Old mice that got MOTS-c injections responded to insulin just as well as young mice, meaning the peptide might fix the insulin resistance that comes with aging.
Scientific Claim
In mice, MOTS-c treatment restored insulin sensitivity in aged animals to levels comparable to young mice, suggesting potential for reversing age-related metabolic dysfunction.
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.”
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 causal language ('restored sensitivity') but lacks human data and randomization. Only an associative interpretation is valid.
More Accurate Statement
“In mice, MOTS-c treatment was associated with restoration of insulin sensitivity in aged animals to levels comparable to young mice, suggesting potential for reversing age-related metabolic dysfunction.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance
Scientists gave a special protein called MOTS-c to old mice, and it helped their bodies respond better to insulin again—just like in young mice—meaning it might fix age-related metabolism problems.