Title: Metabolites mediate the causal associations between gut microbiota and NAFLD#a
Mendelian randomization study
Version: 2 Date: 12 Apr 2024
Reviewer's report:
ARTICLE
Metabolites mediate the causal associations between gut microbiota and NAFLD: a Mendelian
randomization study
COMMENTS :
Positive points :
1. This randomization satisfies the STROBE MR checklist
2. High-level statistical analysis was done at each step of the study to remove confounding
factors, even reverse Mendelian randomization to rule out revere causality.
Negative points :
1. The study used GWAS summary data primarily consisting of individuals with European
ancestry may introduce biased estimates and limit the generalizability to diverse ethnic
populations.
2. What is the practical implication of this study in clinical practice
3. Data used  was  pooled from the previous retrospective data
4. Methodology and statistical analysis could have been presented in a simplified way, very
complicated statistical analysis, very difficult to understand without the help of a highly skilled
statistician.
5. Was there any interaction between the organisms which can be a confounding factor?
6. One study suggested a possible bidirectional association between the genus Ruminococcus
and NAFLD; however, the reverse causality can be confounding,
7. Was Mendelian randomization needed?
8. Excellent work but a prospective longitudinal study is required.
Title: Metabolites mediate the causal associations between gut microbiota and NAFLD#a
Mendelian randomization study
Version: 2 Date: 12 Apr 2024
Reviewer's report:
ARTICLE
Metabolites mediate the causal associations between gut microbiota and NAFLD: a Mendelian
randomization study
COMMENTS :
Positive points :
1. This randomization satisfies the STROBE MR checklist
2. High-level statistical analysis was done at each step of the study to remove confounding
factors, even reverse Mendelian randomization to rule out revere causality.
Negative points :
1. The study used GWAS summary data primarily consisting of individuals with European
ancestry may introduce biased estimates and limit the generalizability to diverse ethnic
populations.
2. What is the practical implication of this study in clinical practice
3. Data used  was  pooled from the previous retrospective data
4. Methodology and statistical analysis could have been presented in a simplified way, very
complicated statistical analysis, very difficult to understand without the help of a highly skilled
statistician.
5. Was there any interaction between the organisms which can be a confounding factor?
6. One study suggested a possible bidirectional association between the genus Ruminococcus
and NAFLD; however, the reverse causality can be confounding,
7. Was Mendelian randomization needed?
8. Excellent work but a prospective longitudinal study is required.
Please review this paper.
user
Title: Metabolites mediate the causal associations between gut microbiota and NAFLD#a
Mendelian randomization study
Version: 2 Date: 12 Apr 2024
Reviewer's report:
ARTICLE
Metabolites mediate the causal associations between gut microbiota and NAFLD: a Mendelian
randomization study
COMMENTS :
Positive points :
1. This randomization satisfies the STROBE MR checklist
2. High-level statistical analysis was done at each step of the study to remove confounding
factors, even reverse Mendelian randomization to rule out revere causality.
Negative points :
1. The study used GWAS summary data primarily consisting of individuals with European
ancestry may introduce biased estimates and limit the generalizability to diverse ethnic
populations.
2. What is the practical implication of this study in clinical practice
3. Data used  was  pooled from the previous retrospective data
4. Methodology and statistical analysis could have been presented in a simplified way, very
complicated statistical analysis, very difficult to understand without the help of a highly skilled
statistician.
5. Was there any interaction between the organisms which can be a confounding factor?
6. One study suggested a possible bidirectional association between the genus Ruminococcus
and NAFLD; however, the reverse causality can be confounding,
7. Was Mendelian randomization needed?
8. Excellent work but a prospective longitudinal study is required.
assistant