Serum thymosin alpha 1 levels in normal and pathological conditions

Abstract

Thymosin alpha 1 (Ta1) is a natural occurring peptide hormone that is crucial for the maintenance of the organism homeostasis. It has been chemically synthesized and used in diseases where the immune system is hindered or malfunctioning. Areas covered: Many clinical trials investigate the Ta1 effects in patients with cancer, infectious diseases and as a vaccine enhancer. The number of diseases that could benefit from Ta1 treatment is increasing. To date, questions remain about the physiological basal levels of Ta1 and the most effective dose and schedule of treatment. Evidence is growing that diseases characterized by deregulation of immune and/or inflammatory responses are associated with serum levels of Ta1 significantly lower than those of healthy individuals: to date, B hepatitis, psoriatic arthritis, multiple sclerosis and sepsis. The sputum of cystic fibrosis patients contains lower levels of Ta1 than healthy controls. These data are consistent with the role of Ta1 as a regulator of immunity, tolerance and inflammation. Expert opinion: Low serum Ta1 levels are predictive and/or associated with different pathological conditions. In case of Ta1 treatment, it is crucial to know the patient's baseline serum Ta1 level to establish effective treatment protocols and monitor their effectiveness over time.

Potential interventions for novel coronavirus in China: A systematic review

“…62 It was chemically synthesized and used in diseases where the immune system was hindered or impaired. 63 Besides its role in thymocyte development, thymosin α-1 could also increase resistance to glucocorticoid-induced death of the thymocyte. 64 Thymosin α-1 could also be used as immune enhancer to SARS patients and it was effective in controlling the spread of the disease.…”

“…It is was first isolated from thymic tissue in the mid‐sixties and it had gained much attention for its immunostimulatory activity 62 . It was chemically synthesized and used in diseases where the immune system was hindered or impaired 63 . Besides its role in thymocyte development, thymosin α‐1 could also increase resistance to glucocorticoid‐induced death of the thymocyte 64 .…”

Therapeutic strategies for critically ill patients with COVID-19

“…Thymosin alpha-1 is a thymic peptide hormone with significant benefits in restoring the homeostasis of the host immune system [59]. It is chemically synthesized and used in diseases with impaired immune system [60]. It has been reported that the low lymphocyte count is associated with the poor prognosis of septic patients.…”

COVID-19 Outbreak: Pathogenesis, Current Therapies, and Potentials for Future Management

“…Soon after it first came to literature in 1966, it became famous for its capability for stimulating the immune response of the body ( Costantini et al, 2019 ). Later for patients with a hindered immune system, it was commercially synthesized and prescribed ( Pica et al, 2018 ). There are several mechanisms of Tα-1 actions, primarily it can facilitate the development of lymphocytes in the thymus (thymocytes) and prevent the death of those cells by enhancing glucocorticoid resistance ( Baumann et al, 1997 ).…”