Genetic basis of chronic pancreatitis.
BACKGROUND
Pancreatitis has a proven genetic basis in a minority of patients.


METHODS
Review of the literature on genetics of pancreatitis.


RESULTS
Ever since the discovery that in most patients with hereditary pancreatitis a mutation in the gene encoding for cationic trypsinogen (R122H) was found that results in a gain of trypsin function', many other mutations in the cationic trypsinogen gene, as well as in the gene encoding for pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor, have been found in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Furthermore, mutations in other genes, like the mucoviscoidosis-gene encoding for a chloride channel, and in genes encoding for enzymes involved in the metabolism of ethanol, have been linked to chronic pancreatitis. This article reviews the highlights that have been achieved in this field of pancreatic research.


CONCLUSIONS
Recent data suggest that genetics may play a role in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis.
Jansen
J B M J
JB
Dept. of Gastroenterology, UMC St. Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. jbmjjansen@hotmail.com
te Morsche
R
R
van Goor
H
H
Drenth
J P H
JP
D002908:Chronic Disease; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000235:genetics; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000235:genetics*; D014357:Trypsin; D014362:Trypsinogen / Q000235:genetics
C505032:CFTR protein, human; C064831:PRSS2 protein, human; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator; D014362:Trypsinogen; D014357:Trypsin