EVALUATING LACTOFERRIN AND CALPROTECTIN AS MARKERS OF INTESTINAL INFLAMMATION INCHRONIC PANCREATITIS

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Medicine
• Biomarker Research

Background:

• Chronic pancreatitis treatment often fails to resolve intestinal abnormalities, leading to persistent diarrhea.
• Diarrhea in these patients may stem from factors beyond pancreatic insufficiency, particularly intestinal inflammation.
• Altered bowel habits are common in chronic pancreatitis, suggesting underlying intestinal issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate fecal lactoferrin and calprotectin as indicators of intestinal inflammation in chronic pancreatitis patients with persistent diarrhea.
• To investigate the role of intestinal inflammation in unexplained diarrhea in chronic pancreatitis.

Main Methods:

• Assessed 23 male chronic pancreatitis patients with persistent diarrhea (Bristol stool scale 6-7).
• Measured fecal lactoferrin and calprotectin levels using immunoassay techniques.
• Evaluated clinical and nutritional status alongside biomarker assessment.

Main Results:

• All participants showed persistent diarrhea despite enzyme replacement therapy and alcohol abstinence.
• Elevated fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin levels were observed in all patients.
• These elevated levels indicate ongoing intestinal inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Intestinal inflammation, indicated by elevated fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin, likely contributes to persistent diarrhea in chronic pancreatitis.
• Fecal biomarkers can help identify intestinal inflammation as a cause of diarrhea in these patients.
• Recognizing intestinal inflammation is crucial for managing diarrhea in chronic pancreatitis.