Objective: To investigate the Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA type-c (MOTS-c) peptide levels in individuals with obesity compared to those with a normal body mass index and to examine the association of MOTS-c levels with markers of insulin resistance, endothelial function, and inflammation.
Methods: In this study 85 individuals were enrolled, including 48 with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 and 37 with a body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2. Individuals with smoking, pregnancy, type 2 diabetes mellitus and other chronic conditions were excluded. Blood samples were collected after at least 8 hours of fasting to measure serum MOTS-c, insulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and asymmetric dimethylarginine levels. Statistical analyses included t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Chi-squared tests, correlation analyses, and multiple regression analyses.
Results: We found no significant difference in serum MOTS-c levels between individuals with obesity and those with normal body mass index (14.33 ± 3.76 pg/mL versus 13.67 ± 3.44 pg/mL; p = 0.395). Serum MOTS-c levels showed a significant positive correlation with the HOMA-IR index (p < 0.05) but did not correlate with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein or asymmetric dimethylarginine levels. Multiple regression analysis indicated that age and HOMA-IR were significant predictors of MOTS-c levels, with MOTS-c decreasing with age and increasing with higher insulin resistance.
Conclusion: Serum MOTS-c levels were similar in individuals with obesity and those with normal weight. The study highlighted age and insulin resistance as significant determinants of MOTS-c levels.
Keywords: Insulin resistance; Mots-C Peptide; Obesity.