Murine genotype impacts pancreatitis severity and systemic inflammation: An experimental study

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Immunology
• Genetics

Background:

• The role of host response in acute pancreatitis pathogenesis remains poorly understood.
• Investigating genetic variations in host response is essential for understanding disease heterogeneity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of different mouse genetic strains on the severity and systemic inflammatory response in a murine model of acute pancreatitis.
• To identify specific genetic factors influencing pancreatitis outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Nine distinct mouse strains were utilized, with sterile necrotizing pancreatitis induced via taurocholate injection into the common bile duct.
• Clinical parameters, serum enzymes (lipase, amylase), histology, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and serum IL-6 levels were assessed 24 hours post-induction.

Main Results:

• Histological analysis revealed significantly higher pancreatitis scores in taurocholate-treated mice across all strains compared to controls.
• Serum lipase and amylase levels were elevated in all treated strains, with NOD/SHILT and AKR/J mice exhibiting the highest enzyme activity.
• Notably, interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels did not increase in C57BL/6J, C3H/HeJ, and 129S1/SvlmJ strains, indicating strain-specific inflammatory responses.

Conclusions:

• Host genetic background significantly impacts pancreatitis severity and systemic inflammation in a murine taurocholate-induced model.
• Observed strain-specific differences in pancreatitis response may offer insights into the variability of post-ERCP pancreatitis in humans.