The efficacy of semax in the tretament of patients at different stages of ischemic stroke

Summary: The study found that both early rehabilitation and the administration of the drug semax in patients after an ischemic stroke increased levels of BDNF (a protein related to brain function), leading to improved motor performance and higher scores on the Barthel index, a measure of daily living activities. The timing of rehabilitation also played a role, with early rehabilitation showing a stronger correlation with higher BDNF levels and better motor performance.

Link: PubMed

Effectiveness of semax in acute period of hemispheric ischemic stroke (a clinical and electrophysiological study)

Summary: The study investigated the effectiveness of Semax, a synthetic drug, in 30 patients with acute ischemic stroke, comparing their recovery to 80 patients receiving standard treatment. Results indicated that Semax, particularly in doses of 12 mg for moderate cases and 18 mg for severe cases, helped improve neurological function, especially motor skills, over a treatment course of 5 to 10 days.

Link: PubMed

Semax, synthetic ACTH(4–10) analogue, attenuates behavioural and neurochemical alterations following early-life fluvoxamine exposure in white rats

Summary: This study found that exposure to the SSRI fluvoxamine (FA) in neonatal rats led to long-term issues with anxiety, learning, and brain chemistry. However, administering the peptide Semax after FA exposure improved these behavioural and biochemical outcomes, suggesting Semax may help mitigate the negative effects of SSRIs taken during pregnancy.

Link: ScienceDirect

Semax, an ACTH4-10 peptide analog with high affinity for copper(II) ion and protective ability against metal induced cell toxicity

Summary: The study shows that Semax, a peptide derived from the adrenocorticotropic hormone, can bind metal ions and protect cognitive brain functions. It specifically reduces copper-induced toxicity in nerve and endothelial cell lines, suggesting potential benefits for treating neurodegenerative disorders linked to metal ion imbalances.

Link: ScienceDirect

Influence of the N-terminus acetylation of Semax, a synthetic analog of ACTH(4-10), on copper(II) and zinc(II) coordination and biological properties

Summary: This study explores how modifying a peptide called Semax by adding an acetyl group changes its ability to interact with metal ions like copper and zinc, and its effects on neuroblastoma cells. The findings suggest that while the acetyl modified Semax (Ac-Semax) affects copper binding and does not offer protection against copper toxicity in cells, it might still be useful in future cancer therapies to disrupt metal balance within tumors.

Link: ScienceDirect

Semax, an analogue of adrenocorticotropin (4–10), is a potential agent for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and Rett syndrome

Summary: This study suggests that while psychostimulants like methylphenidate are commonly used to treat ADHD in children, some patients do not respond well or experience side effects. The researchers propose that Semax, a peptide that boosts memory, attention, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) activity, may be a promising alternative for treating ADHD and potentially Rett syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder.

Link: ScienceDirect

Degradation of ACTH/MSH(4–10) and its synthetic analog semax by rat serum enzymes: An inhibitor study

Summary: This study investigated how specific enzymes in rat serum break down the peptides ACTH/MSH(4–10) and its synthetic analog semax. The researchers found that aminopeptidases and angiotensin-converting enzyme play a major role in this degradation, with inhibitors bestatin, puromycin, and lisinopril significantly reducing the breakdown activity.

Link: ScienceDirect

Semax as a Universal Drug for Therapy and Research

Summary: This review analyzes experimental and clinical data from 1980 to 2016 to compare the structures and effects of the peptide drug Semax and its fragments, examining their impact on various body systems. It provides evidence of Semax’s long-term therapeutic benefits for multiple diseases and discusses the gene expression changes over time.

Link: Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences

Meta-analysis: Semax effectiveness in the acute period of stroke

Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of Semax in patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke and found that Semax significantly reduced stroke severity and improved mobility and functional independence compared to a placebo. The researchers recommend conducting a larger, well-designed study to further confirm these findings.

Link: GBOU VPO First Saint-Petersburg I.P. Pavlov State Medical University

Experimental Substantiation of Application of Semax as a Modulator of Immune Reaction on the Model of “Social” Stress

Summary: Researchers investigated the effects of Semax on the immune system of laboratory animals experiencing social stress. They found that social stress causes varied immune responses, but Semax effectively restored immune balance and supported immune function, indicating its potential as an immunomodulator and warranting further research.

Link: Astrakhan State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation