Review for 10.1186/s12876-017-0571-3 (2017)

Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: miRNA -338-3p/CDK4 signaling pathway suppressed hepatic stellate cell activation and 
proliferation  
 
Version: 0 Date: 22 Oct 2016  
 
Reviewer: Sanchari Roy  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
Here, Duan et al have provided an evidence for the role of miR -338 in liver fibrosis. Study is 
interesting but I have some concerns which needs to be addressed.  
1. The graphs are disproportionate (for e.g. Fig. 1D , 1E) . Graphs need to be of publishable 
quality.  
2. It is not clear what are the concentrations of TGFβ, SB431542, miR -338 precursor , inhibitor 
used.  
3. Western blot quality of Fig. 3L is poor. Even the quantification of the blots are missing.  
4. miR-338 should be replaced with 'miR -338-3p' 
5. Fig3C an d Fig 3E should be altered with high quality pictures.  
6. An miRNA may have many downstream targets, why they found CDK4 is critical, how 
about others?  
7. Sentences have to be reconstructed suitable for publication and proof -checked by English 
speakers.  For eg. line 6 says 'as times went on' / line 39 'miR -338's inhibitory effect/line 44 a 
small number of cases go on  
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
No 
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
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 statistics in t he 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.  
 
Not relevant to this manuscript  
 
Quality of wr itten English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Needs some language corrections before being published  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
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