NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION

MOTS-c is a recently discovered mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA. Identified in 2015, MOTS-c plays a significant role in regulating metabolism, energy homeostasis, mitochondrial function, insulin sensitivity, and potentially longevity. Due to its unique mitochondrial origin and metabolic-regulatory properties, MOTS-c has attracted interest as a potential therapeutic agent in metabolic and aging-related disorders.

Chemical and Biological Properties

• Full Name: Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c

• Structure: Small peptide (16 amino acids: MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR)

• Origin: Encoded by mitochondrial DNA, synthesized and released into the cytoplasm and systemic circulation

• Administration Routes: Typically administered via subcutaneous injection in experimental studies due to peptide stability and bioavailability considerations

Mechanism of Action

MOTS-c acts primarily through metabolic modulation and mitochondrial regulation:

1. Metabolic Regulation and Insulin Sensitivity

• Activates the AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) pathway, a critical regulator of energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism, and fatty acid oxidation.

• Improves insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, and overall metabolic health.

2. Enhancement of Mitochondrial Function and Biogenesis

• Increases mitochondrial biogenesis and efficiency, enhancing cellular energy production.

• May protect against metabolic disorders and aging-related declines in mitochondrial function.

3. Anti-inflammatory and Cytoprotective Effects

• Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially protecting tissues from chronic metabolic stress.

4. Exercise Mimetic ("Exercise in a Pill")

• MOTS-c mimics some beneficial effects of exercise, potentially improving endurance, performance, and metabolic health without physical activity.

Potential Therapeutic and Experimental Applications

MOTS-c has shown promising potential in several preclinical and experimental contexts:

1. Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance

• Demonstrates significant improvements in glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity, potentially beneficial for managing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

2. Obesity and Weight Management

• Enhances fatty acid oxidation, energy expenditure, and metabolism, potentially aiding in weight loss or obesity prevention.

3. Longevity and Healthy Aging

• Proposed as a novel longevity-promoting compound due to mitochondrial protection, improved metabolism, and reduced inflammation.

• May prevent age-related metabolic dysfunction, sarcopenia (muscle wasting), and cognitive decline.

4. Cardiovascular Health

• Potentially beneficial for cardiovascular disease prevention due to anti-inflammatory, metabolic, and antioxidant properties.

5. Physical Performance and Endurance Enhancement

• Preclinical studies suggest MOTS-c enhances physical endurance, exercise performance, and muscular efficiency, leading to interest as a performance-enhancing compound.

Dosage and Administration (Experimental Context)

No established clinical dosage guidelines exist due to limited human studies. Typical experimental dosages based on preclinical studies and anecdotal reports are:

• Dosage Range: 5–15 mg per administration (common experimental doses: 5–10 mg weekly).

• Route of Administration: Subcutaneous injection, typically once weekly.

• Experimental Cycle Length: Usually administered experimentally over 4–8 weeks, followed by an evaluation period.

Note: The above dosages are experimental and not clinically validated; human equivalent dosages require rigorous clinical research.

Safety Profile and Side Effects

Due to the limited clinical human trials, full safety profiles remain preliminary; however, preclinical studies suggest favorable tolerability:

Common Side Effects (Rare and Mildly Reported):

• Mild injection-site discomfort, redness, or swelling.

• Transient dizziness, mild fatigue, or headaches (rarely reported).

Long-term Safety and Risks:

• Insufficient long-term safety data available.

• No reported evidence of dependency, addiction, or withdrawal symptoms in existing studies.

Contraindications and Precautions

• Contraindications:

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding (unknown safety profile).

  • Known hypersensitivity to peptide-based compounds.

• Drug Interactions:

  • Limited known drug interactions; caution advised when used concurrently with insulin, oral hypoglycemics, or other metabolic modulators.

• Precautions:

  • Patients with severe metabolic disorders or insulin-dependent diabetes should consult healthcare professionals due to MOTS-c’s potent metabolic effects.

Legal and Regulatory Status

• Approval and Regulation: MOTS-c is currently not approved by major regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada) for therapeutic human use.

• Typically available as a "research peptide" or experimental compound labeled as "not for human consumption."

• Not explicitly banned by WADA; athletes should confirm updated regulations before competitive use.

Current Research Status and Evidence

• Preclinical Research:

  • Numerous animal studies demonstrate significant metabolic improvements, endurance enhancement, longevity-related effects, and mitochondrial protective benefits.

• Human Clinical Trials:

  • Very limited, with initial exploratory studies ongoing or in planning stages.

  • Preliminary small-scale observational studies and anecdotal evidence suggest metabolic benefits and improved exercise tolerance, though larger controlled trials are necessary.

• Research Limitations and Future Directions:

  • Lack of extensive human clinical data and randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

  • Need for standardized dosing, long-term safety evaluation, and clearly defined clinical efficacy.

Summary of Potential Benefits and Risks

Future Directions and Research Needs

• Conduct rigorous human clinical trials to establish efficacy, safety, optimal dosing, and therapeutic potential.

• Long-term studies needed to evaluate potential chronic effects, safety, and effectiveness in various populations.

• Exploration of MOTS-c’s therapeutic potential in metabolic diseases, aging, cardiovascular diseases, and physical performance enhancement.

Conclusion

MOTS-c is a promising mitochondrial-derived peptide with demonstrated metabolic, mitochondrial, and potential anti-aging benefits. Preclinical research strongly supports its potential role in managing metabolic disorders, promoting healthy aging, and enhancing exercise performance. However, significant gaps in clinical research, dosing standardization, and long-term safety evaluations remain. Until comprehensive human studies confirm safety and efficacy, MOTS-c remains a novel experimental compound with substantial therapeutic promise.

References 

• Lee, C., et al. (2015). "The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance." Cell Metabolism, 21(3), 443–454.

• Kim, K. H., & Son, J. M. (2019). "Mitochondrial peptides as promising targets for age-related metabolic disorders." Experimental Gerontology, 121, 15–19.

• Reynolds, J. C., et al. (2021). "MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis." Nature Communications, 12(1), 470.
  

Disclaimer:
This product  is provided exclusively for educational purposes. MOTS-c is an experimental research compound and has not been approved by major health regulatory authorities for clinical therapeutic use. Always consult qualified healthcare providers before considering experimental peptides or supplements.