Title: Clinical Features and Fecal Microbiota Characteristics of Patients with Both Ulcerative
Colitis and Axial Spondyloarthritis
Version: 1 Date: 14 Dec 2023
Reviewer's report:
This study examines ulcerative colitis (UC) patients with and without axial spondyloarthritis
(axSpA), revealing a correlation between elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and axSpA.
Moreover, fecal microbiota analysis suggests potential associations between specific
biosynthetic and metabolic pathways and axSpA incidence, warranting further investigation for
therapeutic insights. The manuscript's structure and description are well-crafted; however, I have
a few comments and questions for the authors:
1. This study suggests a correlation between elevated CRP and axSpA. Considering CRP’s
known fluctuations tied to disease activity, the basis for asserting its correlation with axSpA
needs clarification. Additionally, in cases where patients underwent multiple CRP tests, the
selection criteria for analysis, such as which specific test, requires elucidation.
2. This study employed metabolic pathway analysis of fecal flora to explore the potential
pathogenesis of UC-axSpA. Nonetheless, the limited sample size underscores the need for an
additional patient cohort to validate these findings.
3. Fecal samples were obtained during hospitalization for UC flare-up, but the timing of
sample collection remains unspecified. It is crucial to clarify the timing of sample collection,
particularly considering the potential impact of medication, such as corticosteroids, and
intestinal inflammation on the fecal microbiota.
4. Escherichia_Shigella exhibited a positive association with axSpA incidence, while
Faecalibacterium showed a negative association. However, the conclusion erroneously suggests
both are associated with axSpA. A correction is needed to reflect their distinct association
accurately.
Title: Clinical Features and Fecal Microbiota Characteristics of Patients with Both Ulcerative
Colitis and Axial Spondyloarthritis
Version: 1 Date: 14 Dec 2023
Reviewer's report:
This study examines ulcerative colitis (UC) patients with and without axial spondyloarthritis
(axSpA), revealing a correlation between elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and axSpA.
Moreover, fecal microbiota analysis suggests potential associations between specific
biosynthetic and metabolic pathways and axSpA incidence, warranting further investigation for
therapeutic insights. The manuscript's structure and description are well-crafted; however, I have
a few comments and questions for the authors:
1. This study suggests a correlation between elevated CRP and axSpA. Considering CRP’s
known fluctuations tied to disease activity, the basis for asserting its correlation with axSpA
needs clarification. Additionally, in cases where patients underwent multiple CRP tests, the
selection criteria for analysis, such as which specific test, requires elucidation.
2. This study employed metabolic pathway analysis of fecal flora to explore the potential
pathogenesis of UC-axSpA. Nonetheless, the limited sample size underscores the need for an
additional patient cohort to validate these findings.
3. Fecal samples were obtained during hospitalization for UC flare-up, but the timing of
sample collection remains unspecified. It is crucial to clarify the timing of sample collection,
particularly considering the potential impact of medication, such as corticosteroids, and
intestinal inflammation on the fecal microbiota.
4. Escherichia_Shigella exhibited a positive association with axSpA incidence, while
Faecalibacterium showed a negative association. However, the conclusion erroneously suggests
both are associated with axSpA. A correction is needed to reflect their distinct association
accurately.
Please review this paper.
user
Title: Clinical Features and Fecal Microbiota Characteristics of Patients with Both Ulcerative
Colitis and Axial Spondyloarthritis
Version: 1 Date: 14 Dec 2023
Reviewer's report:
This study examines ulcerative colitis (UC) patients with and without axial spondyloarthritis
(axSpA), revealing a correlation between elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and axSpA.
Moreover, fecal microbiota analysis suggests potential associations between specific
biosynthetic and metabolic pathways and axSpA incidence, warranting further investigation for
therapeutic insights. The manuscript's structure and description are well-crafted; however, I have
a few comments and questions for the authors:
1. This study suggests a correlation between elevated CRP and axSpA. Considering CRP’s
known fluctuations tied to disease activity, the basis for asserting its correlation with axSpA
needs clarification. Additionally, in cases where patients underwent multiple CRP tests, the
selection criteria for analysis, such as which specific test, requires elucidation.
2. This study employed metabolic pathway analysis of fecal flora to explore the potential
pathogenesis of UC-axSpA. Nonetheless, the limited sample size underscores the need for an
additional patient cohort to validate these findings.
3. Fecal samples were obtained during hospitalization for UC flare-up, but the timing of
sample collection remains unspecified. It is crucial to clarify the timing of sample collection,
particularly considering the potential impact of medication, such as corticosteroids, and
intestinal inflammation on the fecal microbiota.
4. Escherichia_Shigella exhibited a positive association with axSpA incidence, while
Faecalibacterium showed a negative association. However, the conclusion erroneously suggests
both are associated with axSpA. A correction is needed to reflect their distinct association
accurately.
assistant