Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026
Patient-derived Heterogeneous Xenograft Model of Pancreatic Cancer Using Zebrafish Larvae as Hosts for Comparative Drug Assessment
Published on: April 30, 2019
Exocrine pancreatic and enterocyte function in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer
J E Witvliet-van Nierop1, M A E de van der Schueren1, H J Scheffer2
1Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Background & Aims:
Exocrine pancreatic function is affected in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC), clinically leading to steatorrhea. It is unknown whether maldigestion and malabsorption can also be attributed to impaired intestinal enterocyte function. In this exploratory study enterocyte function was assessed in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer, treated with Irreversible Electroporation (IRE).
Methods:
Enterocyte function was studied by Citrulline Generation Test (CGT). Intestinal absorption capacity of energy and fat was calculated from the differences between nutritional intake (four-days diary) and quantified fecal losses energy and fat in three-days feces collection.
Results:
Twelve patients were included before IRE, and 5 patients had follow-up measurements. Fasted citrulline [CIT] and glutamine [GLU] levels were below reference levels of healthy subjects ([CIT] 38 ± 8 μmol/L; [GLU] 561 ± 77 μmol/L) both before ([CIT] 25 ± 9 μmol/L; [GLU] 65 ± 35 μmol/L) and after IRE ([CIT] 19 ± 9 μmol/L; [GLU] 53 ± 26 μmol/L) whereas CGT curves were normal, indicating normal enterocyte function (slope 0.21 ± 0.12 and 0.17 ± 0.07 μmol/L/min; [CIT] increment 63 ± 39 and 80 ± 44% respectively). Severe energy/fat malabsorption was present in 6 out of 12 patients with LAPC (mean loss 349 kcal/d, 13 g fat/d) before and in 4 out of 5 patients (mean loss 509 kcal/d, 32 g fat/d) after IRE respectively.
Conclusions:
Enterocyte function was generally within reference limits in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Severe malabsorption may be explained by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pancreatic Juice and Secretion
When acidic chyme from the stomach enters the duodenum, it triggers the release of secretin, a hormone that prompts pancreatic juice secretion. After a fatty meal, cholecystokinin, another hormone, stimulates gallbladder contraction and enhances enzyme-rich...
01:27Acute 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:
01:24Chronic 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...
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
02:22Overview of Advanced Functional Groups
Functional groups are groups of atoms with specific chemical properties that occur within organic molecules and are sometimes denoted as “R”. Functional groups can “functionalize” a compound by enabling it to adopt different physical and chemical properties.
Types of Advanced Functional Groups
The table below summarizes some of the major functional groups in organic chemistry.
01:30Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management