1
|
Tuthill CW, Awad A, Parrigon M, Ershler WB. A pilot trial of Thymalfasin (Ta1) to prevent covid-19 infection and morbidities in renal dialysis patients: Preliminary report. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 117:109950. [PMID: 36881981 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (HD) are considered particularly susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV2 on the basis of the immunodeficiency associated with advanced age, comorbidity burden, medication use, and need for frequent visits to dialysis clinics. In prior studies, thymalfasin (thymosin alpha 1, Ta1) has been shown to enhance antibody response to influenza vaccine and reduce influenza infection in geriatric populations, including hemodialysis patients, when used as an adjunct to influenza vaccine. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic we speculated that administration of Ta1 to HD patients would result in reduced rate and severity of COVID-19 infection. We also hypothesized that HD patients treated with Ta1 who did become infected with COVID-19 would have a milder course of infection in terms of hospitalization rates, requirement for and length of ICU stays, requirement for mechanical ventilation, and survival. Further, we proposed that patients who avoided COVID-19 infection during the study would have decreased non-COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations compared to controls. PROCEDURES The study launched in January 2021 and, as of July 1, 2022, 254 ESRD/ HD patients from five dialysis centers in Kansas City, MO have been screened. Of these, 194 patients have been randomized 1:1 to either Group A (1.6 mg Ta1 given subcutaneously twice weekly for 8 weeks), or Group B (control group not receiving Ta1). After the 8-week treatment period, subjects were followed for an additional 4 months and monitored for safety and efficacy. A data safely monitoring board reviewed all reported adverse effects and commented on study progress. RESULTS To date, only 3 deaths have occurred in subjects treated with Ta1 (Group A), compared to 7 in the control (Group B). There have been 12 COVID-19 related serious adverse effects (SAEs; 5 in Group A, and 7 in Group B). The majority of patients have received a COVID-19 vaccine (91 patients in group A, and 76 patients in Group B) at various times throughout the study. Nearing completion of the study, blood samples have been collected and antibody responses to COVID-19 will be analyzed along with safety and efficacy endpoints when all subjects have completed the study.
Collapse
|
2
|
Shehadeh F, Benitez G, Mylona EK, Tran QL, Tsikala-Vafea M, Atalla E, Kaczynski M, Mylonakis E. A Pilot Trial of Thymalfasin (Thymosin-α-1) to Treat Hospitalized Patients With Hypoxemia and Lymphocytopenia Due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection. J Infect Dis 2022; 227:226-235. [PMID: 36056913 PMCID: PMC9494344 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymosin-α-1 (Tα1) may be a treatment option for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but efficacy and safety data remain limited. METHODS Prospective, open-label, randomized trial assessing preliminary efficacy and safety of thymalfasin (synthetic form of Tα1), compared with the standard of care, among hospitalized patients with hypoxemia and lymphocytopenia due to COVID-19. RESULTS A total of 49 patients were included in this analysis. Compared with control patients, the incidence of clinical recovery was higher for treated patients with either baseline low-flow oxygen (subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.48 [95% confidence interval, .68-3.25]) or baseline high-flow oxygen (1.28 [.35-4.63]), although neither difference was significant. Among patients with baseline low-flow oxygen, treated patients, compared with control patients, had an average difference of 3.84 times more CD4+ T cells on day 5 than on day 1 (P = .01). Nine serious adverse events among treated patients were deemed not related to Tα1. CONCLUSIONS Tα1 increases CD4+ T-cell count among patients with baseline low-flow oxygen support faster than the standard of care and may have a role in the management of hospitalized patients with hypoxemia and lymphocytopenia due to COVID-19. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT04487444.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Evangelia K Mylona
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Quynh Lam Tran
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Maria Tsikala-Vafea
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA,Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Eleftheria Atalla
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA,University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Matthew Kaczynski
