Table 3.
Theoretical mechanisms of currently explored feeding strategies to prevent neonatal LOS
| Explored strategy | Theoretical mechanisms |
|---|---|
| Probiotics37 41 | ↑ the intestinal mucosal barrier to prevent the translocation of bacteria |
| Competitive exclusion of potential pathogens | |
| Produce bacteriocins that kill pathogens | |
| ↑ immunoglobulin A mucosal responses | |
| Modulation of host immune reactions to microbial products | |
| ↑ enteral nutrition and gut maturation | |
| Early enteral trophic feeding44 46 | Prevent the atrophy of gastrointestinal mucosa |
| ↑ the establishment of healthy gut microflora | |
| ↓ the use of parenteral nutrition by facilitating full enteral feeding | |
| ↑ gut mucosal immunity | |
| Lactoferrin28 38 | Antimicrobial effect by iron chelation |
| Immunomodulatory function through cytokine production | |
| ↑ the growth of probiotic bacteria | |
| ↑ the growth and differentiation of enterocytes | |
| ↓ the formation of reactive oxygen species |
LOS, late-onset sepsis.