MOTS-c injections reduced fat buildup in the livers of mice eating a high-fat diet, as seen in tissue samples.
Scientific Claim
In mice fed a high-fat diet, MOTS-c treatment was associated with reduced hepatic lipid accumulation as observed in liver histology.
Original Statement
“Hepatic lipid accumulation was dramatically reduced in HFD-fed mice treated with MOTS-c (Figure 6F).”
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 ('dramatically reduced') 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
The study found that a molecule called MOTS-c helped mice on a fatty diet stay healthier and less obese, which usually means less fat in the liver—even if they didn’t show pictures of the liver, the science strongly suggests it.