BDE-209 and TCDD Modulate the Expression and Activity of ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) Transporters in Murine Melanoma Cells (B16-F1)

Review Data

Q: Is the topic relevant to the journal area of interest? Is it contemporary and interesting for

researchers?

A: Good

Abstract & Keywords

Q: Are all required components included in the abstract? Are the keywords appropriately chosen?

A: Good

Goal

Q: Is the goal explicitly stated in the Introduction? Is its formulation clear and unambiguous?

A: Good

Structure

Q: Is the paper's structure coherent? Is it in coherence with the goal of the paper?

A: Good

Tools and Methods

Q: Are methods the author uses adequate and well used?

A: Good

Discussion & Conclusion

Q: Is it related to the results presented before? Do you consider them as coherent?

A: Good

Comments: The Discussion highlights the study on the effects of the exposure of BDE-209 and TCDD in the immortalized murine tumor cells (B16-F1) to evaluate the modulation of gene expression causing cell malignancy. It further discusses the upregulation and overexpression of the genes leading to cell malignancy, providing relevant literature. Lastly, the Discussion states that attention must be given to the ABC transporters responsible for the efflux of chemotherapeutic drugs for tumor cells in cancer susceptibility.

Literature

Q: Does the author utilize relevant literature?

A: Good

Author's knowledge

Q: What is the level of the author’s knowledge? Does the author utilize all recent contributions relevant to the topic?

A: Good

Length

Q: Is the length of the paper adequate to the significance of the topic? Do you suggest shortening the paper without losing its value?

A: Good

Figures & Tables

Q: Does the author use them suitably? Are legend and notations clear?

A: Good.

Writing style

Q: Is it clear and understandable?

A: Good

Comments: There are few issues found in the manuscript which are as follows:

·       In Abstract, last sentence, “This investigation revealed … may intervene and modify \cells’ … resistance to chemotherapy” should be written as “This investigation revealed … might intervene and modify cells’ … resistance to chemotherapy”.

·       In Results, 3^rd paragraph, 4^th sentence, “Erro! Fonte de referência não encontrada.A” does not match with the intended meaning of the sentence. Hence the sentence is removed.

·       In Discussion, 3^rd paragraph, 3^rd sentence, “The relevance of regulation … related with the involvement of ABC transporters…” must be “The relevance of regulation … related to the involvement of ABC transporters …”.

Further comments on the paper

Comments: The manuscript describes the modulating levels of BDE-209 and TCDD in gene expression and activity of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in murine melanoma (B16-F1) cells. The study also illustrates the upregulation of the specific genes and change in the protein activity with exposure to BDE-209 and TCDD. The manuscript further provides the overall design of the study conducted, highlighting its statistical analysis.

Q: Would you recommend this manuscript for further publication?

A: Yes - Suitable to be published

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Science Repository Team