Impact of the Gut-Brain Hormonal Axis and Enteric Peptides in the Development of Food Neophobia in Children with Genetically Determined Hypersensitivity to the Bitter Taste

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The manuscript by Anna et al., demonstrates the role of gut-brain hormonal axis and enteric peptides in the development of food neophobia in children. Here, authors report that children with genetically determined hypersensitivity to the bitter taste develops neophobia and it is positively corelated with enteric neuropeptide Y. However, the manuscript in the present form can not be accepted for publication and needs to be revised.

Specific comments:

·          In the introduction section, provide the exact rationale of the study along with the working hypothesis. Last paragraph of the introduction needs to be reframed and authors need to state the importance of this study and how it is going to overcome the existing limitations.

·         In section 2.4, mention that you measured the enter peptides in serum. The information of ELISA kits can be concise.

·         Results are too descriptive and confusing. State the inferences of the results as subheadings in the results rather than technical headings. Give a brief introduction of what has been done and what results have been achieved along with the inference. It helps the reader.

·         Few graphical representations instead of tables in the section of results will improve the manuscript.

·         Discuss the results and state the significance of the study. NPY was positively corelated with CFNS; statement of this result has been repetitive, add the inference or how does that imply to neophobia.

Author Response

I am resubmitting a revised manuscript entitled “ Of The Gut-Brain Hormonal Axis And Enteric Peptides In The Development Of Food Neophobia In Children With Genetically Determined Hypersensitivity To The Bitter Taste”. All appropriate changes have been made according to the Editor's comments.

Comments and responses below

In the introduction section, provide the exact rationale of the study along with the working hypothesis. Last paragraph of the introduction needs to be reframed and authors need to state the importance of this study and how it is going to overcome the existing limitations.

Response 1. The importance and innovation of the study was emphasized. It was noted that  no study to date has explored genetically determined hypersensitivity to the bitter taste influence on food neophobia in early childhood. Apart from that it is the first study that has explored the correlation between the gut-brain hormonal axis and enteric peptides and child food neophobia.

In section 2.4, mention that you measured the enter peptides in serum. The information of ELISA kits can be concise.

Response 2. Corrections were made according to the reviewer's suggestion

Results are too descriptive and confusing. State the inferences of the results as subheadings in the results rather than technical headings. Give a brief introduction of what has been done and what results have been achieved along with the inference. It helps the reader.

Response 3. The descriptive parts have been shortened. It briefly outlines what has been done and what results have been achieved with the conclusions.

Few graphical representations instead of tables in the section of results will improve the manuscript.

Response 4. Figure 2 has been added.

Discuss the results and state the significance of the study. NPY was positively correlated with CFNS; statement of this result has been repetitive, add the inference or how does that imply to neophobia

Response 5. Corrections were made according to the reviewer's suggestion. Attention was paid to the fact that in the light of the our research results, these group of children due to elevated serum NPY level should be constantly monitored in order to monitor the nutritional status in later age In addition the results suggest that food choices of children with food neophobia may be directed towards a higher carbohydrate intake which may increase the risk of being overweight or obese in the future. Summarized that prospective studies should clarify whether food neophobia at the age of 18-36 months increasing the risk of obesity later in life.

Reviewer 2 Report

The paper is very interesting and innovative. According to my opinion, it is fit for the publication. I suggest to insert a scale for the Child Food Neophobia (page 3 line 102)  and a table for the questionnaire on Child Food Neophobia Scale (page 4 line 124) 

Author Response

I am resubmitting a revised manuscript entitled “ Of The Gut-Brain Hormonal Axis And Enteric Peptides In The Development Of Food Neophobia In Children With Genetically Determined Hypersensitivity To The Bitter Taste”. All appropriate changes have been made according to the Editor's comments.

Comments and responses below

reviewer 2
Comments and Suggestions for Authors
The paper is very interesting and innovative. According to my opinion, it is fit for the publication. I suggest to insert a scale for the Child Food Neophobia (page 3 line 102)  and a table for the questionnaire on Child Food Neophobia Scale (page 4 line 124)

Response 1. Thank you for your opinion. The Child Food Neophobia questionnaire has been added.

At page 5 Line 168-170 the authors should the order of the studi ed patients insering before the children 18-36 Months At page 5 Line 176, it is needed to insert the reference blood values for tested enteric peptides

Response 2. The reference blood values of tested enteric are unknown  for now in pediatric population,  especially for age group of 6-8 months, but also for 18-36 months. Knowing the role of this hormones and peptides,  the serum level was measured for comparison between both groups.  The results so far has a scientific value, maybe someday it will be useful tool in clinical practice.

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

The authors has made changes as suggested.