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Correspondence to: Eleftherios Mylonakis 593 Eddy Street, POB, 3rd Floor, Suite 328/330, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shetty A, Chandrakant NS, Darnule RA, Manjunath BG, Sathe P. A Double-blind Multicenter Two-arm Randomized Placebo-controlled Phase-III Clinical Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness and Safety of Thymosin α1 as an Add-on Treatment to Existing Standard of Care Treatment in Moderate-to-severe COVID-19 Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022; 26:913-919. [PMID: 36042753 PMCID: PMC9363815 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background From an epidemic outbreak, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has quickly developed. Thymosin α1 (Tα1) has the ability to boost the T-cell numbers, support T-cell differentiation, maturation, and reduce cell apoptosis. In this study, we have investigated the efficacy and safety of Tα1 in moderate-to-severe COVID-19 patients. Patients and methods In this double-blind, multicenter, two-arm, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III clinical study, patients were randomized to receive either Tα1 or placebo in combination with standard of care (SOC). The data on all-cause mortality, clinical progression/deterioration, duration of hospital/intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and safety data were collected. The patients were telephonically followed up on Day 28. Results A total of (n = 105) COVID-19 patients were included in the study, of which 40 and 65 were severe and moderate, respectively. Thymosin arm (11.1%) had a statistically lower death rate in comparison to the placebo arm (38.5%). A total of 67 adverse events were reported in 42 patients among 105 dosed patients during the study. Among them, 43 adverse events were of mild in nature, 16 adverse events were of moderate in nature, and 8 serious adverse events (death) occurred during the study. Conclusion This study provides evidence that Tα1 can lower death rate in severe COVID-19 patients, reduce the load on hospitals by shortening the required number of days of hospitalization and help in abbreviating the requirement of oxygen support by positively impacting the recovery rate and time taken for recovery. How to cite this article Shetty A, Chandrakant NS, Darnule RA, Manjunath BG, Sathe P. A Double-blind Multicenter Two-arm Randomized Placebo-controlled Phase-III Clinical Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness and Safety of Thymosin α1 as an Add-on Treatment to Existing Standard of Care Treatment in Moderate-to-severe COVID-19 Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(8):913–919.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adarsh Shetty
- Gufic Biosciences Limited, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Adarsh Shetty, Gufic Biosciences Limited, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Phone: +91 9844968062, e-mail:
| | | | | | - BG Manjunath
- Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu J, Shen Y, Wen Z, Xu Q, Wu Z, Feng H, Li Z, Dong X, Huang S, Guo J, Zhang L, Chen Y, Li W, Zhu W, Du H, Liu Y, Wang T, Chen L, Teboul JL, Annane D, Chen D. Efficacy of Thymosin Alpha 1 in the Treatment of COVID-19: A Multicenter Cohort Study. Front Immunol 2021; 12:673693. [PMID: 34408744 PMCID: PMC8366398 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.673693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) is widely used to treat patients with COVID-19 in China; however, its efficacy remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of Tα1 as a COVID-19 therapy. Methods We performed a multicenter cohort study in five tertiary hospitals in the Hubei province of China between December 2019 and March 2020. The patient non-recovery rate was used as the primary outcome. Results All crude outcomes, including non-recovery rate (65/306 vs. 290/1,976, p = 0.003), in-hospital mortality rate (62/306 vs. 271/1,976, p = 0.003), intubation rate (31/306 vs. 106/1,976, p = 0.001), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) incidence (104/306 vs. 499/1,976, p = 0.001), acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence (26/306 vs. 66/1,976, p < 0.001), and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (14.9 ± 12.7 vs. 8.7 ± 8.2 days, p < 0.001), were significantly higher in the Tα1 treatment group. After adjusting for confounding factors, Tα1 use was found to be significantly associated with a higher non-recovery rate than non-Tα1 use (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.1, p = 0.028). An increased risk of non-recovery rate associated with Tα1 use was observed in the patient subgroups with maximum sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores ≥2 (OR 2.0, 95%CI 1.4–2.9, p = 0.024), a record of ICU admission (OR 5.4, 95%CI 2.1–14.0, p < 0.001), and lower PaO2/FiO2 values (OR 1.9, 95%CI 1.1–3.4, p = 0.046). Furthermore, later initiation of Tα1 use was associated with a higher non-recovery rate. Conclusion Tα1 use in COVID-19 patients was associated with an increased non-recovery rate, especially in those with greater disease severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanfei Shen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenliang Wen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianghong Xu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhixiong Wu
- Department of Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huibin Feng
- Intensive Care Unit, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, China
| | - Zhongyi Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Wuhan No.9 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuan Dong
