Epidermal growth factor as a reliable marker of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is essential for epithelial cell proliferation, decreases inflammatory mediator expression, and reduces epithelial apoptosis [3]. In this prospective study, the mean serum EGF levels were significantly lower in the NEC group than in the sepsis or control groups, and there was a significant negative association between EGF levels and gestational age as predictors of NEC development. Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor and enteric neural stem cell transplantation in the prevention of experimental necrotizing enterocolitis in mice.