TLR-4 protein levels in both brain and ileum were significantly increased in NEC offspring as compared to control (brain 2.5 ± 0.6 vs. 0.88 ± 0.12 U; ileum 0.24 ± 0.04 vs. 0.09 ± 0.02 U, respectively, p < 0.05). This evidence concerns the gene TLR4 and necrotizing enterocolitis.