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Genetics of acute and chronic pancreatitis
Rawad Mounzer1, David C Whitcomb
1Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Departments of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
Acute pancreatitis, recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) and chronic pancreatitis are interrelated and progressive inflammatory disorders of the pancreas with highly variable and complex susceptibility, severity and outcomes. The role of genetics in acute pancreatitis, RAP and progression to chronic pancreatitis within a new framework is needed.
Recent Findings:
The first genome-wide association study in the pancreas has been published with genome-wide significance linked with noncoding variants at the PRSS1-PRSS2 locus on chromosome seven and the CLDN2 locus on the X chromosome. A new personalized medicine paradigm is being considered to facilitate organization of genetic and other susceptibility risk compared with the risk of disease progression or resolution and risk of complications.
Summary:
A new framework for organizing multiple, complex data sets is emerging. The role of genetics in the context of other variables is important in understanding susceptibility to RAP and in the modification of disease severity and progression to chronic pancreatitis. Questions of when to order testing, what to order and how to use the data in real time remains an area for future research and development.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology

