Thymosin-β4 (Thymosin beta-4, Tß4) is a small peptideA peptide is a molecule consisting of a chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Peptides are shorter chains than proteins and usually contain from 2 to 50 amino acids. When the number of amino acids in a chain exceeds 50, such molecules are called proteins. Peptides can perform various functions in the body, including: Hormones, Neuropeptides, Antibiotics, Antioxidants consisting of 43 amino acidsAmino acids are the fundamental building blocks of proteins and play a key role in biological processes. There are a total of 22 standard amino acids used for protein synthesis in living organisms. that plays an important role in regulating cellular processes such as cell proliferationProliferation is the process of cell multiplication, increasing tissue volume. It underlies the growth and differentiation of tissues during individual development, ensures the renewal of cells and intracellular structures. Cell proliferation is a process by which a cell grows and divides to form two daughter cells., migration, differentiation, and survival. It was first isolated from the thymus (hence the name), but was later found to be expressed in virtually all body tissues. Thymosin-β4 is involved in tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and regulating the actin cytoskeleton.
TB-500 and Thymosin Beta-4 (Tß4) are essentially the same thing. TB-500 is a synthetic version of the natural peptide Thymosin Beta— 4, which consists of 43 amino acids.
Main functions of Thymosin-β4:
Tissue regeneration:
Thymosin-β4 stimulates angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), which helps to improve blood supply to damaged tissues.
It accelerates wound healing by stimulating cell migration and extracellular matrixThe extracellular matrix is a multicomponent complex of structural molecules that maintain the structural integrity of tissues. It provides an organized environment within which cells of various tissues move and interact. It binds cells into a single system, ensures the preservation and dissemination of information. It is a gel, the most important component of which is hyaluronic acid, which stimulates cell migration, has a unique ability to bind water, maintains the skin's water balance, determining its firmness and elasticity. synthesis.
Anti-inflammatory effect:
The peptide reduces levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β, which helps reduce inflammation and prevent further tissue damage.
Antifibrotic effect:
Thymosin-β4 suppresses the excessive accumulation of collagenCollagen is a fibrillar protein, one of the main building elements of the body. It constitutes a significant part of connective tissues such as skin, tendons, joints, bones, and cartilage. Collagen provides strength, elasticity, and structural integrity to these tissues, giving them the ability to resist stretching. and other components of the extracellular matrix, which makes it promising for the treatment of fibrosis.
Protecting cells from apoptosis:
The peptide increases cell survival by preventing cell death under stress conditions, such as ischemia or toxic effects.
Regulation of the actin cytoskeleton:
Thymosin-β4 binds to actin, preventing its polymerization, which is important for maintaining cell motility and shape.
Application of Thymosin-β4 in medicine:
Thymosin-β4 is being studied for the treatment of various diseases associated with tissue damage and inflammation. Here are the main areas of its application::
Wound healing:
Thymosin-β4 accelerates the healing of skin wounds, burns, and ulcers by stimulating cell migration and angiogenesis.
Treatment of fibrosis:
The peptide suppresses excessive formation of fibrous tissue, which makes it promising for the treatment of fibrosis of the liver, lungs, heart and kidneys.
Cardioprotection:
Thymosin-β4 protects the heart muscle after a myocardial infarction, reducing the area of damage and stimulating the regeneration of cardiomyocytes.
Neurological diseases:
The peptide is being studied for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, due to its ability to protect neurons and stimulate neurogenesis.
Ophthalmology:
Thymosin-β4 is used to treat corneal lesions and dry keratoconjunctivitis.
Inflammatory diseases:
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, the peptide may be useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Mechanism of action of Thymosin-β4:
Stimulation of angiogenesis:
Thymosin-β4 activates endothelial cellsEndothelial cells are the cells of the inner lining of blood vessels. They play an important role in the process of tissue respiration and metabolism., promoting the formation of new blood vessels.
Suppressing inflammation:
The peptide reduces the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibits the activation of NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa-bi), which plays a key role in inflammatory processes.
Regulation of the extracellular matrix:
Thymosin-β4 suppresses the activity of TGF-β (transforming growth factor beta), which is the main mediator of fibrosis.
