TB4 (FULL 43), TB4 FRAG (SEG 1-4), & TB-500 (SEG 17-23)

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Thymosin Beta-4 (TB4) is a naturally occurring peptide present in various tissues in the body and plays a significant role in tissue repair, regeneration, and inflammation reduction. TB4 is naturally produced in the thymus gland. However, the thymus starts involuting around age 15 and continues to decline until approximately 80-90% of its activity has decreased by age 35-45, this is when the chronic diseases of aging begin to set in. The CDC states that approximately 80% of aged individuals are affected by at least one chronic disease due to declination of thymic-related immune function. 

TB4 Frag, which refers to segment 1-4 of the full 43 amino acid sequence of TB4, is a specific fragment of this peptide. TB-500 is segment 17-23 of the full amino acid sequence of TB4.

The terms TB4, TB4 Frag, and TB-500 are sometimes used interchangebly in health groups, but they are three distinct products. So which one do you choose? The short answer is that you want TB4 Frag if you have MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome). You want TB-500 if you don’t have significant MCAS, but want extra help with musculoskeletal healing.

The long answer is that TB4 Frag is only four amino acids in length (a small fragment of the full-length TB4). This four-amino acid fragment maintains the immune modulatory, healing, and anti-inflammatory benefits of the complete TB4 without some of the few potential side effects such as stimulating mast cells and hair growth, which comes from segments 17-23. 

However, if you are looking for musculoskeletal repair, you want segments 17-23, which would mean you want the full TB4 peptide or just TB-500.

Always check the COA (certificate of analysis) because manufacturers sometimes label their products wrong with this peptide because the terms TB-500 and TB4 often get used interchangeably in the peptide world. 

To summarize:

• TB4 is the full 43 amino acid sequence.
• TB4 frag is segments 1-4 of the full 43.
• TB-500 is segments 17-23 of the full 43.
• Sometimes TB4 and TB-500 are used interchangeably on manufacturer or distributor sites so check the COA if you are unsure!

More about TB4:

• Dr. Alan Goldstein discovered TB4 at George Washington University
• TB4 comes from our thymus gland
• The thymus gland secretes two peptide hormones: One of them is thymosin alpha 1 (TA1) and the other is thymosin beta 4 (TB4)
• TB4 has many regenerative properties for brain health
• Very anti-inflammatory 
• Increases cells involved in healing and improves cell migration to site of injury
• Improves Treg cell number and activity
• TB4 is a potent stimulator of VEGF expression
• TB4 helps develop new neurons, and maintain myelin around nerves
• TB4 encourages central and peripheral nervous system tissues to undergo repair and remodeling following injury. TB4 activates cells that support neurons.
• No (or minimal) side effects observed in most cases. It has low oral bioavailability, therefore it needs to be taken subcutaneously for best results.

Wound Healing and Tissue Repair:

• Promotion of Angiogenesis: TB4 stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, which is crucial for wound healing and tissue repair.
• Cell Migration and Differentiation: It encourages the migration and differentiation of cells necessary for tissue regeneration, such as keratinocytes and fibroblasts.
• Reduction of Inflammation: TB4 has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the inflammatory response and promoting faster healing.

Cardiovascular Health:

• Heart Repair: Studies have shown that TB4 can promote the repair and regeneration of heart tissue following myocardial infarction (heart attack).
• Angiogenesis: The peptide promotes the formation of new blood vessels in the heart, aiding in tissue repair and improving cardiovascular health.

Anti-Fibrotic Properties:

• Prevention of Fibrosis: TB4 has been shown to prevent and reduce fibrosis (the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue), which can occur in organs such as the liver, lungs, and heart.

Neurological Benefits:

• Neuroprotection: TB4 has neuroprotective effects, potentially aiding in the recovery from neurological injuries and conditions such as traumatic brain injury and stroke.
• Promotion of Neurogenesis: It may promote the growth of new neurons and support brain health.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties:

• Cytokine Regulation: TB4 can modulate the production of cytokines, which are signaling molecules that regulate immune responses. It can reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-alpha, IL-1, and IL-6) and increase anti-inflammatory cytokines.
• Reduction of Inflammatory Cells: TB4 has been shown to reduce the infiltration of inflammatory cells (such as neutrophils and macrophages) at the site of injury, which helps decrease inflammation.

