Abstract
Hirschsprung‑associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is characterized by intestinal mucosal damage and an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota. Recent studies have indicated that the TLR4/p‑p38/NF‑κB signaling pathway in the intestine is of great importance to intestinal mucosal integrity. The present study aimed to investigate the role of TLR4/phosphorylated (p‑)38/NF‑κB signaling in the pathogenesis of HAEC in E. coli JM83‑infected endothelin receptor B (Ednrb)‑/‑ mice. Ednrb‑/‑ mice were infected with E. coli JM83 by oral gavage to establish the HAEC model. Wild‑type and Ednrb‑/‑ mice were randomly divided into uninfected and E. coli groups. The role of TLR4/p‑p38/NF‑κB signaling was further evaluated by in vivo and in vitro analyses. The activation of the TLR4/p‑p38/NF‑κB signaling pathway induced by E. coli JM83 resulted in HAEC in Ednrb‑/‑ mice, which was evidenced by a significant increase in the expression of TNF‑α, TGF‑β and IL‑10, and a decreased density of F‑actin protein expression. TLR4 knockdown reduced the severity of enterocolitis and attenuated the expression of IL‑10, TNF‑α and TGF‑β, whilst increasing the density of F‑actin protein in Ednrb‑/‑ mice after E. coli infection. These results indicated that E. coli JM83 activates TLR4/p‑p38/NF‑κB signaling in Ednrb‑/‑ to promote the development of HAEC. Thus, inhibition of this signaling pathway may benefit the treatment and prevention of HAEC.