On the horizon: trophic peptide growth factors as therapy for neonatal short bowel syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) occurs more commonly in human neonates than in adults. There are currently no approved therapeutic agents aimed directly at stimulating intestinal adaptation in this population.

AREAS COVERED: A brief review of SBS and intestinal adaptation is first presented. We then present candidate peptide growth factors that are suggested to augment intestinal adaptation in SBS, with a particular focus on glucagon-like peptide-2, as well as insulin-like growth factor-1 and epidermal growth factor. The normal physiology of these peptides and our understanding of their roles in intestinal adaptation are discussed. We further consider the roles of these peptides in the ontogeny of the gastrointestinal tract and we present the limited preclinical data on the effects of administering these peptides in neonatal SBS.

EXPERT OPINION: The clinical translation of trophic peptide therapies in neonatal SBS will require several challenges to be overcome. The optimal dose, timing and route of administration for the likely peptide, or combination of peptides, to be administered will be paramount. Despite their cost to patient care, trophic peptides have shown promise in preclinical models of neonatal SBS and may be especially beneficial for neonates that lack remnant ileum and suffer from irreversible intestinal failure.