Regulatory effect of а synthetic opioid neuropeptid on protein homeostasis under cold stress conditions
Abstract
Background: Opioid neuropeptides are capable of regulating metabolic processes through the activation of specific opioid receptors, particularly under stress conditions. However, the mechanisms of their impact on protein metabolism under chronic cold stress (CCS) remain insufficiently studied. Given the importance of maintaining protein homeostasis under extreme conditions, investigating the role of neuropeptides in correcting protein profiles is of practical significance for developing new approaches to pharmacological adaptation.
Objective: To investigate changes in protein metabolism in the serum of guinea pigs under chronic cold stress, assess the protective effects of dalargin, and determine the role of the opioid system in regulating these processes.
Materials and Methods: The study involved guinea pigs exposed to CCS conditions. Changes in protein metabolism were assessed by measuring total protein, albumin, and globulins in the serum using standard biochemical methods. A synthetic leu-enkephalin analog (dalargin) was used as a corrective agent and administered subcutaneously at a dose of 100 µg/kg 30 min before CCS induction.
Results. In animals exposed to CCS, a statistically significant decrease in albumin levels and an increase in globulin levels were observed compared with intact values, which led to a disruption of the albumin–globulin ratio and indicated an imbalance in protein metabolism. Administration of dalargin contributed to normalization of the albumin–globulin ratio by restoring globulin and albumin levels in the blood of experimental animals, indicating stabilization of protein homeostasis and a protective effect of dalargin under conditions of CCS.
In addition, administration of dalargin reduced the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) under conditions of cold stress, demonstrating antioxidant and cytoprotective effects and ensuring the maintenance of structural and functional integrity of tissues.
Conclusions. The study results suggest that dalargin is a promising agent for the pharmacological correction of metabolic disturbances induced by chronic cold stress, as it reduces MDA accumulation, exhibiting antioxidant and cytoprotective effects, and highlight the important role of the opioid neuropeptide system in the regulation of protein metabolism and maintenance of tissue structural integrity under extreme environmental conditions.
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