Description
TB-500 Peptide
TB-500 peptide, also known as Thymosin Beta 4 or TB-4 is the synthetic version of the naturally occurring protein Thymosin beta 4. Researchers have suggested TB-500 peptide to host similar potential properties as Thymosin beta 4. These potential mechanisms of action may include inducing angiogenesis, elevating wound healing, or possibly increased metastatic potential of tumor cells and hair growth.
Besides being highly soluble in water and light in weight, TB500 is a 43 amino acid-containing peptide found in abundance in the wound fluid comprising multiple blood platelets. This peptide may exhibit possible anti-inflammatory properties and may support neurological healing, as well as potentially supporting healing processes in the spinal cord, heart, and dermis (1).
Overview
TB-500 peptide, also known as thymosin β(4), comprises a distinct peptide segment (17)LKKTETQ(23), which acts as the active site and which researchers consider potentially impactful in actin binding, cell migration, and wound healing (4). The amino acid sequence of TB-500 is:
Ac-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro-Asp-Met-Ala-Glu-Ile-Glu-Lys-Phe-Asp-Lys-Ser-Lys-Leu-Lys-Lys-Thr-Glu-Thr-Gln-Glu-Lys-Asn-Pro-Leu-Pro-Ser-Lys-Glu-Thr-Ile-Glu-Gln-Glu-Lys-Gln-Ala-Gly-Glu-Ser-OH.
Actins are considered by scientists to be highly involved in wound healing events, including acute inflammation, collagen deposition, contraction, and remodeling. Should it induce elevation of actin levls, TB 500 may possibly the tissue repair processes. (3) Moreover, given that TB 500 has low molecular weight and is highly soluble in nature, the peptide may be versatile and mobile, with the potential to travel long distances within an organism.
Research and Clinical Studies
TB-500 Peptide Initial Research
In 1964, Dr. Goldstein and his professor Abraham White conducted research that mainly focused on the thymus gland and its functionality. They isolated the small proteins secreted by the thymus gland, located below the breast bone and above the heart and discovered Thymosin. During the course of the study, it was suggested by the research team that thymus gland functioning may impact immune deficiency and hormone release. (2)
TB-500 Peptide and Acute Wounds
In 1999, a research study was conducted on wounded rat test models, who were introduced to TB-500. Four days after the presentation, it was reported by the researchers that the TB-500 peptide rats exhibited an apparent 41% increase in re-epithelialization than control rats presented with saline. Seven days after the study, the TB-500 wounds were reported to be contracted by at least 11% more than the saline wounds. Upon analysis, it was concluded that TB500 may possibly induce angiogenesis and collagen deposition, increasing the wound healing rate.
TB-500 Peptide and Chronic Wounds
Research studies were carried out on normal rats and mice, diabetic mice, aged mice, and steroid-influenced rats. All these animals were served full-thickness punch wounds, and introduced to the TB-500 peptide. It was reported that the TB-500 appeared to accelerate the wound-healing process in all test models, regardless of the stated pre-existing conditions. Furthermore, phase 2 clinical trials were conducted on test subjects with stasis and pressure ulcers. It was reported that TB-500 might accelerate the healing process by as much as one month (6).
TB-500 Peptide and Heart Function
Pulmonary hypertension is considered by scientists to be a progressive cardio disease where the pulmonary arteries restrict the blood ejection by the right ventricle. This may result in increased pulmonary vascular resistance and pressure, potentially leading to ventricular failure of the heart. It was reported by reasearchers that TB-500 might be action specific on the Notch3-Col 3A-CTGF gene axis in MCT-influenced mice, which appeared to result in the case of the test study in decreasing the right ventricular hypertrophy by a significant amount (7).
TB-500 and Hair Follicle Growth
In 2003, studies were carried out on mice to examine the potential of TB-500 in hair growth. Under the influence of the TB-500 peptide, it was reported by the researchers that, via histological examination of the mouse skin cells, the peptide appeared to increase the number of hair shafts and hair follicles, thereby inducing hair growth. Upon real-time PCR and western blotting techniques, changes in the expression of m-RNA cells were observed between the TB500 and control mice. The m-RNA and protein levels were reported elevated in TB-500 mice, which might have significantly induced hair growth (8).
TB-500 peptide is available for research and laboratory purposes only. Please review our Terms and Conditions before ordering.
References:
1. Kleinman HK, Sosne G. Thymosin β4 Promotes Dermal Healing. Vitam Horm. 2016;102:251-75. doi: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.04.005. Epub 2016 May 24.
2. Julia Parmley, A Life-Saving Discovery, January 04, 2010.
3. Gurtner GC, Werner S, Barrandon Y, Longaker MT. Wound repair and regeneration. Nature. 2008 May 15;453(7193):314-21. doi: 10.1038/nature07039. PMID: 18480812.
4. Ho EN, Kwok WH, Lau MY, Wong AS, Wan TS, Lam KK, Schiff PJ, Stewart BD. Doping control analysis of TB-500, a synthetic version of an active region of thymosin β₄, in equine urine and plasma by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A. 2012 Nov 23;1265:57-69. doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2012.09.043. Epub 2012 Sep 23.
5. Katherine M. Malinda et.al, Thymosin β4 Accelerates Wound Healing, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Volume 113, Issue 3, 1999, Pages 364-368, ISSN 0022-202X.
6. Treadwell T, Kleinman HK, Crockford D, Hardy MA, Guarnera GT, Goldstein AL. The regenerative peptide thymosin β4 accelerates the rate of dermal healing in preclinical animal models and in patients. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2012 Oct.
7. Wei C, Kim IK, Li L, Wu L, Gupta S. Thymosin Beta 4 protects mice from monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy. PLoS One. 2014 Nov 20;9(11):e110598.
8. Gao, Xy., Hou, F., Zhang, Zp. et al. Role of thymosin beta 4 in hair growth. Mol Genet Genomics 291, 1639–1646 (2016).
9. List of all prohibited substances by WADA – https://www.wada-ama.org/en/
10. Esposito S, et al. Synthesis and characterization of the N-terminal acetylated 17-23 fragment of thymosin beta 4 identified in TB-500, a product suspected to possess doping potential. Drug Test Analysis. 2012 Sep.
11. Piao Z, Hong CS, Jung MR, Choi C, Park YK. Thymosin β4 induces invasion and migration of human colorectal cancer cells through the ILK/AKT/β-catenin signaling pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2014 Sep 26;452(3):858-64.
12. Study of Thymosin Beta 4 in Patients with Pressure Ulcers https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00382174
13. A Phase 2 study of the effect of Thymosin Beta 4 on Wound Healing in Patients https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00311766
TB-500 Continued Research
For an overall TB-500 peptide review and its potential healing benefits, especially with tendon and ligament injuries, read our recent TB-500 blog post.
NOTE: These products are intended for laboratory research use only. TB-500 for sale is not for personal use. Please review and adhere to our Terms and Conditions before ordering.
Dr. Marinov (MD, Ph.D.) is a researcher and chief assistant professor in Preventative Medicine & Public Health. Prior to his professorship, Dr. Marinov practiced preventative, evidence-based medicine with an emphasis on Nutrition and Dietetics. He is widely published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals and specializes in peptide therapy research.