Cell protection:
The peptide activates signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, which protect cells from apoptosis.
Clinical trials:
Thymosin-β4 is actively studied in preclinical and clinical studies. For example:
In animal studies, Thymosin-β4 has been shown to reduce liver and kidney fibrosis, improve recovery from myocardial infarction, and accelerate wound healing.
In human clinical trials, the peptide demonstrates good tolerability and efficacy in the treatment of corneal injuries and skin wounds.
Safety and side effects:
Thymosin-β4 is considered a safe peptide with minimal side effects. However, like any biologically active substance, it requires careful study before widespread use in clinical practice.
Conclusion:
Thymosin-β4 is a multifunctional peptide with great potential for the treatment of diseases associated with tissue damage, inflammation and fibrosis. Its ability to stimulate regeneration, suppress inflammation, and prevent fibrosis makes it a promising therapeutic agent.
Role of Thymosin-β4 in the treatment of liver fibrosis:
Liver fibrosis is a process in which normal liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue (fibrotic) as a result of chronic inflammation or damage. Treatment of fibrosis, especially in the late stages, is a difficult task, as it requires not only stopping the progression of the disease, but also restoring the normal structure of the liver.
Thymosin-β4 (Tß4) is being studied as a potential treatment for liver fibrosis due to its multifunctional properties:
Antifibrotic effect:
Thymosin-β4 suppresses the activity of TGF-β (transforming growth factor beta), which is a key mediator of fibrosis. TGF-β stimulates the activation of liver stellate cells, which produce excess collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix.
The peptide also promotes the degradation of fibrous tissue by activating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which break down excess collagen.
Anti-inflammatory effect:
Thymosin-β4 reduces levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β, which helps reduce inflammation and prevent further liver damage.
Stimulating regeneration:
The peptide promotes the regeneration of hepatocytesHepatocytes are the main cells of the liver. They account for 60 to 80% of the mass of the entire organ. These are the main functional units of the liver, involved in a wide range of physiological processes such as nutrient metabolism, protein synthesis, detoxification, and bile secretion. (liver cells) and improves blood supply by stimulating angiogenesis.
Protecting cells from apoptosis:
Thymosin-β4 increases the survival rate of hepatocytes, preventing their death under stress conditions, such as toxic or ischemic damage.
Can Thymosin-β4 reverse liver fibrosis?
Currently, studies show that Thymosin-β4 can slow the progression of fibrosis and promote liver regeneration, but its ability to completely reverse fibrosis that has already occurred depends on the stage of the disease and the degree of damage.:
In the early stages of fibrosis (F1-F2 on the METAVIR scale), Thymosin-β4 can significantly reduce fibrotic tissue and restore normal liver structure due to its regenerative and antifibrotic properties.
In the late stages of fibrosis (F3-F4, cirrhosis), complete reversal of fibrosis is unlikely, since irreversible structural changes have already occurred in the liver. However, Thymosin-β4 can improve liver function and slow the progression of the disease.
Animal studies:
Preclinical studies in animal models of liver fibrosis have shown that Thymosin-β4:
Reduces the severity of fibrosis.
Reduces the level of collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix.
Improves liver function.
Human clinical trials:
Clinical trials of Thymosin-β4 for the treatment of liver fibrosis in humans are in the early stages. There is not yet sufficient evidence to suggest that the peptide can completely reverse fibrosis in humans. However, the preliminary results are encouraging, and research is ongoing.
Important aspects:
Integrated approach:
Treatment of liver fibrosis should be comprehensive and include not only Thymosin-β4, but also other methods, such as:
Eliminating the cause of fibrosis (for example, treating viral hepatitis, avoiding alcohol).
The use of antifibrotic drugs (for example, pentoxifylline, silymarin).
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (diet, physical activity).
Stage of the disease:
The earlier treatment is initiated, the higher the chances of successful treatment of fibrosis.
Individual approach:
The effectiveness of Thymosin-β4 may vary depending on the individual characteristics of the patient and the degree of liver damage.
Conclusion:
Thymosin-β4 has significant potential for the treatment of liver fibrosis due to its antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. It can help reverse fibrosis in the early stages, but in the later stages (cirrhosis), its effect is likely to be limited.
