Caffeine citrate improves gastrointestinal permeability in newborn rats
What is it about?
Caffeine is a potent central and respiratory acting agent used in neonatology to treat apnea in premature newborns (AOP). Caffeine citrate administration affects the majority of body systems, including cardiovascular, central nervous system, metabolic, renal and respiratory. These systems in turn affect specific functions that disrupt the homeostasis of our body. However, little is known about the effect of caffeine on the development of gastrointestinal function in newborns.
Why is it important?
The main objective of this study was to examine the consequences of neonatal caffeine treatment similar to that used in clinic (12 mg/kg/day) from birth to the 60th day of life, on gastrointestinal function. By targeting intestinal homeostasis, which groups the complex interactions between the intestinal microbiota, the structure and effective function of the gastrointestinal barrier, and the intestinal immune system. These components are linked by several complex mechanisms and pathways, however, being able to identify some key components of gastro-functionalGut provides an opportunity to evaluate potential biomarkers that can help us measure the functionality of the gastrointestinal system.