The Melanocortin and Endorphin Neuropeptides in Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Based upon similarities between the urge to move and sensory discomfort of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and properties of melanocortin hormones, including their incitement of movement and hyperalgesia, we assessed plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and ß-endorphin in RLS patients and controls. METHODS: Forty-two untreated moderate-to-severe RLS patients and 44 matched controls underwent venipuncture at 19:00, 20:30, and 22:00; 37 RLS and 36 controls had lumbar puncture at 21:30. CSF and plasma were analyzed for pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), α-MSH, ß-MSH, and ß-endorphin by immunoassay. RLS severity was assessed by International RLS Study Group Severity Scale. RESULTS: RLS participants were 52.7 ± 12.0 years old, 61.9% were women, 21.4% had painful RLS, and RLS severity was 24.8 ± 9.0. Controls had similar age and sex. Plasma ACTH, α-MSH, and ß-endorphin were similar between groups. Plasma POMC was significantly greater in RLS than controls (17.0 ± 11.5 vs 12.7 ± 6.1fmol/ml, p = 0.048). CSF ACTH was similar between groups. CSF ß-MSH was significantly higher in painful than nonpainful RLS or controls (48.2 ± 24.8 vs 32.1 ± 14.8 vs 32.6 ± 15.2pg/ml, analysis of variance [ANOVA] p = 0.03). CSF α-MSH was higher in RLS than controls (34.2 ± 40.9 vs 20.3 ± 11.0pg/ml, p = 0.062). CSF ß-EDP was lowest in painful RLS, intermediate in nonpainful RLS, and highest in controls (8.0 ± 3.4 vs 10.8 ± 3.1 vs 12.3 ± 5.0pg/ml, ANOVA p = 0.049). The ratio of the sum of CSF α- and ß-MSH to CSF ß-endorphin was highest, intermediate, and lowest in painful RLS, nonpainful RLS, and controls (p = 0.007). INTERPRETATION: CSF ß-MSH is increased and CSF ß-endorphin decreased in RLS patients with painful symptoms. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:688-699.

Mechanistic insights on the antibacterial action of the kyotorphin peptide derivatives revealed by in vitro studies and Galleria mellonella proteomic analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The selected kyotorphin derivatives were tested to improve their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. The antimicrobial screening of the KTP derivatives were ascertained in the representative strains of bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. METHODS: Kyotorphin derivatives, KTP-NH2, KTP-NH2-DL, IbKTP, IbKTP-NH2, MetKTP-DL, MetKTP-LD, were designed and synthesized to improve lipophilicity and resistance to enzymatic degradation. Peptides were synthesized by standard solution or solid-phase peptide synthesis and purified using RP-HPLC, which resulted in >95 % purity, and were fully characterized by mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) determined for bacterial strains were between 20 and 419 µM. The direct effect of IbKTP-NH2 on bacterial cells was imaged using scanning electron microscopy. The absence of toxicity, high survival after infection and an increase in the hemocytes count was evaluated by injections of derivatives in Galleria mellonella larvae. Proteomics analyses of G. mellonella hemolymph were performed to investigate the underlying mechanism of antibacterial activity of IbKTP-NH2 at MIC. RESULTS: IbKTP-NH2 induces morphological changes in bacterial cell, many differentially expressed proteins involved in DNA replication, synthesis of cell wall, and virulence were up-regulated after the treatment of G. mellonella with IbKTP-NH2. CONCLUSION: We suggest that this derivative, in addition to its physical activity on the bacterial membranes, can elicit a cellular and humoral immune response, therefore, it could be considered for biomedical applications.

BCM-7: Opioid-like Peptide with Potential Role in Disease Mechanisms.

