Thymosin Beta-4 is a 43-amino-acid peptide that is naturally produced. The thymus gland is considered responsible for producing the majority of this naturally occurring chemical. [i]
Laboratory-created TB-500 is a synthetic analog of naturally occurring Thymosin beta-4. The peptide (17) LKKTETQ (23) is the primary functional component of TB-500. Studies suggest it is a synthetic analog of Thymosin beta-4 with potentiated properties. [ii]
TB-500 Peptide Overview
Studies suggest a small peptide called Thymosin beta-4 may sequester G-actin. Researchers speculate it may be linked to faster wound recovery and an increase in blood flow (10).
Research suggests the peptide LKKTETQ may occur naturally, whereas TB-500 is a manufactured analog. Scientists hypothesize Thymosin (4) may have an active site, a peptide sequence called (17) LKKTETQ (23), that may promote actin binding, cell migration, and wound healing.
Actin and myosin are considered contractile filaments that make up muscle fibers. Muscle contraction and relaxation, essential for movement as well as effective metabolism and cell communication, are all considered to be made possible by filaments.
Research suggests TB-500 may enhance actin production by boosting the peptide segment and (17) LKKTETQ (23)’s potential to bind to actin. Studies suggest that the potential for increased growth, proliferation, healing action, and migration of cells, especially keratinocytes and endothelial cells, may all be facilitated by this overexpression. [ii]
Additional studies suggest new blood vessel growth, or angiogenesis, may be stimulated by TB-500. It allegedly does this by forming new blood vessel paths, which may improve blood flow to injured areas and speed healing.
TB-500 Peptide Mechanism of Action
Studies suggest that to accomplish its goals, TB-500 may use a variety of strategies. Increasing levels of cell-binding proteins like actin is thought to be a primary mechanism of action. [iii]
Researchers suggest that animal test subjects experience a faster, more efficient recovery upon exposure to the peptide. [iv] Since TB-500 has a unique structure and a low molecular weight, it may move rapidly through the organism body. After traveling through the bloodstream, studies suggest it may reach the damaged area, where it may begin to promote healing.
Researchers speculate the condition called ventricular hypertrophy may be helped by TB-500, although this has not been established in clinical trials. [v]
TB-500 Peptide Properties
Extensive investigations in animals have suggested a wide variety of properties of presenting TB-500. Studies suggest the majority of the properties may come from its potential to speed up the healing process after an injury, but it may also help active test subjects gain muscle.
The following are a few of the TB-500’s many proposed properties, as suggested by several empirical studies and investigations:
- Wounds and traumas, especially to the surrounding muscles, may heal more quickly thanks to angiogenesis, the production of numerous degrading enzymes, cell proliferation, cell migration, and regeneration pathways.
- It may possibly repair cartilage and tendons by rearranging collagen fibers. TB-500 may also be effective in mitigating joint injuries. Adequate TB-500 influence may also accelerate the recuperation process for the joint.
- It may reverse cognitive decline; TB-500 may modulate brain regeneration to slow the aging process of the brain. It may increase the functioning of the neural system in a number of ways, leading to improved behavior, cognitive abilities, neuronal health, and reduced discomfort in cases of nerve illnesses.
- It may reduce the risk of heart injury and promote heart cell development and regeneration.
- It may improve muscle endurance. This is due to increased proliferative growth, decreased inflammation, and accelerated healing times.
- The TB-500 compound may stimulate hair follicles by possibly controlling keratinocyte proliferation.
TB-500 Peptide vs. BPC-157 Peptide
A similar peptide, BPC-157 has been studied alongside TB-500. Several theoretical studies and investigations have suggested the actions of these two peptides are what really set them apart from one another. The potential actions of BPC-157 are proposed to be systemic, whereas those of TB-500 are believed to be localized. As suggested by laboratory experiments completed with horses, results appeared most revealing to researchers when the two substances interacted synergistically.
Please remember none of the compounds mentioned in this article are not meant not approved for human consumption. These substances are to be used in contained spaces, such as labs, by professionals licensed to work with them in clinical trials. Click here to buy peptides for your studies, in case you are a licensed professional or scientist.
References
[i] Low TL, Hu SK, Goldstein AL. Complete amino acid sequence of bovine thymosin beta 4: a thymic hormone that induces terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase activity in thymocyte populations. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1981 Feb;78(2):1162-6. doi: 10.1073/pnas.78.2.1162. PMID: 6940133; PMCID: PMC319967.
[ii] 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. PMID: 23084823.
[iii] Philp D, Kleinman HK. Animal studies with thymosin beta, a multifunctional tissue repair and regeneration peptide. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2010 Apr;1194:81-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05479.x. PMID: 20536453.
iv] Malinda KM, Sidhu GS, Mani H, Banaudha K, Maheshwari RK, Goldstein AL, Kleinman HK. Thymosin beta4 accelerates wound healing. J Invest Dermatol. 1999 Sep;113(3):364-8. doi: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.1999.00708.x. PMID: 10469335.
[v] Fagard R. Athlete’s heart. Heart. 2003 Dec;89(12):1455-61. doi: 10.1136/heart.89.12.1455. PMID: 14617564; PMCID: PMC1767992.
