Epigenetic modification of SIGIRR genes ın necrotizing enterocolitis and a prognostic model of peritonitis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15574/SP.2025.7(151).5761Keywords:
preterm, necrotizing enterocolitis, peritonitis, SIGIRR gene, epigenetic modificationAbstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a non-inflammatory disease caused by infectious factors against a background of immature innate defense mechanisms and hypoxic-ischemic injury of the intestinal mucosa.
Aim - to investigate the relationship between epigenetic alterations in the SIGIRR gene profile and the development of peritonitis in complicated cases of NEC.
Materials and methods. A total of 44 preterm infants diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis were included in the study. The results from 8 practically healthy preterm infants were used as a control group. Epigenetic changes caused by the methylation of 36 gene loci of the SIGIRR gene were examined in the blood samples of the infants. A comparative analysis of the SIGIRR gene profile changes was performed between 10 newborns with NEC who developed peritonitis and 42 newborns without peritonitis (34 with NEC and 8 practically healthy).
Results. The most significant changes were observed in loci %C35, %C58, and %C292. The Spearman correlation coefficients (ρ) for %C35 and %C58 were positive (0.319 and 0.332, respectively), indicating a potential direct association between variations in the SIGIRR gene and the development of peritonitis (p<0.05). The methylation of loci %C35 and %C58 of the SIGIRR gene was found to be a valuable biomarker for identifying infants with NEC who are at risk of developing peritonitis.
Conclusion. In preterm infants with SIGIRR gene modifications, early antibiotic therapy guided by clinical signs such as abdominal distension and feeding intolerance, along with laboratory, bacteriological, and radiological monitoring, as well as timely surgical consultation and early surgical intervention, may reduce the incidence of sepsis, peritonitis, and neonatal mortality.
The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by the institution’s local ethics committee. The informed consent was obtained from patients.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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