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Published on: June 24, 2020
Effects of interleukin-8 on the developing human intestine
Akhil Maheshwari1, Wenge Lu, Atilano Lacson
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA. amaheshw@hsc.usf.edu
Interleukin-8 (IL-8) in human milk supports the developing intestine. This cytokine promotes intestinal cell growth, differentiation, and protection, suggesting a novel trophic role beyond immunity.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- The developing human gastrointestinal tract encounters interleukin-8 (IL-8) via amniotic fluid and milk.
- IL-8 is primarily known for its role in neutrophil attraction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential physiological function of IL-8 in the developing human intestine.
- To determine if IL-8 has a trophic role in intestinal development.
Main Methods:
- Quantified IL-8 levels in preterm and term human milk.
- Assessed IL-8 stability during simulated neonatal digestion.
- Detected IL-8 receptors (CXCR1, CXCR2) in fetal intestinal tissue.
- Evaluated rhIL-8 effects on human fetal and adult intestinal cells in vitro.
Main Results:
- IL-8 is present in significant concentrations in human milk and is stable under simulated digestive conditions.
- IL-8 receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 are widely expressed in the fetal intestine.
- rhIL-8 treatment increased intestinal cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation in vitro.
- IL-8 demonstrated protective effects on intestinal cells against chemical injury.
Conclusions:
- IL-8 possesses a trophic function in the developing human intestine.
- IL-8 contributes to intestinal cell growth, differentiation, and protection.
- These findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for IL-8 in neonatal gut development.
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