The role of intestinal alkaline phosphatase in the development of necrotizing enterocolitis

Raquel Dos Santos Martins*, Elisabeth M. W. Kooi, Klaas Poelstra, Jan B. F. Hulscher

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)
75 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating neonatal disease that affects neonates worldwide and often leads to high morbidity and mortality rates. Despite extensive research, the cause of NEC remains unclear, and current treatment options are limited. An important novel finding is the potential role of intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase (IAP) in both pathogenesis and treatment of NEC. IAP can play a vital role in detoxifying liposaccharides (LPS), a key mediator of many pathological processes, thereby reducing the inflammatory response associated with NEC. Furthermore, IAP can help prevent dysbiosis, improve intestinal perfusion, and promote autophagy. In this comprehensive review, we present evidence of the possible connection between IAP and the LPS/Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway, impaired gut immunity, and dysbiosis in the preterm gut. Based on these findings, the administration of exogenous IAP might provide promising preventive and therapeutic avenues for the management of NEC.

Original languageEnglish
Article number105797
Number of pages8
JournalEarly Human Development
Volume183
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug-2023

Keywords

  • Intestinal alkaline phosphatase
  • Liposaccharides
  • Necrotizing enterocolitis
  • Prematurity
  • Toll-like receptor 4

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