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Increased Intestinal Inflammation and Digestive Dysfunction in Preterm Pigs with Severe Necrotizing Enterocolitis.
Ann Cathrine F Støy1, Peter M H Heegaard, Kerstin Skovgaard
1National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
Neonatology
|December 26, 2016
Summary
Severe necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm pigs is linked to increased inflammation and digestive dysfunction. These severe NEC lesions impact gene expression and intestinal morphology, highlighting a complex interplay of factors.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neonatal Research
- Inflammatory Diseases
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition in preterm infants with known risk factors.
- However, the specific factors contributing to different NEC presentations remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between NEC severity and gene expression related to inflammation, morphology, and digestion.
- To test the hypothesis that digestive dysfunction and intestinal inflammation are primarily influenced by severe NEC lesions.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 48 preterm pigs was conducted.
- The macroscopic NEC score (1-6) was correlated with the expression of 48 genes in the distal small intestine.
- Measurements included gene expression, intestinal tissue cytokine levels, mucosal mass, villus height, and enzyme activities.
Main Results:
- Severe NEC (score 5-6) showed significant upregulation of inflammation-related genes compared to mild NEC or healthy controls.
- Pigs with severe NEC exhibited elevated intestinal IL-1β levels, reduced mucosal mass, and decreased villus height.
- Hydrolase activities (aminopeptidase N, lactase, dipeptidylpeptidase IV, aminopeptidase A) were significantly lower in severe NEC cases.
Conclusions:
- Increased inflammation and digestive dysfunction are primarily associated with severe NEC.
- Severe NEC lesions in preterm pigs lead to significant inflammatory gene upregulation, morphological changes, and reduced digestive enzyme activity.
- Distinguishing initial NEC causes from intestinal consequences remains challenging in both clinical and experimental settings.
