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Humanin

Peptide

Humanin (HN) is a 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 16S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. Discovered in 2001 from preserved brain tissue of Alzheimer's patients, it demonstrates potent neuroprotective, cytoprotective, and metabolic regulatory effects. Humanin levels decline with age but remain stable in long-lived species and are elevated in offspring of centenarians.

Quick Answer

What it is

Humanin (HN) is a 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 16S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. Discovered in 2001 from preserved brain tissue of Alzheimer's patients, it demonstrates potent neuroprotective, cytoprotective, and metabolic regulatory effects.

Key findings

  • Grade A: Neuroprotection (Neurological Health)
  • Grade B: Cognitive Function (Cognitive Function)
  • Grade B: Amyloid-Beta Toxicity (Neurological Health)

Safety

  • Humanin protects neurons from amyloid-beta toxicity, oxidative stress, and other Alzheimer's-associated insults by preserving mitochondrial function and inhibiting apoptotic pathways.
⚠️ Research Notice

This peptide information is for educational and research purposes only. Peptides may not be FDA-approved for human use and may only be legally available for research purposes. Consult qualified healthcare professionals before considering any peptide compounds.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Humanin

Quick Facts: Humanin

  • Best Evidence:Grade A
  • Conditions Studied:5
  • Research Outcomes:23
  • Grade A Findings:1
  • Grade B Findings:9
  • Key Effect:Neurological Health
A1
B9
C8
D5
5 conditions · 23 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
A
Neuroprotection
Humanin protects neurons from amyloid-beta toxicity, oxidative stress, and other Alzheimer's-associated insults by preserving mitochondrial function and inhibiting apoptotic pathways.
large↑Improves
B
Amyloid-Beta Toxicity
Humanin and its analogs prevent neuronal cell death induced by amyloid-beta peptides through multiple protective mechanisms including mitochondrial preservation.
large↓Improves
B
Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers
Humanin levels are decreased in CSF of Alzheimer's patients. The variant P3S is enriched in APOE4 carriers who maintain cognitive resilience, suggesting protective effects.
moderate↓Improves
B
Cognitive Function
Humanin administration improved cognition in aged mice. In humans, a specific SNP in the humanin gene is associated with accelerated cognitive aging, and centenarians' offspring have higher circulating levels.
moderate↑Improves
B
Insulin Sensitivity
Intra-cerebroventricular and peripheral humanin significantly improved insulin sensitivity in rodent studies, described as one of the most potent insulin-sensitizing agents tested.
large↑Improves
B
Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion
Potent humanin analogs increase glucose-stimulated insulin secretion through enhanced beta-cell metabolism, with potential applications in diabetes treatment.
moderate↑Worsens
B
Cardiovascular Protection
Humanin protects cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts from oxidative stress, reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury and atherosclerosis progression.
moderate↑Improves
B
Coronary Endothelial Function
Circulating humanin levels are positively associated with preserved coronary endothelial function in clinical observations.
moderate↑Improves
B
Lifespan
Humanin overexpression in C. elegans increased lifespan in a daf-16/Foxo-dependent manner. Levels remain stable in long-lived naked mole-rats and are elevated in centenarian offspring.
moderate↑Improves
B
Healthspan Markers
Twice-weekly treatment with humanin analog HNG improved metabolic healthspan parameters and reduced inflammatory markers in middle-aged mice.
moderate↑Improves

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