Rationale for thymopentin as therapeutic agent in rheumatoid arthritis.
Etiology and pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is reviewed, with special emphasis on immunological factors. A common feature in active RA seems to be the decreased T cell suppressor/cytotoxic response, also reflected in an increased OKT4/OKT8 ratio. As the presence of several subgroups in patients is possible, the therapeutic approach may differ accordingly. Different disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are discussed in this context; their most characteristic features are slow onset of action (i.e., after several months) and improvement in immunological parameters. Although thymopentin does possess the latter property, it is not considered a DMARD at the present time. The action of thymopentin sets in within a few weeks, and it is speculated whether this may be due to its possible hormonal effects (via beta-endorphins, prostaglandins, etc.).
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D006728:Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D016305:Thymopentin; D013946:Thymopoietins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013951:Thymus Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D006728:Hormones; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D013946:Thymopoietins; D013951:Thymus Hormones; D016305:Thymopentin