Bovine milk is an essential supplement due to its rich energy- and nutrient-rich qualities. Caseins constitute the vast majority of the proteins in milk. Among these, ß-casein comprises around 37% of all caseins, and it is an important type of casein with several different variants. The A1 and A2 variants of ß-casein are the most researched genotypes due to the changes in their composition. It is accepted that the A2 variant is ancestral, while a point mutation in the 67th amino acid created the A1 variant. The digestion derived of both A1 and A2 milk is BCM-7. Digestion of A2 milk in the human intestine also forms BCM-9 peptide molecule. The opioid-like characteristics of BCM-7 are highlighted for their potential triggering effect on several diseases. Most research has been focused on gastrointestinal-related diseases; however other metabolic and nervous system-based diseases are also potentially triggered. By manipulating the mechanisms of these diseases, BCM-7 can induce certain situations, such as conformational changes, reduction in protein activity, and the creation of undesired activity in the biological system. Furthermore, the genotype of casein can also play a role in bone health, such as altering fracture rates, and calcium contents can change the characteristics of dietary products. The context between opioid molecules and BCM-7 points to a potential triggering mechanism for the central nervous system and other metabolic diseases discussed.

Endorphins, Sexuality, and Reproduction.

Beta-endorphin is secreted from the hypothalamus and pituitary in both mother and newborn. The placenta produces numerous pituitary hormones from the third month of pregnancy, one of which is ßE. It has been suggested that ßE has a role in the appetitive and precopulatory phase of sexual behavior in animals. An increase in endorphin levels during sexual activity in humans may contribute to attachment and bonding between partners, but contradictory reports in the literature question the association between sexuality and ßE levels. The level of ßE also increases during pregnancy, rises in early labor, peaks in late labor, and drops in the postpartum period. This fluctuation provides natural analgesia, raises the pain threshold, decreases the sensation of pain, or suppresses pain, and decreases fear levels during labor and birth. Beta-endorphin also protects the fetus from hypoxia during labor and birth and potential neural damage by aiding blood flow to the brain under hypoxic conditions. It has been suggested that a variety of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic complementary therapies, when used in pregnancy, labor, and birth, activate the opioid receptors in the CNS and alter the sensation of pain during labor and birth, affect the mother-child attachment and affect sexual function. These studies report contradictory results that will be discussed in this chapter.

Effects of A1 Milk, A2 Milk and the Opioid-like Peptide ß-Casomorphin-7 on the Proliferation of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.

Special attention is given to cow's milk and its variants, with ongoing discussions about health-related impacts primarily focusing on the A1 variant in contrast to the A2 variant. The difference between these variants lies in a single amino acid alteration at position 67 of ß-casein. This alteration is presumed to make the A1 variant more susceptible to enzymatic breakdown during milk digestion, leading to an increased release of the peptide ß-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7). BCM-7 is hypothesized to interact with µ-opioid receptors on immune cells in humans. Although BCM-7 has demonstrated both immunosuppressive and inflammatory effects, its direct impact on the immune system remains unclear. Thus, we examined the influence of A1 and A2 milk on Concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), as well as the effect of experimentally digested A1 and A2 milk, containing different amounts of free BCM-7 from ß-casein cleavage. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of pure BCM-7 on the proliferation of ConA-stimulated PBMCs and purified CD4+ T cells. Milk fundamentally inhibited PBMC proliferation, independent of the ß-casein variant. In contrast, experimentally digested milk of both variants and pure BCM-7 showed no influence on the proliferation of PBMCs or isolated CD4+ T cells. Our results indicate that milk exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on PBMCs, regardless of the A1 or A2 ß-casein variant, which is nullified after in vitro digestion. Consequently, we deem BCM-7 unsuitable as a biomarker for food-induced inflammation.

Endogenous Opioids and Exercise-Related Hypoalgesia: Modern Models, Measurement, and Mechanisms of Action.

This chapter will focus on the role exercise appears to have on activation and modulating factors within the central nervous system related to endogenous like opioids and its possible contribution to exercise-induced hypoalgesia. The implications for the exercise-mediated alterations of CNS activation factors related to opioids, specifically endorphins and enkephalins, will be presented. In this update, we discuss utilization of new technology and methods to monitor mechanisms of opioid involvement to suggest their contribution with exercise mediated hypoalgesia as well as their relationships to alterations of perceptions of pain and mood. Several special populations were included to suggest that not all individuals will respond to the exercise by mediating hypoalgesia. Factors that may confound the current understanding and suggestions from the recent literature will be presented as well as suggestions for future investigations.

