Thymostimulin administration modulates polymorph metabolic pathway in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Several studies outline the imbalance of phagocyte functions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this regard, here, we have assessed either monocyte- and polymorphonuclear cell (PMN)-mediated chemotactic, phagocytic and killing capacities or PMN-triggered metabolic pathway in a group of COPD patients before and at different times after thymostimulin administration. Before therapy, an increase of O2-generation and a decrease of myeloperoxidase release were found in these individuals when compared to controls. Moreover, a reduction of either PMN-mediated chemotaxis and killing or monocyte chemotactic capacities was observed. By contrast, no differences were seen in terms of beta-glucuronidase release, monocyte-mediated killing and PMN or monocyte phagocytic function. During a one-year monitoring following immunotherapy, O2- production and myeloperoxidase activity fell within normal values, while phagocyte functional capacities were unaffected by such a treatment. Furthermore, COPD subjects exhibited a significant improvement of their clinical status as assessed during a one-year followup. All together, these findings suggest a potential role for thymostimulin in the treatment of COPD patients.

Effect of thymic extract on allogeneic MLR and mitogen-induced responses in patients with chronic active hepatitis B

Cell-mediated immune reactions are involved in the development of chronic active hepatitis (CAH-B). The present studies confirm that lymphocyte from patients with CAH-B have a decreased allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction (allo-MLR) and mitogen-induced responses. These abnormalities probably play a role in the immunological dysfunctions underlying chronic liver diseases. Twenty one patients with biopsy-proven CAH-B and a significantly lowered CD4:CD8 cell number ratio were treated with thymic extract (Thymomodulin-TFX) for 6 months. The results of immunological, serological and biochemical findings indicate that this preparation has an immunoregulatory action and produces beneficial clinical effect in patients with CAH-B.

[Human fibroblast interferon therapy alone and human fibroblast interferon combined with thymostimulin in genital papillomavirus infection associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia]

Eighteen patients suffering for HPV infections associated with CIN were treated using human fibroblast interferon, via an intramuscular route, with positive results. Five cases of recurrent HPV within nine months of treatment received thymostimulin therapy, via an intramuscular route, with positive results.

A double-blind placebo-controlled study of thymostimulin (TP-1) for the treatment of atopic eczema

Twenty-nine patients with severe atopic eczema were entered into a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the polypeptide thymus extract, thymostimulin (TP-1). The treatment period was 10 weeks with a subsequent follow-up period of up to 1 year. Of the 18 patients receiving TP-1 and the 11 patients on the placebo, 15 and 11 patients, respectively, were fully evaluable. There was no significant difference in either clinical or immunological status between the two treatment groups at baseline. At the 3-month follow-up clinic visit there was a statistically significant difference in the total clinical score, calculated as a percentage of baseline, in favour of the TP-1-treated patients. This difference was not maintained in the subsequent follow-up period and was not accompanied by an improvement in the patient's subjective well-being. There was no significant difference between the treatment groups with respect to the immunological parameters as measured at the 3-month clinic visit.

[Suppression of development of autoimmune thyroiditis during prolonged stimulation of T-cellular immunity]

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the suppression of autoimmune thyroiditis in guinea-pigs by prolonged stimulation of T-cellular immunity with T-activin, a thymic hormone. The development of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) at early stages was shown to be characterized by deficiency of T-cells of helper and suppressor phenotypes, hypersecretion of thyroid hormones and insignificant development of a thyroid autoimmune process. With disease development indices of peripheral blood immunity of guinea-pigs were close to normal, and the frequency and degree of lymphoid infiltration of the gland were increased in parallel with the development of hypofunction of the organ. Immuno-correction of developing EAT with injections of T-activin according to our scheme resulted in a prolonged stimulation of T-cellular immunity, prevented sensitization of lymphocytes with thyroid antigens, increased secretion of the thymic hormones in parallel with a decrease in a degree of lymphoid-plasmacytic infiltration from thyroid tissues, indicating suppression of the disease.

[Use of T-activin and thymalin in the treatment of ophthalmic herpes]

Therapeutic efficacies of thymalin and T-activin were assessed in 80 patients with ophthalmic herpes. Thymic hormone preparations are recommended for the treatment of a protracted condition. To monitor the course of immunomodulating therapy, the neutrophil injury index and measurements of secretory IgA in the lacrimal fluid may be used, besides the routine tests.

