Abstract:

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common gastrointestinal problem in premature infants. The aim of this study is to evaluate the protective and antioxidant effects of silymarin (SLY) in newborn rats with NEC model. Twenty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were included in the study. The rats were randomized into four groups: control (C), C+SLY, NEC and NEC+SLY. NEC was induced by hyperosmolar enteral formula feeding, and the pups were exposed to hypoxia and cold stress. Macroscopic scoring of the intestinal tissue was evaluated and tissue samples were obtained for biochemical, histopathological examination. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels were biochemically evaluated. Results: In the NEC + SLY group, there was a considerable rise in tissue TAS (p = 0.007), SOD (p = 0.004) and GPx levels, as well as a decrease in NO levels. Significantly higher tissue MDA, TOS (p = 0.001) and OSI (p = 0.001) values were detected in the NEC group. The intestinal tissue of rats in the NEC + SLY group had better histopathology than rats in the NEC group when evaluated. Silymarin has beneficial effects against NEC in neonatal rat. It appears that SLY reduces free radical levels and oxidative stress, increases antioxidant capacity, and ameliorates the severity of intestinal damage due to NEC

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