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Heightened free radical activity in pancreatitis
P M Guyan1, S Uden, J M Braganza
1Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Infirmary, Manchester, U.K.
Free Radical Biology & Medicine
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Pancreatitis patients show elevated markers of lipid oxidation, indicating heightened free radical activity in the liver and pancreas. Antioxidant therapy may help manage pancreatitis and its chronic pain.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gastroenterology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Pancreatitis is associated with oxidative stress.
- Lipid peroxidation and isomerization are key pathways in cellular damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess markers of lipid oxidation in pancreatitis patients.
- To investigate the role of free radicals in acute (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP).
Main Methods:
- Measured 9 cis, 11 trans linoleic acid isomer, conjugated dienes, and ultraviolet fluorescence products in duodenal juice.
- Analyzed serum % molar ratio of the isomer to linoleic acid.
Main Results:
- All lipid oxidation markers were significantly higher in pancreatitis patients compared to controls.
- The linoleic acid isomer best discriminated between patients and controls.
- Ultraviolet fluorescence products were higher in CP than AP patients.
- CP patients exhibited the highest serum isomer levels.
Conclusions:
- Pancreatitis involves heightened hepatic free radical activity, preceding and persisting after attacks.
- CP is characterized by a greater degree of abnormality than AP.
- Reduced antioxidants and induced cytochromes P450 likely contribute to increased free radical activity.
- Antioxidant combinations may prevent pancreatitis attacks and manage chronic pain.