Role of Endorphins in Breast Cancer Pathogenesis and Recovery.

Understanding the relationship between stress and breast cancer development is essential to preventing and alleviating the cancer. Recent research has shed light on the cognitive, physiological, cellular, and molecular underpinnings of how the endorphin pathway and stress pathway affect breast cancer. This chapter consists of two parts. Part 1 will discuss the role of endorphins in breast cancer development. This includes a discussion of three topics: (1) the neurophysiological effect of endorphins on breast tumor growth in vivo, along with further experiments that will deepen our knowledge of how ß-endorphin affects breast cancer; (2) how both the opioid receptor and somatostatin receptor classes alter intracellular signaling in breast cancer cells; and (3) genetic alleles in the opioid signaling pathway that are correlated with increased breast cancer risk. Part 2 will discuss the role of endorphins in recovery from breast cancer. This includes a discussion of three topics: (1) the relationship between breast cancer diagnosis and depression; (2) the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing stress in breast cancer patients; and (3) the effect of psychotherapy and exercise on preserving telomere length in breast cancer patients.

Beta Endorphins are not responsible for delayed gastric emptying of digestible solids after exercise in professional cyclists. A preliminary study / Las Beta endorfinas no son responsables del retardo del vaciamiento gástrico de sólidos en ciclistas profesionales tras el ejercicio. Un estudio preliminar

Objective: It has been reported that professional cyclists had an accelerated solid gastric emptying which decreased by increasing the exercise intensity. That could be explained by a predominance of stress-dependent motility inhibitors such gastrointestinal hormones, neurotransmitters and or the predominance of the gastric inhibitory vagal motor circuit. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the role of β-endorphins, inhibitors of gastric motility, in these findings. Methods: Gastric emptying of solids marked with Tc99 while resting and plasmatic levels of β-endorphins were evaluated in 27 healthy controls and 19 professional cyclists (day 1). Besides, gastric emptying of solids was also assessed in cyclists when they reached 50% (day 1) and 75% (day 2) of the maximum oxygen consumption (low and high, respectively), during exercise on the cycle-ergometer. The third day, naloxone was administered in cyclists in order to block the β-endorphins receptors and gastric emptying was measured when they reached 75% of the maximum oxygen consumption. Results: Basal β-endorphin levels were lower in cyclists vs controls (p<0.05) and they increased with the exercise intensity (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in gastric emptying of solids with or without naloxone when 75% of the maximum oxygen consumption was reached. Conclusions: The inhibitory effect of the exercise in the gastric emptying of solids does not seem to be secondary to the action of β-endorphins, that leaves the gastric inhibitory vagal motor circuit a more likely predominant role.(AU)

Objetivo: Se ha informado de que los ciclistas profesionales tienen un vaciado gástrico sólido acelerado que disminuye al aumentar la intensidad del ejercicio. Esto podría explicarse por un predominio de los inhibidores de la motilidad dependientes del estrés, como las hormonas gastrointestinales, los neurotransmisores y o el predominio del circuito motor vagal inhibidor gástrico. El objetivo de este estudio preliminar fue evaluar el papel de las β-endorfinas, inhibidores de la motilidad gástrica, en estos hallazgos. Métodos: Se evaluó el vaciado gástrico de sólidos marcado con Tc99 mientras se evaluaban los niveles en reposo y plasmáticos de β-endorfinas en 27 controles sanos y 19 ciclistas profesionales (día 1). Además, también se evaluó el vaciado gástrico de sólidos en los ciclistas cuando alcanzaron el 50% (día 1) y el 75% (día 2) del consumo máximo de oxígeno (bajo y alto, respectivamente), durante el ejercicio en el cicloergómetro. El tercer día, se administró naloxona en los ciclistas para bloquear los receptores de β-endorfinas y se midió el vaciado gástrico cuando alcanzaron el 75% del consumo máximo de oxígeno. Resultados: Los niveles basales de β-endorfina fueron menores en los ciclistas frente a los controles (p<0,05) y aumentaron con la intensidad del ejercicio (p<0,001). No hubo diferencias significativas en el vaciado gástrico de sólidos con o sin naloxona cuando se alcanzó el 75% del consumo máximo de oxígeno. Conclusiones: El efecto inhibidor del ejercicio en el vaciado gástrico de sólidos no parece ser secundario a la acción de las β-endorfinas, lo que deja al circuito motor vagal inhibitorio gástrico un papel más probablemente predominante.(AU)

