MOTS-c: A Potential Anti-Aging Peptide
Aging occurs when cells within the body produce less energy and fail to function properly. The mitochondria contained within each cell are at the center of this issue.
Mitochondria are responsible for producing cellular energy. They also communicate with their cell’s nucleus, enabling the cell to function properly.
This mitochondria-to-nucleus communication happens by way of amino acid chains called mitochondrially-derived peptides (or MDPs). MDPs act like switches within your mitochondrial DNA that turn various functions on and off.
The symptoms of aging—specifically cellular breakdown and a loss of energy production—appear to be related to problems within this genetic messaging.
Researchers are still working to identify each MDP. However, they have successfully identified one in particular that appears to have numerous benefits when it comes to slowing the aging process. This MDP is called MOTS-c
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is a peptide made from 16 amino acids that regulates communication between the mitochondria and nucleus of each cell.
Research suggests that MOTS-c may benefit your health and well-being by helping to regulate how your cells’ mitochondria produce energy, as well as how they communicate with their cell’s nucleus to control cellular functions.
Here are some specific health benefits of MOTS-c:
- Improved Metabolism
Animal studies suggest that MOTS-c improves both insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. This makes it a potentially effective treatment option for age-related metabolic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.
- Mitochondrial Performance
Many age-related illnesses are associated with diminished mitochondrial function. MOTS-c optimizes mitochondrial function, helping to reduce the incidence of cellular damage and disease.
- Muscle Health
People tend to lose muscle mass as they age, resulting in a loss of mobility, strength, and balance over time. Studies indicate MOTS-c promotes the growth of muscle mass, as well as muscle endurance.
- Stress Resilience
Your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline in response to stress. These hormones increase your heartrate and blood pressure to help your body address whatever is causing the stress. This is generally advantageous on a short term, periodic basis.
However…chronic stress exposes your body to these hormones for weeks, months, or even years at a time. This kind of long-term over-exposure to stress hormones is unhealthy and can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other stress-related illnesses.
The more efficiently your cells can respond to stress, the less detrimental its effects are likely to be. MOTS-c appears to help cells adapt to stressors, which may in turn help to slow cellular aging.
- DNA Repair and Autophagy
Damage to DNA and other cellular components are significant contributors to the aging process. MOTS-c has been shown to support DNA repair. It may also help with autophagy—the process whereby cells remove components that are damaged or no longer working. DNA repair and autophagy both play important roles in limiting age-related cell damage.
Summary
Ongoing research suggests that MOTC-s can help your cells to resist the effects of aging by:
- Improving mitochondrial health
- Increasing metabolism and cellular energy output
- Supporting the retention of muscle mass
- Helping cells to resist stress-related damage
- Promoting DNA repair and autophagy
Want to stay up-to date on the latest in anti-aging research? Let Renew Youth keep you informed on the latest in healthy aging. Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our contact form to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.
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