Western blot showed that the protein expression levels of ZO-1 (Fig. 5c, d, P < 0.001), Occludin (Fig. 5c, e, P < 0.01) and Claudin-1(Fig. 5c, f, P < 0.001) were reduced in the NEC group. This evidence concerns the gene TJP1 and necrotizing enterocolitis.