Page data last changed: . Chemistry registry snapshot: . Registry refreshes and identity assessments are separate from scientific content review.
A metabolic peptide first described in 2008 that links dietary macronutrient intake to lipid and glucose handling.
Also known as: ENHO · energy homeostasis-associated protein
Part of the Metabolic & GLP-1 peptides cluster
Overview
Adropin is a secreted peptide encoded by the energy homeostasis-associated gene (ENHO) and first described in 2008. Its 76-residue sequence is fully conserved across human, mouse and rat, and it is studied for roles in glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity and vascular function. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Encoded by the ENHO gene (liver, brain and other tissues)
Primary research or clinical context: Metabolic physiology and biomarker research
Origin and structure
The ENHO gene on chromosome 9 encodes a 76-amino-acid product; the secreted bioactive region corresponds to Adropin34-76. Adropin is expressed in liver, brain, heart and gastrointestinal tissues, and its amino-acid sequence is identical across several mammalian species.
Metabolic research interest
Studies associate circulating adropin with obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and endothelial function, and it shows circadian variation. It is investigated primarily as a candidate biomarker and signaling molecule in energy-homeostasis research rather than as a therapeutic.
Structure & chemistry
Molecular identity & reference confidence
Reference mass unavailable
Reference values are taken from the cited molecular record or curated profile. A database match is not independent laboratory verification; modifications, counter-ions, and formulations can change the measured mass.
- Molecular form
- Adropin (source record; form not independently established)
- Species
- Not established by this molecular identity audit
- Termini (N / C)
- Not specified / Not specified
Average reference mass
Reference policy updated: 2026-10-05
- IUPHAR/BPS source snapshot · 2026-09-06
- IUPHAR ligand: 9573
Chemistry values: IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology · fetched 2026-09-06.
Clinical development snapshot
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 9 registered studies with “Adropin” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-10-01). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.
| NCT | Title | Phase | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07829809 | Serum Adropin as an Indicator of Endothelial Dysfunction and Disease Severity in Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Ob | — | not yet recruiting | 2026-09-21 |
| NCT07695857 | Adropin Levels in Periodontal Disease | — | completed | 2026-07-10 |
| NCT07421180 | Maternal Serum Adropin in Placenta Accreta Spectrum | — | completed | 2026-02-20 |
| NCT06250764 | Asprosin, Adropin, Irisin Levels in Periodontitis | — | completed | 2024-02-09 |
| NCT03724825 | Correlation of Serum Adropin to Testosterone and Adiponectin in Obese Men | — | completed | 2022-03-02 |
| NCT04660409 | Assessment of the Correlation Between Serum Levels of Adropin and Degree of Severity of Chronic Liver Disease | Not applicable | unknown | 2020-12-09 |
Change log
Dated observations from the data pipeline (registry flags, trial footprints, identifiers) and editorial reviews of this profile.
- Trials1 registered study added on ClinicalTrials.gov (now 9).
FAQ about Adropin
What is Adropin?+
Adropin is a secreted peptide encoded by the energy homeostasis-associated gene (ENHO) and first described in 2008. Its 76-residue sequence is fully conserved across human, mouse and rat, and it is studied for roles in glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity and vascular function. This page is educational and not medical advice.
What Canadian product status is recorded for Adropin?+
Canadian product status for Adropin has not been verified in this profile. No verified record here does not mean no authorization exists. Status depends on the product, formulation and use; consult Health Canada's product records.
What is the typical length of Adropin?+
Adropin is commonly described as approximately 76 amino acids (Peptide hormone (hepatokine)).
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.Stevens et al. (2025). Adropin expression reflects circadian, lipoprotein, and mitochondrial processes in human tissues. Mol Metab
- 2.Liang et al. (2024). Attenuation of fibroblast activation and fibrosis by adropin in systemic sclerosis. Sci Transl Med
- 3.Ali et al. (2022). Adropin's Role in Energy Homeostasis and Metabolic Disorders. Int J Mol Sci
- 4.Chen et al. (2019). Adropin and glucagon-like peptide-2 are associated with glucose metabolism in obese children. World J Pediatr
- 5.Li et al. (2025). Adropin as a therapeutic candidate for HFpEF: evidence of oxidative stress mitigation via Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Lipids Health Dis
- 6.Ghoshal et al. (2018). Adropin: An endocrine link between the biological clock and cholesterol homeostasis. Mol Metab
- 7.Wu et al. (2026). Protective effect of Adropin on sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. Int Immunopharmacol
- 8.Gunraj et al. (2023). Protective roles of adropin in neurological disease. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol
- 9.PubMed — Identification of adropin as a secreted factor linking dietary intake with energy homeostasis
- 10.PMC — Adropin's Role in Energy Homeostasis and Metabolic Disorders
- 11.Wikipedia — Adropin