If you have been reading about thymalfasin and want a single page that covers the useful parts, this is it: definitions, context, how it is studied, and the questions that come up repeatedly.
Last reviewed on 2026-01-12. Where a claim depends on a specific study, the study is described rather than over-claimed.
Immune signaling studies link thymosin alpha 1 to Toll-like receptor pathways, particularly TLR2 and TLR9, on dendritic cells and other antigen-presenting cells. Activation of these receptors promotes maturation of T cells and increases natural killer cell activity. The peptide shifts cytokine output toward a T helper 1 profile, raising interferon gamma and interleukin 2 while modulating interleukin 10. Whether these effects translate into clinical benefit for any specific disease remains a subject of debate. Reported outcomes vary across trials and populations.
Thymosin alpha 1 is approved as a medicine in several countries, including Italy and China, for indications such as chronic hepatitis B and as an immune adjuvant. It is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration as a therapeutic product. In research settings the peptide appears in studies of sepsis, vaccine response, and oncology support, often with mixed or inconclusive results. The evidence base is uneven, and reviews note that many trials were small. Regulatory status therefore differs widely between jurisdictions.
Thymosin alpha 1 is a synthetic 28-amino-acid peptide first isolated in 1966 from thymosin fraction 5, a bovine thymus extract. Its chain begins with an acetylated serine residue and ends with asparagine. The native peptide carries a molecular mass near 3,108 daltons. Researchers classify it as an immunomodulatory agent rather than a hormone with a single endocrine target. Early work framed it as a thymus-derived factor that supports T-cell maturation. The synthetic form used in research and clinical products matches the natural sequence.
The peptide occurs naturally in thymic tissue and has been detected in serum and other biological fluids. Reported concentrations are low, and reliable measurement generally requires immunoassay or mass spectrometry with an enrichment step. It is released from a larger precursor, prothymosin alpha, by proteolytic cleavage, although the enzymes involved are not fully characterized. Whether circulating levels reflect thymic output specifically remains an open question.
Thymosin alpha 1 is a 28-amino-acid peptide first isolated from thymosin fraction 5, a bovine thymic extract. Its sequence begins with an acetylated serine residue and carries a high proportion of acidic residues, so the molecule has a net negative charge near neutral pH. Despite the shared name, it is unrelated in sequence to the thymosin beta family. Synthetic material prepared by solid-phase peptide synthesis is identical in sequence to the natural peptide.
Several names appear in the literature for this peptide, including thymalfasin and the abbreviation T-alpha-1. Naming conventions differ among research articles, regulatory documents, and supplier catalogs, which complicates literature searches. Both synthetic and recombinant production routes yield a peptide with the same 28-residue sequence as the thymic isolate. Because the thymosin label also covers unrelated peptides, sources should be compared by sequence rather than by name alone.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular mass | ≈3,108 Da | Synthetic 28-residue peptide |
| Amino acid count | 28 | N-terminal serine carries an acetyl group |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder | Lyophilized solid |
| Water solubility | Freely soluble | Dissolves in aqueous buffer |
| Common synonyms | Thymalfasin; Tα1 | Thymalfasin is the international nonproprietary name |
=== Other lymphoid tissue === Lymphoid tissue associated with the lymphatic system is concerned with immune functions in defending the body against infections and the spread of tumours. It consists of connective tissue formed of reticular fibers, with various types of leukocytes (white blood cells), mostly lymphocytes enmeshed in it, through which the lymph passes. Regions of the lymphoid tissue that are densely packed with lymphocytes are known as lymphoid follicles. Lymphoid tissue can either be structurally well organized as lymph nodes or may consist of loosely organized lymphoid follicles known as the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). The central nervous system also has lymphatic vessels. The search for T cell gateways into and out of the meninges uncovered functional meningeal lymphatic vessels lining the dural sinuses, anatomically integrated into the membrane surrounding the brain.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a recording of the heart's electrical activity, acquired using electrodes placed on the skin. The taking of an ECG is an important part of the workup of an AMI, and ECGs are often not just taken once but may be repeated over minutes to hours, or in response to changes in signs or symptoms. ECG readouts produce a waveform with different labeled features. In addition to a rise in biomarkers, a rise in the ST segment, changes in the shape or flipping of T waves, new Q waves, or a new left bundle branch block can be used to diagnose an AMI. In addition, ST elevation can be used to diagnose an ST segment myocardial infarction (STEMI). A rise must be new in V2 and V3 ≥2 mm (0.2 mV) for males or ≥1.5 mm (0.15 mV) for females or ≥1 mm (0.1 mV) in two other adjacent chest or limb leads. ST elevation is associated with infarction, and may be preceded by changes indicating ischemia, such as ST depression or inversion of the T waves. Abnormalities can help differentiate the location of an infarct, based on the leads that are affected by changes. Early STEMIs may be preceded by peaked T waves. Other ECG abnormalities relating to complications of acute myocardial infarctions may also be evident, such as atrial or ventricular fibrillation.