The effect of long-term thymosine factor x/TFx/treatment on T lymphocyte subpopulations and peripheral blood mononuclear cell cytotoxicity in chronic active hepatitis B

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) cytotoxic activity, percentage of natural killer (NK) cells and T lymphocyte subpopulations in PBMC of 24 patients suffering from chronic active hepatitis B (CAH-B) have been studied. In comparison with healthy subjects CAH-B patients had significantly enhanced both lymphocyte T suppressor (Ts) and NK cell number. Thirteen CAH-B patients with higher Ts number and low lymphocyte T helper/T suppressor ratio (Th/Ts) were subjected to immunostimulation by thymosine factor x (TFx) treatment. After 1 year of TFx treatment all the CAH-B patients improved clinically, the Th/Ts ratio was brought back to normal and 80 per cent of HBe Ag carriers seroconverted to anti-HBe. After one year of TFx administration no significant changes were observed in PBMC cytotoxicity and NK cell number. TFx appears to be a very effective therapeutic agent in some forms of CAH-B. The obtained results show that TFx normalises biochemical parameters of liver lesion and Th/Ts ratio without any effect on NK cell activity in CAH-B patients.

[Morphological study of the myocardium of mice infected with Coxsackie B1 virus during the treatment with an immunomodulating drug T-activin]

The study was undertaken to examine myocardial morphological alterations in mice treated with T-activin in different periods of viral myocarditis. Two-month BALB/C mice of both sexes were used in the experiments, which were intraperitoneally given 0.2 ml Coxsackie B1 virus in a titer of 10(-3)-10(-7) D50 ml. The material was taken 3, 5, 7, 9, 15, and 30 days following infection. Intact mice and animals given culture fluid were applied as controls. T-activin was subcutaneously injected in a dose of 0.2 ml at the rate of 0.01 mg per kg body weight on day 5 after virus infection for 5 days. The predominance of an alterative component of inflammation (dystrophic, necrobiotic and necrotic changes) over proliferative processes was ascertained to be common to all periods of infection. T-activin administration attenuated myocardial damage.

[The possibility of the restoration of interferon formation by biologically active thymus factors in experimentally induced immunodepression]

Interferon production was investigated in mice of CBA line with experimentally induced immunosuppression. With all types of treatment (irradiation, administration of hydrocortisone, cyclophosphane, ALS) the capacity of host cells for interferon production was shown to be reduced. Administration of biologically active thymus factor, thymostimulin, to experimental animals resulted in significant restoration of alpha/beta and gamma interferon production.

[Circadian variability of IgE in children: effects of a thymic hormone (thymomodulin)]

Since thymic factor activity can modulate immunoglobulin production, thymomodulin effect on IgE secretion was studied in thirty children (20 atopic and 10 control patients). Before treatment circadian variability of IgE was verified in all the children. Thymomodulin (3 mg/kg/die) was given daily for 30 days in both groups. Disappearance of circadian IgE variability were observed in atopic children, while no change of serum IgE circadian levels occurred in control group. On the basis of our results an improvement of IgE disregulation in atopic children may be postulated.

[Endovascular surgery and the validation of immunocorrection in patients with liver cirrhosis complicated by portal hypertension]

An analysis of results of complex clinico-immunological studies in 110 patients with liver cirrhosis complicated by portal hypertension has been made. A scheme of immunocorrective therapy with T-activin in patients with liver cirrhosis complicated by portal hypertension is substantiated and developed for performing roentgen endovascular interventions.

[Optimization of the functional activity of the adrenal cortex in patients with sepsis]

The effect of hemosorption on adrenal steroidogenic reactions has been studied in 75 patients with sepsis. Different variants of steroidogenesis optimization have been used. Hemosorption led to an increase in the level of steroid hormones, with this background retained throughout the whole treatment period. The most effective of all the variants of stress adrenal steroidogenic reactions optimization was the application of B, B1, B6, B12 vitamin complex and taktivin. The least effective was the application of B vitamin complex, taktivin and ultraviolet blood irradiation. The technique elaborated makes it possible to avoid an increase in steroid blood level during treatment, which must have a favorable effect on the recovery of immune homeostasis in the patients.