Estudio y tratamiento de las amenorreas hiopálamo-hipofisarias (2017) / Study and treatment of hyo-pamo-pituitary amenorrhoea (2017)

No disponible

¿Es la música un complemento a la analgesia en la litotricia extracorpórea? / No disponible

No disponible

Protective effect and mechanism of β-CM7 on renin angiotensin system & diabetic cardiomyopathy / 生物工程学报

This article aimed at exploring the effects and protective mechanism of β-CM7 on renin angiotensin system (RAS) in diabetic rats myocardial tissue. We divided 32 male SD rats into 4 groups: control group, diabetic model control group, insulin (3.7x10(-8) mol/d) treatment group and β-CM7 (7.5x10(-8) mol/d) treatment group. After 30 days, all rats were decapitated and myocardical tissues were collected immediately. After injection, β-CM7 could decrease the content of Ang II, increase the content of Angl-7. And β-CM7 could improve the mRNA of AT1 receptor and Mas receptor. β-CM7 also could improve the mRNA of ACE and ACE2, enhance the activity of ACE and ACE2. These data confirmed tli β-CM7 could activate ACE2-Angl-7-Mas axis, negative passage in RAS, to inhibit the expression ACE mnRiJA and protein in rat myocardium, alleviate the myocardial tissue damage induced by Ang II. The effect of β-CM7 on inhibiting myocardium damage might be related to ACE/ACE2 passageway.

Effects of acupuncture combined general anesthesia on endorphin and hemodynamics of laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients in the perioperative phase / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of different anesthesia ways on endorphin and hemodynamics of laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients in the perioperative phase.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 90 laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients, 29 to 80 years old, were randomly assigned to Group A (treated with electroacupuncture at acupoints combined general anesthesia), Group B (treated with electroacupuncture at non-acupoints combined general anesthesia), and Group C (treated with general anesthesia) according to American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II, 30 cases in each group. All patients were induced by 3 microg/kg Fentanyl (Fen), 2 mg/kg Propofol (Pro), and 0.1 mg/kg Vecuronium (Vcr). Bispectral index (BIS), being 40 -65, indicated the state of general anesthesia. The anesthesia was maintained by intravenous injecting Pro, interruptedly intravenous injecting Fen and Vcr. Each patient received patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) after operation. On these bases, patients in Group A received electrical acupuncture at bilateral Hegu (LI4), Neiguan (PC6), Quchi (Ll11), Zusanli (ST36), and Yanglingquan (GB34). Patients in Group B received electrical acupuncture at the points beside acupoints. The electroacupuncture was lasted from 15 -30 min before anesthesia induction to the end of the operation in Group A and B. The heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac index (CI), cardiac output (CO), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), and acceleration index (ACI) were recorded before anesthesia induction, immediate before pneumoperitoneum, 5 min after pneumoperitoneum, excision of gallbladder, and at the end of operation. The time consumption from discontinuation to spontaneously breathing recovery, analeptic, and extubation were recorded. The blood samples (3 mL each time) were collected from the peripheral vein before anesthesia induction, 2 h after operation, the 1st day after operation, and the 3rd day after operation to detect the beta-endorphin (beta-EP) level. The visual analogue scale (VAS) were observed and recorded in the 3 groups at post-operative 4, 6, 8, 24, and 44 h, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Compared with before anesthesia induction in the same group, the CI, CO, ACI of all patients decreased significantly at 5 min after pneumoperitoneum and at excision of gallbladder (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The HR, MAP, SVRI obviously increased in Group B and Group C at each time point (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Less change happened in Group A. Compared with Group C, the increment of MAP was less in Group A at 5 min after pneumoperitoneum, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). (2) The time consumption from discontinuation to analeptic and extubation was obviously shorter in Group A than in Group B and Group C (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). (3) The level of beta-EP on the 1st day of operation was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B (P < 0.05) and Group C (P < 0.01). (4) The VAS score at post-operative 44 h was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B and Group C (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Electroacupuncture at acupoints combined general anesthesia could maintain the stabilization of haemodynamics, and relieve the stress reaction after pneumoperitoneum and operation, and prolong it to early post-operative period, and strengthen the effects of post-operative analgesia. The post-operative recovery was fast, safe, and reliable.</p>

