This article aims to provide comprehensive information on Semax, its possible derivatives, and their potential properties. By the conclusion of this article, it is anticipated that you will be able to determine whether Semax or any of its derivatives is a suitable nootropic for your laboratory research studies.
N-Acetyl-Semax Acetate is a synthetic peptide compound derived from the naturally occurring peptide Semax. It is a modified version of Semax. Before delving into the potential properties of N-Acetyl-Semax Acetate, it is crucial to comprehend the historical context of its precursor compound, Semax.
Semax [i] is a peptide of seven amino acids (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) developed in Russia. Studies suggest Semax may exhibit structural similarity to Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This implies that it is a peptide fragment derived from the larger amino acid chain constituting ACTH.
The potential neuroprotective and nootropic effects of Semax have garnered significant interest from researchers, leading to extensive investigations and the development of various subtypes, including N-Acetyl-Semax Acetate, N-Acetyl Semax Amidate, and Adamax.
There exist notable variations in the perceived effectiveness and potency of compounds and their derivatives, despite only slight variations in their structural composition.
N-Acetyl-Semax Acetate is a derivative of Semax that contains three fewer amino acids. Studies suggest this modification may result in an extended half-life and increased potency.
N-Acetyl-Semax Acetate: Mechanism of Action
Studies suggest N-Acetyl-Semax Acetate may exert multifaceted effects by modulating various physiological processes at different levels. Due to its structural analogy with ACTH, it is not unexpected that it may also imitate its function.
Research suggests the compound may immediately affect the hippocampus, limbic reticular complex, and certain peripheral receptors. Researchers speculate N-Acetyl-Semax Acetate may primarily function by inducing upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) release from the hippocampus [ii].
The presentation of N-Acetyl-Semax Acetate may result in an elevation of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) concentrations. Researchers suggest that BDNF and TrkB exhibit a synergistic relationship in mediating their effects.
Studies suggest that N-Acetyl-Semax Acetate may be a robust activator of the melanocortin receptors in the skin [iii]. Additional research suggests N-Acetyl-Semax Acetate may be a potent nootropic suggested to elevate dopamine and serotonin levels, key factors in enhancing cognitive function [iv].
Empirical data speculates that presenting N-Acetyl-Semax Acetate may elevate enkephalin concentrations within the organism. Enkephalins are endogenous opioid peptides that function as analgesics by reducing pain perception.
N-Acetyl-Semax Acetate Peptide Properties
Empirical data suggests a possibly robust inverse association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations and the incidence of psychiatric conditions or negative behaviors, including but not limited to depressive and anxious behaviors. Studies suggest N-Acetyl-Semax Acetate has the potential to function as an anxiolytic compound due to its alleged ability to elevate BDNF levels.
Elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations exhibit neuroprotective characteristics by promoting neurogenesis and augmenting synaptic/neuronal plasticity. This facilitates the establishment of robust neural synapses in the brain, enhancing memory consolidation and learning processes [v].
Study findings suggest that optimal quantities of certain substances could enhance recall, focus, and concentration abilities. N-Acetyl-Semax Acetate has been speculated to reduce stress levels and improve resilience under stress conditions. This phenomenon is suggested to enhance cognitive acuity and facilitate increased communication in test subjects.
Semax was initially formulated to manage cerebral ischemia, a condition characterized by inadequate blood supply to specific microcirculatory regions of the brain [vi].
Semax has been speculated to enhance microcirculation and mitigate the likelihood of cardiac hypertrophy by substantially decreasing blood pressure levels. Scientists hypothesize it may inhibit the degradation of enkephalins, which may reduce pain perception.
Increased dopamine and serotonin levels can enhance productivity, alertness, and motivation, facilitating task performance. Research suggests this compound may improve an emotional state and induce revitalization in the test model.
Several studies suggest that the nootropic may exhibit potent antioxidant properties. It may significantly mitigate the oxidative stress experienced by specific anatomical regions [vii].
Some studies suggest that N-Acetyl-Semax Acetate may enhance physical performance and endurance. However, the evidence is not entirely conclusive.
