TGF-β2, EGF and FGF21 influence the suckling rat intestinal maturation

Some of the growth factors present in breast milk, such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), play important roles in the development of the intestinal tract. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a supplementat...

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Autores: Grases Pintó, Blanca, Torres-Castro, Paulina, Abril Gil, Maria del Mar, Castell, Margarida, Rodríguez Lagunas, María José, Pérez-Cano, Francisco J., Franch, Aina
Formato: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Recursos:Varias* (Consorci de Biblioteques Universitáries de Catalunya, Centre de Serveis Científics i Acadèmics de Catalunya)
Repositorio:Recercat. Dipósit de la Recerca de Catalunya
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:recercat____::b0af631c5fc3e86397f78299939b2c2f
Acesso em linha:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/229283
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palavra-chave:Llet materna
Factors de creixement
Absorció intestinal
Limfòcits
Breast milk
Growth factors
Intestinal absorption
Lymphocytes
Descrição
Resumo:Some of the growth factors present in breast milk, such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), play important roles in the development of the intestinal tract. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a supplementation with TGF-β2, EGF and FGF21 on suckling rats intestinal maturation. For this purpose, Wistar rats were supplemented daily with TGF-β2, EGF or FGF21 throughout the suckling period. We evaluated the functionality of the intestinal epithelial barrier through an in vivo dextran permeability assay, and by a histomorphometric and immunohistochemical study. In addition, the intestinal gene expression of tight junction-associated proteins, mucins, toll-like receptors, and maturation markers was analyzed. Moreover, the intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) phenotypical composition was established. During the suckling period, the supplementation with TGF-β2, EGF and FGF21 showed important signs of intestinal maturation. These results suggest that these molecules, present in breast milk, play a modulatory role in the maturation of the intestinal barrier function and the IEL composition during the suckling period. Keywords: Breast milk; Growth factors; Intestinal barrier function; Intestinal immunity; Intraepithelial lymphocytes; Neonatal rats.