Mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) activated by physical exercise as therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders: A systematic review.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines evaluating published interventional and observational literature.
PubMed 42640735 · doi:10.1556/2060.2026.00863
What was done
A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted across four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect) for studies published between 2016 and 2025 investigating the effect of physical exercise on mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs, such as humanin and MOTS-c). Out of 435 identified records, 9 studies met predefined inclusion criteria and were synthesized.
What was found
No quantitative effect sizes, peptide concentrations, or statistical metrics were reported in the abstract. Most of the 9 included studies reported a trend toward increased MDP levels following exercise.
Why it matters
Identifying whether exercise stimulates mitochondrial-derived peptides clarifies how physical activity modulates energy balance and insulin sensitivity, helping evaluate MDPs as therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders.
Limits
Only 9 studies were identified, with no meta-analysis performed. The abstract notes substantial variation in study designs, subject characteristics, and exercise protocols, alongside a paucity of human controlled clinical trials.
Cited by
- supports Exercise stimulates the endogenous production of the mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c.