Humanin, a protein fragment that cells make from a gene inside their mitochondria, is sold as an unregulated injectable research chemical for health and longevity. The case rests almost entirely on cell and animal studies. It has never been given to a person in a controlled study, so there is no direct read on benefit and no safety record. In the laboratory, its cell-protecting action can also shield tumor cells. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Humanin (plasma) | No established target; track change from own baseline on the same assay | Direct output of the intervention; both tails carry risk |
| IGF-1 | Mid-to-upper third of the age-specific reference range | Humanin lowers it; falling below range risks muscle and bone loss |
| IGFBP-3 | 3.0–4.5 mg/L in adults | Humanin's binding partner; interpreted only as a ratio with IGF-1 |
| Fasting glucose | 75–85 mg/dL | Hypoglycemia signal shows here first |
| HbA1c | Below 5.4% | Confirms whether any glucose change persists over months |
| hs-CRP | Below 0.5 mg/L | Closest available benefit read-out |
| eGFR | Above 90 mL/min/1.73 m² | Peptide clearance involves the kidney; kidney failure distorts humanin levels |
| Complete blood count | White cells 4.0–7.0 ×10⁹/L, normal differential | Detects marrow suppression or unexplained change |
| Lean mass and visceral fat | No established target; track direction against own baseline | Closest translatable endpoint to the mouse body-composition shift |
Cadence: Baseline panel before starting; fasting glucose weekly for the first 4 weeks; full panel, including humanin and IGF-1, at 3 months, 6 months and every 6 months thereafter; body-composition scan annually