The discovery of mitochondrial derive peptides (MDPs) has spotlighted mitochondria as central hubs in control and regulation of cell viability and metabolism in the testis in response to intracellular and extracellular stresses. MDPs (Humanin, MOTS-c and SHLP-2) are present in testes. Humanin, the first MDP, is predominantly expressed in Leydig cells, and moderately in germ cells and seminal plasma. The administration of synthetic humanin peptide agonist HNG protects male germ cells against apoptosis induced by intratesticular hormonal deprivation, testicular hyperthermia, and chemotherapeutic agents in rodent testes. Humanin interacting with IGFBP-3 and/or Bax (pro-apoptotic proteins) prevents the activation of germ cell apoptosis. Humanin participates in the network of IL-12/IL-27 family of cytokines to exert the immune-modulation of the testicular environment. Humanin and other MDPs may be important in the amelioration of testicular stress and prevention of cell injury with possible implications for male infertility, fertility preservation and contraceptive development.

线粒体衍生肽 (MDP) 的发现使线粒体成为控制和调节睾丸细胞活力和代谢以响应细胞内和细胞外应激的中心枢纽。MDP（Humanin、MOTS-c 和 SHLP-2）存在于睾丸中。Humanin，第一个 MDP，主要在 Leydig 细胞中表达，并在生殖细胞和精浆中适度表达。合成人类肽激动剂 HNG 的给药可保护雄性生殖细胞免受睾丸内激素剥夺、睾丸高热和啮齿动物睾丸化学治疗剂诱导的细胞凋亡。Humanin 与 IGFBP-3 和/或 Bax（促凋亡蛋白）相互作用可防止生殖细胞凋亡的激活。Humanin 参与 IL-12/IL-27 细胞因子家族网络以发挥睾丸环境的免疫调节作用。Humanin 和其他 MDP 在改善睾丸压力和预防细胞损伤方面可能很重要，可能对男性不育、生育能力保持和避孕发展产生影响。