Giving mice a specific antioxidant called NAC for 8 weeks made the scarring in their heart blood vessels and tissue about 40-57% less than in mice that didn't get the antioxidant.
Scientific Claim
N-acetylcysteine administration at 40 mg/kg per day for 8 weeks reduced perivascular fibrosis by 40% and interstitial fibrosis by 57% in a mouse model of heart failure with cardiac-specific MST-1 overexpression, compared to saline-treated controls.
Original Statement
“In MST‐1 mice administered N‐acetylcysteine, perivascular and interstitial fibrosis were 40% and 57% less, respectively, compared to those treated with saline (P ≤ 0. 03).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study is an animal model with randomization, but it only shows association between NAC and reduced fibrosis in this specific mouse model. The claim correctly specifies the model and doesn't overstate to humans.
More Accurate Statement
“N-acetylcysteine administration at 40 mg/kg per day for 8 weeks was associated with a 40% reduction in perivascular fibrosis and 57% reduction in interstitial fibrosis in a mouse model of heart failure with cardiac-specific MST-1 overexpression, compared to saline-treated controls.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
N‐acetylcysteine attenuates the development of cardiac fibrosis and remodeling in a mouse model of heart failure