Description

Thymagen, a dipeptide bioregulator, enhances immune function by increasing T-cell efficacy, aids in cancer prevention, reduces inflammation, and promotes longevity in elderly patients. (PMID: 2337388, PMID: 1300740, PMID: 1476231, PMID: 21510076)

Thymagen, also known as Thymogen Research Topics:

1. Immune System Enhancement:

   Thymagen significantly improves immune function by increasing the number and efficacy of T cells. It enhances the body’s ability to respond to infections, making it useful for treating viral and bacterial infections, including Hepatitis B and C.​ (PMID: 2337388)​

2. Cancer Prevention:

    Preliminary studies suggest Thymagen may aid in cancer prevention by boosting the immune system’s ability to detect and eliminate abnormal cells.​ (PMID: 1300740)​

3. Inflammation Reduction:

   It helps normalize lymphocyte counts and enhances T-cell functional activity, which leads to reduced inflammation by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.​ (PMID: 1476231)​

4. Longevity and Geroprotection:

   Studies indicate that Thymagen can extend lifespan and improve overall health in elderly patients by reducing the incidence of acute respiratory diseases and other age-related conditions.​ (PMID: 21510076)​

Structure

Amino Acid Sequence: Glu-Trp (EW) Molecular Formula: C16H19N305
Molecular Weight: 333.34 g/mol
PubChem CID: 100094
CAS Number: 38101-59-6
Synonyms: Oglufanide, Thymogen

Source: PubChem 

Thymagen and Immune System

Cyclic nucleotides are single-phosphate nucleotides with a cyclic bond arrangement between the sugar and phosphate groups. They are integral components of communication within cells, usually acting as second messengers within the cell after a protein on the cell surface has bound to something. In other words, cyclic nucleotides act as messengers within cells for substances that cannot enter the cells themselves. 

Research on Thymagen shows that it down-regulates cyclic nucleotide catabolism. In other words, Thymagen slows the breakdown of cyclic nucleotides and thereby raises their levels within the cell [1]. This results in the enhanced ability of cells, particularly those of the immune system, to respond to messages from other parts of the body. For example, increased levels of cyclic nucleotides could make cells of the immune system more responsive to invading pathogens by improving signaling between these cells. 

Summary of nucleoside signaling (nucleotides indicated as NTPs being converted to NMPs). Thymagen has been shown to increase the pool of NTPs and potentiate down-stream effects: 

Source: Research Gate

The effects of Thymagen on the immune system begin but don’t end at cyclic nucleotides though. Research in rat spleen and thymus has shown that Thymagen promotes the maturation of T-lymphocyte precursors into immunocompetent T-cells capable of fending off disease. This process of maturation is driven by the changes that Thymagen induces in cyclic GMP (cGMP) levels [2]. By optimizing cyclic nucleotide ratios, Thymagen helps to ensure that T-­lymphocyte precursors are getting the signals that tell them they need to mature into full-flow cells of the immune system. 

Thymagen, along with other immunomodulatory molecules like lmmunitor and Milite, has also been shown to induce interferon secretion [3]. Interferons are signaling proteins made by host cells in response to viral infection. They serve to modulate and coordinate immune defenses against viruses, but have also been shown to ward off cancer and are generally known as immune regulators. Interferons are used currently in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, and in combination with chemotherapy and radiation in the treatment of certain cancers. They are also used in the treatment of both hepatitis B and C. 

Thymagen and Inflammation 

Inflammation is a process that is primarily controlled by the immune system. It therefore stands to reason that a substance capable of influencing the immune system might have an impact on inflammation as well. This turns out to be solid reasoning where Thymagen is concerned. Research shows that Thymagen helps to normalize lymphocyte counts and increase T-cell functional activity. This leads to a desensitizing effect that down-regulates inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. 

Thymagen and Infection 

Speaking specifically of the ability of Thymagen to affect the immune response to invading pathogens was a study carried out in guinea pigs infected with Yersinia enterocoliticia (a bacteria related to the bacteria that causes the Plague). The guinea pigs treated with Thymagen in this study showed increased nonspecific resistance to the bacteria as well as an increased specific humoral (antibody) response. Thymagen appeared to help regulate the immune response by focusing it on natural killer cell immunity and by helping to prevent autoimmune reactions. The overall result was to decrease the dissemination of Y. enterocoliticia and ultimately to aid in its elimination from the body [4]. 