- Tuberculosis and Respiratory Department, Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Sisi Huang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Intensive Care Unit, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Jiangbei Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Lidi Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yizhu Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzhe Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Intensive Care Unit, Tianyou Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hangxiang Du
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongan Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Limin Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jean-Louis Teboul
- Service de Médecine-Intensive Réanimation, Hôpital Bicêtre, AP-HP. Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm UMR 999, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Djillali Annane
- Department of Intensive Care, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré (APHP), Laboratory of Infection & Inflammation - U1173, School of Medicine Simone Veil, University Versailles Saint Quentin - University Paris Saclay, INSERM, Garches, France
| | - Dechang Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vaillant A. Transaminase Elevations during Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: Safety Considerations and Role in Achieving Functional Cure. Viruses 2021; 13:745. [PMID: 33922828 DOI: 10.3390/v13050745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
While current therapies for chronic HBV infection work well to control viremia and stop the progression of liver disease, the preferred outcome of therapy is the restoration of immune control of HBV infection, allowing therapy to be removed while maintaining effective suppression of infection and reversal of liver damage. This “functional cure” of chronic HBV infection is characterized by the absence of detectable viremia (HBV DNA) and antigenemia (HBsAg) and normal liver function and is the goal of new therapies in development. Functional cure requires removal of the ability of infected cells in the liver to produce the hepatitis B surface antigen. The increased observation of transaminase elevations with new therapies makes understanding the safety and therapeutic impact of these flares an increasingly important issue. This review examines the factors driving the appearance of transaminase elevations during therapy of chronic HBV infection and the interplay of these factors in assessing the safety and beneficial nature of these flares.
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Currently, there are two safe and effective therapeutic strategies for chronic hepatitis B treatment, namely, nucleoside analogs and interferon alpha (pegylated or non-pegylated). These treatments can control viral replication and improve survival; however, they do not eliminate the virus and therefore require long-term continued therapy. In addition, there are significant concerns about virus rebound on discontinuation of therapy and the development of fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma despite therapy. Therefore, the search for new, more effective, and safer antiviral agents that can cure hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues. Anti-HBV drug discovery and development is fundamentally impacted by our current understanding of HBV replication, disease physiopathology, and persistence of HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). Several HBV replication targets are the basis for novel anti-HBV drug development strategies. Many of them are already in clinical trial phase 1 or 2, while others with promising results are still in preclinical stages. As research intensifies, potential HBV curative therapies and modalities in the pipeline are now on the horizon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leda Bassit
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Suzane Kioko Ono
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Raymond F Schinazi
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu Y, Pan Y, Hu Z, Wu M, Wang C, Feng Z, Mao C, Tan Y, Liu Y, Chen L, Li M, Wang G, Yuan Z, Diao B, Wu Y, Chen Y. Thymosin Alpha 1 Reduces the Mortality of Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 by Restoration of Lymphocytopenia and Reversion of Exhausted T Cells. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 71:2150-2157. [PMID: 32442287 PMCID: PMC7314217 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) had been used in the treatment of viral infections as an immune response modifier for many years. However, clinical benefits and the mechanism of Tα1 treatment for COVID-19 patients are still unclear. