In our study, the observed increase in neurite outgrowth and branching of neurites induced by CSF from NEC-affected animals may therefore be a consequence of elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g.,VEGF [45], MMP-8 [43], CINC-3 [65] (called CXCL2 in humans) and INF-γ [42]). This evidence concerns the gene MMP8 and necrotizing enterocolitis.