Humanin 10mg

Humanin (HN) is an endogenous peptide factor and is known as a member of the mitochondrial-derived peptides. This peptide consists of 21 amino acids when synthesized in mitochondria, but when synthesized in the cell cytosol, it contains 24 amino acids. Recent studies have shown the potential benefits of this compound, which in the future suggests its possible therapeutic purpose. Humanin shows a cytoprotective and primarily neuroprotective role, so its effect has been primarily studied in nervous tissue, where the greatest progress has been made. 

 This peptide could potentially rescue neuronal cells from death induced by various Alzheimer's disease-associated insults. However, there are other potential benefits, such as regulating reproduction, improving cellular response to oxidative stress, and its possible therapeutic properties in treating macular degeneration, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes mellitus. Humanin may have a beneficial effect on insulin resistance but also prevent cell damage from hypoxia and subsequent ischemia. In addition to all of the above, it can reduce symptoms of anxiety and also shows possible antineoplastic effects. 

Humanin Research Benefits

The Impact of Humanine on Neurological Health

 Speaking of neurological diseases, Humanin has been most often associated with its potential therapeutic effect on Alzheimer's disease since its discovery. It can defend the body against AD-specific neurotoxicity caused by specific insults. Parkinson's disease (PD) is also a neurodegenerative disease that presents with motor symptoms (bradykinesia, various forms of tremors, and instability). Since mitochondrial function has long been considered to play a very important role in treating these diseases, Humanin, as a peptide synthesized in mitochondria, may also have a therapeutic effect. According to some studies, increased peptide levels further activate mitochondrial function and show effects against neurodegenerative diseases.

 Various studies have addressed the potential of this compound, with one specifically focusing on the field of intracerebral hemorrhage. It has been shown that Humanin could possibly improve cognitive deficits in mice used in the studies. All experimental animals had induced intracerebral hemorrhage. The use of this peptide resulted in the repair of microglia (macrophages of brain tissue) and improved phagocytic activity against red blood cells. One of the important effects is also the reduction of proinflammatory factors. The ways to increase the peptide levels are different, and they involve:

• Humanin secreted from astrocytes,
• Transferred within intact mitochondria released by astrocytes,
• Exogenously injected as a synthetic peptide.

 The last method shows a very high potential for therapeutic application in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage. In cases like this, neurite inhibition occurs, which is reversed after peptide administration, and its extension happens again. It was also discovered that the gene encoding this peptide could be considered a potential therapeutic method for mild traumatic brain injury. This effect has been proven in mice in various studies and the mode of action probably involves the restoration of metabolic pathways within astrocytes. 

The Connection Between Humanin and Insulin Resistance

 Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a very common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, and the first symptoms most often appear during puberty. The three main symptoms are rapid weight gain, absence of menstrual cycles, and insulin resistance. Although it has not yet been officially confirmed, it has long been suspected that the pathogenesis or mode of occurrence of this syndrome is related to the level of Humanin.

 Various studies and scientists have confirmed that this peptide is expressed in several cell types in the ovaries and is present in follicular fluid. However, further studies have compared the level of this peptide in cases of PCOS with insulin resistance with cases where it does not appear. Yet, this has also raised the question of whether the use of Humanin and its analogues can find its place in the therapy of this condition. 

 The results showed that the levels of this peptide were much lower in the follicular fluid of rats that do not have insulin resistance than in those that do. Using an analogue of this peptide reduced the increase in fasting plasma glucose and fasting insulin levels in rats with PCOS. 

 Another interesting fact is that the phosphorylation of proteins in granulosa cells was reduced. So, if we further combine insulin therapy with supplementation in the form of Humanin and its analogues, the results of the treatment would probably be better, and glucose utilization would be significantly improved. Considering that this syndrome can significantly affect reproduction, the future use of this peptide as a therapeutic drug for PCOS should be seriously considered.

The Effect of Humanin on Hypoxia and Ischemia

 Ischemic and reperfusion stress are the causes of conditions such as stroke, myocardial infarction, sickle cell disease, and many others. This leads to a series of different stresses on the body, such as oxidative stress and hypoxia. The result is nutrient deprivation and possible death. Studies suggest that Humanin may be useful in alleviating the stress caused by ischemia and reperfusion. 

 One of the many studies attempted to examine the ability of Humanin to protect cells from the effects of cobalt chloride (which mimics cellular injury from hypoxia) by scientists who examined transformed rat ganglion cells. The results showed that this peptide may help reduce the number of apoptotic cells induced by cobalt chloride. Lack of growth factors and nutrients is another result of ischemia, which further increases cell death through apoptosis and can ultimately be fatal for the patient. One potential effect suggests that this compound could also protect against starvation-induced stress. This peptide also increases metabolic activity and ATP (energy) levels in starved cells. 

Summary

Humanin as a human peptide shows many potential benefits, but only some have been sufficiently studied. Due to the results shown during studies, this peptide can potentially be included in the therapy of various conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance, and many others. Certainly, this useful peptide will be studied further in the future.

Resources:

• Yen K, Lee C, Mehta H, Cohen P. The emerging role of the mitochondrial-derived peptide humanin in stress resistance. J Mol Endocrinol. 2013 Jan 11;50(1):R11-9. 
• Wang Y, Zeng Z, Zhao S, Tang L, Yan J, Li N, Zou L, Fan X, Xu C, Huang J, Xia W, Zhu C, Rao M. Humanin Alleviates Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Human and Rat Model-Based Study. Endocrinology. 2021 Aug 1;162(8):bqab056
• Karachaliou CE, Livaniou E. Neuroprotective Action of Humanin and Humanin Analogues: Research Findings and Perspectives. Biology (Basel). 2023 Dec 16;12(12):1534. 
• Wagner ML, Ammann A, Piraino G, Wolfe V, O'Connor M, Lahni P, Ziady A, Zingarelli B. PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF HUMANIN-G IN HEMORRHAGIC SHOCK IN FEMALE MICE VIA AMPKα1-INDEPENDENT MECHANISMS. Shock. 2023 Jul 1;60(1):64-74.