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Zhang D, Xie D, Qu Y, Mu D, Wang S. Digging deeper into necrotizing enterocolitis: bridging clinical, microbial, and molecular perspectives. Gut Microbes 2025; 17:2451071. [PMID: 39826099 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2025.2451071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2024] [Revised: 12/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2025] [Indexed: 01/20/2025] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe, life-threatening inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, especially affecting preterm infants. This review consolidates evidence from various biomedical disciplines to elucidate the complex pathogenesis of NEC, integrating insights from clinical, microbial, and molecular perspectives. It emphasizes the modulation of NEC-associated inflammatory pathways by probiotics and novel biologics, highlighting their therapeutic potential. We further critically examine dysbiotic alterations within the gut microbiota, with a particular focus on imbalances in bacterial and viral communities, which may contribute to the onset of NEC. The intricate interactions among toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), microvascular integrity, immune activation, and the inflammatory milieu are meticulously summarized, offering a sophisticated understanding of NEC pathophysiology. This academic review aims to enhance the etiological comprehension of NEC, promote the development of targeted therapeutic interventions, and impart the significant impact of perinatal factors on the formulation of preventive and curative strategies for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deshuang Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Ministry of Education), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Division of Neonatology/Pediatric Surgery, Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Dongke Xie
- Division of Neonatology/Pediatric Surgery, Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yi Qu
- Department of Pediatrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Ministry of Education), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dezhi Mu
- Department of Pediatrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Ministry of Education), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shaopu Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Ministry of Education), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Blum L, Vincent D, Boettcher M, Knopf J. Immunological aspects of necrotizing enterocolitis models: a review. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1434281. [PMID: 39104529 PMCID: PMC11298363 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1434281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most devasting diseases affecting preterm neonates. However, despite a lot of research, NEC's pathogenesis remains unclear. It is known that the pathogenesis is a multifactorial process, including (1) a pathological microbiome with abnormal bacterial colonization, (2) an immature immune system, (3) enteral feeding, (3) an impairment of microcirculation, and (4) possibly ischemia-reperfusion damage to the intestine. Overall, the immaturity of the mucosal barrier and the increased expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) within the intestinal epithelium result in an intestinal hyperinflammation reaction. Concurrently, a deficiency in counter-regulatory mediators can be seen. The sum of these processes can ultimately result in intestinal necrosis leading to very high mortality rates of the affected neonates. In the last decade no substantial advances in the treatment of NEC have been made. Thus, NEC animal models as well as in vitro models have been employed to better understand NEC's pathogenesis on a cellular and molecular level. This review will highlight the different models currently in use to study immunological aspects of NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jasmin Knopf
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Huertos Soto N, Gómez Cervantes JM, Fernández Aceñero MJ, Soto Beauregard MDC. Cannabidiol decreases histological intestinal injury in a neonatal experimental model of necrotizing enterocolitis. Lab Anim Res 2024; 40:26. [PMID: 38926744 PMCID: PMC11209976 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-024-00211-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe inflammatory bowel disease in neonates. Our group has developed an experimental model of NEC, with an effectiveness of 73%. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an innovative treatment for neonatal cerebral hypoxic-ischemic pathologies due to its neuroprotective effect, as a potent anti-inflammatory and reducing oxidative stress substance. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of CBD on intestinal lesions in an experimental model of NEC. RESULTS Mortality and intestinal histological damage was significantly lower in the CBD group compared to the rest (p<0.05), establishing CBD as a protective factor against the development of NEC (OR=0.0255; 95% CI=0.0015-0.4460). At IHQ level (TUNEL technique), a lower cell death rate was also observed in the CBD group compared to the VEH group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS In our experimental model, intraperitoneal CBD acts as a protective factor against NEC, resulting in less histological damage and a lower rate of intestinal cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Huertos Soto
- Physiopathology and neurological therapy of INA (NEURO-INA-IN). Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC). Community of Madrid's Youth Employment Program (PEJ-2021 AI/BMD 21347), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Gómez Cervantes
- Pediatric Surgery Department, San Carlos Clinical Hospital, 6th south, Profesor Martín Lagos, s/n, Madrid, 28040, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Jesús Fernández Aceñero
- Pathology Department, San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Del Carmen Soto Beauregard
- Pediatric Surgery Department, San Carlos Clinical Hospital, 6th south, Profesor Martín Lagos, s/n, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.
