EGF and necrotizing enterocolitis: Various studies have shown that the activation of TLR4 induced-inflammation inhibits IEC proliferation, reduces intestinal microcirculation, and promotes the occurrence and progression of NEC [148, 149], however, other studies have reported that epidermal growth factor in breast milk inhibits TLR4 signaling, protects IECs from apoptosis, promote intestinal cell proliferation, and inhibit the occurrence of NEC [150].