Associations of Serum MOTS-c with Exercise Capacity and Antioxidant Markers in Young Males: A Cross-Sectional Study
Zhang Z, Zhang X, Wang C, Zhang Y, Bo H (2026). Antioxidants.
Summary
A small cross-sectional study of 30 healthy men aged 18 to 25, ten each of elite track and field athletes, recreationally active men and sedentary men. Serum MOTS-c, the men's own circulating peptide, was higher in the fitter groups and correlated with VO2max and with antioxidant markers (superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde after exercise). The authors note that the design shows an association and does not establish cause and effect. The peptide was not given to anyone. No conflicts were declared.