Scand J Gastroenterol. 2009;44(6):661-3. doi: 10.1080/00365520902718739.

Pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis: a comprehensive update and a look into the future.

Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology

Roland Andersson, Bobby Tingstedt, Jinglin Xia

PMID: 19199163 DOI: 10.1080/00365520902718739

Abstract

Chronic pancreatitis is a relatively frequent condition usually caused by alcoholic abuse but also due to recurrent gallstone disease, metabolic endocrine disorders and haemochromatosis, among others. Specific types such as hereditary and autoimmune pancreatitis should be particularly kept in mind and emphasized, as they require specific treatment and attention. The possibility to identify gene mutations has also increased and this is likely to decrease the overall total number of "idiopathic" chronic pancreatitis cases. Pancreatic stellate cells have been identified as potential key players in the progression of chronic pancreatitis and the development of fibrogenesis, which are activated either during repeated attacks of necro-inflammation or directly by toxic factors. The inhibition or modulation of pancreatic stellate cells could represent a way of potential intervention in patients with chronic pancreatitis in the future.

MeSH terms

• Humans
• Pancreatitis, Chronic / diagnosis
• Pancreatitis, Chronic / etiology
• Pancreatitis, Chronic / physiopathology

Publication Types

• Journal Article
• Review