In this article, you will learn all you need to know about Selank, including how it has been utilized in research studies, the prospective properties it may exhibit, the common traits, and potential supplier sources.
What is Selank Peptide?
Studies suggest a synthetic peptide, Selank, may act as an adrenocorticotropic and melanocyte-stimulating hormone, or ACTH-MSH. It is similar to a tetrapeptide produced naturally named Tuftsin [i].
Tuftsin has the amino acid sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg, most often found in the IgG class of antibodies [ii]. The structure of Selank may be seen as an extended form of Tuftsin that has three more amino acids in the form of Pro-Gly-Pro [iii]. This gives the molecule a longer half-life and may increase its overall stability.
This short peptide, just a few amino acids long, was first conceived and created at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Russia. Since that time, researchers have been diligently studying Selank to investigate the potential properties of the compound.
How Does Selank Work?
Research suggests one of the regulatory peptides, Selank, may modulate several physiological processes.
It was previously assumed that Selank may directly affect GABA receptors and, as a result, the following binding of GABA. Findings imply this may be due to Selank’s alleged efficacy in mitigating the symptoms associated with anxious or depressive behavior. In contrast, the results of the research studies suggest that Selank may function more as an allosteric effector of GABA receptors [iv].
In addition, studies suggest that Selank may stimulate neurotransmitters’ metabolism, including serotonin and dopamine [v]. In this way, Selank may possibly alter the genes in the neuronal cells that are responsible for displaying the neurotransmitting abilities.
It has also been suggested that Selank may stimulate the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Researchers speculate that because Selank is similar to Tuftsin, a protein essential to the structural integrity of IgG antibodies, it may be likely that Selank may affect various immune responses.
Scientists hypothesize the expression of several variables, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), may be controlled by Selank. This may affect the immunocompetent cells, such as T-helper cytokines, as a later consequence.
Selank Peptide Potential
Studies suggest it may successfully mitigate some anxiety-indication behaviors because of Selank’s alleged ability to impact the functioning of neurochemicals. In one of the experiments, which observed the behavior of 60 test subjects, the results of Selank introduction suggested that it appeared to reduce models’ anxiety levels.
Selank has also been studied for its potential impact on depressive and stress-associated behaviors. The natural release of enkephalins is considered responsible for anti-stress properties. Studies suggested a significant reduction in mood behaviors, including aggression, and restlessness.
Subjects presented with Selank appeared to exhibit more relaxed behaviours and have increased energy output as compared to control groups. Research suggests that even if the research is inconclusive, there is a possibility that Selank may induce a condition of profound slumber.
Findings imply that test subjects presented with Selank appear to experience an increase in their cognitive performance and an impact on qualities such as learning and memory [vi]. The ability of models to focus and concentrate appears improved.
It has been speculated that Selank presentation for an extended period may improve the cardiometabolic indices, such as the levels of glucose in the blood as well as the blood pressure [vii]. It has also been suggested that the Selank peptide may lower cholesterol levels, which in turn lessens the likelihood of putting on weight due to the formation of fat [viii].
Findings imply that because it may affect immunoregulatory factors like interleukin-6 (IL-6), suggesting a potential for Selank within the context of infection and immuno-compromising issues.
Another investigation using mice suggested that Selank may have boosted the antioxidant properties already present in the liver [ix].
Selank vs. Semax
Studies suggest Semax is a nootropic mainly researched for its potential to increase cognitive abilities, and although both were invented in Russia, Semax is the more popular among researchers of the two. Both neuroprotective and neurostimulating properties are potentiated by the presentation of this peptide.
These nootropics seem to have a mechanism of action that is very similar to one another. It is essential to consider the fact that there are also structural disparities. Semax and Selank are derived from the endogenous peptide ACTH, whereas Selank is an extended variant of the naturally occurring peptide Tuftsin contained in IgG immunoglobulins. Semax was named after its parent peptide.
Researchers speculate that employing the Selank/Semax blend is more customary to reach the maximal synergistic potential. Buy N-Acetyl Selank if you are a licensed professional looking to research it further.
References
[i] Kolik LG, Nadorova AV, Antipova TA, Kruglov SV, Kudrin VS, Durnev AD. Selank, Peptide Analogue of Tuftsin, Protects Against Ethanol-Induced Memory Impairment by Regulating of BDNF Content in the Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex in Rats. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2019 Sep;167(5):641-644. doi: 10.1007/s10517-019-04588-9. Epub 2019 Oct 17. PMID: 31625062.
[ii] Fridkin M, Najjar VA. Tuftsin: its chemistry, biology, and clinical potential. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol. 1989;24(1):1-40. doi: 10.3109/10409238909082550. PMID: 2667894.
[iii] Semenova TP, Kozlovskaia MM, Zuĭkov AV, Kozlovskiĭ II, Zakharova NM, Andreeva LA. [Selank-induced normalizing effects on the integrative brain activity and biogenic amine level disorders due to antenatal hypoxia]. Ross Fiziol Zh Im I M Sechenova. 2006 Nov;92(11):1332-8. Russian. PMID: 17385425.
[iv] Volkova A, Shadrina M, Kolomin T, Andreeva L, Limborska S, Myasoedov N, Slominsky P. Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission. Front Pharmacol. 2016 Feb 18;7:31. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00031. PMID: 26924987; PMCID: PMC4757669.
[v] Narkevich VB, Kudrin VS, Klodt PM, Pokrovskiĭ AA, Kozlovskaia MM, Maĭskiĭ AI, Raevskiĭ KS. [Effects of heptapeptide selank on the content of monoamines and their metabolites in the brain of BALB/C and C57Bl/6 mice: a comparative study]. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2008 Sep-Oct;71(5):8-12. Russian. PMID: 19093364.
[vi] Semenova TP, Kozlovskiĭ II, Zakharova NM, Kozlovskaia MM. [Experimental optimization of learning and memory processes by selank]. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2010 Aug;73(8):2-5. Russian. PMID: 20919548.
[vii] Gan’shina TS, Kozlovskiĭ II. [Effects of the new peptide anxiolytic drug selank on the cardiovascular system functioning and respiration in cats]. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2005 Jul-Aug;68(4):33-5. Russian. PMID: 16193654.
[viii] Mjasoedov NF, Andreeva LA, Grigorjeva ME, Obergan TY, Shubina TA, Lyapina LA. The influence of Selank on the parameters of the hemostasis system, lipid profile, and blood sugar level in the course of experimental metabolic syndrome. Dokl Biol Sci. 2014 Sep;458:267-70. doi: 10.1134/S0012496614050020. Epub 2014 Nov 5. PMID: 25371249.
[ix] Fomenko EV, Bobyntsev II, Kryukov AA, Ivanov AV, Andreeva LA, Myasoedov NF. Effect of Selank on Functional State of Rat Hepatocytes under Conditions of Restraint Stress. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2017 Aug;163(4):415-418. doi: 10.1007/s10517-017-3817-8. Epub 2017 Aug 29. PMID: 28853100.
