When diabetic rats were given MOTS-c daily for three weeks, their heart walls became slightly thinner, which is a sign of less heart enlargement.
Scientific Claim
In a rat model of type 2 diabetes induced by high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin, daily MOTS-c treatment (15 mg/kg for 3 weeks) was associated with an 8% reduction in left ventricular wall thickness compared to untreated diabetic rats.
Original Statement
“Compared to the controls, the untreated diabetic rats exhibited increases in body mass, tibial length, heart mass and left-ventricular thickness, mimicking T2D symptoms (Table 1). Three weeks of MOTS-c treatment alleviated these increases.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study is an animal cohort study which can only establish association, not causation. Using 'was associated with' correctly reflects the evidence level.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c restores mitochondrial respiration in type 2 diabetic heart