MOTS-c made mouse cells break down more fat for fuel, as shown by higher levels of fat-burning byproducts and lower levels of stored fats.
Scientific Claim
In mice, MOTS-c treatment increased fatty acid oxidation intermediates and reduced essential fatty acid levels, suggesting enhanced utilization of fatty acids for energy.
Original Statement
“MOTS-c-ST cells exhibited higher levels of carnitine shuttles... reduced levels of essential fatty acids... and increased levels of the β-oxidation intermediate myristoyl-CoA...”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design cannot support claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study uses 'increased' and 'reduced' as if causal, but the evidence is limited to metabolite levels in mice and cells. Only an associative interpretation is valid.
More Accurate Statement
“In mice, MOTS-c treatment was associated with increased fatty acid oxidation intermediates and reduced essential fatty acid levels, suggesting enhanced utilization of fatty acids for energy.”
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 helps mice stay healthy and not get fat, but it never measured the specific fat breakdown products or fatty acid levels mentioned in the claim, so we can't say for sure that part is true.