Necrotizing enterocolitis and hematopoietic cytokines

Although hematopoietic cytokines were first identified based on their effec ts in the hematopoietic or immunologic systems, they are now known to have important effects in other somatic systems. This article focuses on the eff ects of these cytokines on the gastrointestinal tract. As might be expected of factors largely defined by their effects on inflammatory cells, the hem atopoietic cytokines are intimately involved in the processes of bowel inju ry. Not all of their effects are inflammatory however with several factors having protective and even trophic effects in the bowel. Further investigat ions are needed to define the role of hematopoietic cytokines in the human neonates balance between local gastrointestinal host defense and bowel wall injury. This could lead to effective strategies for the treatment and prev ention of necrotizing enterocolitis.