When mice had their legs immobilized for 8 days, giving them MOTS-c daily helped their muscles lose less weight—only 5% compared to 15% without treatment.
Scientific Claim
In male C57BL/6J mice subjected to 8 days of hindlimb cast immobilization, daily intraperitoneal administration of MOTS-c (15 mg/kg/day) was associated with a 5% reduction in total skeletal muscle mass (soleus, gastrocnemius, and plantaris) compared to a 15% reduction in immobilized controls.
Original Statement
“Immobilization reduced ∼15% of skeletal muscle mass in the cast immobilization control group compared to the non-cast immobilization control group (P < 0.01), whereas the MOTS-c-treated group had significantly attenuated cast immobilization-induced muscle loss (P < 0.05; Fig. 1B).”
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 design (animal cohort) can support association claims. The claim uses 'was associated with' and specifies the model, dosage, and numerical results without causal language.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Mitochondrial-derived microprotein MOTS-c attenuates immobilization-induced skeletal muscle atrophy by suppressing lipid infiltration.