Description
Nonathymulin, also known as Serum Thymic Factor, is a synthetic thymic peptide hormone. It is a thymus-dependent nonapeptide found in normal blood. Stimulates the formation of E rosettes and is believed to be involved in T-cell differentiation. It also acts as an effector on proinflammatory mediators/cytokines.
Uses
As a synthetic nonapeptide hormone, nonathymulin exhibits anti-apoptotic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. In vivo, FTS increases activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and decreases activation of ERK, inhibiting cephaloridine-induced kidney damage and dysfunction.
Biological Activity
Thymulin (Nonathymulin) has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Thymulin treatment significantly reduced CFA-induced thermal hyperalgesia and paw edema. In addition, molecular studies showed that it also reduced CFA-induced microglial activation, phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) in the spinal cord. This effect may be mediated by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators in spinal microglia and the central nervous system, which seems to be related to the ability of thymulin to reduce p38 MAPK phosphorylation[1].
Mechanism of action
The thymus produces a nonapeptide capable of inducing T cell surface markers and T cell functions in immature lymphoid cells. This peptide is found partly bound to a carrier protein in the circulation from where it has been isolated (hence its name of serum thymic factor (nonathymulin, FTS)). Immunofluorescence studies using an antibody raised against synthetic FTS has shown that it is produced by the thymic epithelium. Its mode of action at the cellular level involves the binding to specific high affinity receptors.
References
[1] BEHZAD NASSERI . Thymulin treatment attenuates inflammatory pain by modulating spinal cellular and molecular signaling pathways[J]. International immunopharmacology, 2019, 70: Pages 225-234. DOI:10.1016/j.intimp.2019.02.042.
