title: IUGR does not predispose to necrotizing enterocolitis or compromise postnatal intestinal adaptation in preterm pigs.
abstract: IUGR and preterm birth are leading causes of neonatal morbidity. We tested the hypothesis that IUGR predisposes to gut maladaption and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) using preterm pigs as models for preterm infants. First, full-term normal birth weight (NW) and IUGR ( approximately 65% of NW) pigs were compared. IUGR reduced intestinal weight per length, proportion mucosa, villous area, and sucrase activity at 2 d after birth (p < 0.05) but did not change relative organ weights. Next, groups of preterm pigs were fed formula or colostrum, starting at birth or after 2-3 d of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Neonatal mortality (not related to NEC) was increased in IUGR versus NW preterm pigs (28 vs 10%, p < 0.01). NEC incidence was similar between IUGR and NW but higher after formula than colostrum feeding (46 vs 12%, p < 0.01) and higher after TPN than without TPN (61 vs 34% for formula pigs, p < 0.01). After feeding, relative intestinal mass and length were higher in IUGR versus NW pigs (+25-80%, p < 0.05) while brush border enzyme activities were similar. An enhanced gut trophic response to enteral feeding may help to improve postnatal intestinal adaptation and NEC resistance in preterm IUGR newborns.
  
  
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authors.affiliation: Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, 625014, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Lianqiang
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Che
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Thymann
authors.forename: Stine B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Bering
authors.forename: Isabelle
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: LE Huërou-Luron
authors.forename: Romain
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: D'inca
authors.forename: Keying
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Per T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Sangild
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D020345:Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation; D007422:Intestines / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009929:Organ Size; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth; D013552:Swine