Por qué la infusión preventiva de una dosis baja de sulfato de magnesio influye en la percepción del dolor postoperatorio y el nivel sérico de beta-endorfinas en las histerectomías abdominales totales / Whether preventive low dose magnesium sulphate infusion has an influence on postoperative pain perception and the level of serum beta-endorphin throughout the total abdominal hysterectomy

Objetivo. Debido al conocido papel preventivo que juegan las bajas dosis de sulfato de magnesio en el tratamiento del dolor postoperatorio, en este estudio aleatorizado a doble ciego y controlado con placebo tratamos de investigar la posible relación entre la infusión intraoperatoria de sulfato de magnesio, la analgesia postoperatoria y el nivel de beta-endorfinas séricas en las histerectomías abdominales totales realizadas bajo anestesia general. Métodos. Se distribuyó aleatoriamente a 40 mujeres sometidas a histerectomía abdominal total en 2 grupos (20 en cada uno de ellos). Quince minutos antes de la inducción de anestesia, al grupo de estudio se le administró una infusión intravenosa de sulfato de magnesio (15mg/kg/h), y al grupo control con placebo se le administró el mismo volumen de solución salina isotónica. Las puntuaciones del dolor se evaluaron a las 0, 6, 12 y 24h posteriores a la intervención, utilizando la escala de calificación numérica verbal. Se registró de manera precisa el consumo de petidina. Se determinó el nivel sérico de beta-endorfinas 15min antes de la inducción y al finalizar las intervenciones, utilizando el método ELISA. Resultados. A las 6 y 12h posteriores a las intervenciones, el valor de la escala de calificación numérica verbal en el grupo de estudio fue considerablemente menor que en el grupo control con placebo (p=0,0001). A las 24h de la intervención, el consumo de petidina fue significativamente inferior en el grupo de estudio en comparación con el grupo control (p=0,0001). En el grupo de estudio, el nivel sérico de beta-endorfinas descendió considerablemente al final de las intervenciones, en comparación con el momento anterior a la inducción (p=0,04). Conclusión. Demostramos que la baja dosis preventiva e intraoperatoria de sulfato de magnesio reduce el dolor postoperatorio, tiene un efecto opioide moderado y disminuye la concentración sérica de beta-endorfinas en las histerectomías abdominales totales (AU)

