Thymus hormones as prospective anti-inflammatory agents.
BACKGROUND
Inflammatory diseases are characterized by severe immune imbalances, leading to excessive or inappropriate release of mediators, which, in turn, result in massive damage to organs and systems. Effective means to control inappropriate immune reactions are often life-critical needs. Available data on the role of thymus-derived hormones in inflammation show their great potential.


METHODS
The review aims to systematize information for the last two decades on immune system regulation by thymic peptide hormones, with a primary focus on the role of these hormones in the systemic inflammatory response and inflammatory diseases. Anti-inflammatory potential of three thymic hormones - thymulin, thymosin-alpha, and thymopoietin - is discussed, reviewing recently published clinical and experimental studies.


RESULTS
Our analysis revealed the regulation of inflammatory processes via thymic hormones that could be prospective for therapeutic application. This regulation may be mediated through thymic hormone effects on peripheral immune cell activities and bidirectional coupling between thymic hormones and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.


CONCLUSIONS
In view of the role of thymic hormones in immune and neuroendocrine systems, they could be suitable as therapeutic agents for inflammation.
Lunin
Sergey M
SM
Institute of Cell Biophysics, Pushchino, Moscow region, Russia. lunin@pochta.ru
Novoselova
Elena G
EG
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004703:Endocrine System / Q000502:physiology; D006728:Hormones / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D051379:Mice; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D000077596:Thymalfasin; D013935:Thymic Factor, Circulating / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013946:Thymopoietins / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013947:Thymosin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013951:Thymus Hormones / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D006728:Hormones; D013946:Thymopoietins; D013951:Thymus Hormones; D013947:Thymosin; D013935:Thymic Factor, Circulating; D000077596:Thymalfasin