Systemic MOTS-c levels are increased in adults with obesity in association with metabolic dysregulation and remain unchanged after weight loss.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide and regulator of metabolic homeostasis. Although its role in glucose and lipid metabolism is emerging, changes in circulating MOTS-c with obesity remain unclear. We hypothesized that circulating MOTS-c concentrations would be altered in obese vs. lean adults in associations with altered metabolic and inflammatory markers.

Methods

Circulating MOTS-c levels, metabolic parameters, and inflammatory markers were compared between 22 lean controls and 32 obese participants scheduled for bariatric surgery. Longitudinal changes in weight, MOTS-c levels, and metabolic markers were also analyzed in 10 of the obese patients before and 6 months after bariatric surgery. Additio

SUBMITTER: Yoon SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12807633 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature