Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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We have shown that administration of heparin-binding EGF (epidermal growth factor)-like growth factor (HB-EGF) protects the intestines from experimental necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We have also demonstrated that systemically administered mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can engraft into injured intestines. This study investigated the effects of HB-EGF on MSC in vitro, and whether MSC and HB-EGF can act synergistically to prevent NEC in vivo. ⋯ Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor and MSC act synergistically to reduce injury and improve survival in experimental NEC.