Serum and tissue glycoconjugates, digoxin and magnesium levels in chronic calcific pancreatitis.
BACKGROUND
Endogenous or exogenous digoxin can lead to membrane Na+,K+-ATPase inhibition and hypomagnesemia. Low magnesium levels can lead to increased glycosaminoglycans (GAG) concentration in many organs.


OBJECTIVE
To measure the serum levels of pancreatic GAG and glycoproteins, two major components of the extracellular matrix, in patients with chronic calcific pancreatitis (CCP). Serum levels of magnesium and digoxin were also assessed.


METHODS
Patients with CCP and age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects (15 each) were studied. Serum GAG, Mg and digoxin levels were measured. RBC membrane Na+,K+-ATPase activity was also assessed. Pancreatic tissue obtained at autopsy from seven patients with CCP and sex- and age-matched healthy subjects who had died in accidents were also tested for GAG and glycoproteins.


RESULTS
Total GAG levels were significantly increased in the serum and pancreas of patients with CCP. This was associated with lower serum Mg levels, increased serum digoxin levels and decreased RBC membrane Na+,K+-ATPase activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Exogenous or endogenous digoxin-induced hypomagnesemia and the consequent altered glycoconjugate metabolism may be important in the pathogenesis of CCP.
Kumar
R A
RA
Department of Medicine, Medical College Hospital, Trivandrum.
Kurup
P A
PA
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004077:Digoxin / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006001:Glycoconjugates / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011336:Probability; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000378:metabolism*
D015415:Biomarkers; D006001:Glycoconjugates; D004077:Digoxin; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase; D008274:Magnesium