Comparison
MOTS-c vs. Terlipressin
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
1627580-64-6
14636-12-5
Molecular weight
2174.61 g/mol
1227.37 g/mol
Half-life
no data
no data
Sequence
Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Argno data
Mechanism of action
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.
Terlipressin
Terlipressin is slowly converted in the body to lysine-vasopressin by cleavage of the three N-terminal glycyl residues (reservoir effect) and activates V1 receptors. The splanchnic vasoconstriction improves renal perfusion in hepatorenal syndrome.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human RCT
Studies
4
1
of which in humans
1
1
Effects recorded
4
2
Open conflicts
1
0
Documented adverse events
1
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between MOTS-c and Terlipressin?
- MOTS-c is classified as "Research other", while Terlipressin is classified as "Research other". 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. Terlipressin: Terlipressin is a 12-amino-acid vasopressin analog and prodrug of lysine-vasopressin. As a V1 receptor agonist it is vasoconstrictive and is approved for hepatorenal syndrome (FDA 2022, Terlivaz). This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, MOTS-c or Terlipressin?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for MOTS-c and "Human RCT" for Terlipressin. 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 MOTS-c and Terlipressin in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: MOTS-c — Unapproved, Terlipressin — Prescription. United States: MOTS-c — Unapproved, Terlipressin — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.