Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
06:51
Microfluidic Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Incorporating Human Neonatal Intestinal Enteroids and a Dysbiotic Microbiome
Published on: July 28, 2023
Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis -Inflammation and Intestinal Immaturity.
1The University of Chicago, Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Sections of Neonatology and Gastroenterology, 5841 S. Maryland Ave MC6060, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Summary
Necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious gut disease in premature infants. Understanding intestinal immaturity, bacterial colonization, and inflammation is key to developing treatments for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neonatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal disease affecting premature infants.
- The exact causes of NEC are not fully understood, hindering specific treatment development.
- Intestinal immaturity is a significant factor in infant susceptibility to NEC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the factors contributing to NEC pathogenesis in preterm infants.
- To explore the role of bacterial colonization, barrier function, and enterocyte inflammation.
- To discuss potential therapeutic strategies, including human milk factors and probiotics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis.
- Analysis of studies on intestinal immaturity in preterm infants.
- Examination of research on gut microbiota, barrier integrity, and immune responses.
Main Results:
- Preterm infants exhibit unique gut vulnerabilities due to immature intestinal systems.
- Bacterial colonization patterns significantly influence NEC development.
- Impaired intestinal barrier function and inflammatory responses in enterocytes are critical.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the interplay of bacterial colonization, barrier function, and inflammation is crucial for NEC prevention and treatment.
- Human milk components and probiotics show therapeutic promise for NEC.
- Further research into intestinal immaturity can lead to targeted interventions for preterm infants.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
01:07Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...
01:23Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the goblet,...
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...