Remote ischemic conditioning counteracts the intestinal damage of necrotizing enterocolitis by improving intestinal microcirculation
Open Access
- 2 October 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in Nature Communications
- Vol. 11 (1), 1-15
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-18750-9
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease of premature infants with high mortality rate, indicating the need for precision treatment. NEC is characterized by intestinal inflammation and ischemia, as well derangements in intestinal microcirculation. Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) has emerged as a promising tool in protecting distant organs against ischemia-induced damage. However, the effectiveness of RIC against NEC is unknown. To address this gap, we aimed to determine the efficacy and mechanism of action of RIC in experimental NEC. NEC was induced in mouse pups between postnatal day (P) 5 and 9. RIC was applied through intermittent occlusion of hind limb blood flow. RIC, when administered in the early stages of disease progression, decreases intestinal injury and prolongs survival. The mechanism of action of RIC involves increasing intestinal perfusion through vasodilation mediated by nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide. RIC is a viable and non-invasive treatment strategy for NEC.Keywords
Funding Information
- Hospital for Sick Children (Restracomp Fellowship, Restracomp Fellowship, Operational Funds, Robert M. Filler Chair of Surgery)
- Gouvernement du Canada | Canadian Institutes of Health Research (162208, Foundation Grant 353857)
- Gouvernement du Canada | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (500865)
- Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (G-17–0018613)
- DH | National Institute for Health Research
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