Evaluation of the expression of I-FABP and L-FABP in a necrotizing enterocolitis model after the use of Lactobacillus acidophilus

• Published in: Journal of pediatric surgery Vol. 50; no. 4; pp. 543 - 549
• Main Authors: Gonçalves, Frances Lilian Lanhellas, Soares, Lucas Manoel Mangueira, Figueira, Rebeca Lopes, Simões, Ana Leda Bertoncini, Gallindo, Rodrigo Melo, Sbragia, Lourenço
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.04.2015
• Subjects: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Biomarkers - metabolism; Blotting, Western; Disease Models, Animal; Enterocolitis necrotizing; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing - metabolism; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing - therapy; Fatty acid-binding proteins; Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins - biosynthesis; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Lactobacillus acidophilus; Male; Pediatrics; Probiotics; Probiotics - therapeutic use; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Surgery; Rats; Probiotics; Fatty acid-binding proteins; Enterocolitis necrotizing
• ISSN: 0022-3468; 1531-5037
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2014.07.007

Abstract Background/purpose Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal disease that primarily affects premature babies, leading to high mortality and morbidity. Probiotics represent an important alternative prophylaxis for NEC but its mechanism of action is poorly understood. Moreover, intestinal and liver-type fatty acid-binding proteins (I-FABP and L-FABP) may be utilized because markers of intestinal injury, including NEC. We aimed to evaluate the protection induced by the Lactobacillus acidophilus on the intestines of newborn rats submitted to experimental NEC using I-FABP and L-FABP as biomarkers. Methods Sprague–Dawley newborn rats were divided into three groups: (1) C (control)—breast-fed; (2) NEC—subjected to NEC protocol and (3) NECP—NEC + probiotic. Morphometric, intestinal lesion, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting analysis were performed. Statistical significant differences were considered when p < 0.05. Results Intestinal weight was lower in NEC and NECP compared to C ( p < 0.05). Intestinal injury was lower in NECP compared to NEC. Prophylactic probiotic recovered mucosa and muscular layers' thickness to C levels ( p < 0.05). I-FABP and L-FABP expressions in NECP showed intermediate values between C and NEC. Conclusion L. acidophilus had a protective effect on the development of NEC and FABPs could demonstrate the degree of tissular damage of the intestine.