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the clinical outcomes of 76 severe COVID-19 cases admitted to 2 hospitals in Wuhan, China, from December 2019 to March 2020. The thymus output in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from COVID-19 patients was measured by T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs). The levels of T-cell exhaustion markers programmed death-1 (PD-1) and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain protein 3 (Tim-3) on CD8+ T cells were detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS Compared with the untreated group, Tα1 treatment significantly reduced the mortality of severe COVID-19 patients (11.11% vs 30.00%, P = .044). Tα1 enhanced blood T-cell numbers in COVID-19 patients with severe lymphocytopenia. Under such conditions, Tα1 also successfully restored CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell numbers in elderly patients. Meanwhile, Tα1 reduced PD-1 and Tim-3 expression on CD8+ T cells from severe COVID-19 patients compared with untreated cases. It is of note that restoration of lymphocytopenia and acute exhaustion of T cells were roughly parallel to the rise of TRECs. CONCLUSIONS Tα1 treatment significantly reduced mortality of severe COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patients with counts of CD8+ T cells or CD4+ T cells in circulation less than 400/μL or 650/μL, respectively, gained more benefits from Tα1. Tα1 reversed T-cell exhaustion and recovered immune reconstitution through promoting thymus output during severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yueping Liu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Pan
- Institute of Immunology, People's Liberation Army, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenhong Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Wu
- Intensive Care Unit, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.,Intensive Care Unit, Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenhui Wang
- Institute of Immunology, People's Liberation Army, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeqing Feng
- Institute of Immunology, People's Liberation Army, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Congzheng Mao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingjun Tan
- Institute of Immunology, People's Liberation Army, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zilin Yuan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Diao
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhang Wu
- Institute of Immunology, People's Liberation Army, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongwen Chen
- Institute of Immunology, People's Liberation Army, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Peng D, Xing HY, Li C, Wang XF, Hou M, Li B, Chen JH. The clinical efficacy and adverse effects of Entecavir plus Thymosin alpha-1 combination therapy versus Entecavir Monotherapy in HBV-related cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Gastroenterol 2020; 20:348. [PMID: 33076834 PMCID: PMC7574490 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-020-01477-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of thymosin alpha-1 (Tα1) in anti-virus, immunological enhancement and anti-inflammation. However, it is controversial about the efficacy and safety of entecavir (ETV) plus Tα1 combination therapy versus ETV monotherapy in cirrhotic patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Methods The systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ETV plus Tα1 combination therapy versus ETV monotherapy in HBV-related patients with cirrhosis. We performed a systematic literature search via PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Journals Database (VIP), and Chinese Biological Medicine database (CBM). Relative risk (RR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) with a fixed- or random- effect model were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed through a Cochrane Q-test and I2 values. Results Seven RCTs involving 1144 subjects were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Compared with ETV monotherapy, ETV plus Tα1 combination therapy led to a higher complete response (RR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07–1.30). In post treatment for 24 weeks, the HBV DNA undetectable rate and HBeAg loss rate were higher in ETV plus Tα1 group than in ETV alone group (RR = 1.91; 95% CI, 1.56–2.35; RR = 2.05; 95% CI, 1.62–2.60). However, after 48 and 52 weeks of treatment, there was no significant difference between the combination therapy and ETV monotherapy (RR = 1.07; 95% CI, 0.96–1.18; RR = 1.17; 95% CI, 0.89–1.55). At week 52 of treatment, the HBsAg loss rate of ETV plus Tα1 group was no significance with that of ETV alone group (RR = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.15–7.26). In comparison with ETV alone, the some biochemical parameters and liver fibrosis were obviously improved by ETV plus Tα1, and there was significant heterogeneity. In addition, the number of adverse events was significantly reduced by ETV plus Tα1, compared to ETV alone (RR = 0.48; 95% CI, 0.24–0.95). Conclusions ETV plus Tα1 might lead to a higher clinical response and a lower comprehensive adverse reaction rate in HBV-related patients with cirrhosis, compared to ETV alone. However, the whole patients included in this meta-analysis were from Chinese mainland, so that more worldwide RCTs with a larger sample size are needed to verify the current findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Hai-Yan Xing
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Xian-Feng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Min Hou
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Jian-Hong Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu X, Liu Y, Wang L, Hu L, Liu D, Li J. Analysis of the prophylactic effect of thymosin drugs on COVID-19 for 435 medical staff: A hospital-based retrospective study. J Med Virol 2020; 93:1573-1580. [PMID: 32897543 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
