Mice that got the supplement had higher levels of genes that help burn calories in their brown fat compared to mice that didn't get it.
Scientific Claim
N-acetylcysteine supplementation increased expression of thermogenic genes including Ucp3, Pgc-1α, and Dio2 by approximately 2-fold in brown adipose tissue of male C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet compared to untreated high-fat diet mice.
Original Statement
“NAC treatment significantly enhanced the transcriptional levels of the genes that are critical for cellular thermogenesis including Dio2, Pgc-1α, Pgc-1β, Cidea, and Ucp3. (Fig. 7b)”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study shows an association between NAC and increased thermogenic gene expression in mice, but cannot prove causation due to study design limitations. The claim states a specific 2-fold increase which isn't explicitly stated in the excerpt.
More Accurate Statement
“N-acetylcysteine supplementation was associated with increased expression of thermogenic genes including Ucp3, Pgc-1α, and Dio2 in brown adipose tissue of male C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet compared to untreated high-fat diet mice.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
N-acetylcysteine Protects Mice from High Fat Diet-induced Metabolic Disorders