[Correction with T-activin of secondary immunodeficiency in inflammatory diseases of female internal genital organs]

A clinicoimmunological examination was performed in 70 patients with acute inflammatory disease of internal genitalia. All the patients received a multimodality anti-inflammatory therapy. They were divided into 2 groups: 1) 30 patients taking ++T-activin as an adjuvant and 2) 40 patients untreated with it. T and B lymphocytes were measured by current cytofluorometry+ by means of monoclonal antibodies and the rosette-forming method. A subpopulation analysis of the T-cell immune system revealed lower T-helper count and decreased immunoregulatory index. ++T-activin used in the multimodality therapy for acute inflammatory diseases of internal genitalia improved the qualitative parameters of regulatory T-cell subpopulations, returned T and B lymphocytes to normal levels and elevated IgG concentrations.

[T-activin in the treatment of patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis]

The authors sum up the experience gained in tactivin therapy of patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis and analyze the effects of this drug on the patients' cellular and humoral immunity. Thirty patients with various forms of the condition were subcutaneously injected tactivin in a dose of 40 micrograms for 10 days. Biochemical parameters were virtually unchanged after therapy, whereas the immunity parameters evidenced essential shifts in humoral and cellular immunity. Clinical and laboratory data indicate a sufficiently high immunocorrective effect of tactivin in therapy of patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

Immunomodulators interfere with angiopathy but not vasospasm after subarachnoid haemorrhage in rabbits

The present study deals with the effects of immunomodulators on the morphology of intracerebral arterial walls in rabbits with experimental subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Immunostimulators:thymostimuline and inosine dimethylamino-isopropanol-p-acetamido-benzoate were found to aggravate the angiopathic changes, whereas immunosuppressive drugs-cyclosporine A and azathioprine appeared to prevent the damage. The authors consider the possibility of using immunosuppressive drugs in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

[The correction of immunodeficiency states in patients with acute suppurative pyelonephritis]

The analysis of the examination findings of 54 patients with purulent pyelonephritis showed a great variety of immunological changes, which appeared both as differences in the types of abnormal immunity parameters and in the degree of the recorded pathological conditions. T-cell immunity deficiency was revealed in 55.6% of the patients, in a half of whom it was associated with humoral factor deficiency. In 25.9% of the patients the immunograms were similar to those in the controls and in 18.5% they were indicative of humoral immunity activation. Supplement of T-activin to the conventional antibacterial therapy contributed to an early immunological and clinical remission. The immunomodulatory effect was associated with the initial immune deficiency and manifested itself by higher relative and absolute T-lymphocyte contents along with elimination of their subpopulation imbalance. The effect proved to be less profound on the humoral immunity system. The arrest of an inflammatory reaction was evidenced by a decrease in beta-lysine levels in the serum up to normal ones. In contrast, antibacterial therapy without immunomodulation deteriorated the abnormal ratios of immunocompetent cells. The findings suggest that it is essential to take an individual approach to the use of immunomodulating therapy in patients with acute purulent pyelonephritis, taking into account not only clinical but immunological indications. It is most advisable to apply T-activin in cases of T-cell immune deficiencies with a significant imbalance of T-lymphocyte populations.

[The use of thymostimulin in lymphoma and myeloma patients]

The benefit of the immunomodulation properties of thymic hormones in patients receiving chemotherapy for malignant diseases is yet to be defined. The efficacy of thymostimulin (TP-1) on hematological tolerance is evaluated, the performance level, the number and severity of the infections and skin reactions in two groups of homogeneous and randomized patients, diagnosed as having lymphoma and myeloma. Both patient groups (receiving or not receiving treatment) consisted of 20 persons. This observation was carried out in 96 courses of chemotherapy in each group; no significant differences having been noted in respect of the performance status at the beginning nor at the end of the study period between the 2 treatment groups. The hematological tolerance to chemotherapy, skin reactions and number and severity of infections registered were not significantly different between the 2 groups. In conclusion, we were unable to confirm an improvement in the clinical parameters of the myeloma and lymphoma patients receiving chemotherapy and thymostimulin during the period of observation.

[The effect of vilozen on the immune status of bronchial asthma patients]

An immunological study of 163 patients with different forms of bronchial asthma revealed a distinct disturbance of the cellular link of immunity in these patients. Vilosen (a native non-protein immunomodulator extracted from the thymus of animals) possessing a prevailing action on T-cells was used for correction of the immune disorders. It was found that vilosen proved effective in the complex treatment of patients with atopic associated forms of bronchial asthma.