Promotion of Wound Healing:

• Immune Cell Recruitment: TB4 aids in the recruitment and activation of immune cells that are essential for the initial phase of wound healing. It helps in clearing debris and pathogens from the wound site.
• Regulation of Immune Responses: By modulating the immune response, TB4 ensures that the inflammatory phase of wound healing transitions smoothly to the proliferative and remodeling phases.

Enhancement of Tissue Repair:

• Regeneration of Tissues: TB4 promotes the regeneration of tissues by stimulating the proliferation and migration of cells necessary for repair, such as fibroblasts and keratinocytes. This process is supported by a balanced immune response.
• Angiogenesis: The peptide promotes the formation of new blood vessels, which is vital for delivering immune cells and nutrients to the healing tissue.

Immunomodulation in Autoimmune Conditions:

• Balancing Immune Responses: TB4 has potential benefits in autoimmune conditions by modulating the immune response and reducing abnormal immune activity that targets the body’s own tissues.

While specific studies on the TB4 Frag (segment 1-4) are limited, the fragment may exhibit some of the benefits associated with the full TB4 peptide. Here are the potential benefits based on the known functions of TB4 and its fragments:

Enhanced Cell Migration:

• Promotion of Healing: The TB4 fragment may enhance the migration of cells to the site of injury, aiding in the healing process.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects:

• Reduction of Inflammation: Similar to the full TB4 peptide, the fragment may help reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for wound healing and tissue repair.

Cytoskeletal Organization:

• Cell Shape and Movement: The TB4 fragment might play a role in the organization of the cytoskeleton (the cell's structural framework), which is important for cell shape, movement, and function.

While specific research on the immune-modulating effects of TB4 Frag (segment 1-4) is limited, the fragment may exhibit similar properties to the full peptide based on its role in the TB4 sequence. Here are the potential immune-modulating effects:

Anti-Inflammatory Activity:

• Cytokine Modulation: The TB4 fragment may help in regulating cytokine production, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and promoting anti-inflammatory cytokines. This helps in managing inflammation and supporting immune balance.

Support for Immune Cell Function:

• Immune Cell Recruitment: Similar to the full TB4 peptide, the fragment might aid in the recruitment of immune cells to sites of injury or infection, enhancing the initial immune response.
• Immune Regulation: The TB4 fragment may help regulate immune cell activity, ensuring that the immune response is effective but not excessively damaging to tissues.

Enhanced Healing and Tissue Regeneration:

• Support for Healing: By promoting cell migration and reducing inflammation, the TB4 fragment can support the immune system's role in healing and tissue repair.

Enhanced Tissue Repair and Regeneration

• Wound Healing: TB-500 promotes the repair and regeneration of tissues by enhancing cell migration, particularly the movement of keratinocytes and fibroblasts to the site of injury. This accelerates the wound healing process.
• Muscle Repair: It is effective in repairing muscle tissue, making it beneficial for athletes and individuals recovering from muscle injuries or surgeries.

Reduction of Inflammation

• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: TB-500 has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in injured or damaged tissues. By modulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, it helps in managing inflammation and supporting the healing process.

Improved Flexibility and Recovery

• Reduction of Fibrosis: TB-500 can help reduce fibrosis (the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue) and scarring, which improves tissue flexibility and function. This is particularly beneficial in conditions where fibrosis impairs movement and function.
• Enhanced Recovery: Athletes and individuals with injuries can experience faster recovery times due to TB-500’s ability to accelerate tissue repair and reduce inflammation.

Promotion of Angiogenesis

• New Blood Vessel Formation: TB-500 promotes angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. This is crucial for delivering oxygen and nutrients to healing tissues, enhancing the overall repair process and supporting tissue regeneration.

Cardiovascular Health

• Heart Repair: There is some evidence that TB-500 may aid in the repair and regeneration of heart tissue following injury, such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack). By promoting angiogenesis and reducing inflammation, TB-500 can support heart health and recovery.

Neuroprotective Effects

• Brain Health: TB-500 may have neuroprotective properties, supporting the repair and regeneration of neural tissues. This can be beneficial in conditions such as traumatic brain injury or neurodegenerative diseases.
• Cognitive Function: By reducing inflammation and promoting neural repair, TB-500 could potentially improve cognitive function and overall brain health.

Immune Modulation

• Balanced Immune Response: TB-500 can modulate the immune response, promoting a balanced and effective immune function. It helps in reducing excessive inflammation while supporting the body's natural healing processes.