Thymosin Beta-4 is a 43-amino-acid peptide first isolated from the thymus gland.
Thymosin Beta-4 is the most prevalent of the Beta-Thymosins [i], and it is a member of the ‘Thymosin’ family of lymphocyte growth factors first isolated from calf thymuses.
Studies suggest macrophages in the spleen and peritoneum also contain this peptide [ii], but the thymus gland is the most abundant.
Thymosin Beta-4: Mechanism of Action
Studies suggest Thymosin beta-4 is a versatile peptide with several potential roles in tissue repair at the cellular level. Encoding gene fragments also serves a variety of additional biological purposes.
If you are new to the field and find the complexities of these biological processes intimidating, we have simplified everything for you.
Ischemia and necrosis are late effects of tissue damage. Research suggests Thymosin beta-4 may be crucial for inducing angiogenesis in these conditions. By increasing the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which controls the development of new blood vessels and aids in the recovery of injured tissue [iii], this process is initiated.
Animal research suggests that blocking transforming growth factor- pathways in several tissues with Thymosin -4 may have prevented cell death. In particular, this extends the lifespan of cells in the eye, heart, and nerves after damage. Researchers speculate that Thymosin Beta-4 may kill microorganisms, too. As a result, the cell survival rate may improve, and the wound site may be protected against infection [iv].
Early wound site inflammation and edema aggravate tissue damage, making its management a priority. Scientists hypothesize Thymosin Beta-4 may support this by blocking the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), potentially limiting damage spread.
Studies suggest Thymosin Beta-4 may regenerate the damaged tissue when the wound has been stabilized by encouraging stem cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation [v]. It may possibly achieve this through preventing actin polymerization and maintaining large levels of the unpolymerized form of actin, which is considered essential for cellular motility.
Research suggests hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are said to be protected against fibrotic injury in the liver by Thymosin Beta-4.
Thymosin Beta-4 Peptide Potential Studies on animal models have investigated the potential efficacy of Thymosin Beta-4. Researchers speculate Thymosin Beta-4’s alleged anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory
properties may help regulate tissue reapir, making it a potentially efficacious agent with wounds and lacerations.
Research suggests Thymosin beta-4’s potential anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory function [vi] may protect the damaged area of the heart. A myocardial infarction occurs when a section of the heart suddenly loses blood and oxygen supply, which may be fatal.
Thymosin beta-4 research study findings have suggested promise in the peptide’s impact on corneal damage caused by prolonged chemical exposure. Research suggests this peptide may protect the cornea by decreasing inflammation, blocking apoptosis, and maintaining cellular matrix homeostasis. Additionally, several studies suggest glycine Drops containing Thymosin beta-4 have been suggested to alleviate dry eyes and lower inflammatory cytokine levels [vii].
Diseases that disrupt normal biochemical processes might cause damage to the liver. Researchers speculate Thymosin beta-4’s anti-oxidative potential may support the liver to stop scar tissue from forming and maintain healthy functioning.
Thymosin ß-4, similar to what was suggested in research on mice, was speculated to stimulate fibronectin expression in dermal papilla cells, resulting in hair growth and follicle development [viii].
Scientists hypothesize Thymosin beta-4 may have properties for various diseases, including colon cancer and ulcerative colitis [ix], due to its alleged anti-inflammatory properties in sick and damaged tissues.
TB-500 vs. Thymosin Beta-4
It seems that Thymosin Beta-4 and TB-500 are both often misunderstood. Laboratory-created TB-500 is a synthetic analog of naturally occurring Thymosin beta-4. TB-500’s primary functional characteristic is considered to be due to the peptide fragment (17)LKKTETQ.
However, whether TB-500 or Thymosin Beta-4, researchers posit seemingly identical potential from both. TB-500 may exhibit similar properties of Thymosin Beta-4. Studies suggest these peptides may primarily support tissue repair via similar mechanisms of action; nevertheless, their origins differ.
BPC-157 vs. Thymosin Beta-4
Both of these peptides have been suggested to hasten healing and reduce inflammation. However, one significant distinction between the two is the region in which they are considered to be optimal. Research suggests Thymosin beta-4 may be the most effective in supporting muscular and skin injuries, whereas BPC-157 may work mostly on the gut epithelium.
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References
[i] Hannappel E, Huff T. The thymosins. Prothymosin alpha, parathymosin, and beta-thymosins: structure and function. Vitam Horm. 2003;66:257-96. doi: 10.1016/s0083-6729(03)01007-0. PMID: 12852257.
[ii] Sosne G, Christopherson PL, Barrett RP, Fridman R. Thymosin-beta4 modulates corneal matrix metalloproteinase levels and polymorphonuclear cell infiltration after alkali injury. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2005 Jul;46(7):2388-95. doi: 10.1167/iovs.04-1368. PMID: 15980226.
[iii] Zhao Y, Song J, Bi X, Gao J, Shen Z, Zhu J, Fu G. Thymosin β4 promotes endothelial progenitor cell angiogenesis via a vascular endothelial growth factor‑dependent mechanism. Mol Med Rep. 2018 Aug;18(2):2314-2320. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9199. Epub 2018 Jun 20. PMID: 29956769.
[iv] Huang LC, Jean D, Proske RJ, Reins RY, McDermott AM. Ocular surface expression and in vitro activity of antimicrobial peptides. Curr Eye Res. 2007 Jul-Aug;32(7-8):595-609. doi: 10.1080/02713680701446653. PMID: 17852183; PMCID: PMC2430515.
[v] Morris DC, Chopp M, Zhang L, Zhang ZG. Thymosin beta4: a candidate for treatment of stroke? Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2010 Apr;1194:112-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05469.x. PMID: 20536457; PMCID: PMC3146053.
[vi] Bao W, Ballard VL, Needle S, Hoang B, Lenhard SC, Tunstead JR, Jucker BM, Willette RN, Pipes GT. Cardioprotection by systemic dosing of thymosin beta four following ischemic myocardial injury. Front Pharmacol. 2013 Nov 29;4:149. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2013.00149. PMID: 24348421; PMCID: PMC3843122.
[vii] Jin R, Li Y, Li L, Kim DH, Yang CD, Son HS, Choi JH, Yoon HJ, Yoon KC. Anti-inflammatory effects of glycine thymosin β4 eye drops in experimental dry eye. Biomed Rep. 2020 Jun;12(6):319-325. doi: 10.3892/br.2020.1296. Epub 2020 Apr 2. PMID: 32382416; PMCID: PMC7201140.
[viii] Philp D, St-Surin S, Cha HJ, Moon HS, Kleinman HK, Elkin M. Thymosin beta 4 induces hair growth via stem cell migration and differentiation. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2007 Sep;1112:95-103. doi: 10.1196/annals.1415.009. PMID: 17947589.
[ix] Xing Y, Ye Y, Zuo H, Li Y. Progress on the Function and Application of Thymosin β4. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021 Dec 21;12:767785. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.767785. PMID: 34992578; PMCID: PMC8724243.
