Statistical analysis: the experimental design used in this manuscript have three main factors of analysis: the stress, the treatment and the inhibitor treatment. Taking that into account it is incorrect to use a one-way ANOVA or the correspondent non-parametric analysis. Because when doing a one-way analysis all the factors are condensed into one and the interactions of the effects are not considered. Therefore, is not correct to interpret the results as the inhibitor treatment reversed the effect of the drug on CUMS or that drug blocked the effects of CUMS. Those analyses can only be done with a two- or three-way ANOVA, and for that, they need to run control groups (for instance no CUMS+drug; No CUMS+inhibitor; No CUMS+inhibitor +drug).
In summary, the statistical analysis and the experimental design do not support the conclusions drawn by the authors.
It would be advantageous to consider reevaluating the data through a two- or three-way ANOVA for a more nuanced comprehension of the factors and their interactions. The inclusion of additional control groups as per the suggestions could also enrich the experimental framework. If these adjustments prove challenging, it may be constructive to realign the conclusions with the present analysis, viewing the results as initial findings that may benefit from further exploration.
- Badges
- Science topic