In the past, the brain was compared to the computer in terms of how it works. When neurons are not stimulated, there is no information flow, and when they are fired, a single messenger secretes molecules and stimulates the other cell. Accordingly, the working principle of the brain was thought to be like the "0" or "1" system in computers. For many years, it was thought that the molecules in the brain that communicate between cells are just "neurotransmitters". It has been understood in recent years that things have not been so simple, that electrical stimulation and brain control in neurons are not only through “neurotransmitters”.
Brain research in the past 30 years has revealed the presence of other communication molecules. One of the most important developments is the discovery of molecules called "neuropeptides". The researchers first found regions on the surface of brain cells where morphine-like molecules bind. These are called "opiate" receivers. Strong painkillers like morphine show their effects by adhering to these opiate receptors. Later studies showed that morphine-like substances are secreted in the brain. These large protein molecules, consisting of long amino acid chains, were called "neuropeptides". The first discovered neuropeptide is “encephalin”, which means “inside your head”. “Endorphine”, which is found shortly after encephalins, is a morphine-like substance. "Dinorphine" is the one with the strongest effect among neuropeptides.
Depending on the different subgroups of all these neuropeptides, there are many variants of encephalin or dinorphine. Each molecule has a different function according to the arrangement of the amino acids in its structure. For example, one type of endorphins relieves pain while the other reduces stress; another is strengthening memory. Although more than twenty "neuropeptide" varieties have been discovered yet, their number is thought to be hundreds. Considering that the secretion of these neuropeptides is also under the control of many enzymes, it appears that the brain functions are not only based on whether neurons send electrical impulses.
Neuropeptides are the pain relieving, calming and enjoyable molecules of the brain. We like any incident, or the substances like food and beverage to us, thanks to the secretion of these morphine-like molecules. When we see a beautiful picture, listen to a nice melody or eat a delicious meal, molecules like endorphins, encephalin or dinorphins allow us to enjoy it by sticking to special receptors in neurons. The brain gets used to the feeling of pleasure created by these molecules that are secreted at certain intervals after a while. The body then tries to increase their level in the brain by consuming the substance that causes the secretion of neuropeptides, or by repeating the event. For example, the flavor that a delicious chocolate or hamburger leaves on the palate is actually due to increased levels of certain neuropeptides in the brain.
In order to relive the pleasure of the secreted neuropeptides, the person wants to consume the same food again. This is thought to be one of the mechanisms underlying obesity, known as obesity. Endorphins or encephalins are the basis of many harmful substance and drug addictions. Neuropeptides do not only enjoy pleasure. They also have highly effective pain relief properties. Especially dinorphine can block the stimuli and pain that damage the brain.
Pain relievers, such as morphine, which are usually used after surgery or to relieve the pain of cancer patients, also act by connecting to neuropeptide receptors in the brain. This is due to the increased number of endorphins and dinorphine receptors in the brain in cases of extreme pain. It is not a practical solution to use morphine or similar tranquilizers in all kinds of pain and stress; There are also several drawbacks. These brain-produced neuropeptides are usually sufficient to reduce pain and stress. In other words, the brain can produce its own painkiller and sedative.
Neuropeptide Y is one of the systems that regulate stress flexibility. In cases of prolonged or recurrent stress, the neuropeptide Y is released from the key areas of the brain. This system works with different flexibility in individuals with different susceptibility to stress disorders. Of particular interest for gene-environment interactions is the exchange of genes that encode stress-sensitive signal molecules. This can contribute to stress predisposition or flexibility. The neuropeptide Y system also plays a key role in behavioral compliance with stress. Decreased neuropeptide Y level was also observed in treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The low neuropeptide Y expression or the neuropeptide Y system in response to stress are not functional enough and the resulting stress elasticity may increase susceptibility to stress related disorders.
NPY
Increases Appetite and Weight,
Increases Blood Pressure,
Reduces Sexual Power and
It increases the risk of cancer by increasing angiogenesis
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Relieves Pain
Reduces Alcohol Consumption
Neuropeptide S plasma levels, which have been shown to be anxiolytically effective in the central nervous system, are a diagnostic marker known to be associated with the severity of anxiety in Common Anxiety Disorder.
