Cerebrolysin peptides as mood stabilizers

AIM: To establish the molecular mechanisms of the mood stabilizing (normothymic) action of the neuroprotector Cerebrolysin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mass-spectrometric analysis of the peptide composition of cerebrolysin followed by a complex bioinformatics analysis was utilized. RESULTS: Cerebrolysin contains considerable amounts of Leu- and Met-enkephalins, partial analogues of enkephalins, peptide fragments of beta-lipotropin. These peptides stimulate the endorphinergic system thus contributing to normothymic action and an increase in the levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Specific inhibition of kinases ABL1, PINK1, CDK5 and arginine N-methyltransferase PRMT5 by the peptides of cerebrolysin has a multidirectional effect on the dopaminergic system, also helping to stabilize mood. Cerebrolysin peptides do not directly affect neither the serotonergic, adrenergic, nor GABAergic systems. CONCLUSION: The normothymic effect of Cerebrolysin is due to the stabilization of endorphinergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission.