The mechanisms involved in the initiation and control of progress of human parturition have not been fully elucidated. Β-endorphin, decidua, interleukin-8, parturition Introduction These findings suggest that β-endorphin has an inhibitory effect on IL-8 production by decidual cells, and that the effect is mediated via opioid receptors and is calcium-dependent. N-acetyl β-endorphin had no significant effect on IL-8 production. The inhibitory effect of β-endorphin was blocked by naloxone and by using calcium-deficient medium. Progesterone ( P < 0.0002) and β-endorphin ( P < 0.0005) significantly inhibited the production of IL-8. Experiments were repeated in the presence of naloxone (1 μmol/l) and using calcium-deficient culture medium. After 48 h, IL-8 concentrations were measured in the supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After 48 h the cells were washed and incubated with either plain culture medium (control), 1 μmol/l progesterone, 1–100 nmol/l β-endorphin or 1 nmol/l N-acetyl β-endorphin. The cells were plated out at 10×10 6 cells per well in Roswell Park Memorial Institute 1640 culture medium. Mixed cells were obtained from the decidual surfaces of 35 term placentas. The effect of β-endorphin on IL-8 production by human chorio–decidual cells in culture was investigated. β-endorphin is released in significant amounts into the maternal and fetal circulation during labour. Want more inspiring health tips delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to our newsletter.Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is produced by human decidual cells in culture, and may play a role in the initiation of parturition. And if you’re already in a good mood, why not flash those pearly whites at a stranger and pass along the good vibes? So the next time you’re feeling like a pick-me-up, try busting out a toothy grin and it could give you the lift you’re looking for. Positive emotions appear to invigorate human beings, while negative emotions have the opposite effect." Another study linked decision-making, processing and learning to the release of dopamine triggered by happiness, so smiling can also make you a more creative and efficient worker. A team of economists performed a study and found that “human happiness has large and positive causal effects on productivity. Happy in the Face, Boss in the Workplaceįeel-good benefits aside, smiling and happiness can actually affect your job performance.
Plus, one Swedish study suggests that we can’t help but react with a smile of our own when we see someone smiling - so it’s an all-out infectious loop of happiness. We’ve already talked about how our brains react when we smile, but we’re also rewarded when we see someone else smile too! The reward center of our brain is activated and it makes us feel a little better. It turns out the benefits of smiling aren’t just limited to yourself - it can also affect those around you too. That being said, if you’re suffering from depression or anxiety you should talk to your physician immediately to find the best treatment for you. There’s been some evidence that forcing a smile can still bring you a boost in your mood and happiness level. In fact, it might even be worth your while to fake a smile and see where it gets you. One study even suggests that smiling can help us recover faster from stress and reduce our heart rate. The endorphins act as a mild pain reliever, whereas the serotonin is an antidepressant. Then other neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins come into play too. When you smile, your brain releases tiny molecules called neuropeptides to help fight off stress.
But if you can take it upon yourself to crack a smile, you’ll actually feel better. It’s not always the easiest thing to do, especially after a long and stressful day.
They say it takes more muscles to frown than to smile, and although there’s no hard evidence to support that, we do know that smiling comes with some real-life benefits. "Life is like a mirror, smile at it and it smiles back at you"