Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor improves intestinal barrier function and reduces mortality in a murine model of peritonitis

Abstract

Background: The morbidity and mortality associated with bacterial peritonitis remain high. Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is a potent intestinal cytoprotective agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HB-EGF in a model of murine peritonitis. Methods: HB-EGF(-/-) knockout (KO) mice and their HB-EGF(+/+) wild-type (WT) counterparts were subjected to sham operation, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), or CLP with HB-EGF treatment (800 μg/kg IP daily). Villous length, intestinal permeability, intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) apoptosis, bacterial load in peritoneal fluid (PF) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), inflammatory cytokine levels, and survival were determined. Results: After exposure to CLP, HB-EGF KO mice had significantly shorter villi (1.37 ± 0.13 vs 1.96 ± 0.4 relative units; P