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Cytokines and growth factors in the developing intestine and during necrotizing enterocolitis

Krishnan MohanKumar1, Kopperuncholan Namachivayam1, Thao T B Ho1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL.

Seminars in Perinatology
|November 12, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Cytokines and growth factors support fetal/neonatal intestinal maturation but can also cause injury during necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This review explores their dual roles in gut health and disease.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Neonatology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The fetal/neonatal intestine encounters cytokines and growth factors via amniotic fluid, colostrum, and milk.
  • These agents are crucial during intestinal development and maturation.
  • Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) involves significant intestinal injury in premature infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the dual roles of cytokines and growth factors in the developing gut.
  • To elucidate their seemingly contradictory functions in both promoting mucosal health and causing injury during NEC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on cytokines, growth factors, and neonatal intestinal development.
  • Analysis of their roles in both healthy intestinal mucosa and NEC pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Cytokines and growth factors exhibit a dual role: promoting maturation in the uninflamed state.
  • These same agents can exacerbate inflammation and contribute to intestinal injury in NEC.

Conclusions:

  • Cytokines and growth factors are critical for normal intestinal development.
  • Understanding their dual functions is key to managing NEC and improving neonatal gut health.

Keywords:
CytokinesGrowth factorsIntestinal injuryNECPrevention

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