Impact of Necrotizing Enterocolitis on the Barrier Properties of Intestinal Mucus

摘要

Introduction: Mucus functions as a protective layer to selectively control transport to the underlying epithelia. Different disease states have been associated with changes in mucus production, quantity, and composition, which may lead to altered barrier properties and pathogen invasion. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease occurring primarily in preterm and low birth weight infants. NEC involves infection of intestinal epithelium and is associated with 15-30% mortality [1]. Multiple causes for NEC are currently being investigated, including different infective agents and changes in microbiome, innate immunity, and epithelial barrier properties; however, the changes in the mucosal barrier are not well understood. We hypothesize that the barrier properties of the mucus lining the GI tract are altered in NEC. If this hypothesis is correct, it may be possible to modulate mucus barrier properties to protect preterm infants against invading microbes and development of NEC.