H3 relaxin

H3 relaxin is an **insulin-like neuropeptide** that is part of the relaxin peptide family, also referred to as relaxin-3. It is composed of two chains (A and B) linked by three disulfide bridges, structurally similar to insulin. H3 relaxin is predominantly expressed in the brain, where it acts via the **relaxin family peptide receptor 3 (RXFP3)**, but also exhibits activity on other relaxin family receptors (notably RXFP1 and RXFP4)[6][9]. In preclinical studies, H3 relaxin displays **anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-fibrotic, and anti-migratory effects**, largely mediated by suppression of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and inhibition of cell apoptosis, pyroptosis, and migration[1][2][7]. These properties suggest therapeutic potential in conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic cardiomyopathy, as well as broader roles in central nervous system regulation including stress responses, homeostasis, feeding, memory, and pain processing[3][5][7][9]. H3 relaxin analogs are under development for pain management, targeting RXFP3 in the brain[3]. Native H3 relaxin's complex structure limits its suitability for peripheral delivery, prompting the development of stabilized analogs for therapeutic use[3].

Other names

relaxin-3relaxin3relaxin 3human relaxin-3