Genes regulating tight junctions and cell adhesion are altered in early experimental necrotizing enterocolitis

Background/purposeNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) represents one of the gravest complications in preterm infants and carries significant morbidity and mortality. Increased intestinal permeability may play an important role in the pathogenesis of NEC. In this study we investigated the genes regulating structural proteins such as tight junctions (TJ) and cell adhesion in a neonatal rat model of early NEC.MethodsThe studies were performed on Sprague-Dawley rat pups. Experimental NEC was induced using hypoxia/re-oxygenation treatment on day 1 after birth. Intestinal specimens from the ileum were obtained, mRNA was purified, and the transcriptome was analyzed using microarray.ResultsWe found several TJ genes such as claudins 1, 8, 14, 15, and gap junction protein to be affected. Alterations in genes involved in the inflammatory response was confirmed, along with several genes regulating proteins used as biomarkers for NEC.ConclusionThis study indicates that tight junctions and cell adhesion may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of early experimental NEC. Better understanding of the pathogenesis of NEC may lead to novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of NEC.