Apparent induction of partial thymic regeneration in a normal human subject: a case report.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Single-subject case report
PubMed 14987435 · doi:10.1089/109454503322733063
What was done
A 46-year-old male volunteer was treated for approximately one month with recombinant human growth hormone and pharmaceutical-grade dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in an informal, physician-supervised trial. Mediastinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at baseline and after treatment to measure total thymic cross-sectional area and gray-appearing area (used as a proxy for functional tissue). Blood samples were collected before and after the regimen to monitor IGF-1 and related metabolites.
What was found
Visual and image analysis showed enlargement of the thymus and an increase in the percentage of gray-appearing (functional) mass. Total thymic functional volume, which was normal at baseline, increased to more than three standard deviations above the age-expected mean post-treatment. Post-treatment IGF-1 levels were within the upper normal range for young adults. Specific numerical values for volumes and blood markers were not reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
This report provided early single-subject preliminary evidence suggesting that age-related thymic involution might be partially reversible with growth hormone and DHEA administration.
Limits
This is an uncontrolled single-subject study (n=1) conducted in an informal setting. The intervention lasted only one month, thymic regeneration was inferred solely from MRI density rather than tissue biopsy, and clinical or functional immune endpoints were not measured.
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