Karatepe HO, Kilincaslan H, Berber M, Ozen A, Saricoban HE, Ustek D, Kemik AS, Adas M, Bakar F. The effect of vascular endothelial growth factor overexpression in experimental necrotizing enterocolitis.
Pediatr Surg Int 2014;
30:327-32. [PMID:
24380924 DOI:
10.1007/s00383-013-3460-z]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition, predominantly observed in premature infants. We used an experimental NEC model to investigate the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) cloned into a plasmid.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty-four newborn Wistar albino rats were randomized equally into three groups as follows: control, NEC and NEC+VEGF. NEC was induced by hyperosmolar enteral formula feeding, exposure to hypoxia/reoxygenation and cold stress. In the NEC+VEGF group, VEGF (1 μg) incorporated into plasmid (2 μg) was administered subcutaneously once daily for a total of 3 days starting on the first day of the NEC procedure. All rats were sacrificed on the 4th day of life, and the specimens were harvested for histopathological and biochemical examinations [including tissue oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and nitric oxide), inflammation (myeloperoxidase, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha) and apoptosis (caspase-3 activity) parameters].
RESULTS
In the NEC+VEGF group, tissue malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha levels and caspase-3 activity were significantly decreased. In addition, the myeloperoxidase level was increased compared to that of the NEC group (p < 0.05). Histopathologically, VEGF overexpression enhanced angiogenesis, alleviated villous atrophy and tissue edema (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
VEGF overexpression with plasmids seems to be a promising approach in the management of NEC.
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