Insulin requirements and residual beta-cell function 12 months after concluding immunotherapy in type I diabetic patients treated with combined azathioprine and thymostimulin administration for one year

An increase in clinical and functional remissions with immunosuppression, as well as abnormal T-cell function, in Type I diabetic patients has been reported in the early stages of diabetes. A controlled trial with azathioprine and thymostimulin in separate and combined administration was performed in 45 recently diagnosed Type I diabetic patients. Phenotyping of the T-lymphocyte subsets, levels of CD25 positive cells and interleukin-2 production by patients' lymphocytes, as well as remission rate and stimulated C-peptide levels, were serially assessed. Remission was defined as mean weekly glycemic profiles less than or equal to 7 mmole/l, serial HbA1 values in the normal range and no insulin requirements for at least 2 consecutive months. At 3,6,9 and 12 months of immunotherapy, remission occurred respectively in 0%, 8.3%, 16.6% and 0% of the conventionally treated diabetic controls and in 42.8%, 50%, 42.8% and 36.2% of the subjects submitted to combined azathioprine and thymostimulin administration. Patients receiving azathioprine or thymostimulin alone did not achieve better remission rates than controls. C-peptide levels were significantly higher (above 0.6 pmol/ml) in patients with remission than in those not in remission (P less than 0.02) throughout the trial. Excessive interleukin-2 production in recently diagnosed diabetics returned to normal levels in patients in remission. In the group receiving combined therapy, 38.5%, 25% and 23% were still in clinical remission at 6, 9 and 12 months after drug withdrawal. Twelve months after stopping treatment, patients who had remitted exhibited significantly lower insulin requirements and greater endogenous insulin secretion than those who had not remitted; the former also maintained near normal glycemic control. No side effects were detected except mild and transient leucopenia in a reduced number of patients receiving azathioprine. Remission was related to the time of beginning immunotherapy after the onset of diabetes (17.1 +/- 7 vs 42.5 +/- 15 days; P less than 0.01) and to age (17.7 +/- 5.6 vs 13 +/- 7 years; P less than 0.05). Interleukin-2 production seems to be negatively associated with clinical remission in the early stages of diabetes. Results suggest a complementary effect of the drugs used in this study that may enhance long-term remission in recently diagnosed Type I diabetic patients.

[Clinical trial of the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with TFX (thymus factor X)]

The results of rheumatoid arthritis treatment with the preparation TFX (extract of calf thymus) are reported. The drug was given to 11 patients with intense inflammatory process treated previously in typical fashion without evident improvement and in whom immunological studies demonstrated disturbances of cell-mediated and humoral response. The duration of treatment and observation was 6 months. In 9 patients clinical improvement was achieved. We observed no correlation between clinical improvement and immunological indices besides statistically significant changes of skin tests. The results (assessment of health state, laboratory investigations) encourage to TFX use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

[Secondary immunodeficiency and its correction with thymus preparations in patients with postabortion endometritis]

The immune status has been assessed in 73 patients with postabortal endometritis and thymalin and T-activin have been evaluated as an intervention for secondary immunodeficiency associated with this condition. These drugs were found to have immunomodulating effects on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of T- and B-lymphocytes and their subpopulations and on phagocytic function of polynuclears. Comprehensive therapy using thymalin and T-activin improves the efficacy of management of postabortal endometritis.

[Effects of T-activin on the course of ischemic heart disease in cases of the development of sensitization to apoprotein B-containing lipoproteins]

A comprehensive clinicoimmunological examination was made of 105 male patients aged 35-65 years who suffered from coronary heart disease. The authors identified a group of 33 patients whose unstable course of angina pectoris was associated with pronounced apolipoprotein B sensitization, as well as with the presence of the autoimmune lipoprotein-antibody complex and abnormalities in the cellular link of immunity. All 33 patients received antianginal agents. Out of them, 15 patients took additionally a course of T-activin therapy to modulate immunological shifts. The results of the examination demonstrated that the immunomodulator exerted a beneficial effect both on the course of CHD (reduction in the number of anginal episodes, improvement of left ventricular contractility) and the immune system (recovery of T-suppressor function, disappearance of lipoprotein sensitization, decrease in the patient's blood detection rates of the autoimmune lipoprotein-antibody complexes from 83 to 28%). The highest effect was reached by T-activin 1.5-2 months following termination of the course therapy. Immunomodulating therapy is regarded as an additional approach to the treatment of CHD patients with marked lipoprotein sensitization.

