[Pyroptosis is involved in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis]

Objective To investigate the role of pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Methods Sixty SD rats aged one day were divided into normal control group (n=30) and NEC group (n=30). The NEC model was established in the NEC group by hypoxia and cold stimulation, and the control group was not treated. The general condition of the newborn rats was observed for the first 3 days, and the body mass was measured. On the fourth day, HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of intestine tissue in the ileocecal area and score them. The levels of IL-18, IL-1β and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) in the ileocecal tissues were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the ileocecal homogenate were tested by ELISA. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the levels of caspase-1, P10 and P20 in the intestinal tissues. Results Compared with the normal group, the neonatal rats in the NEC group were generally in poor condition, and the intestinal epithelial damage in the ileocecal tissue was obvious. The mRNA and protein levels of IL-18 an IL-1β in the intestinal tissues of NEC group and NLRP3 mRNA levels were significantly raised. Caspase-1 protein level was reduced, while P10 and P20 were only expressed in the NEC group. Conclusion Pyroptosis is involved in the pathogenesis of NEC.