To explore the role of thymosin drugs in the prevention of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), we analyzed the preventive effects of different medication timings on health medical staff, and then provided recommendations for pharmaceutical monitoring of thymus drugs. The hospital-based retrospective study analyzed 435 medical staffers, treated with or without thymosin drugs as preventive medicines in our hospital of Wuhan City, from January 25 to March 25, 2020. For the prophylactics, the medical staff was prevented from pre-exposure prophylaxis (risk prevention of exposure to COVID-19 patients before using thymosin drugs) and postexposure prophylaxis (risk prevention of exposure to COVID-19 patients after using thymosin drugs). The effectiveness and safety of thymosin drugs were studied in the prevention and control of COVID-19 application, in real-world data research for the application of the drug for COVID- 19. In a similar exposure environment, compared to medical staffers who did not take preventive medicine, the use of thymosin drugs, before exposure and after exposure had an insignificant effect, and the adverse drug reaction (ADR) was increased, especially when thymosin drugs were used together with α-interferon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiulan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Liuming Wang
- Nursing Department, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Luhong Hu
- Medical Office, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ezzikouri S, Hoque Kayesh ME, Benjelloun S, Kohara M, Tsukiyama-Kohara K. Targeting Host Innate and Adaptive Immunity to Achieve the Functional Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020216. [PMID: 32403281 PMCID: PMC7349973 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of an effective preventive vaccine for hepatitis B virus (HBV) for over 38 years, chronic HBV (CHB) infection remains a global health burden with around 257 million patients. The ideal treatment goal for CHB infection would be to achieve complete cure; however, current therapies such as peg-interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogs are unable to achieve the functional cure, the newly set target for HBV chronic infection. Considering the fact functional cure has been accepted as an endpoint in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B by scientific committee, the development of alternative therapeutic strategies is urgently needed to functionally cure CHB infection. A promising target for future therapeutic strategies is immune modulation to restore dysfunctional HBV-specific immunity. In this review, we provide an overview of the progress in alternative therapeutic strategies, including immune-based therapeutic approaches that enhance host innate and adaptive immunity to achieve and increase the functional cure from CHB infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sayeh Ezzikouri
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca 20250, Morocco;
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan;
- Correspondence: (S.E.); (K.T.-K.); Tel.: +212-5-2243-4470 (S.E.); Tel./Fax: +81-99-285-3589 (K.T.-K.)
| | - Mohammad Enamul Hoque Kayesh
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan;
- Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal 8210, Bangladesh
| | - Soumaya Benjelloun
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca 20250, Morocco;
| | - Michinori Kohara
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, The Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan;
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan;
- Correspondence: (S.E.); (K.T.-K.); Tel.: +212-5-2243-4470 (S.E.); Tel./Fax: +81-99-285-3589 (K.T.-K.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kharazmi-Khorassani J, Asoodeh A. Thymosin alpha-1; a natural peptide inhibits cellular proliferation, cell migration, the level of reactive oxygen species and promotes the activity of antioxidant enzymes in human lung epithelial adenocarcinoma cell line (A549). Environ Toxicol 2019; 34:941-949. [PMID: 31067016 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This research was conducted to investigate the biochemical effects of thymosin alpha-1 using human lung cancer cells (A549). The A549 cells were treated with different concentrations of Thα1 for 24 h and the growth, inhibition of cells was determined. Thα1 revealed anti-proliferative effect at 24 and 48 μg/ml after 24 h. Furthermore, it indicated antioxidant properties by significantly enhancing the activity of catalase (12 μg/ml), superoxide dismutase (6 and 12 μg/ml), and glutathione peroxidase (3, 6 and 12 μg/ml) and reducing the production of cellular ROS. Our results showed that Thα1 inhibits the migration of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner after 24 and 48 h. Moreover, the effect of Thα1 on apoptosis was investigated by Hoechst 33342 staining and cell cycle analysis. Results demonstrated no significant effect on the induction of apoptosis in A549 cells. In conclusion, our results showed the antioxidant properties of Thα1 on A549 cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmad Asoodeh
