Normalization of the CD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratio and increased B lymphocytes in long standing diabetic patients following therapy with thymopentin.

A double blind study with thymopentin (TP5) and placebo was performed in 49 patients affected by Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes of long duration characterized by a reduction of the CD4/CD8 (helper/suppressor) lymphocyte ratio. TP5 (50 mg) was administered subcutaneously 3 times weekly for 1 month. Total peripheral lymphocytes and functionally different cell subsets were measured throughout the course of the study. Data showed a statistically significant increase of the CD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratio (p less than 0.02) and of the percentage of B lymphocytes (p less than 0.001) only in the TP5 receiving group. No side effects were observed during the study and patients remained well controlled. These results suggests that TP5 may be administered safely to diabetic patients and by improving impaired cell mediated immune parameters TP5 may contribute to prevent the development of infections in these patients.