Humanin Side Effects

Humanin is a micropeptide, better known as a derivative of mitochondria. The fact that it originates from this organelle is crucial because this is where many benefits come from. If synthesized from the cytosol, it contains 24 amino acids, while the creation in the mitochondria determines the structure of 21 amino acids. Some of the significant properties show potential in treating Type 2 Diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, or conditions involving organ injury by hypoxia and ischemia.

Reproductive health is also a field of interest for Humanin because it may help in the therapy of polycystic ovary syndrome. Anxious patients can also benefit from this peptide because it has shown a possible calming effect on such cases, and scientific research is being conducted in the field of the antineoplastic effect of this peptide. However, in addition to all of the above, by far the best-known function of Humanin is cytoprotection, which specifically refers to nerve tissue. Scientists hypothesize that this amino acid sequence could help in the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases, primarily Alzheimer's disease.

About the Peptide

Since Humanin is known for its origin in mitochondria (the organelle responsible for energy production in the cell), most of its beneficial effects are attributed to this specific source. Studies have shown that many autoimmune diseases arise due to impaired mitochondrial function, so the mechanism of action of this peptide is mainly based on the additional activation of this organelle. The most commonly highlighted cytoprotective function means that this peptide could protect the cell in various ways. This is most reflected in the improved static response to oxidative stress that occurs when too many oxygen radicals are released and attack the cells or the body's defense system against them is impaired. The most prominent results of this crucial function have been achieved in the field of nervous tissue. Specific in many ways, Humanin could protect neurons from apoptosis (targeted cell death) during many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, but also Parkinson's disease and intracerebral hemorrhage. As previously mentioned, it is believed that this peptide will, in the future, be part of the treatment for metabolic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes.

However, the development of such a serious condition is always preceded by insulin resistance, when the insulin receptors on the cells are not sensitive to this hormone, which means that it cannot bring glucose and, therefore, energy into the cells. This is the reason why patients gain weight more because the previously ingested food is not converted into energy and they resort to taking additional food. It is very important to act immediately with a hygienic dietary regime and proper therapy so that a more serious disease does not develop from insulin resistance. Scientists have also discovered that high levels of Humanin could be linked to a higher survival rate of cells without enough oxygen. In such conditions, organs, for various reasons (closure of a blood vessel or bleeding), do not have enough blood and therefore no glucose and oxygen, so they suffer serious oxidative stress and are mostly destroyed. Even re-established blood flow (reperfusion) can be a shock to the body, but Humanin therapy has greatly helped save these cells, as confirmed by many scientific studies. Ischemia leads to infarction, which most often occurs with myocardium or in the case of stroke. Lesser known but very useful effects of this peptide are reflected in the potential treatment of macular degeneration, cardiovascular diseases, and anxiety, but also the field of reproductive health is a particularly important topic where serious progress has been made recently.

How This Peptide Works

Humanin's mechanism of action differs from indication but is mainly based on additional activation of mitochondria, which causes an enhanced static response to oxidative stress. This cytoprotective function is particularly important in cases of ischemic and reperfusion injury of organs, such as myocardial infarction or stroke. In these cases, cells are susceptible to oxidative stress due to the lack of blood, and therefore nutrients. The initial treatment is certainly surgery when the doctor removes the blood clot (in cases of thrombosis and embolism) or repairs the bleeding. However, elevated levels of Humanin lead to additional activation of mitochondria and increased energy in the form of ATP production, which prevents cells from dying under these conditions. Cells often partially "get used" to anaerobic conditions, so sometimes even reperfusion is a shock to the body, but the peptide could prevent major consequences that can occur.

This function often targets nerve tissue, which could be extremely useful in cases of various neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (the main symptom is dementia) or Parkinson's disease (motor skills dysfunction). Neurons in such situations suffer damage in the form of various processes specific to these diseases. According to different studies, Humanin therapy has shown a significantly increased survival rate of neurons in these conditions. In contrast, a similar effect has been shown in the case of intracerebral hemorrhage. When it comes to insulin resistance, which was previously described, this peptide significantly reduces fasting glucose levels, and most importantly, it could increase the sensitivity of insulin receptors to this hormone so that glucose is delivered to the cells and converted into energy. Therefore, patients do not desire additional food and lose weight over time.

Structure

The chemical structure of Humanin consists of one hundred and nineteen carbon atoms, two hundred and four hydrogen atoms, thirty-four nitrogen atoms, thirty-two oxygen atoms, and two sulfur atoms. This structure shows that this molecule has a high molecular weight, while all of the aforementioned atoms are specifically arranged in space.

Side Effects

Possible Tumor Progression

Although Humanin may have an anti-tumor effect, numerous studies suggest the opposite. Some results show that suppression of this mitochondrial derivative results in increased tumor apoptosis, reduction in size, inhibition of further growth, and better patient conditions than before the lowered peptide levels. In addition, it has been shown that additional administration of Humanin facilitates further tumor progression, leads to an increase in size, and a greater chance of spreading to surrounding organs. These studies were mostly related to breast malignancies, but a similar effect is assumed for other cancers. However, even if the research has shown such results, this amino acid sequence may reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, which is used as one of the methods in treating various malignancies. Further research is certainly needed to confirm such effects.

Application Site Reactions

As the methods of administration of Humanin are still being studied, some of the side effects observed when this peptide is applied by injection or infusion are redness, swelling, skin irritation, and others. These side effects are always very mild and very short-lived. If such reactions persist for longer, the patient can consult a doctor, but such cases are naturally rare.

Other Side Effects

Some very rare, mild, and short-term effects are related to general symptoms of bad peptide tolerance, such as nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, and similar gastrointestinal symptoms related exclusively to the first dose of the drug, while the later condition almost always completely stabilizes. Such side effects rarely take serious measures that require a doctor's consultation and usually pass in just a few hours.

Safety

Scientific studies and research confirm the potential beneficial effects of Humanin, but in the field of side effects, this peptide is quite unstudied. However, scientists assume that the use of this mitochondrial derivative is completely safe if it is used according to the doctor's instructions, the recommended dose, and the indications mentioned above. The side effects known so far are certainly very mild and short-lived. Humanin will certainly be the subject of research in the future, but for now, it appears to be completely safe for use.