associated proteins and regulate ion movement across cell membranes. Thus the ion-dependent processes in learning and memory appear to be enhanced by the molecule. Selank researchers have posited its potential towards helping in easy formation and access of memories. It may also help to rescue memory and cognitive abilities after injury in rats administered with neurotoxins. This inference is due to the apparent inhibition of catecholamines in the brain.^[8] Selank may thereby assist in restoring cognitive function after an injury, like during the birth process.

Selank Peptide and Pain Perception
Enkephalins are natural peptides that reduce the severity of pain by associating with opioid receptors. Their levels are high in the human brain and adrenal glands during the stress response. Selank appears to reduce the levels in the brain, thereby suppressing stress response and its harmful effects on memory, learning, and concentration. Experimental studies report that Selank appears to display minimal side effects, low oral bioavailability, and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. The dose (per kg) used in mice does not scale to humans.

References