Even though the gestational ages between both groups (preterm infants versus infants with PDA/CHD) were slightly different (31.1 versus 36.5 weeks), this cannot explain the differences in DMBT1 expression as shown in our previous study, as upregulation of DMBT1 is independent from gestational age and only the basal level of intestinal DMBT1 expression depends on immaturity [17]. This evidence concerns the gene DMBT1 and coronary artery disorder.