Compared with the HIBI group, CXCL1 expression in the NEC + HIBI group was significantly upregulated at all time points (P < 0.05), while that of CXCR2 was significantly increased 3 (1.52 ± 0.17 vs. 1.21 ± 0.10), 12 (2.36 ± 0.34 vs. 1.43 ± 0.24) and 24 (2.30 ± 0.11 vs. 1.63 ± 0.31) h after hypoxic–ischemic induction (P < 0.05). Here, CXCR2 is linked to necrotizing enterocolitis.