Objective. Due to the known role of preventive low dose magnesium sulphate on postoperative pain management, in this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, we tried to investigate the possible relationship between low dose intra-operative magnesium sulphate infusion, postoperative analgesia and the level of serum beta-endorphin during total abdominal hysterectomy under general anesthesia. Methods. Forty women undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy were randomly allocated into 2 groups (20 in each arm). Fifteen minutes before induction of anaesthesia, the case group received a continuous intravenous infusion of magnesium sulphate (15mg/kg/h) and placebo control group received the same volume of isotonic saline. Pain scores were assessed at 0, 6, 12, and 24h after operations using Verbal Numeric Rating Scale. Pethidine consumption was recorded precisely. Serum level of beta-endorphin just 15min before the induction and at the end of the operations was determined by ELISA technique. Results. At 6 and 12h after the operations, Verbal Numeric Rating Scale in the case group was significantly lower than that of placebo control group (P=.0001). Over 24h after the operations, pethidine consumption was significantly lower in the case group compared with control group (P=.0001). In the case group, serum level of beta-endorphin was significantly decreased at the end of the operations compared with before the induction (P=.04). Conclusion. We illustrated that preventive low dose intra-operative magnesium sulphate infusion reduces postoperative pain, has opioid sparing effect and declines serum beta-endorphin concentration during total abdominal hysterectomy (AU)

The use of genes for performance enhancement: doping or therapy?

Recent biotechnological advances have permitted the manipulation of genetic sequences to treat several diseases in a process called gene therapy. However, the advance of gene therapy has opened the door to the possibility of using genetic manipulation (GM) to enhance athletic performance. In such ‘gene doping’, exogenous genetic sequences are inserted into a specific tissue, altering cellular gene activity or leading to the expression of a protein product. The exogenous genes most likely to be utilized for gene doping include erythropoietin (EPO), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF-1), myostatin antagonists, and endorphin. However, many other genes could also be used, such as those involved in glucose metabolic pathways. Because gene doping would be very difficult to detect, it is inherently very attractive for those involved in sports who are prepared to cheat. Moreover, the field of gene therapy is constantly and rapidly progressing, and this is likely to generate many new possibilities for gene doping. Thus, as part of the general fight against all forms of doping, it will be necessary to develop and continually improve means of detecting exogenous gene sequences (or their products) in athletes. Nevertheless, some bioethicists have argued for a liberal approach to gene doping.

Mecanismos de melhoria do humor após o exercício: revisitando a hipótese das endorfinas / Mechanisms of mood improvement post-exercise: the endorphins hypothesis revisited

Diferentes hipóteses têm sido propostas para explicar as alterações psicológicas induzidas pelo exercício. Dentre elas, a hipótese das endorfinas é utilizada como a explicação mais comum para este fenômeno. Entretanto, a investigação da relação humor-endorfina tem mostrado resultados contraditórios. O objetivo do presente estudo foi revisar os estudos que investigaram os mecanismos responsáveis pela alteração psicológica induzida pelo exercício, principalmente aqueles que testaram a hipótese das endorfinas. A análise da literatura revelou que a hipótese das endorfinas foi suportada por alguns e rejeitada por outros estudos, mostrando ser mais especulativa do que consistente cientificamente. Admiti-se que as alterações psicológicas resultem de uma interação ótima entre o indivíduo, o exercício e o ambiente, envolvendo diferentes mecanismos psicológicos e fisiológicos que atuam simultaneamente. Considerações sobre os estudos e recomendações para futuras pesquisas são discutidas.

Different hypothesis have been proposed to explain psychological changes induced by physical exercise. Among them, the endorphins hypothesis is used as the most common explanation for this phenomenon. However, the mood-endorphin relationship research has shown contradictory results. The purpose of the present study was to review the studies related to the mechanisms of psychological changes induced by physical activity, mainly the ones that tested the endorphins hypothesis. The literature analyzed revealed that the endorphins hypothesis was either supported or rejected by different studies, not showing scientific consistency. Psychological changes can result from an optimal interaction between subject, exercise and environment, involving distinct physiological and psychological mechanisms, that acts simultaneously. Further considerations about studies and recommendations for future researches are discussed.

¿Representan las endorfinas la base bioquímica de la herencia de la información mental? / Do Endorphins represent the Biochemical Basis of Inheritance of Mental Information?

