Cells with MOTS-c used less oxygen, but adding folic acid brought oxygen use back to normal.
Scientific Claim
In HEK293 cells, MOTS-c treatment led to reduced oxygen consumption rate, which was reversed by folic acid supplementation.
Original Statement
“MOTS-c-ST cells and HEK293 cells treated with MOTS-c showed the characteristic increased glucose uptake coupled with reduced basal oxygen consumption rate (OCR). Remarkably, co-treatment with folic acid fully reversed this effect in both cellular model systems (Figures 4I and S4A).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study uses causal language ('showed... reduced basal oxygen consumption rate') but the design is limited to cell lines, which cannot establish causation in humans. The claim should reflect association only.
More Accurate Statement
“In HEK293 cells, MOTS-c treatment was associated with reduced oxygen consumption rate reversed by folic acid supplementation.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (0)
Contradicting (1)
The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance
The study says MOTS-c affects metabolism by interfering with a vitamin B9 pathway, but it never tested oxygen use in these specific cells or checked if adding folic acid fixes it.