Comparison
Humanin vs. Leuprorelin
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
330936-69-1
53714-56-0
Molecular weight
2687.27 g/mol
1209.4 g/mol
Half-life
no data
3 h
Sequence
Met-Ala-Pro-Arg-Gly-Phe-Ser-Cys-Leu-Leu-Leu-Leu-Thr-Ser-Glu-Ile-Asp-Leu-Pro-Val-Lys-Arg-Arg-AlaPyr-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Leu-Leu-Arg-Pro-NHEtMechanism of action
Humanin
Humanin arises from a short open reading frame within the 16S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome (MT-RNR2) — it is therefore not encoded by nuclear DNA. Mechanistically, preclinical work describes a cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic effect via multiple pathways: an extracellular interaction with a trimeric receptor complex of gp130, CNTFR and WSX-1 with downstream activation of JAK2/STAT3 signalling, as well as intracellular interactions including inhibition of the pro-apoptotic protein BAX (and of tBID), binding to IGFBP-3 with modulation of the IGF-1 axis, and interaction with FPRL1/FPRL2 receptors. These models derive predominantly from cell culture and rodents; the extent to which they reflect human physiology after administration of exogenous synthetic humanin is not established by controlled human trials.
Leuprorelin
Leuprorelin is a GnRH-receptor agonist. After binding to pituitary GnRH receptors, it first causes a transient surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release — the so-called flare. With continuous, non-pulsatile exposure the receptors are downregulated and desensitized, suppressing gonadotropin secretion and consequently lowering sex steroids (testosterone or estradiol) to low levels. This mechanism underlies the literature-described use in hormone-dependent conditions.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human RCT
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
1
4
Effects recorded
4
4
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
0
3
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Humanin and Leuprorelin?
- Humanin is classified as "Research other", while Leuprorelin is classified as "Research other". Humanin: Humanin is a 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-encoded peptide (mitochondrial-derived peptide, MDP) whose open reading frame lies within the 16S rRNA region (gene MT-RNR2) of mitochondrial DNA. It is considered the founding member of the MDP family and was discovered in 2001 by the Hashimoto/Nishimoto group while searching for neuroprotective factors in the brain of an Alzheimer's patient. In basic research (including the laboratory of Pinchas Cohen) humanin is described as a cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic peptide and is studied in the contexts of Alzheimer's/neuroprotection, metabolism/insulin action and aging. The evidence comes almost entirely from cell and animal models and from observations of endogenous levels in humans; controlled human trials of exogenous humanin as a therapeutic are lacking. It is not approved as a medicine anywhere and is traded on the grey market as a research chemical. Leuprorelin: Leuprorelin (also leuprolide) is a synthetic nonapeptide analogue of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH/LHRH). It is an approved prescription medicine in several jurisdictions, including for advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and central precocious puberty. This page neutrally summarizes the evidence base and legal status and is not a usage or dosing recommendation. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Humanin or Leuprorelin?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for Humanin and "Human RCT" for Leuprorelin. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of Humanin and Leuprorelin in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Humanin — Unapproved, Leuprorelin — Prescription. United States: Humanin — Research only, Leuprorelin — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.