Advancing Clinical and Pathophysiological Insights into Pancreatitis Using Lipidomics and Metabolomics.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Gastroenterology
• Metabolomics

Background:

• Acute pancreatitis (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) are distinct inflammatory pancreatic diseases with significant morbidity and mortality.
• While sharing some pathophysiological features, CP typically results from sustained injury rather than a linear progression from AP.
• Understanding the complex roles of lipids and metabolites in pancreatitis pathophysiology is crucial but remains incomplete.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review lipidomic and metabolomic workflows for studying pancreatitis.
• To highlight clinical studies employing these techniques to identify altered metabolites and lipids in pancreatitis.
• To discuss the association of these molecular changes with disease state and progression.

Main Methods:

• Summarizing lipidomic and metabolomic analytical strategies and workflow designs.
• Reviewing existing clinical studies that have applied these omics approaches to pancreatitis.
• Identifying altered or dysregulated lipids and metabolites associated with pancreatitis.

Main Results:

• Lipidomics and metabolomics provide valuable insights into pancreatitis pathophysiology.
• Challenges in human sample availability and analytical detection limit comprehensive understanding.
• Specific lipids and metabolites have been associated with pancreatitis states and progression.

Conclusions:

• Lipidomic and metabolomic approaches are powerful tools for unraveling pancreatitis mechanisms.
• Overcoming technical and sample limitations is key to advancing research in this field.
• Further investigation is warranted to fully define the roles of lipids and metabolites in pancreatitis progression and identify potential biomarkers.