An overview of extrapancreatic factors in the pathogenesis of alcoholic pancreatitis.
Although alcohol is likely to have direct effects on the subcellular integrity of the pancreas, other factors arising outside the pancreas may modulate or potentiate alcohol-induced damage. Among these factors are the hepatic metabolism of ethanol to acetaldehyde (via isoenzymes of ADH), the hepatic production of free radicals, the release of G.I. hormones, pancreatic ischemia (and reperfusion injury), hyperlipemia, diet and smoking. This article summarises what is known about these extrapancreatic factors. It is suggested that the pathogenesis of alcoholic pancreatitis is multifactorial but that many studies in this field are difficult to interpret because of methodological problems, particularly with regard to inadequate controls.
Korsten
M A
MA
Alcohol Research Center, Bronx VA Medical Center, NY, USA.
Wilson
J S
JS
Haber
P S
PS
D000079:Acetaldehyde / Q000378:metabolism; D000426:Alcohol Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects; D000431:Ethanol / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000378:metabolism; D005768:Gastrointestinal Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D006680:HLA Antigens; D006801:Humans; D015228:Hypertriglyceridemia / Q000150:complications; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D010179:Pancreas / Q000187:drug effects / Q000293:injuries / Q000378:metabolism; D019512:Pancreatitis, Alcoholic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects
D005609:Free Radicals; D005768:Gastrointestinal Hormones; D006680:HLA Antigens; D007527:Isoenzymes; D000431:Ethanol; D000426:Alcohol Dehydrogenase; D000079:Acetaldehyde