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Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis in experimental necrotizing enterocolitis: alterations in inflammation, innate

Mark A Underwood1, Jennifer Arriola2, Colin W Gerber2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California.

Pediatric Research
|July 8, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Probiotic Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis (B. infantis) reduced necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in a rat model. This beneficial effect was observed despite no significant changes in the cecal microbiota composition.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology
  • Neonatal Research

Background:

  • Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe condition in premature infants.
  • Probiotics are known to reduce NEC risk.
  • The specific role of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis (B. infantis) in NEC requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of B. infantis in an established rat model of NEC.
  • To assess the impact of B. infantis on inflammatory markers and gut barrier function in NEC.
  • To analyze the cecal microbiota composition following B. infantis administration.

Main Methods:

  • Rat pups were divided into dam-fed, formula-fed, and formula-fed with B. infantis groups.
  • Experimental NEC was induced via hypoxia and cold stress.
  • Ileal tissue and cecal contents were analyzed for pathology, inflammatory mediators, antimicrobial peptides, and bacterial 16S rRNA sequences.

Main Results:

  • B. infantis administration significantly decreased NEC incidence and reduced key inflammatory mediators (Il6, Cxcl1, Tnfa, Il23, iNOS).
  • Expression of antimicrobial peptides Reg3b and Reg3g was also decreased.
  • No significant differences in cecal microbiota composition were found between formula-fed and B. infantis-supplemented groups, with low Bifidobacteria detection.

Conclusions:

  • B. infantis attenuated NEC-associated inflammation in the rat model.
  • The study highlights the anti-inflammatory effects of B. infantis.
  • Significant microbial dysbiosis variability precluded determining the microbiota's precise role in experimental NEC.
Abstract

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