Browsing by Author "Encheva-Stoykova E.N."

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    L-valine peptidomimetic effect on neural functions
    (2020-01-01) Encheva-Stoykova E.N.; Tsekova D.S.; Hodzhev Y.K.; Nocheva H.H.; Tancheva L.P.
    Peptidomimetics are a class of chemical compounds, many of which are being developed as potential medications. Social isolation stress is known to negatively affect neurodevelopment and normal neural functions. The purpose of the study was to examine the neuropharmacological effects of M6 peptidomimetic, a derivative of the branched chain amino acid L-Valine and m-pyridinic acid, while focusing on the sexual dimorphism among its effects on memory, balance and exploratory behavior in adolescent male and female rats under social isolation stress. The aim was also to compare the effects observed with those of the peptidomimetic on control (grouped) adolescent male and female rats. The post-weaning social isolation (21st PND) of 12 Wistar male and 12 female rat pups over a period of 6 weeks was used as a method of chronic stress. Half of the animals (grouped and isolated) received M6 150 mg/kg (i. p.) daily for 3 days. Then they participated in a battery of behavioral tests: Rotarod test, Hole board test, and Step-through test. The rats were tested for memory retention 1 h after acquaintance of the animal with the Step through test, and 24 h later. ANOVA (mixed design) was used to compare and analyze the results obtained. It is shown that the rats' memory and neuro-muscular coordination during their early post-adolescent period are diversely influenced by the chronic stress and the administration of peptidomimetic depending on the animals' sex and on the isolation stress effect.
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    PEPTIDES AND PEPTIDOMIMETICS IN NEUROPHARMACOLOGY (REVIEW)
    (2023-01-01) Encheva-Stoykova E.N.; Tsekova D.S.; Staykov H.; Kalfin R.; Tancheva L.P.
    Peptides and peptidomimetics are a major field of bioorganic chemistry research. We endeavored to describe the current trends in medicinal and bioorganic chemistry regarding the design of drug molecules which are peptide mimetics. To this end, we reviewed the literature regarding peptidomimetics classification, new research data on innovative potential drug molecules, current research, and its perspectives. Potential or current neuropharmacological agents that possess a peptide bond in their molecules and can be used in the treatment of pain or Alzheimer’s disease are of particular interest to our study. The inclusion criteria required that the studies explore peptides, peptide mimetics, and peptidomimetics or mimetics of peptides that show biological activity in the central/peripheral nervous system. Electronic search strategies were developed and undertaken, and relevant articles were selected and reviewed. A considerable number of pharmacological agents showing pharmacotherapeutic relevance were identified and reviewed regarding biological activity in the nervous system. The ones more closely reviewed are prospective or proven effective neuropharmacological agents that are analogs of peptides/oligopeptides. The potential for discovery of various peptides and peptidomimetics, which can affect the pathogenesis of pain, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and others) offers to broaden the scientific horizon; in the end leading to the synthesis of potential alternatives to current pharmacotherapeutics. Translational research can be encouraged after careful consideration of the risk-benefit ratio.