- Department of chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a global challenge with several hundred million infected individuals. Disease activity can be controlled, and adverse outcomes prevented when treatment can be provided. Frequently life-long therapy is required instead of defined treatment periods such as with the case of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors provide an overview of current start of the art therapy for HBV and indicate where variation from the current guidelines could be considered. Certain patients may be eligible for treatment with suboptimal therapies when their baseline viral load is low. Identifying ideal candidates for interferon therapy will result in good sustained responses for some patients. EXPERT OPINION The biggest challenge remains linking patients to care and therapy. Patients can nowadays be sufficiently treated before the disease advances to a more progressed phase. However, future therapies must be extremely safe and ideally limit the required treatment period. Given Hepatitis D Virus's dependence on HBV and being a disease with an unmet clinical need, HDV may be the best target group for the development of a functional cure for hepatitis B.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hans L Tillmann
- a Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Brody School of Medicine , East Carolina University , Greenville , NC , USA.,b Specialty Clinic , Greenville VA Health Care Center , Greenville , NC , USA
| | - Gbeminiyi Samuel
- a Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Brody School of Medicine , East Carolina University , Greenville , NC , USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Matteucci C, Argaw-Denboba A, Balestrieri E, Giovinazzo A, Miele M, D'Agostini C, Pica F, Grelli S, Paci M, Mastino A, Sinibaldi Vallebona P, Garaci E, Tomino C. Deciphering cellular biological processes to clinical application: a new perspective for Tα1 treatment targeting multiple diseases. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 18:23-31. [PMID: 30063863 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1474198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) is a well-recognized immune response modulator in a wide range of disorders, particularly infections and cancer. The bioinformatic analysis of public databases allows drug repositioning, predicting a new potential area of clinical intervention. We aimed to decipher the cellular network induced by Tα1 treatment to confirm present use and identify new potential clinical applications. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used the transcriptional profile of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells treated in vitro with Tα1 to perform the enrichment network analysis by the Metascape online tools and the disease enrichment analysis by the DAVID online tool. RESULTS Networked cellular responses reflected Tα1 regulated biological processes including immune and metabolic responses, response to compounds and oxidative stress, ion homeostasis, peroxisome biogenesis and drug metabolic process. Beyond cancer and infections, the analysis evidenced the association with disorders such as kidney chronic failure, diabetes, cardiovascular, chronic respiratory, neuropsychiatric, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. CONCLUSIONS In addition to the known ability to promote immune response pathways, the network enrichment analysis demonstrated that Tα1 regulates cellular metabolic processes and oxidative stress response. Notable, the analysis highlighted the association with several diseases, suggesting new translational implication of Tα1 treatment in pathological conditions unexpected until now.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Matteucci
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Ayele Argaw-Denboba
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Emanuela Balestrieri
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Alessandro Giovinazzo
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Martino Miele
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Cartesio D'Agostini
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Francesca Pica
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Sandro Grelli
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Maurizio Paci
- b Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Antonio Mastino
- c Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences , University of Messina , Messina , Italy.,d National Research Council , Institute of Translational Pharmacology , Rome , Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi Vallebona
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy.,d National Research Council , Institute of Translational Pharmacology , Rome , Italy
| | | | - Carlo Tomino