Thymagen and Diabetes 

Research shows that patients with type 1 diabetes are suffering from secondary immunodeficiency in many cases. Thymagen, by promoting T-cell differentiation, removes signs of this immunodeficiency and helps to correct the deficit. In fact, a clinical effect was seen in nearly 95% of patients in the study [5]. 

Diabetes leads to immunocompromise if left untreated. One of the primary results of this is infections with candida (yeast) species. These types of infections are notoriously difficult to treat and can lead to serious morbidity in people with diabetes. Research with Thymagen indicates that it can slow candidiasis in the setting of secondary immunodeficiency and give existing treatments an edge in eradicating the fungus [6]. 

Thymagen and Surgery 

Infections following surgery and not uncommon, particularly for abdominal surgery and for individuals with immunodeficiency. While the elderly are not considered to be immunodeficient, they are more susceptible to infection following surgery as a result of reduced immune function. Research with Thymagen reveals that administering the peptide for a week before surgery reduces the number of varieties of post-operative complications. The peptide also appears to reduce the postoperative period by hastening recovery and return to normal activity [7]. 

Thymagen and the Heart 

Thymagen has been studied as a possible treatment for several different heart conditions. The earliest research looked at the ability of Thymagen to reduce arrhythmia using 6 different models of the disease condition. Research showed a beneficial effect, including a solid dose-response curve that indicated that the observed changes were legitimate [8]. 

Thymagen has also been studied in isolated heart models where it has been found to have superior protective properties compared to commonly used drugs like verapamil [9]. In the setting of cardiac ischemia, protecting heart muscle from further damage is one of the primary goals of treatment before restoration of blood flow via catheterization, bypass grafting, or clot dissolution. Treatment with cardioprotective drugs can help prevent long-term consequences like heart failure or the need for a transplant. Thus, Thymagen may be a useful adjuvant in treating an ischemic cardiac injury. 

Thymagen and Cancer 

Research in rats shows that radiation-induced carcinogenesis can be inhibited by Thymagen. All carcinogenesis is inhibited by Thymagen, with rats exposed to radiation living roughly average lifespans while rats with no radiation exposure live above-average lifespans [10]. This suggests that Thymagen may be a useful cancer preventative, helping to ward off the disease even in the setting of unknown exposures. 

According to Dr. Vladimir Anisimov, a collaborator of Dr. Vladimir Khavinson and an expert in cancer development, rats treated with Thymagen have been shown to have a decreased incidence of GI cancer. Regardless of immune status in the study, the rats treated with Thymagen had a 12% reduction in tumor incidence as well as a 1.7-fold reduction in the number of tumors if they did develop cancer [11]. In other words, Thymagen appears to boost immune function against cancer. This suggests that Thymagen works to boost the body’s natural killer cell defenses, which are the front line against cancer, along with other aspects of the innate immune system. This helps to not only prevent cancer from developing but also reduces the rate and severity of spread in rats that do develop cancer. 

Thymagen Summary 

Thymagen is a highly active peptide with primary effects on cells of the immune system. It has been shown to increase the production and differentiation of  T-cells, stimulate the secretion of interferons, boost levels of cyclic nucleotides, and promote the functionality of the innate immune system. As a result of its effects on the innate immune system, Thymagen has also been shown to both help prevent cancer and reduce the severity of the disease. 

There is good evidence that Thymagen is useful as a peri-operative preventative measure against infection. It has been shown to increase the rate of recovery following surgery and is potentially cardioprotective as well. 

Article Author

The above literature was researched, edited, and organized by Dr. Logan, M.D. Dr. Logan holds a doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a B.S. in molecular biology. 

Scientific Journal Author 

Vladimir Khavinson is a Professor, resident of the European region of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics; Member of the Russian and Ukrainian Academies of Medical Sciences; Main gerontologist of the Health Committee of the Government of Saint Petersburg, Russia; Director of the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology; Vice ­president of Gerontological Society of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Head of the Chair of Gerontology and Geriatrics of the North-Western State Medical University, St-Petersburg; Colonel of medical service (USSR, Russia), retired. Vladimir Khavinson is known for the discovery, experimental, and clinical studies of new classes of peptide bioregulators as well as for the development of bioregulating peptide therapy. He is engaged in studying the role of peptides in the regulation of the mechanisms of ageing. His main field of action is design, pre-clinical, and clinical studies of new peptide geroprotectors. A 40-year ­long investigation resulted in a multitude of methods of application of peptide bioregulators to slow down the process of aging and increase human life span. Six peptide-based pharmaceuticals and 64 peptide food supplements have been introduced into clinical practice by V. Khavinson. He is an author of 196 patents (Russian and international) as well as of 775 scientific publications. His major achievements are presented in two books: “Peptides and Ageing” (NEL, 2002) and “Gerontological Aspects of Genome Peptide Regulation” (Karger AG, 2005). Vladimir Khavinson introduced the scientific specialty “Gerontology and Geriatrics” in the Russian Federation on the governmental level. Academic Council headed by V. Khavinson has oversight over 200 Ph.D. and Doctorate theses from many different countries. 