N-Acetyl-Semax Acetate vs. Selank Peptide
N-Acetyl-Semax Acetate, a nootropic, is speculated to improve cognitive functions. Studies suggest it may facilitate the enhancement of cognitive function, leading to improved mental clarity and heightened concentration levels. This peptide may exhibit both neuroprotective and neurostimulator properties.
Researchers speculate Selank is predominantly researched for its potential anxiolytic properties. Although Selank may provide comparative properties to Semax, its potential research applications are more prominent. Studies suggest [viii] that Selank has been speculated to have potential properties for immune system functioning and increased inflammatory responses. The mechanism of action of both nootropics appears to be analogous.
It is noteworthy that there exist structural dissimilarities as well. Semax is a compound that is derived from the endogenous peptide ACTH. In contrast, Selank is an extended form of Tuftsin, a naturally occurring peptide in IgG immunoglobulins.
Research studies frequently employ the Selank/Semax combination to achieve optimal synergistic properties. If you want to buy peptides, remember all the compounds mentioned in this piece may be utilized only in contained lab settings. The data presented in this article is for educational purposes only.
References
[i] National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 9811102, Semax. Retrieved June 26, 2023 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Semax
[ii] Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Seredenina TS, Inozemtseva LS, Levitskaya NG, Zolotarev YA, Kamensky AA, Grivennikov IA, Engele J, Myasoedov NF. Semax, an analogue of adrenocorticotropin (4-10), binds specifically and increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein in rat basal forebrain. J Neurochem. 2006 Apr;97 Suppl 1:82-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.03658.x. PMID: 16635254.
[iii] Svishcheva MV, Mukhina AY, Medvedeva OA, Shevchenko AV, Bobyntsev II, Kalutskii PV, Andreeva LA, Myasoedov NF. Composition of Colon Microbiota in Rats Treated with ACTH(4-7)-PGP Peptide (Semax) under Conditions of Restraint Stress. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2020 Jul;169(3):357-360. doi: 10.1007/s10517-020-04886-7. Epub 2020 Aug 1. PMID: 32737723.
[iv] Eremin KO, Kudrin VS, Grivennikov IA, Miasoedov NF, Rayevsky KS. Effects of Semax on dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems of the brain. Dokl Biol Sci. 2004 Jan-Feb;394:1-3. doi: 10.1023/b:dobs.0000017114.24474.40. PMID: 15088389.
[v] Asmarin IP, Nezavibat’ko VN, Miasoedov NF, Kamenskiĭ AA, Grivennikov IA, Ponomareva-Stepnaia MA, Andreeva LA, Kaplan AIa, Koshelev VB, Riasina TV. Nootropnyĭ analog adrenokortikotropina 4-10-semaks (15-letniĭ opyt razrabotki i izucheniia) [A nootropic adrenocorticotropin analog 4-10-semax (l5 years experience in its design and study)]. Zh Vyssh Nerv Deiat Im I P Pavlova. 1997 Mar-Apr;47(2):420-30. Russian. PMID: 9173745.
[vi] Medvedeva EV, Dmitrieva VG, Povarova OV, Limborska SA, Skvortsova VI, Myasoedov NF, Dergunova LV. The peptide semax affects the expression of genes related to the immune and vascular systems in rat brain focal ischemia: genome-wide transcriptional analysis. BMC Genomics. 2014 Mar 24;15:228. doi: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-228. PMID: 24661604; PMCID: PMC3987924.
[vii] Bobyntsev I, Kryukov AA, Shepeleva M, Ivanov AV. [THE EFFECT OF ACTH-(4-7)-PGP PEPTIDE ON LIPID PEROXIDATION IN LIVER AND ACTIVITY OF SERUM TRANSAMINASES IN RATS UNDER ACUTE AND CHRONIC IMMOBILIZATION STRESS CONDITIONS]. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2015;78(8):18-21. Russian. PMID: 26591577.
[viii] Leonidovna YA, Aleksandrovna SM, Aleksandrovna TA, Aleksandrovna BO, Fedorovich MN, Aleksandrovna AL. The Influence of Selank on the Level of Cytokines Under the Conditions of “Social” Stress. Curr Rev Clin Exp Pharmacol. 2021;16(2):162-167. doi: 10.2174/1574884715666200704152810. PMID: 32621722.
