Old mice that got MOTS-c for a week had muscle glucose uptake as good as young mice, reversing age-related insulin resistance.
Scientific Claim
In middle-aged mice (12 months old), 7 days of MOTS-c treatment was associated with restored insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in soleus muscle to levels comparable to young mice (3 months old).
Original Statement
“Muscles from older (12 months old) mice were more insulin resistant than younger (3 months old), but 7 days of MOTS-c treatment restored sensitivity in the old mice to levels comparable to young animals (Figure 5H).”
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 ('restored sensitivity') 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 helps older mice use insulin better to absorb sugar from their blood, similar to how young mice do—so it’s like giving older mice a metabolic boost to act more like younger ones.