Thymosin Beta 4 Peptide + Updates on HRT, Zinc, Acetaminophen
One of the top requests that I've received is to write about peptides, and today's new article tackles a specific peptide, thymosin beta 4.
Peptides are simply short chains of amino acids. They can be produced in the body or synthesized as medications or supplements. Thymosin beta 4 is both produced endogenously and available as a peptide supplement. It is important in growth, wound healing, and the prevention of fibrosis. In the new article, I dig into the research on the gene that encodes thymosin beta 4, as well as the clinical trials on supplemental thymosin beta 4 fragments.
I find peptide therapy interesting and think it has a lot of potential for improving certain aspects of health. However, the research on most peptides is pretty scant.
Let me know (just reply to this email) if there is a specific peptide that you want to know more about.
I've also been busy updating articles with genetic variants and new research studies. On my list of updated articles this week:
Estrogen metabolism - updated with studies on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and genetic interactions with cancer risk.
Acetaminophen - updated with new studies on liver damage as well as neurodevelopmental studies.
Zinc - added clarity on the zinc transporter functions, as well as a couple of additional zinc-related SNPs.
An aside: Topics that are well covered in research studies, like stroke, heart disease, and cancer, have hundreds of thousands of papers published each year. The things that I get asked about most, like estrogen and progesterone replacement therapy, have oddly few studies compared to the vast number of people affected. About a thousand papers were published on HRT last year, with almost all being reviews or tangential to the topic. I always feel bad when I can't give someone a definitive answer to a question like "Will HRT interact with my genes to give me cancer or protect me from heart disease?" But I don't want to speculate beyond what is shown in research on such an important topic.
Gratefully yours,
~Debbie
PS. The most common way that people find Genetic Lifehacks is by the recommendations members post in online groups -- or the old-fashioned way of simply talking with friends and family :-) I really appreciate everyone who has taken a few minutes to tell others about Genetic Lifehacks!
New article: Thymosin Beta 4: Genetics & Supplemental Peptides
Key takeaways:
~ Thymosin Beta 4 (Tβ4) is a naturally occurring peptide involved in wound healing, inflammation reduction, tissue regeneration, and is produced in nearly all cell types.
~ It is encoded by the TMSB4X gene, with higher levels during fetal development and important roles in brain, lung, and eye health.
~ Thymosin beta 4 is also available as a peptide supplement – usually as a fragment that is both active and more easily absorbed.
Read the rest of the article here
What I've been reading:
1. The case for targeting latent and lytic Epstein-Barr virus infection in multiple sclerosis
Research shows that EBV can be a major risk factor for MS, and this article argues that anti-viral therapies may be able to help with the cycles seen in multiple sclerosis. Worth reading if you or someone you know has MS.
Related GL article: Epstein-Barr Virus
2. Polystyrene nanoplastics target electron transport chain complexes in brain mitochondria
This is a concerning study showing that nanoplastics in the brain inhibit mitochondrial function - specifically impairing electron transfer in the mitochondria during oxidative phosphorylation. Prior studies show that people with neurodegenerative diseases have nanoplastics in their brain, and this explains why and how that is a very big problem.
3. Thyroid Hormone Pathways in Respiratory Diseases: Mechanism and Therapeutic Potential
Thyroid hormone touches on so many aspects of health and bodily function, especially in staying healthy and fit in aging.
This is an excellent overview of how low thyroid function impacts respiration, pulmonary function, and oxygen consumption.
Related GL article: Thyroid genes
Loving it. Peptides are becoming more main stream for research.