Humanin 5mg

Research

Humanin Peptide Structure

What is Humanin?

Humanin (HN) is a small protein made in the mitochondria, the energy-producing parts of cells. It is encoded by the 16S ribosomal RNA gene in the mitochondrial DNA. Humanin can be 21 or 24 amino acids long, depending on where it is produced in the cell. The peptide helps protect cells from damage and has been shown to have protective effects against diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart disease. It is also linked to increased lifespan and better health in various organisms, including humans, mice, and worms.

Humanin and Neuroprotection

Since its discovery in 2001, Humanin has shown promise in protecting brain cells. It is part of a group of peptides made by mitochondria, the energy centers of cells. Humanin has been found to protect neurons from damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease-related factors, such as amyloid-beta peptides and certain genetic mutations [R, R].

Studies have shown that humanin can prevent neuronal cell death in various models, both in lab dishes and in living animals. For instance, it has been effective in reducing brain damage in models of Alzheimer’s disease and stroke [R].

Humanin works by activating several cell survival pathways, including ERK1/2, AKT, and STAT3, which help cells resist stress and avoid apoptosis (programmed cell death) [R, R].

Research has also indicated that humanin levels decrease with age, which might contribute to age-related cognitive decline. In experiments with mice, administering humanin improved memory and cognitive function, suggesting it could be a potential treatment for age-related cognitive issues [R].

Reduction of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Humanin protects cells from oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. It has been shown to protect rat retinal cultures from hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress and improve cardiovascular function in mice with high cholesterol diets. Humanin also helps maintain mitochondrial function and reduces cell death in retinal pigment epithelial cells under oxidative stress [R].

Humanin levels are lower in patients with inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Studies have shown that Humanin can reduce inflammatory markers and protect against inflammation-induced damage. Humanin G treatment reduced inflammation markers in AMD patients and improved mitochondrial function [R, R].

Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Metabolism

Research indicates that HN can increase insulin sensitivity and improve the survival of pancreatic beta cells, which are required for insulin production. This suggests that HN could delay the onset of diabetes and serve as a potential treatment for the disease [R].

Studies have demonstrated that HN can significantly improve insulin sensitivity when administered centrally (directly into the brain) or peripherally (through the bloodstream). Central administration of HN activates hypothalamic STAT-3 signaling, which is essential for its insulin-sensitizing effects. Peripheral administration of HN analogs also reproduces these effects, indicating that HN’s action on the liver is mediated through the brain [R, R].

In diabetic rodent models, HN infusion has been shown to lower blood glucose levels and improve overall insulin sensitivity in both the liver and skeletal muscle. This effect is similar to that of leptin, another peptide that influences glucose metabolism through the brain [R].

Additionally, a potent HN analog, HNGF6A, has been found to increase glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in pancreatic beta cells. This suggests that HN not only improves insulin action but also directly affects insulin secretion, making it a promising candidate for diabetes treatment [R].

Cardiovascular Protection

Studies on mice have shown that humanin and its analogs, like S14G-humanin, can reduce heart damage during heart attacks and improve heart function. These peptides help by reducing cell death, inflammation, and fibrosis in heart tissues [R, R].

Humanin has been found to preserve the function of blood vessel linings and prevent the progression of atherosclerotic plaques. This is achieved by reducing oxidative stress and preventing cell death in the blood vessels [R, R].

Humanin levels are linked to better heart health in aging. It helps maintain mitochondrial function, reduces oxidative stress, and prevents the stiffening of heart tissues that comes with age [R, R].

Humanin works through several pathways, including reducing oxidative stress, improving mitochondrial function, and preventing apoptosis (cell death). It also interacts with specific cell receptors to trigger protective responses in heart cells [R, R].

Extension of Lifespan and Healthspan

In mice, humanin has been shown to protect against age-related diseases and improve cognitive function. Mice treated with humanin or its analogues had better metabolic health, less fat, and more lean body mass. In worms (C. elegans), overexpression of humanin increased lifespan, dependent on the daf-16/Foxo gene [R, R, R].

Higher levels of humanin have been observed in the children of centenarians, suggesting a link to longevity. Humanin levels generally decrease with age, but those with higher levels tend to have better health and a lower risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s [R, R, R].