Review for 10.1186/s12876-017-0625-6 (2017)

Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Survivin Expression Pattern in the Intestine of Normoxic and Ischemic Rats  
 
Version: 0 Date: 14 Oct 2016  
 
Reviewer: Adrian Cummins  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
Why were only male Wistar rats used? Strictly, the conclusions only really pertain to male rats. 
Female rats have higher immunological activity which is probably not important in this context. 
but there could always be a surprise. Although, not often stated, gender specific animals are used 
to select for low (male, organ transplant retention) or high baseline (female eg autoimmune 
disease) immunological activity and that is why does, (ie female rabbits) a re used to generate 
polyclonal antibodies.  
It might have been useful to assess for apoptosis (TUNEL or active caspase 3) as well as Ki67. 
The main cells undergoing apoptosis physiologically in crypts are not proliferating but the 
slower cycling Lgr5+ ste m cells.  This may well be different in the transit amplifying 
compartment under conditions of ischaemia. Is there anything known anything about the effect 
of mesenteric ischaemia on intestinal stem cells?  
I would have liked a brief overview in the Conclu sions of anti -apoptotic (eg Bcl -2) and pro -
apoptotic proteins (eg Bax) in crypts and how survivin fits in this context ie, Bcl -2 has higher 
expression in small than large intestine but survivin has equal expression. And survivin has 
expression mainly in th e transit amplifying compartment. Is that correct -was there expression in 
the base of crypts?  
Are the meth ods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are the c onclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
No 
 
 
Are you able to assess any statistics 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 am able to assess the statistics  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscr ipt: 
 
Acceptable  
 
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