A study in mice showed that a modified version of the peptide humanin (called S14G‑humanin or HNG) can protect kidneys from damage caused by severe infection (sepsis). Giving HNG after a bacterial toxin reduced kidney injury, lowered inflammation and oxidative stress, and improved overall kidney function.

Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to septic acute kidney injury (S-AKI), making mitochondrial protection a potential therapeutic strategy. This study investigates the effects of S14G-humanin (HNG) in S-AKI, utilizing 4D-label-free and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) techniques for proteomic analysis. An S-AKI model was created in male C57BL/6 mice using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection, followed by HNG administration. After 24 h, kidney tissues were analyzed for histology, biochemistry, mitochondrial function, and proteomics. HNG treatment improved renal function, reduced tubular injury, and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers. Proteomic analysis identified 5900 proteins, with 5111 quantifiable. HNG altered the expression of 132 proteins, with 18 selected for PRM validation. Ten of these proteins were linked to key pathways, including fatty acid degradation and PPAR signaling. This study is the first to show HNG's protective effects in S-AKI, providing insights into its mechanisms through advanced proteomic techniques.