[Effect of thymus extract TFX (Polfa) on hemoglobin level and peripheral blood erythrocyte count]

Calf thymus preparation (TFX-Polfa) was administered + to 25 patients with classic rheumatoid arthritis in the II and III phase of the disease. Only patients not tolerating gold or D-penicillamine because of allergy or other complications, were included into the study. TFX was administered in a daily dose of 10 mg TFX protein i.m. for 60 consecutive days, followed by the treatment in outpatient clinic for successive++ 10 months. Statistically significant increase in the hemoglobin concentration and erythrocyte counts was produced by both a 2-month intensive treatment and a 12-month of therapy with TFX.

Beneficial effects of the thymic hormone preparation thymostimulin in patients with defects in cell-mediated immunity and chronic purulent rhinosinusitis. A double-blind cross-over trial on improvements in monocyte polarization and clinical effects

Twenty patients with chronic purulent rhinosinusitis were treated with TP-1 (Serono; 1 mg/kg body weight), in a double-blind cross-over trial. TP-1 was administered by daily i.m. injections for the first 14 days followed by two injections/week for 6 further weeks. The patients were immunologically special in that they had defects in their cell-mediated immune system. Fourteen showed a decreased chemotactic responsiveness of their peripheral blood monocytes as measured in the polarization assay. This defective function can probably be ascribed to the presence in serum of low molecular weight factors (LMWFs; less than 25 kD). As reported earlier, this factor shows a structural homology to the envelope protein of murine and feline leukaemia virus (P15E). Thirteen patients showed a defective delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test reactivity towards candidin and/or streptokinase-streptodornase (Sk/Sd) antigen, 14 had a defective MIF production from their peripheral blood lymphocytes towards candidin, Sk/Sd and/or Haemophilus influenzae antigen. Eighteen patients completed the TP-1 trial and showed clinical improvements: 12 out of 15 were feeling better during TP-1 therapy and the nasal mucosa showed on inspection absent mucopurulent secretion in 13 patients. Positive bacterial culture rates for the nose decreased from 14 out of 16 to five out of 15. Placebo treatment had no significant effects. The clinical improvements were accompanied by a better performance of the cell-mediated immune system; the most significant effects were recorded in the monocyte polarization assay. The suppressive P15E-like LMWFs in serum clearly decreased during TP-1 treatment. In vitro TP-1 neutralized the immunosuppressive effect of the LMWFs. The restoring effects of TP-1 on monocyte polarization and its neutralizing activity of P15E-like LMWFs could explain the beneficial effects of thymic hormone treatment reported in adults with clinical signs of immunodeficiency in the presence of a full T cell repertoire.

[Preventive effect of thymomodulin in recurrent respiratory infections in children]

Recurrent respiratory infections (RRI) are a common occurrence in early childhood. Several investigations report the primary role of environmental factors (as early social mixing and passive smoking) in inducing RRI. In RRI children immunological defects, transient and not typical, have been often observed, but it is reasonable to suppose that they are essentially secondary to infections. Since immune modifications involve essentially cell-mediated immunity, several therapeutical attempts with thymic hormones have been carried out. In the present study the efficacy of thymomodulin was evaluated in a clinical trial in a group of children with RRI. Forty-six children suffering from RRI were enrolled on the basis of RI number in the previous year. Twenty-three children were treated with thymomodulin, twenty-three were not treated and were studied as control group. A significant reduction in the frequency of RI was noted only in treated children. Interleukin-2 production was assayed in all children before and after the trial, but not significant modification was observed in this immunological parameter. This study confirms the effectiveness of treatment with thymomodulin in RRI children, even though immunological background of clinical improvement remains to be elucidated.

[The use of T-activin for the prevention of congenital influenzal infection in mice and the correction of the immune deficiency]

Viremia accompanying influenza infection and the possibility of transplacental passage of the virus into the fetus make it expedient to develop measures for the prophylaxis of intrauterine infection of the fetus in case of influenza during pregnancy. The work presents the optimum scheme of administration of T-activin for prophylactic purposes to pregnant mice with acute influenza infection. Besides, the use of T-activin for immunocorrection in case of established congenital influenza infection in mice is proposed.

