LCN2 and necrotizing enterocolitis: NEC Biomarkers and Early Detection. Efforts are being made to identify biomarkers that predict NEC development, including microbial signatures (via 16S or metagenomic sequencing), cytokines (e.g., IL-6, IL-8, LCN2), metabolites (e.g., bile acids, Short Chain Fatty Acids), and DNA methylation patterns.