When mice had their legs immobilized for 8 days, giving them MOTS-c helped their muscles lose less weight (5% instead of 15%) compared to mice that didn't get the treatment.
Scientific Claim
In male C57BL/6J mice subjected to 8 days of hindlimb cast immobilization, MOTS-c administration (15 mg/kg/day) was associated with a 5% reduction in skeletal muscle mass compared to a 15% reduction in immobilized control mice.
Original Statement
“Immobilization reduced ∼15% of muscle mass, whereas MOTS-c treatment attenuated muscle loss, with only a 5% reduction.”
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 with no blinding confirmation, so causal language is inappropriate. The claim uses 'associated with' which correctly reflects the associative evidence.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Mitochondrial-derived microprotein MOTS-c attenuates immobilization-induced skeletal muscle atrophy by suppressing lipid infiltration.