Here, we detected the expression of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, and pro and mature IL-1β (17kD, active form of IL-1β) in intestinal tissue by western blot, and the results showed that the expression levels of proteins mentioned above all significantly increased in NEC group compared to the control group (Fig. 1c). This evidence concerns the gene NLRP3 and necrotizing enterocolitis.