Scattered Crypt Intestinal Epithelial Cell Apoptosis Induces Necrotizing Enterocolitis Via Intricate Mechanisms.

Background & Aims: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening disease affecting mostly the ileum of preemies. Intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) apoptosis contributes to NEC pathogenesis. However, how scattered crypt IEC apoptosis leads to NEC with excessive villus epithelial necrosis remains unclear.