Title: Expression of Unfolded Protein Response Genes in Post-transplantation Liver Biopsies
Version: 1 Date: 24 Jun 2022
Reviewer's report:
I read the study by Liu et al with great interest. The authors sought to understand the unfolded
protein response genes in liver biopsies following liver transplantation. Although I congratulate
the authors' effort, I should admit that the study is very confusing for the following reasons
1- They claim in the abstract and in the main text that there are several genes associated with
CHolestatic liver diseases. However Table 1 clearly indicates that there were only 2 and 3
patients in the group and they where heterogeneous (PSC, PBC, AIH ??). So this claim should
not be correct.
2- Most importantly, these are liver transplant biopsies - considering that these were normal
livers transplanted and the recipient received immunosuppression (induction and maintenance
which could change many things). Timing of liver biopsies is missing. No information regarding
the fat content of livers transplant which could change gene expressions of those biopsies. Did
they correlate the gene profile of livers with donor Total bilirubin to conclude that these are
cholestatic?
3- Were these DCD livers? Which could be due to ischemic cholangiopathy and would change
the gene expression.
These examples can be increased since there were many unknowns. I think those unknowns
make the conclusions of the study very weak and unreliable
Title: Expression of Unfolded Protein Response Genes in Post-transplantation Liver Biopsies
Version: 1 Date: 24 Jun 2022
Reviewer's report:
I read the study by Liu et al with great interest. The authors sought to understand the unfolded
protein response genes in liver biopsies following liver transplantation. Although I congratulate
the authors' effort, I should admit that the study is very confusing for the following reasons
1- They claim in the abstract and in the main text that there are several genes associated with
CHolestatic liver diseases. However Table 1 clearly indicates that there were only 2 and 3
patients in the group and they where heterogeneous (PSC, PBC, AIH ??). So this claim should
not be correct.
2- Most importantly, these are liver transplant biopsies - considering that these were normal
livers transplanted and the recipient received immunosuppression (induction and maintenance
which could change many things). Timing of liver biopsies is missing. No information regarding
the fat content of livers transplant which could change gene expressions of those biopsies. Did
they correlate the gene profile of livers with donor Total bilirubin to conclude that these are
cholestatic?
3- Were these DCD livers? Which could be due to ischemic cholangiopathy and would change
the gene expression.
These examples can be increased since there were many unknowns. I think those unknowns
make the conclusions of the study very weak and unreliable
Please review this paper.
user
Title: Expression of Unfolded Protein Response Genes in Post-transplantation Liver Biopsies
Version: 1 Date: 24 Jun 2022
Reviewer's report:
I read the study by Liu et al with great interest. The authors sought to understand the unfolded
protein response genes in liver biopsies following liver transplantation. Although I congratulate
the authors' effort, I should admit that the study is very confusing for the following reasons
1- They claim in the abstract and in the main text that there are several genes associated with
CHolestatic liver diseases. However Table 1 clearly indicates that there were only 2 and 3
patients in the group and they where heterogeneous (PSC, PBC, AIH ??). So this claim should
not be correct.
2- Most importantly, these are liver transplant biopsies - considering that these were normal
livers transplanted and the recipient received immunosuppression (induction and maintenance
which could change many things). Timing of liver biopsies is missing. No information regarding
the fat content of livers transplant which could change gene expressions of those biopsies. Did
they correlate the gene profile of livers with donor Total bilirubin to conclude that these are
cholestatic?
3- Were these DCD livers? Which could be due to ischemic cholangiopathy and would change
the gene expression.
These examples can be increased since there were many unknowns. I think those unknowns
make the conclusions of the study very weak and unreliable
assistant