En un artículo reciente (06/2009) Halabe Bucay presenta la hipótesis de que las endorfinas pueden ser un elemento clave en la transmisión a la siguiente generación de información mental producida a lo largo de la vida. Este artículo sostiene que el modelo de Bucay está basado en cuatro axiomas esenciales, sujetos a debate. El objetivo de este artículo es discutir esos axiomas específicos y evaluarla viabilidad de la hipótesis. Los axiomas específicos son: 1) “Las endorfinas actúan directamente en funciones espermáticas diferentes, lo que implica una influencia en la expresividad genéticade las mismas”, 2) Los opioides exógenos afectan los genes y éste puede ser un medio a travésdel cual se puede transmitir la información adquirida a la siguiente generación bajo la influencia de opioides endógenos; 3) La información mental producida a lo largo de la vida puede ser transmitida; 4) Las endorfinas están específicamente relacionadas con el presunto fenómeno, lo que justifica el marco epistemológico. Los cuatro axiomas son refutados por la mayoría (si no todos) de los estudios que abordan estos temas específicos, lo que nos lleva a concluir que dicha hipótesis no se sostiene. Al mismo tiempo, la hipótesis presenta una oportunidad única para discutir el papel de los neuropéptidos en el comportamiento y su posible rol en la constitución del cerebro. Al respecto, agregamos que es posible que los niveles de endorfinas en los entornos fetal y neonatal estén asociados con procesos epigenéticos (por ejemplo, la metilación) y tengan efectos a lo largo de toda la vida, —aunque no desarrollamos en profundidad esta idea por cuanto ello requeriría un enfoque totalmente diferente, basado en axiomas completamente distintos.

In a recent article (06/2009), Halabe Bucay presents the hypothesis that endorphins can be a core element in the transmission of mental information produced during life to the next generation. This paper argues that Bucay’s model is based on four essential axioms, which are subject to debate. The aim of this paper is to discuss these specific axioms and evaluate the feasibility of the hypothesis. The specific axioms are: 1. “Endorphins act directly on different sperm function which implies their influence on the genetic expressivity of the same”; 2. Exogenous opioids affect genes and this could be a means through which acquired information could be transmitted to the next generations under the influence of endogenous opioids; 3. “Mental information produced through life” could be transmitted; 4. Endorphins are specifically related to the presumed phenomenon, thus justifying the epistemological frame. The four axioms are contested by most (if not all) studies addressing these specific issues which leads us to conclude that the hypothesis cannot be held. At the same time, the hypothesis presents a timely opportunity to discuss the role of neuropeptides on behavior and their possible role in the constitution of the brain, in regard to which we add that it is possible that endorphin levels within fetal and neonate milieus are associated with epigenic processes (e.g., methylations) and produce lifelong effects —although we do not develop this idea further, since it would require a totally different focus, based on completely different axioms.

Clinical Experience of Pituitary Injectin of Phenol for Relief of Cancer Pain / 대한마취과학회지

Moriccas technique, neuroadenolysis of the pituitary gland through direct injection of alcohol, was performed 5 times on three cancer patients at chonnam university hospital. Two of the three patients had complete pain relief. During this procedure there was no any severe complications except diabetes insipidus, but it was treated uneventfully with indomethacin and fluid administration. Although several theories including destructiorr of the thalamic and hypothalamic nerve pathway, pituitary hormone and endorphin on the mechanism of pain relief by the neuroadenolysis have been reported, it is still not clearly determined. This technique is considered to be an exceedingly useful method for management of intractable pain in inoperable cancer patients.

The Effect of Naloxone for the C.N.S. Lesion

Naloxone, specific opiate antagonist, selectively elevates plasma dopamine level, with the dopamine changes significantly correlated with improved cardiovascular function and reduces the release of endorphin in the endorphin stress system. As the results, naloxone increases both, systemic blood pressure and regional blood flow, limiting secondary ischemic changes and improving neurological function in the C.N.S. lesion by the experimental studies. We have studied the clinical effects of naloxone on the 40 cases of C.N.S. lesions from April to October, 1983. We have discussed our results and reviewed literatures.

Postoperative pain & plasma endorphin level

No abstract available.