Thymosinalpha1 is chemopreventive for lung adenoma formation in A/J mice.
Moody. T W TW; Leyton. J J; Zia. F F; Tuthill. C C; Badamchian. M M; Goldstein. A L AL
Key Findings
- Daily 0.4 mg/kg thymosin‑alpha‑1 lowered lung adenoma multiplicity by ~45% at 2.5 months, ~40% at 3 months, and ~17% at 4 months
- Treated mice showed higher white‑cell density, suggesting immune activation
- Endogenous thymosin‑alpha‑1‑like peptides were naturally present in mouse lung tissue
Practical Outcomes
- The results suggest thymosin‑alpha‑1 might have cancer‑preventive properties, but the evidence is limited to a specific mouse model and uses a dose far higher than typical human regimens. No clear, safe protocol for humans can be derived yet, so biohackers should wait for human trials before considering self‑administration.
Summary
In a mouse study, daily injections of thymosin‑alpha‑1 reduced early lung tumor numbers by up to about 45% and increased white‑blood‑cell density, indicating an immune‑related protective effect.
Abstract
The effects of thymosin (THN) alpha1 were investigated using the urethane injection carcinogenesis A/J mouse model. Lung adenomas were observed 2.5, 3, and 4 months after urethane injection (400 mg/kg i.p.) into female A/J mice. Daily administration of THNalpha1 (0.4 mg/kg, s.c.) reduced lung adenoma multiplicity significantly, by approximately 45, 40, and 17%, respectively, 2.5, 3, and 4 months after urethane injection. Animals treated with THNalpha1 had a significantly greater white cell density than control A/J mice. Endogenous THNalpha1-like peptides were detected in the mouse lung. By radioimmunoassay and by Western blot, prothymosin alpha was detected in the mouse lung. By immunocytochemistry, THNalpha1-like peptides were detected in all lung compartments including the bronchus, adenoma, bronchioles, and alveoli. These results indicate that exogenous THNalpha1 prevents lung carcinogenesis in A/J mice.
Study Information
pubmed
2000
2000-07-31T00:00:00.000Z
10.1016/s0304-3835(00)00405-5