Fig. 4.

A–L: gene expression profile of genes of arginine metabolism in the distal ileum of piglets after exposure to the necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) protocol. The relative expression of genes are grouped by gestational age and presented as mean ± 95% confidence interval. *Statistical difference between groups (P < 0.05). A: phosphate-dependent glutaminase (PDG). B: pyrroline 5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS). C: proline oxidase (POX). D: carbamoyl phosphate synthetase (CPS). E: ornithine aminotransferase (OAT). F: ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC). G: argininosuccinate synthase (ASS). H: argininosuccinate lyase (ASL). I: arginase (Arg) 1. J: Arg2. K: endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). L: inducible NOS (iNOS). Data analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn’s multiple comparison test. NS, not significant.