Partial Response of Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Treatment with Thymostimulin

We describe a case of partial regression of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma after treatment with thymostimulin. The patient, a 58-year-old man, received no specific therapy for his tumor, but only a thymus extract (« thymostimulin »). At follow-up 6 months later the patient showed clinical improvement, reduction of alpha-fetoprotein level an liver lesions, and a complete regression of lung metastases. The patient died of progression of the disease with 2-year overall survival.

[Immunologic correction using thymus gland preparation (T-activin) in the programmed treatment of patients with non-lymphoid leukemia]

Data have been presented on the observation of 80 children with acute myeloid leukemia, among them 26 patients who, in addition to chemotherapy, were given tactivin treatment. The authors have proved the necessity of long-term tactivin administration in acute myeloid leukemia (no less than 2-3 years). that permits not only reducing the incidence of intercurrent diseases, but also increasing the duration of the remission period.

[Immunocorrective therapy of pyelonephritis in children]

A total of 40 children who suffered from acute or chronic pyelonephritis underwent immunological treatment with polypeptide drug tactivin. There was an evidence of clinical and laboratory improvement in 82.5 per cent of treated persons, first manifest in decreased proteinuria and normalized urinary sedimentation, and then in lower levels of bacteriuria due to the developing resistance to infectious agents. In 15 per cent of tactivin-treated children leukocyturia persisted though the disease progression was hindered. In the course of the treatment no side-effects were noted. In line with the stimulation of humoral immune response and activation of the complement system, tactivin administration evoked the competence of T-lymphocytes and potentiated the development of this link of immune system. As part of combined treatment the above preparation favourably affected the disease pathogenesis in children.

[Possibility of using TFX (thymus factor X) in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus]

A case of a 32-year female patient with the systemic lupus erythematosus is presented. The patient was treated with prednisone in a daily dose of 40-60 mg. Due to the exacerbations of the symptoms and advanced renal disorders, the patient was given TFX together with corticotherapy. Thymus factor X is an extract of real thymus of immunorecorrective properties. It specifically acts on the lymphatic system, especially disordered mechanisms of both cellular and humoral immunity. Thymus factor X was given in the dose of 10 mg (one ampoule) i.m. for the three first months followed by one ampoule every three days for the next three months. The patient is given one ampoule of TFX once a week since the 6th months of therapy. Diminishment of the symptoms was observed. The patient is in remission since a one-year follow-up period. It was also possible to reduce the dose of prednisone to 15 mg a day. The patient is controlled every 3 months. Partial normalization of renal functioning and immunological mechanisms are seen. A decrease in antinuclear antibodies and immunoglobulins, normalization in complement components, an increase in T-cells percentage and conversion of the delayed skin reaction are noted. The authors conclude that TFX may be helpful in the treatment of the autoimmunological diseases, including the systemic lupus erythematosus.

Long-term treatment with thymomodulin reduces airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine

We investigated the effect of thymomodulin, a calf thymus acid lysate with immunomodulating activity, on bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine of atopic subjects with asthma. In 16 subjects we measured airway responsiveness at 30, 60, and 90 days after treatment with placebo (eight subjects) or thymomodulin (eight subjects; 80 mg daily orally). The degree of bronchial responsiveness to methacholine was significantly reduced at 90 days during treatment with thymomodulin and remained reduced, even if not significantly, 60 days after cessation of treatment.

Ivermectin, levamisole and thymic extract for chemotherapy and immunostimulation of visceral leishmaniasis in hamsters and mice

The anti-leishmanial activity of ivermectin, pentostam or combination of pentostam with either levamisole or thymic extract was tested against Leishmania donovani infection in hamsters and mice. In vitro peritoneal macrophage-parasite interaction, the effect of splenic cells on the interaction of macrophages and parasites, spleen weight, parasite burden in spleen tissue as well as the antibody titers using micro-ELISA were used as parameters for evaluating the efficacy of these chemotherapeutic regimens. Treatment with ivermectin and immunoenhancement with pentostam combined with levamisole gave best results in both animal models. Furthermore, regimens used in this work were all active in reducing phagocytosis of promastigotes by macrophages in vitro.

