In addition, HMO administration normalizes the number of goblet cells in the intestinal villi (mucin 2 (Muc2) positive cells) that is decreased by NEC protocol exposure [38,86] and tended to increase the mRNA expression of Muc2 and trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) in NEC protocol exposed mice [38]. This evidence concerns the gene MUC2 and necrotizing enterocolitis.