When mice had more taurocholic acid in their blood, their fat cells turned on more genes that help break down fat.
Scientific Claim
In mice, increased serum taurocholic acid (TCA) is associated with higher expression of genes involved in lipolysis in adipose tissue.
Original Statement
“TCA... promoted the expression of genes related to lipolysis”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design cannot support claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
Based on abstract only - full methodology not available to verify. 'Promoted' implies causation, but no experimental validation (e.g., TCA injection) is confirmed in abstract.
More Accurate Statement
“In mice, increased serum taurocholic acid (TCA) is associated with higher expression of genes related to lipolysis in adipose tissue.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
The study found that when mice ate a moderate amount of lard, their bodies made more of a substance called TCA, which helped their fat cells break down fat instead of storing it — exactly what the claim says.