[Immune reactivity of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis suffering from chronic alcoholism]

The immunological reactivity was studied in 152 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis of whom 112 suffered also of alcoholism. All patients with association of the two diseases showed inhibition of the functional activity and reduction of the number of T-lymphocytes while those without alcoholism showed these changes in 80%. Use of T-activin and electrophoresis of chlorophyllypt allowed to restore the moderately reduced reactivity in most patients. In markedly reduced inhibition of cellular immunity T-activin proved more effective.

Therapy of secondary T-cell immunodeficiencies with biological substances and drugs

Thymus-dependent (T) lymphocyte defects are common in cancer. Recent advances in the understanding of the regulation of T-cell development by biologicals and drugs now allow the formulation of better strategies of immune reconstitution to correct these defects. Thymic hormone preparations of several types offer one type of approach; however, they are somewhat limited in their reconstitutive ability. Interleukins (IL), particularly IL-1 and IL-2, appear to be complementary to the actions of thymic hormones in promoting T-cell development. Two classes of thymomimetic drugs have been identified and are represented by levamisole and isoprinosine. These drugs mimic by indirect and direct actions, respectively, the actions of thymic hormones. Newer analogs of these compounds have emerged which appear more effective. Also new factors, e.g. pituitary factors, are emerging which may be potent regulators of the immune system and useful in therapy. These agents may now be more effectively integrated with cytodestructive therapy in cancer treatment.

Thymomodulin: biological properties and clinical applications

Thymomodulin (Ellem Industria Farmaceutica s.p.a., Milan, Italy) is a calf thymus acid lysate derivative, composed of several peptides with a molecular weight range of 1-10 kD. Thymomodulin did not exhibit any mutagenic effect. Furthermore, thymomodulin used in animal studies showed no toxicity even when used at high concentrations. Of major significance are the observations in murine and human systems that thymomodulin remains active when administered orally. In vitro and in vivo administered thymomodulin was able to induce the maturation of T-lymphocytes. Additionally, studies in vitro showed that this thymic derivative can enhance the functions of mature T-lymphocytes with cascading effects on B-cell and macrophage functions. Extensive human clinical trials with thymomodulin showed that this agent can improve the clinical symptoms observed with various disease processes, including infections, allergies and malignancies, and can improve immunological functions during ageing.

Therapeutic application of calf thymus extract (TFX)

The semipurified calf thymus extract, TFX, produced since 1973 by the Polish Pharmaceutical Industry (POLFA) has been found to exert biological activities meeting criteria for thymic hormones. During the last 15 yr TFX has been evaluated independently by several Polish medical centers in over 1000 patients with symptomatically different but pathogenically similar human diseases, including primary immunodeficient states, bone marrow failure, autoimmune disorders, chronic skin diseases, recurrent viral and bacterial infectious diseases and some oncological disorders. Long term immunotherapy with TFX--expressing the pro-host approach--resulted, in the majority of the observed patients, in amelioration of symptoms and signs of the disease and in parallel normalization of disturbed immune parameters. It is suggested that IFX (and perhaps other thymic hormones) would support, modify and enrich future treatment protocols, especially in patients with immunodeficiency-related or chronic immune-mediated diseases.

[Experience in treating atopic dermatitis in children with vilozen]

The authors present data on the treatment of 150 children with atopic dermatitis. The patients were examined by related specialists. After complex immunological examination the patients received intranasally vilozen for two weeks. It was established that the immune state normalized as a result of the above-mentioned treatment.

"Food allergy in children: an attempt to improve the effects of the elimination diet with an immunomodulating agent (thymomodulin). A double-blind clinical trial"

During 90 days of elimination diet nineteen children with food allergy manifesting atopic dermatitis were treated with either 120 mg/day of thymomodulin (10 subjects) or placebo (9 subjects) in a double blind design. After this period an improvement in skin lesions was observed in both groups. Subsequently a food challenge was performed for two weeks: in the group treated with thymomodulin skin lesions did not modify while they worsened in the placebo group and the comparison was statistically significant (p less than 0.01). Before the beginning of the trial laboratory assessments evidenced an increase in total and specific IgE serum levels, which decreased by the end of the study only in the group receiving the thymic derivative (p less than 0.05).