The role of phospholipase A2 in acute pancreatitis

Several studies suggest that phospholipase A2 (PLA2) plays an important role in the pathology of acute pancreatitis. PLA2 is activated within the pancreas in experimental and human acute pancreatitis. Elevated catalytic activity of PLA2 in serum is associated especially with the severe forms of the disease. The pancreas seems not to be the only source of the enzyme entering the circulation in acute pancreatitis. The source of the non-pancreatic PLA2 may be various inflammatory cells, but this hypothesis remains to be proven. The results of the treatment of experimental acute pancreatitis with PLA2 inhibitors have been promising, but adequate human trials have not been conducted.