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Alpha 1 antitrypsin phenotypes and alcoholic pancreatitis
P S Haber1, J S Wilson, B H McGarity
1Department of Gastroenterology, Prince Henry Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
Gut
|August 1, 1991
Summary
This study found no evidence of inherited susceptibility to alcoholic pancreatitis. Alpha 1 antitrypsin phenotypes did not differ between patients with alcoholic pancreatitis and controls, suggesting genetic factors are not a primary cause.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Gastroenterology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Altered alpha 1 antitrypsin (AAT) phenotypes are linked to chronic pancreatitis.
- This suggests a potential genetic basis for susceptibility to pancreatitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alpha 1 antitrypsin (AAT) phenotypes in alcoholic pancreatitis.
- To determine if AAT phenotypes indicate inherited susceptibility to alcoholic pancreatitis.
Main Methods:
- Compared AAT phenotypes in alcoholic pancreatitis patients versus alcoholic controls without pancreatitis.
- Measured serum AAT concentrations in patients during and after acute pancreatitis attacks.
Main Results:
- Serum AAT concentrations were elevated in pancreatitis patients shortly after an acute attack.
- No significant differences in AAT phenotypes were observed between alcoholic pancreatitis patients and controls.
- AAT levels were similar to controls in patients sampled beyond one month post-attack.
Conclusions:
- The study found no evidence supporting an inherited susceptibility to alcoholic pancreatitis based on AAT phenotypes.
- Genetic factors related to alpha 1 antitrypsin do not appear to be a primary determinant of alcoholic pancreatitis risk.
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