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HLA antigens in chronic pancreatitis
A Forbes1, G Schwarz, R Mirakian
1Department of Gastroenterology, Middlesex Hospital, London, U.K.
Tissue Antigens
|October 1, 1987
Summary
This study investigated human leukocyte antigen (HLA) associations in chronic pancreatitis. Certain HLA types, particularly Cw5, were more frequent in alcohol-related chronic pancreatitis, suggesting a hereditary component.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Immunological and hereditary factors are implicated in chronic pancreatitis etiology.
- Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) associations are known for insulin-dependent diabetes but less understood for chronic pancreatitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association of HLA class I and II histocompatibility antigens with chronic pancreatitis.
- To explore potential hereditary and immunological contributions to chronic pancreatitis in British Caucasians.
Main Methods:
- Studied 50 British Caucasian patients with chronic pancreatitis (alcohol-related and idiopathic).
- Excluded patients with insulin-dependent diabetes.
- Analyzed frequencies of HLA antigens and autoantibodies (including gastric parietal cell antibodies).
Main Results:
- Increased frequencies of HLA Cw5 and B44 were observed overall.
- Idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (ICP) showed increased HLA A25 and Cw1, and decreased B7.
- Alcohol-related chronic pancreatitis had significantly higher frequencies of HLA Cw5, B44, and DR4, with Cw5 remaining significant after correction.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the hypothesis that hereditary and possibly immunological factors contribute to the etiology of chronic pancreatitis.
- Specific HLA associations, especially HLA Cw5 in alcohol-related disease, warrant further investigation.