- e Università San Raffaele Pisana , Roma , Italy.,f IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana , Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care , Roma , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wu X, Shi Y, Zhou J, Sun Y, Piao H, Jiang W, Ma A, Chen Y, Xu M, Xie W, Cheng J, Xie S, Shang J, Cheng J, Xie Q, Ding H, Zhang X, Bai L, Zhang M, Wang B, Chen S, Ma H, Ou X, Jia J, You H. Combination of entecavir with thymosin alpha-1 in HBV-related compensated cirrhosis: a prospective multicenter randomized open-label study. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 18:61-69. [PMID: 30063860 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1451511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: Thymosin alpha-1 (Ta-1) suppresses HBV viral replication, while the evidence of combination effect with nucleoide is still limited. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy of Ta-1 with entecavir (ETV) in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 690 patients were randomized to receive Ta-1 plus ETV (n = 351) or ETV monotherapy (n = 339) for 52 weeks after 26 weeks of ETV treatment, followed by continued entecavir therapy. The primary endpoint was defined as liver decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or death. RESULTS The median followed up was 38.2 months. The cumulative incidence of liver decompensation, HCC, or death were similar between two groups. During the Ta-1 combination treatment, the HCC incidence was 1.7% in combination group and 2.1% in ETV group, without new HCC cases developed during week 39 to week 77 in combination group. The virologic response, serologic response, biochemical response was similar between two groups at week 104. Both therapies were well-tolerated. CONCLUSION There was no significant difference between two groups in endpoint events, while combination therapy with Ta-1 has a tendency to inhibit the development of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Wu
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Yiwen Shi
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Jialing Zhou
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Yameng Sun
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Hongxin Piao
- b Infectious Department , Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University , Yanji , China
| | - Wei Jiang
- c Department of Gastroenterology , Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Anlin Ma
- d Department of Infectious Diseases , China-Japan Friendship Hospital , Beijing , China
| | - Yongpeng Chen
- e Department of Infectious Diseases , Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Mingyi Xu
- f Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Wen Xie
- g Center of Liver Diseases , Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Jun Cheng
- h Institute of Infectious Diseases , Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Shibin Xie
- i Department of Infectious Diseases , Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Jia Shang
- j Department of Infectious Diseases , Zhengzhou University People's Hospital , Zhengzhou , China
| | - Jilin Cheng
- k Department of Gastroenterology , Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center , Shanghai , China
| | - Qing Xie
- l Department of Infectious Diseases , Ruijin Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Huiguo Ding
- m Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Xuqing Zhang
- n Department of Infectious Disease , Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Lang Bai
- o Department of Infectious Disease , West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Mingxiang Zhang
- p Department of Hepatology , The Sixth People's Hospital of Shenyang , Shenyang , China
| | - Bingqiong Wang
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Shuyan Chen
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Hong Ma
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Xiaojuan Ou
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Jidong Jia
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Hong You
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pica F, Gaziano R, Casalinuovo IA, Moroni G, Buè C, Limongi D, D'Agostini C, Tomino C, Perricone R, Palamara AT, Sinibaldi Vallebona P, Garaci E. Serum thymosin alpha 1 levels in normal and pathological conditions. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 18:13-21. [PMID: 30063864 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1474197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Thymosin alpha 1 (Ta1) is a natural occurring peptide hormone that is crucial for the maintenance of the organism homeostasis. It has been chemically synthesized and used in diseases where the immune system is hindered or malfunctioning. AREAS COVERED Many clinical trials investigate the Ta1 effects in patients with cancer, infectious diseases and as a vaccine enhancer. The number of diseases that could benefit from Ta1 treatment is increasing. To date, questions remain about the physiological basal levels of Ta1 and the most effective dose and schedule of treatment. Evidence is growing that diseases characterized by deregulation of immune and/or inflammatory responses are associated with serum levels of Ta1 significantly lower than those of healthy individuals: to date, B hepatitis, psoriatic arthritis, multiple sclerosis and sepsis. The sputum of cystic fibrosis patients contains lower levels of Ta1 than healthy controls. These data are consistent with the role of Ta1 as a regulator of immunity, tolerance and inflammation. EXPERT OPINION Low serum Ta1 levels are predictive and/or associated with different pathological conditions. In case of Ta1 treatment, it is crucial to know the patient's baseline serum Ta1 level to establish effective treatment protocols and monitor their effectiveness over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pica
- a Departments of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Roberta Gaziano
