CXCL1 and necrotizing enterocolitis: Furthermore, upregulation of CXCL1 and CXCR2 expression was detected in the intestinal and brain tissues of NEC, HIBI, and NEC + HIBI neonates, further indicating that CXCL1/CXCR2 may transmit inflammatory mediators through the gut-brain axis to influence brain injury.