On January 15, 2020, it was announced that the Doobie Brothers were one of the six groups that would be inducted into the 2020 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The induction included living members Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, Michael McDonald, John McFee, Tiran Porter, John Hartman and Jeff Baxter, while Keith Knudsen and Michael Hossack would be inducted posthumously. The induction ceremony was originally scheduled to take place on May 2, 2020, in Cleveland, but was postponed to November 7 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The November 7 induction ceremony was held virtually on HBO Max, with Johnston, McDonald, and Simmons pre-recording their induction speeches on behalf of the other band members who were inducted alongside them. In February 2020, the Doobie Brothers had a scheduled residency at the Venetian in Las Vegas. The band was only three shows into their eight-day residency when they were forced to cancel the remaining five dates after it was mentioned that there was an illness in the band. It was later discovered that Johnston had an early version of COVID-19, the virus that would end up becoming designated as a pandemic just one month later. On May 26, 2020, the Doobie Brothers officially announced that they had rescheduled their 50th Anniversary tour to 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and confirmed that the line up of this tour would include McDonald for the first time in 25 years. During their time in isolation throughout 2020, the Doobie Brothers released at-home performances of "Black Water", "Listen to the Music", and "Takin' it to the Streets".
== Toxicity == The main pattern of toxicity seen among Russula species to date has been gastrointestinal symptoms in those with a spicy (acrid) taste when eaten raw or undercooked; many of these are red-capped species such as R. emetica, R. sardonia and R. nobilis. The Asian species Russula subnigricans has been the cause of several fatal cases of rhabdomyolysis in Japan. Several active agents have been isolated from the species, including russuphelin A and cycloprop-2-ene carboxylic acid.
A Rhodesian Trade Office was opened in Lisbon in order to co-ordinate breaking the anticipated sanctions in the event of a unilateral declaration of independence later that year, which encouraged Smith not to compromise. In its turn, the Rhodesian Trade Office in Lisbon functioned as a de facto embassy and caused tension with London, which objected to Rhodesia conducting its own foreign policy. As land-locked Rhodesia bordered the Portuguese colony of Mozambique, Salazar's promise of "maximum support" from Portugal in breaking the anticipated sanctions gave Smith more grounds for self-confidence in his talks with London. Smith ruled out acceptance for all five of the British principles as they stood, implying instead that Rhodesia was already legally entitled to independence—a claim that was overwhelmingly endorsed by the predominantly white electorate in a referendum. Emboldened by the results of this referendum and the subsequent general election, the Rhodesian government threatened to declare independence without British consent. Harold Wilson countered by warning that such an irregular procedure would be considered treasonous, although he specifically rejected using armed force to quell a rebellion by English "kith and kin", or white Rhodesians of predominantly British descent and origin, many of whom still possessed sympathies and family ties to the United Kingdom. Wilson's refusal to consider a military option further encouraged Smith to proceed with his plans.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Tomatoes, with their umami flavor, are extensively used in Mediterranean cuisine as a key ingredient in pizza and many pasta sauces. Tomatoes are used in Spanish gazpacho and Catalan pa amb tomàquet. The tomato is a crucial and ubiquitous part of Middle Eastern cuisine, served fresh in salads (e.g., Arab salad, Israeli salad, Shirazi salad and Turkish salad), grilled with kebabs and other dishes, made into sauces, and so on. Tomatoes were gradually incorporated into Indian curry dishes after Europeans introduced them. A Kashmiri curry, rogan josh, often contains tomato; it may originally have been colored red with chili pepper, and tomatoes may characterize the Punjabi version of the dish. The modern British curry tikka masala often has a tomato and cream sauce.
