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Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers
Published on: July 28, 2022
Diet- and colonization-dependent intestinal dysfunction predisposes to necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm pigs.
Per T Sangild1, Richard H Siggers, Mette Schmidt
1Divisions of Nutrition and Reproduction, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg, Denmark. psa@kvi.dk
Gastroenterology
|May 16, 2006
Summary
Formula feeding in preterm infants can lead to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) by causing gut dysfunction and bacterial overgrowth. Colostrum, rich in protective factors, may prevent NEC by combating harmful bacterial toxins.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neonatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition in preterm infants.
- Formula feeding and preterm birth are known risk factors for NEC.
- The intestinal conditions predisposing to NEC are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiology of spontaneous NEC development in preterm pigs.
- To examine structural, functional, and microbiologic indices of the intestine.
- To compare the effects of formula feeding versus colostrum feeding.
Main Methods:
- Preterm piglets were delivered via cesarean section and fed infant formula or colostrum.
- Intestinal tissues were collected for analysis of villous height, enzyme activity, nutrient absorption, and antioxidant levels.
- Microbial diversity and specific bacterial populations (e.g., Clostridium perfringens) were assessed.
Main Results:
- Formula-fed pigs had a significantly higher incidence of NEC (57%) compared to colostrum-fed pigs (5%).
- Formula feeding led to reduced intestinal villous height, enzyme activity, nutrient absorption, and antioxidant levels, with increased nitric oxide synthetase activity.
- NEC pigs exhibited bacterial overgrowth, with Clostridium perfringens detected in some cases. Germ-free conditions or antiserum against C. perfringens toxin prevented NEC in formula-fed pigs.
Conclusions:
- Subclinical, formula-induced mucosal atrophy and dysfunction predispose to NEC and bacterial overgrowth.
- The adverse effects of formula feeding are dependent on gut colonization.
- Colostrum contains protective factors, including antibodies against toxins like those from Clostridium perfringens, which may reduce NEC incidence.
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