In addition, compared to breastfed control, the brain of NEC pups had increased levels of BiP (p = 0.001; p = 0.03) and CHOP (p < 0.0001; p = 0.02) gene and protein expression, respectively (Fig. 2c, d Additional file 2: Figure S2E). The gene discussed is DDIT3; the disease is necrotizing enterocolitis.