Giving methylene blue to mice with a form of ALS didn't help them live longer, move better, or stop their nerve cells from dying, even though it was thought to help the brain.
Scientific Claim
Methylene blue administration at two different doses, initiated at disease onset in SOD1(G93A) transgenic mice, had no effect on lifespan, motor function decline, reflex score, body weight loss, motor neuron loss, or SOD1 protein aggregation.
Original Statement
“The lifespan of SOD1(G93A) mice was not affected by MB treatment. The declines in motor function, reflex score, and body weight of SOD1(G93A) mice remained unchanged. MB treatment had no effect on motor neuron loss and aggregation or misfolding of SOD1.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design cannot support claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The abstract describes outcomes but does not confirm randomization, blinding, or control group validity. The phrasing 'had no effect' implies causation without verified experimental controls. Only descriptive language is justified.
More Accurate Statement
“In SOD1(G93A) transgenic mice, methylene blue administration at disease onset was not associated with changes in lifespan, motor function, reflex score, body weight, motor neuron loss, or SOD1 protein aggregation.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Methylene blue administration fails to confer neuroprotection in two amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mouse models
Scientists gave methylene blue to mice with a form of ALS and found it didn’t help them live longer, move better, or stop their nerve cells from dying — exactly what the claim says.