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Hu X, Liang H, Li F, Zhang R, Zhu Y, Zhu X, Xu Y. Necrotizing enterocolitis: current understanding of the prevention and management. Pediatr Surg Int 2024; 40:32. [PMID: 38196049 PMCID: PMC10776729 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-023-05619-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the diseases in neonates, with a high morbidity and mortality rate, especially in preterm infants. This review aimed to briefly introduce the latest epidemiology, susceptibility factors, and clinical diagnosis and presentation of NEC. We also organized new prevention strategies by risk factors according to different pathogeneses and then discussed new treatment methods based on Bell's staging and complications, and the classification of mild to high severity based on clinical and imaging manifestations. Such a generalization will help clinicians and researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the disease and to conduct more targeted classification, grading prevention, and exploration. We focused on prevention and treatment of the early and suspected stages of NEC, including the discovery of novel biomarkers and drugs to control disease progression. At the same time, we discussed its clinical application, future development, and shortcomings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Hu
- Institute of Pediatric, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, 92 Zhong Nan Street, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, 92 Zhong Nan Street, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hansi Liang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Tumor Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Institute of Pediatric, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, 92 Zhong Nan Street, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yanbo Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xueping Zhu
- Institute of Pediatric, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, 92 Zhong Nan Street, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, 92 Zhong Nan Street, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Yunyun Xu
- Institute of Pediatric, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, 92 Zhong Nan Street, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Wei J, Meng Z, Li Z, Dang D, Wu H. New insights into intestinal macrophages in necrotizing enterocolitis: the multi-functional role and promising therapeutic application. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1261010. [PMID: 37841247 PMCID: PMC10568316 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1261010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammatory intestinal disease that profoundly affects preterm infants. Currently, the pathogenesis of NEC remains controversial, resulting in limited treatment strategies. The preterm infants are thought to be susceptible to gut inflammatory disorders because of their immature immune system. In early life, intestinal macrophages (IMφs), crucial components of innate immunity, demonstrate functional plasticity and diversity in intestinal development, resistance to pathogens, maintenance of the intestinal barrier, and regulation of gut microbiota. When the stimulations of environmental, dietary, and bacterial factors interrupt the homeostatic processes of IMφs, they will lead to intestinal disease, such as NEC. This review focuses on the IMφs related pathogenesis in NEC, discusses the multi-functional roles and relevant molecular mechanisms of IMφs in preterm infants, and explores promising therapeutic application for NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Wei
- Department of Neonatology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhaoli Meng
- Department of Translational Medicine Research Institute, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Department of Neonatology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dan Dang
- Department of Neonatology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hui Wu
- Department of Neonatology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Won MM, Mladenov GD, Raymond SL, Khan FA, Radulescu A. What animal model should I use to study necrotizing enterocolitis? Semin Pediatr Surg 2023; 32:151313. [PMID: 37276781 DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2023.151313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Unfortunately, we are all too familiar with the statement: "Necrotizing enterocolitis remains the leading cause of gastrointestinal surgical emergency in preterm neonates". It's been five decades since the first animal models of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) were described. There remains much investigative work to be done on identifying various aspects of NEC, ranging from the underlying mechanisms to treatment modalities. Experimental NEC is mainly focused on a rat, mouse, and piglet models. Our aim is to not only highlight the pros and cons of these three main models, but to also present some of the less-used animal models that have contributed to the body of knowledge about NEC. Choosing an appropriate model is essential to conducting effective research and answering the questions asked. As such, this paper reviews some of the variations that come with each model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell M Won
- School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Georgi D Mladenov
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Steven L Raymond
- School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA; Division of Pediatric Surgery, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Faraz A Khan
- School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA; Division of Pediatric Surgery, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Andrei Radulescu
- School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA; Division of Pediatric Surgery, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
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Green EA, Garrick SP, Peterson B, Berger PJ, Galinsky R, Hunt RW, Cho SX, Bourke JE, Nold MF, Nold-Petry CA. The Role of the Interleukin-1 Family in Complications of Prematurity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2795. [PMID: 36769133 PMCID: PMC9918069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth is a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Complications of prematurity such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD, affecting the lung), pulmonary hypertension associated with BPD (BPD-PH, heart), white matter injury (WMI, brain), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP, eyes), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC, gut) and sepsis are among the major causes of long-term morbidity in infants born prematurely. Though the origins are multifactorial, inflammation and in particular the imbalance of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators is now recognized as a key driver of the pathophysiology underlying these illnesses. Here, we review the involvement of the interleukin (IL)-1 family in perinatal inflammation and its clinical implications, with a focus on the potential of these cytokines as therapeutic targets for the development of safe and effective treatments for early life inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elys A. Green
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Steven P. Garrick
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Briana Peterson
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Philip J. Berger
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Robert Galinsky
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Rod W. Hunt
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Steven X. Cho
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Jane E. Bourke
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Marcel F. Nold
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Claudia A. Nold-Petry
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
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