DSIP (Delta Sleep Inducing Peptide)

Research Insights

Sleep and Circadian Regulation

• Studies suggest DSIP’s role in improving sleep quality and structure, especially in individuals with chronic insomnia (1, 2). DSIP reduces sleep latency and enhances overall sleep efficiency. While its effects vary across studies, subjective reports highlight improved sleep onset and feelings of restfulness (3).

Pain Management

• DSIP demonstrates analgesic properties by modulating central opioid receptors (6, 7). Unlike traditional opiates, DSIP does not induce dependency, making it a safer alternative for managing chronic pain (7).

Stress and Metabolism

• DSIP protects against metabolic disruptions caused by stress by supporting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (8, 9). This action minimizes the shift to less efficient anaerobic respiration, preserving cellular energy and reducing oxidative damage (9).

Mental Health and Depression

• DSIP appears to influence serotonin metabolism and monoamine oxidase activity, which are critical in mood regulation (8, 10). Lower DSIP levels have been correlated with depressive states, suggesting its involvement in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis modulation (11).

Addiction and Withdrawal

• In addiction medicine, DSIP alleviates withdrawal symptoms in patients recovering from alcohol or opiate dependence (6, 7). Clinical results reveal rapid symptomatic relief and reduced withdrawal severity, emphasizing its value in detoxification protocols (7).

Cancer Prevention and Longevity

• Research in animal models suggests DSIP reduces tumor incidence and chromosomal defects (10, 12). It may also mitigate the cognitive side effects of chemotherapy, particularly in pediatric oncology (12, 13).

Description & Pharmacodynamics

DSIP is a small peptide composed of nine amino acids, making it a nonapeptide (10). It is notable for its ability to traverse the blood-brain barrier, enabling systemic and central nervous system effects (1, 8). Functioning as a neuromodulator, DSIP influences the activity of GABAergic, glutamatergic, and opioid systems, which are integral to sleep, mood regulation, and pain perception (2, 6, 7). Pharmacologically, DSIP exhibits:

• Stress-Protective Effects: By mitigating stress-induced metabolic dysfunctions and oxidative damage (4, 8).

• Sleep Regulation: Modulating circadian rhythms and normalizing sleep architecture (1, 2).

• Analgesia: Acting on central opioid pathways to reduce pain without dependency risks (6, 7).

Neuroprotection: Enhancing mitochondrial function and reducing free-radical production under hypoxic conditions (9, 10).

Structure

• Sequence: Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu

• Molecular Formula: C₃₅H₄₈N₁₀O₁₅

• Molecular Weight: 848.8 g/mol

PubChem CID: 161322

Citations

Sleep Regulation

1. Kovalzon, V. M. (2006). Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide (DSIP): A Tool for Investigating the Sleep Onset Mechanism. Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, 36(1), 85–91.

2. Graf, M., & Christen, H. (1982). DSIP/DSIP-P and Circadian Motor Activity of Rats Under Continuous Light.Peptides, 3(6), 623–626.

3. Yehuda, S., Kastin, A. J., & Coy, D. H. (1980). Thermoregulatory and Locomotor Effects of DSIP: Paradoxical Interaction with D-Amphetamine. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 13(6), 895–900.

Stress and Metabolic Regulation

1. Koplik, E. V., et al. (2008). Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide and Deltaran: Potential Approaches to Antistress Protection. Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, 38(9), 953–957.

2. Sinyukhin, A. B., et al. (2009). DSIP's Effects on CNS Functional State in Children Treated with Antiblastomic Therapy. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 19(Supplement 9), S681–S682.

Chronic Pain and Analgesic Properties

1. Yehuda, S., & Carasso, R. L. (1987). The Effects of DSIP on Pain Threshold During Light and Dark Periods in Rats Are Not Naloxone-Sensitive. International Journal of Neuroscience, 37(1–2), 85–88.

2. Shabanov, P. D. et al. (1989). Potent Antinociceptive Effect of Centrally Administered DSIP. Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology.

Addiction and Withdrawal Treatment

1. Rybnikov, S. V., & Pertsovsky, V. A. (1998). DSIP in the Treatment of Withdrawal Syndromes from Alcohol and Opiates. Journal of Addiction Medicine.

2. Gozhenko, A. I., et al. (1990). Opioid Detoxification with Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide. Psychiatric Research Journal.

Oxidative Stress and Neuroprotection

1. Sviridov, I. S., et al. (1995). DSIP's Effects on Monoamine Oxidase Type A and Serotonin Levels in Hypoxia-Stressed Rats. Journal of Neural Transmission, 102(5), 471–477.

Cancer Research and Aging

1. Morozova, I., et al. (2003). Effects of DSIP on Biomarkers of Aging, Life Span, and Tumor Incidence in Female Mice. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 124(1), 953–957.

2. Timoshinov, G. P., & Kornilov, V. A. (2009). DSIP Analogues for CNS Protection During Chemotherapy. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 19(S9), S681–S682.

Neuropsychiatric Applications

1. Emmerich, M., et al. (1985). Decreased DSIP Levels in Depression: Implications for Therapy. Nordisk Psykiatrisk Tidsskrift, 39(Supplement 11), 47–53.

2. High, D. S. (1998). DSIP and Suicidal Behavior in Major Depression. Journal of Psychiatry Research.

Molecular Structure and Characteristics

1. PubChem CID: 161296 (Delta-Sleep-Inducing Peptide). NIH Chemical Database.

2. Selye, H. (1979). Molecular Insights into DSIP's Chemical Structure and Biological Role. Chemical Peptides Research.