=== 21st century === Since 1999, Dairy Farm has continued to expand its footprint by acquiring supermarket and other retail operations in Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Notably, it also acquired IKEA Hong Kong, Taiwan in 2002 and began Ikea's Indonesian operation in 2014. In May 2012, Dairy Farm bought a 50% stake in the Rustan Supercenters, Inc., the Rustan group's supermarket chain. 36% came from the Tantoco family and 14% from the Spinnaker group. Its holdings increased to 64% in 2015 and 100% in 2017. On March 23, 2018, the entire stake was sold to Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. through a stock swap, yielding Dairy Farm 18.25% of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. stock. In 2018, therefore, Rustan Supercenters are fully acquired by Robinsons Retail Holdings the 20.00% of which is owned by Mulgrave Corporation and GCH Investments, wholly owned subsidiaries of Dairy Farm. As of June 2011, Dairy Farm is 78% owned by Jardine Matheson Holdings. In August 2021, Dairy Farm rebranded its trading name to DFI Retail Group. On 5 May 2022, the company subsequently changed its legal name to DFI Retail Group Holdings Limited, effectively phased out the Dairy Farm branding.
== Tissue distribution == The POMC gene is expressed in both the anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary gland. Its protein product is primarily synthesized by corticotropic cells in the anterior pituitary, but it is also produced in several other tissues:
Tacrolimus and a related drug for eczema (pimecrolimus) were suspected of carrying a cancer risk, though the matter is still a subject of controversy. The FDA issued a health warning in March 2005 for the drug, based on animal models and a small number of patients. Until further human studies yield more conclusive results, the FDA recommends that users be advised of the potential risks. However, current practice by UK dermatologists is not to consider this a significant real concern and they are increasingly recommending the use of these new drugs. A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health concluded with moderate-certainty evidence that the two drugs were not associated with any increased risk of cancer. In November 2024, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified hydrochlorothiazide, voriconazole and tacrolimus as group 1 carcinogens.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
== History == The use of banana powder in baby formula has been widespread since the very early 1900s as a method of keeping babies healthy. In 1916 it was also considered to be one of the "important industries of the West Indies" during this period, along with dried banana "figs". The United Fruit Company began to produce a product named Melzo during the 1930s, in which banana powder was the main ingredient. Because of the useful properties of banana powder, Melzo was marketed as a "health food for children and old folks, as a corrective for certain indigestions, and as a revitalizer for all who are sluggish mentally or physically".
===== MeSH D08.811.682.657 – oxidoreductases acting on aldehyde or oxo group donors ===== MeSH D08.811.682.657.163 – aldehyde oxidoreductases MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.249 – aldehyde dehydrogenase MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.249.750 – omega-crystallins MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.311 – aldehyde oxidase MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.342 – aminomuconate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.374 – aspartate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.468 – benzaldehyde dehydrogenase (NADP+) MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.515 – betaine-aldehyde dehydrogenase MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.562 – glutamate-5-semialdehyde dehydrogenase MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.750 – glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenases MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.750.250 – glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (nadp+) MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.750.300 – glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (nadp+)(phosphorylating) MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.750.350 – glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (phosphorylating) MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.781 – glycolaldehyde dehydrogenase MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.796 – l-aminoadipate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.812 – malonate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (acetylating) MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.827 – methylmalonate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (acylating) MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.835 – retinal dehydrogenase MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.843 – succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase MeSH D08.811.682.657.163.875 – succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (NAD(P)+) MeSH D08.811.682.657.180 – formate dehydrogenases MeSH D08.811.682.657.350 – ketone oxidoreductases MeSH D08.811.682.657.350.750 – ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex MeSH D08.811.682.657.350.750.500 – dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase MeSH D08.811.682.657.350.760 – 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoate dehydrogenase (lipoamide) MeSH D08.811.682.657.350.825 – 2-oxoisovalerate dehydrogenase (acylating) MeSH D08.811.682.657.350.875 – pyruvate dehydrogenase (lipoamide) MeSH D08.811.682.657.350.937 – pyruvate oxidase MeSH D08.811.682.657.350.968 – pyruvate synthase
== Purification == Purification of the receptor further verified its existence. The first attempt to purify the receptor involved the use of a novel opioid antagonist called chlornaltrexamine that was demonstrated to bind to the opioid receptor. Caruso later purified the detergent-extracted component of rat brain membrane that eluted with the specifically bound 3H-chlornaltrexamine.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
It is a chain of 28 amino acids, with an acetyl group attached to the first serine residue. The synthetic version replicates this sequence. Its molecular mass is about 3,108 daltons.
It is usually described as an immunomodulatory peptide rather than a classic hormone. It acts on immune cells through receptor pathways. No single endocrine organ target defines its function.
Several countries, including Italy and China, allow it for specific indications. The FDA has not approved it as a drug in the United States. Availability depends on local regulation.
It is a 28-amino-acid peptide originally purified from a bovine thymic extract and later produced synthetically. It is studied mainly for its effects on immune cell function.