Abstract
BackgroundEnvironmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is thought to occur from persistent intestinal inflammation. Studies also revealed the association of lipocalin-2 (LCN2) and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) with intestinal inflammation. Therefore, we intended to explore the relationship of LCN2 and LRP1 with gut inflammation and biomarkers of EED in Bangladeshi malnourished children.MethodsA total of 222 children (length-for-age z-score (LAZ) <-1) aged 12–18 months were enrolled in this study in a cross-sectional manner. Among the participants, 115 were stunted (LAZ <-2) and 107 were at risk of being stunted (LAZ −1 to −2) children. Plasma and faecal biomarkers were measured using ELISA. Spearman’s rank correlation was done to see the correlation among LCN2, LRP1 and biological biomarkers.ResultsLCN2 correlates positively with myeloperoxidase (r=0.19, p=0.005), neopterin (r=0.20, p=0.004), calprotectin (r=0.3, p=0.0001), Reg1B (r=0.20, p=0.003) and EED score (r=0.20, p=0.003). Whereas, LRP1 correlates negatively with myeloperoxidase (r = −0.18, p=0.006), neopterin (r = −0.30, p=0.0001), alpha-1-antitrypsin (r = −0.18, p=0.006), Reg1B (r=−0.2, p=0.003) and EED score (r = −0.29, p=0.0001).ConclusionsOur findings imply that LCN2 might be a promising biomarker to predict gut inflammation and EED. Whereas, increased level of LRP1 may contribute to alleviating intestinal inflammation.
Funder
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Subject
Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health