Authors of the research compared the composition of hormones in animals which are susceptible and resistant to such disorders.
Scientists of South Ural State University as part of an international group of researchers invented a new method of medication-free treatment of posttraumatic disorders. As reported on Tuesday by Press Office of the Russian Science Foundation (RSF), the discovery was a result of studying the phenomenon of a reduced level of “stress hormone” in animals which in stress situations attack their rival instead of running away.
“Results of our research are of practice-oriented nature. We’ve determined molecular targets for future treatment of PTSD with the use of pharmacological preparations. Moreover, we invented a method of medication-free correction of the disorder through moderate workouts based on oxygen deficiency, and provided it with a biological substantiation,” cited Press Office of the RSF the leader of the project, Director of South Ural State University’s School of Medical Biology, Vadim Tseilikman.
Posttraumatic stress disorders are consequences of mental traumas observed among some people and accompanied by enhanced anxiety level, nightmare and uncontrollable memory attacks. According to researchers, contemporary methods of treatment are inefficient in 40% of cases. A more profound understanding of molecular mechanisms of resistance to stress-related disorders might help creating an efficient medication. For example, authors of the research compared the composition of hormones and other parameters in animals which are susceptible and resistant to posttraumatic stress disorders.
Scientists researched the level of glucocorticoids (hormones of suprarenal cortex), whose level increases under stress conditions, in laboratory animals with stress disorders. However, authors of the research noticed that the content of cortisol, the most active hormone of suprarenal cortex, was decreased in a number of animals. The acquired data have become the basis for a new experimental model of the disease.