Prof. Vladimir Khavinson is being referenced as one of the leading scientists involved in the research and development of Thymagen. In no way is this doctor/scientist endorsing or advocating the purchase, sale, or use of this product for any reason. There is no affiliation or relationship, implied or otherwise, between Life Link Research and this doctor. The purpose of citing the doctor is to acknowledge, recognize, and credit the exhaustive research and development efforts conducted by the scientists studying this peptide. 

Referenced Citations 

1. S. V. Demidov, A. N. Kostromin, V. V. Kutbeda, I. V. Chernaia, and M. I. Borovok, [Effect of thymagen, thymalin and vilosen on the cAMP and cGMP levels and phosphodiesterase activity. in Speen lymphocytes during sensitization and anaphylactic shock],” Ukr. Biokhimicheskii Zhurnal 1978, vol. 63, no. 4, gp. 104-106, Aug. 1991.
2. A. L. Kozhemiakin, V. G. Morozov, and V. K. Khavinson, “[Participation of the cyclase system in the molecular mechanisms of differentiation control of immunocompetent cells],” Biokhimiia Mose. Russ., vol. 49, no. 4, RR· 658-666, Apr. 1984.
3. D. S. Silin, 0. V. Lyubomska, F. I. Ershov, V. M. Frolov, and G. A. Kutsyna, “Synthetic and natural immunomodulators acting as interferon inducers,” Curr. Pharm. Des., vol. 15, no. 11, pp. 1238-1247, 2009, doi 10.217 4/13816120978784684 7.
4. N. D. lushchuk, G. I. Tseneva, T. V. Alenushkina, and L. B. Kuliashova, “[The efficacy of using thymogen in an experimental infection caused by Yersinia enterocolitica].i: Zh. Mikrobiol. Epidemiol. lmmunobiol., no. 3, pp. 106-108, Jun. 1995.
5. E. A. Zhuk and V. A. Galenok, “[Thymogen in the treatment of type-1 diabetes mellitus] Ter. Arkh., vol. 681 no. 10, P- 12-14, 1996.
6. O. K. Khmel’nitskiT, G. M. lakovlev, V. L. Belianin, V. K. Khavinson, V. G. Morozov, and V. I. DeTgin, “[The effect of a Synthetic thymus peptide (thymogen) on the immune system in candidiasis under immunodepression],” Arkh. Patol., vol. 52, no. 1,_pp. 20-25, 1990.
7. V. S. Smirnov, S. V. Petlenko, and S. S. El’tsin, “[Application thymogen for preoperative preparation of elderly_patients with tumor processes in abdominal cavity]: Adv. Gerontol. Uspekhi Gerontol., vol. 24, no. b_pp. 278-284,2011.
8. K. M. Reznikov, 0. V. Vinokurova, V. V. AlabovskiT, and A. A. Vinokurov, “[The anti­arrhythmia properties of thymogen],” Eksg_ Klin. Farmakol., vol. 57, no. 61 pp. 31-33, Dec. 1994.
9. O. V. Filippova, K. M. Reznikov, V. V. Alabovskh, V. V. Khamburov, and A. A. Vinokurov, “[The effect of thymogen on the heart in ischemia and reperfusion),” Eksp_ Klin. Farmakol., vol. 60, no. 3, 1212. 27-29, Jun. 1997.
10. V. N. Anisimov, G. I. MiretskiT, V. G. Morozov, I. A. Pavel’eva, and V. K. Khavinson, “[The effect of the synthetic immunomodulator thymogen on radiation-induced carcinogenesis in rats],” Voer. Onkol., vol. 38, no.4, 1212.451-4581 1992.
11. V. G. Bespalov, D. N. Troian, A. S. Petrov, V. G. Morozov, and V. K. Khavinson, “[Inhibiting effect of thymogen on the development of tumors of the esophagus and forestomach induced by N-nitrososarcosine ethyl ester in rats],” Ekse. Onkol., vol. 11, no. 4, 1212. 23-26, 1989.