Figure 4.

Modulation of gene expression by EcN and EcoR12 EVs in the small intestine of neonatal rats. The expression of genes related with intestinal function including markers of the immune system, maturation, inflammation, and barrier integrity was assessed by RT-qPCR at two points of the experimental period: (A) day 8 and (B) day 16. The relative expression in the interventional groups (EcN EVs, light gray bars; EcoR12 EVs, dark gray bars) was calculated with respect to the control group, which was assigned 100% transcription (indicated by a dotted line). Results are expressed as mean ± SEM (n = 12/group). Statistical differences: * p < 0.05 compared to control, # p < 0.05 between interventions (by post hoc Dunn’s multiple comparison test). Abbreviations: TLR, Toll-like receptor; IGA, immunoglobulin A; CD68, cluster of differentiation 68; FcRn, neonatal constant fragment receptor; IL12, interleukin-12; COX-2, cyclooxygenase-2; MUC2, mucin 2; OCLN, occludin; ZO-1, zonula occludens-1.