- a Departments of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Moroni
- a Departments of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Cristina Buè
- a Departments of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Dolores Limongi
- b IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana , Telematic University , Rome , Italy
| | - Cartesio D'Agostini
- a Departments of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Carlo Tomino
- b IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana , Telematic University , Rome , Italy
| | - Roberto Perricone
- c Medicine of Systems, Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Palamara
- b IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana , Telematic University , Rome , Italy.,d Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases , Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | | | - Enrico Garaci
- a Departments of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy.,b IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana , Telematic University , Rome , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Naylor PH, Naylor CW. Overlapping molecular signaling of IRX-2 and Ta1 resulting in synergistic biological activity. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018; 18:85-88. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1481206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul H Naylor
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Division, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Cartha W Naylor
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Division, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yang X, Chen Y, Zhang J, Tang T, Kong Y, Ye F, Zhang X, Liu X, Lin S. Thymosin α1 treatment reduces hepatic inflammation and inhibits hepatocyte apoptosis in rats with acute liver failure. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:3231-3238. [PMID: 29545840 PMCID: PMC5840938 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.5843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate whether thymosin α1 (Tα1) increases survival rates through the improvement of immunofunction and inhibition of hepatocyte apoptosis in rats with acute liver failure (ALF). A total of 25 rats were randomly divided into the control group (CG), the model group (MG) and the treatment group (TG). The CG received an intraperitoneal injection of saline (2 ml). The ALF rat model was established by the intraperitoneal injection of D-galactosamine (700 mg/kg) and lipopolysaccharide (10 µg/kg). The TG received an intraperitoneal injection of Tα1 (0.03 mg/kg) 1 h prior to and 30 min after modeling. The survival rates of the rats were recorded. An additional 63 rats were randomly divided into a CG (n=3), MG (n=30) and TG (n=30). Three rats were sacrificed at 3, 6, 9 and 12 h after establishment of the rat model to detect plasma alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Liver samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were performed to detect B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in liver tissue. The results indicated that the survival rate of the TG was significantly higher compared with that of the MG at 24 h (P<0.05). Plasma ALT, AST and TBIL in the MG and TG increased over time (3–12 h), with ALT, AST and TBIL observed to be significantly lower in the TG compared with the MG at each time-point (P<0.05). Hepatocellular necrosis, hemorrhage and inflammatory cell infiltration of ALF were aggravated over time (3–12 h) in the MG and TG. Notably, in the Tα1-treated rats, the hepatocytes appeared healthier with fewer apoptotic cells compared with those from the MG at the same time-points. Hepatocyte apoptotic index increased in the TG and MG, but was significantly lower in the TG compared with the MG at each time-point (P<0.05) in TUNEL assays. Plasma TNF-α and IL-10 in the MG and TG increased over time (3–12 h), with TNF-α observed to be significantly lower in the TG compared with the MG at each time-point (P<0.05), however, IL-10 was observed to be significantly higher in the TG compared with the MG at each time-point (P<0.05). Bax mRNA expression was significantly lower in the TG compared with the MG at each time-point (P<0.05), whereas Bcl-2 was significantly higher (P<0.05). In conclusion, Tα1 improved survival rates in an ALF rat model by downregulating TNF-α and upregulating IL-10, leading to the attenuation of hepatic inflammation and hepatocyte apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueliang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yunru Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- The Second Department of Gastroenterology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Tiantian Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710003, P.R. China
| | - Ying Kong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Feng Ye
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Shumei Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Verkhovsky E, Naylor P, Benjaram S, Das Kundumadam S, Ehrinpreis M, Mutchnick M. Racial disparity in chronic hepatitis B infection in a predominately African American urban clinic population. AIMS Medical Science 2018. [DOI: 10.3934/medsci.2018.4.378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
|