Influence of Growth Factors on the Development of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Abstract

Growth factors have important roles in gastrointestinal tract development, maintenance, and response to injury. Various experiments have been used to demonstrate growth factor influence in multiple disease processes. These studies demonstrated enhancement of mucosal proliferation, intestinal motility, immune modulation, and many other beneficial effects. Select growth factors, including epidermal growth factor and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor like growth factor, demonstrate some beneficial effects in experimental and clinical intestinal injury demonstrated in necrotizing enterocolitis. The roles of glucagon-like peptide 2, insulin-like growth factor 1, erythropoietin, growth hormone, and hepatocyte growth factor in necrotizing enterocolitis are summarized in this article.

Keywords: Growth factors; Intestinal injury; Necrotizing enterocolitis.

Figure 1.

Growth factors contribute to the development, maintenance, and repair of the small intestine. Research has led to the discovery of their roles in mucosal proliferation, enhancing motility, immune modulation, enhanced blood flow, decreased apoptosis, enhanced nutrient absorption, enhanced barrier function, and enteric nervous system protection. The growth factors above are listed according to their proposed general mechanisms. EGF, epidermal growth factor; EPO, erythropoietin; G-CSF, granulocyte colony stimulating factor; GH, growth hormone; GLP-2, glucagon-like peptide 2; HB-EGF, heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor; HGF, hepatocyte growth factor; IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor-1; ITF, intestinal trefoil factor; KGF, keratinocyte growth factor.