Endorphins in Anti-Aging Activity - Holistic Approach an Emerging Concept

Endorphins are endogenous morphine, neuropeptide, produced in response to stress and pain. There are three types of endorphins such as Beta-endorphins, enkephalins, dynorphins binds to mu, kappa, and delta receptors. Receptors of endorphins are present on nerves and immune cells. Beta endorphins is an abundant, potent endorphin than morphine, it is synthesized and stored in the anterior pituitary gland, is a precursor of pro-opiomelanocortin [1-5].

Endorphins in anti-aging activity

In inflammatory state the endorphin receptors are increased on peripheral nerves and binding of endorphins to its receptors results in production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10, IL-18, and IFN- Gamma from inflammatory cells such as macrophages, NK cells, neutrophils, mast cells. The current concept of aging by free radicals such as (ROS, RNS) during oxidative burst by NADPH oxidase of inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells leads to cell aging, cell mutation, and cell death. In the CNS, binding of endorphins to the receptors on the CNS results in inhibition of GABA inhibitory neurotransmitter, stimulation of dopaminergic neurotransmitter leads to tranquility of mind, euphoria, analgesic, and cognitive development [2-8]. Anti-inflammatory activity of endorphins especially Beta-endorphins is by stress buster activity, chronic stress induced release of CRH (corticotropic releasing hormone) from hypothalamus activates HPA-axis through ANS release cortisol, noradrenaline, ACTH induced IL-1β, TNF-α, TGF-β inflammatory mediators from inflammatory cells activates NF-KB activity involved In chronic inflammation mediated release of free radicals such as (ROS, RNS) involved in cell aging, cell muta tion and cell death. Other mechanism of Beta-endorphins in antiaging activity is by lengthening telomeres, which otherwise shorten with aging [1,3,4].

Endorphins are neuropeptides, synthesized and stored in the pituitary gland in response to stress and pain. Beta-endorphins are abundant endorphins produced in anterior pituitary gland, is a precursor of pro-opiomelanocortin. It has produced in anterior pituitary gland, is a precursor of pro-opiomelanocortin. It has got various activities such as anti-inflammatory, immune stimulatory activities, anti-aging activity by reduction in the production of free radicals (ROS,RNS) and lengthening telomeres. Thorough understanding of the endorphins, their mechanism of action, and their role in anti-aging activity helpful for future holistic, promotive, preventive, and therapeutic approach to delay aging without adverse effects and inexpensive..

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