MOTS-c injections made muscle cells more responsive to insulin by activating AMPK and increasing GLUT4, which helps move glucose into cells.

Scientific Claim

In skeletal muscle of mice fed a high-fat diet, MOTS-c treatment was associated with increased phosphorylation of AMPK at Thr172 and higher GLUT4 protein levels.

Original Statement

“MOTS-c promoted AMPK activation and GLUT4 expression in the skeletal muscles of HFD-fed mice (Figure 6G).”

From study:The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance

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 ('promoted') but the design is limited to mice and cell lines, which cannot establish causation in humans. The claim should reflect association only.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance

Randomized Controlled Trial

Animal

2015 Mar 3

The study shows that a tiny molecule from mitochondria (MOTS-c) helps mouse muscles use sugar better by turning on a key energy sensor (AMPK), which usually makes more sugar transporters (GLUT4) — so the claim fits what the study found.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance

Score: 13

DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2015.02.009

Similar Assertions

MOTS-c made muscle cells produce more GLUT4 (a sugar transporter) and turned on AMPK (an energy sensor), two key players in how muscles use sugar.

86%

Obese mice treated with MOTS-c had lower levels of ANGPTL4 in their muscles, which may help prevent fat buildup.

75%

Mice given MOTS-c had more ANGPTL4 protein in their muscles and less fatty acids, which may help prevent muscle damage from fat buildup.

71%

As mice get older, their bodies make less of a peptide called MOTS-c, especially in muscles and blood—and when they fast, levels drop too, hinting that this peptide responds to energy needs.

71%

MOTS-c reduces visceral and hepatic fat and improves insulin sensitivity even on a high-fat diet by activating AMPK, the cellular energy sensor, which enhances glucose uptake, insulin signaling, and fuel efficiency.

71%