Stop in the Name of Love...

L is for the way you look at me...Yes you probably would be looking at me strangely if we were in the same room; however, you are not...so let's talk about love and happiness. What causes people to be happy? This answer differs for men, women, children, etc. However, the answer truly lies with molecules! What kind of molecules? Well, there are lots, but the one I want to focus on is oxytocin. Oxytocin is a nonapeptide that acts as a hormone and neurotransmitter. Oxytocin is usually released during sex, childbirth, and during lactation. It Is thought to also have an anti-anxiety effect, be helpful with autism, and be present during the first few months of a blooming relationship. 

In the article, "Dissecting the Role of Oxytocin in the Formation and Loss of Social Relationships" discusses the role of oxytocin in the formation and preservation of social relationships. In the article, it was suggested that oxytocin helps create relationships whether infant-parent or romantic, and the loss of those relationships can causes mental disorders, suggesting that oxytocin helps with mental health stability. 

In the article, was also suggested that oxytocin drives the mom to care for the infant, based on a study with rats. Oxytocin concentrations during the first trimester also help predict postpartum attachment to their children. There is evidence to suggest that there is a link between childhood attachment bonds and genetic variation in oxytocin pathways. For example, mothers with a silent G to A allele in the oxytocin gene, showed lower levels of sensitive parenting.  However, oxytocin levels were measured in adult women with a history of childhood trauma and abuse, as well as, socially deprived children indicating  that childhood distress has a long-lasting impact on oxytocin signaling. Furthermore, it was implicated that the molecule is responsible for the social connections of dogs regarding their owners.  Also males who were dosed with synthetic oxytocin were found to have an increase in attachment security, making fathers more motivated toward their young. In addition, oxytocin was shown to heighten orgasms in males. The article goes on and on about the effects on oxytocin and synthetic oxytocin, only to conclude that it plays a vital part in bonding, and more research needs to be done, but also how in smaller trials there was limited success, especially in older people. 

The article was clearly interesting; but somewhat scattered and needing focus, especially in linking the conclusions to other parts of the paper. However, I want to know what kind of abuse the women they viewed endured or the children in order to alter oxytocin levels? How the oxytocin pathways works in those cases? What kind of measurements were done? I also think that the article needed to include how oxytocin affected women's orgasms, not just men's orgasms. (Because if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy, right?) 

 

http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.shsu.edu/science/article/pii/S0006322315004369

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275795.php?page=2

Chocolate: Insanium in the Cranium

Chocolate's origins lie with the ancient Mayans and Aztecs. The Aztecs showed it to the Spanish, who brought it back to Europe, but it was so costly, only the wealthy could afford it. Until Victorian times, it was drank, and then solid masses were eaten. Throughout history, whether in liquid form or solid, it has been sought after, making angry women happy for years, and pretty much always will be; however, now it is sought after to improve cognition and behavior. That is right, chocolate is beneficial for your nogin!!! That's  insanium in the cranium! 

In a recent article, "Chocolate and the brain: Neurobiological impact of cocoa flavanols on cognition and behavior" , chocolate has been shown to contain flavonols, especially dark chocolate. Well, what the hell are flavonols you ask? Flavonols are molecules known as antioxidants, which round up cell-damaging free radicals and metallic ions.(That is how this relates to molecular biology btw-flavonol molecules, in case you were wondering.) Flavonols are also in fruits, vegetables, and tea you know the stuff we wish was chocolate. 

The article discusses how flavonols accumulate in the brain regions involving learning and memory, in particular the hippocampus. How does they work to improve brain function specifically you ask? Well, they are believed to act using the neurodefensive and neuroregulating proteins that improve the birth of neurons, and through blood flow enhancement  in the brain and audiovisual systems. Long term flavanol consumption has shown defensive effects on neurocognition and behavior, specifically the age and disease linked to cognitive deterioration. Animal models were used to test typical aging, dementia, and stroke.  However, it appears that very few human studies have been done, but those that have substantiate this idea, but only on a group between 69-89 years of age. I personally would love to see more studies done based on sex and different age brackets to see if this chocolatey cure's benefits lies with early onset or not, or even if men versus women have better reactions and why. 

Not only does chocolate contain caffeine, theobromine, and makes you release serotonin ( a chemical which can cause mood elevation) when ingested, but I love the idea that chocolate could possibly help improve cognition and behavior. The article was a great read! Chocolate is easily accessible melt in your mouth goodness, but who knew what was really good for you was the flavonols? This molecule is the key to perhaps aiding with dementia, alzheimer's, and other diseases that have been plaguing families for generations. I would love to see more human trials to see if chocolate can really aid in reducing memory issues, wouldn't you? 

 http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.shsu.edu/science/article/pii/S0149763413001681

https://www.cadbury.com.au/About-Chocolate/What-is-Chocolate.aspx

https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200307/flavonoids-antioxidants-help-the-mind