Open AccessMedicineBiology
DOI: 10.2174/187152309789152020

tlooto Summary

The possible therapeutic potential of factors in human milk and probiotic bacteria is discussed and bacterial colonization patterns, intestinal barrier function, and inflammatory responses of immature enterocytes leading to a unique vulnerability of the preterm gut are discussed.

Abstract

Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis is a devastating inflammatory bowel disease of premature infants. The pathogenesis remains incompletely understood and there is no specific treatment. Efforts are ongoing to understand aspects of intestinal immaturity which contribute to susceptibility to this disease. This review focuses on bacterial colonization patterns, intestinal barrier function, and inflammatory responses of immature enterocytes leading to a unique vulnerability of the preterm gut. In addition the possible therapeutic potential of factors in human milk and probiotic bacteria is discussed.

Citation format

CLAUD, E. Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis –inflammation and intestinal immaturity. Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 2009, 8: 248–259.