Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Colony Stimulating Factor -1 and Leukemia Inhibitor Factor expression from current -cycle 
cannula iso lated endometrial cells are associated with increased endometrial receptivity and 
pregnancy  
 
Version: 0 Date: 21 Mar 2017  
 
Reviewer: BC Paria  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
The expression MUC1, HOXA10, LIF and CSF1 mRNAs was studied in endometrial cells 
collected during the time of embryo transfer.  The authors have found significant in crease in 
expression of LIF and CSF1 in endometrial cells during the secretory phase of the cycle 
suggesting that expression of mRNAs of these two cytokines in endometrial cells can be used to 
identify uterine receptive stage. This is a well -written manusc ript, but enthusiasm of this 
reviewer is weakened because of the following reasons:  
1. I am not sure whether or not endometrial cells will be dislodged by simple touching the 
cannula with the endometrial cell surface. Are these cells attached outside the tube or getting 
inside the tube?  
2. Please make sure that these cells are not coming from the luminal fluid.  
3. It is necessary to characterize the cell -types. Are these epithelial or stromal cells? 
Appropriate markers should be used to characterize cell -types.  The reviewer is surprised to 
see that there are no contaminations of blood cells.  
4. It is not possible to collect uterine glandular cells by simply touching the cannula with the 
uterine luminal surface. This point is raised since LIF mRNA expressi on is restricted to the 
endometrial glands during the secretory phase (Cullinan et al., PNAS, 1996). It is possible 
that samples are contaminated with luminal immune cells. Please perform 
immunocytochemistry to demonstrate that these two proteins are expre ssed or present in 
luminal epithelial cells.  
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in you r 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 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 the manuscript or would you recommend an  
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require further  
assessment i n your comments to the editors.  
 
I am able to assess the statistics  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
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