Neurochemical markers of coping intelligence

Abstract

Coping intelligence is associated with an individual’s ability to overcome stressful situations, maintaining health potential and increasing the potential for personal development. This study is a systematic review of biochemical and neuronal markers of different levels of coping intelligence, which determine different lines of human development in stressful situations. 45 publications selected from the Nature and RSCI electronic databases were analyzed, the results were summarized in three sections: (1) genetic and epigenetic correlates of individual differences in coping intelligence; (2) neurochemical systems of coping intelligence (glucocorticoids, interleukins, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, monoamines); (3) manifestations of stable and regressive lines of development of the subject in stressful situations. Molecular genetic determinants of coping intelligence were systematized according to the following systems: serotonergic, dopaminergic, noradrenergic, etc. The interaction of neurochemical systems (catecholamines, glucocorticoids, interleukins, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, monoamines) reflects the peculiarities of the stress reaction in humans and determines the development line of the subject in stressful situations. Genetic predisposition, unfavorable epigenetic factors and chronic stress increase the risk of developing stress-related diseases (regressive line of development). A stable stress-coping system is associated with a balance of mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, an optimal ratio of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, a sufficient level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and a healthy microbiota (stable line). A review of the literature indicated the need to analyze neurochemical systems (monoamines, opioid receptors, acetylcholine, microbiota) that determine a high level of coping intelligence (a progressive line of human development in stressful situations). The study of neurochemical markers of coping intelligence should be accompanied by personality analysis (mental representations of stress, coping strategies) to provide personalized medical care and preserve a person’s health potential.