Comparison
Leuprorelin vs. MOTS-c
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
53714-56-0
1627580-64-6
Molecular weight
1209.4 g/mol
2174.61 g/mol
Half-life
3 h
no data
Sequence
Pyr-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Leu-Leu-Arg-Pro-NHEtMet-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-ArgMechanism of action
Leuprorelin
Leuprorelin is a GnRH-receptor agonist. After binding to pituitary GnRH receptors, it first causes a transient surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release — the so-called flare. With continuous, non-pulsatile exposure the receptors are downregulated and desensitized, suppressing gonadotropin secretion and consequently lowering sex steroids (testosterone or estradiol) to low levels. This mechanism underlies the literature-described use in hormone-dependent conditions.
MOTS-c
MOTS-c arises from a short open reading frame located in the 12S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome — unlike most peptides it is therefore not encoded by nuclear DNA. Mechanistically, preclinical work describes MOTS-c as modulating the folate cycle and the de novo purine biosynthesis tethered to it, thereby affecting the AMP/ATP ratio and, downstream, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Under metabolic stress, an AMPK-dependent translocation of the peptide into the cell nucleus and involvement in the regulation of stress-responsive genes (including via antioxidant-response-element-regulated transcription factors) have also been reported. These models derive predominantly from cell culture and rodents; the extent to which they reflect human physiology after administration of exogenous synthetic MOTS-c is not established by human studies.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human trial
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
4
1
Effects recorded
4
4
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
3
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Leuprorelin and MOTS-c?
- Leuprorelin is classified as "Research other", while MOTS-c is classified as "Research other". Leuprorelin: Leuprorelin (also leuprolide) is a synthetic nonapeptide analogue of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH/LHRH). It is an approved prescription medicine in several jurisdictions, including for advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and central precocious puberty. This page neutrally summarizes the evidence base and legal status and is not a usage or dosing recommendation. MOTS-c: MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-encoded peptide (mitochondrial-derived peptide, MDP) whose open reading frame lies within the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA. In basic research (including the laboratories of Changhan Lee and Pinchas Cohen) it is described as a regulator of metabolic homeostasis and an activator of the AMPK pathway, and is sometimes discussed as an 'exercise mimetic'. The evidence comes almost entirely from cell and animal models; controlled human trials of MOTS-c as a therapeutic are lacking. It is not approved as a medicine anywhere and is traded on the grey market as a research chemical. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Leuprorelin or MOTS-c?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Leuprorelin and "Human trial" for MOTS-c. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of Leuprorelin and MOTS-c in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Leuprorelin — Prescription, MOTS-c — Unapproved. United States: Leuprorelin — Prescription, MOTS-c — Unapproved. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.