Review for 10.1186/s12876-018-0850-7 (2018)

Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation Improves Chronic Colitis -Associated 
Complications through Inhibiting the Activity of Toll -Like Receptor -4 in Mice  
 
Version: 1 Date: 10 Apr 2018  
 
Reviewer: Dc de Almeida  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
General  
1) Results. The legends and axis labels of each graphs need to be clear and larger.  
 
Major comment s 
1) Results, Fig1. The hUC -MSCs were explored for their multilineage potential of 
differentiation? If yes, this information is not found in the text.  
 
2) Results, Fig1 and 2. To verify global macroscopic inflammation in gut and liver, the authors 
should i nvestigate at least one cellular inflammatory marker in intestinal sections of all 
group, for instance, CD11b, CD63, CD3, or myeloperoxidase (MPO), could be used.  
 
3) Results. Fig2 A and B. For a better understanding, the "area under curve" graph need to be  
added.  
 
4) Please, define better "less sensitive" in results description of Fig3B.  
 
5) Results, Fig4C. please change "expression of LPS" for "level of LPS".  
 
6) Results. Fig5 and 6. Describe mRNA expression of inflammatory molecules before their 
protein expr ession and also change these information in the figures.  
 
7) Results. The Pearson's correlation analysis is not showed as figure and need to be added to 
manuscript.  
 
8) The findings with bacterial translocation is very interesting and could be the mechanism 
whereby MSCs improve damage and promote repair, then, the authors should investigate the 
levels of tight junctions and adhesion molecules in the intestine. Can MSCs improve 
structural or intestinal permeability markers?  
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Does the work include the necessary con trols?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are you able to assess any statisti cs in the manuscript or would you recommend an  
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require further  
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
I recommend additional statistical review  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
Please complete a declaration of competing interests, considering the following que stions:  
 
1. Have you in the past five years received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary 
from an  organisation that may in any way gain or lose financially from the 
publication of this  manuscript, either now or in the future?  
 
2. Do you hold any stocks o r shares in an organisation that may in any way gain or lose  
financially from the publication of this manuscript, either now or in the future?  
 
3. Do you hold or are you currently applying for any patents relating to the content of 
the manuscript?  
 
4. Have y ou received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an organization that 
holds  or has applied for patents relating to the content of the manuscript?  
 
5. Do you have any other financial competing interests?  
 
6. Do you have any non -financial competing in terests in relation to this paper?  
 
If you can answer no to all of the above, write 'I declare that I have no competing interests' 
below.  If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
I declare that I have no competing interests.  
 
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