Hereditary pancreatitis

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Pancreatitis is a multifaceted ailment that can stem from various sources. If pancreatitis arises in several closely related individuals, it necessitates additional scrutiny, which may involve genetic counseling and/or genetic testing. To diagnose hereditary or familial pancreatitis, a 3-generation family history must be gathered, and other potential causes of pancreatitis in the family (such as gallstones, excessive alcohol consumption, or cystic fibrosis) must be evaluated. Genetic testing can assist in determining whether hereditary or familial pancreatitis is present in a family. Despite their similar names, these two diagnoses have significant distinctions.

Pancreatitis may arise from various causes such as medications, infections, trauma, autoimmune disease or lifestyle factors, but it can also be attributed to genetic factors.

The main culprit behind hereditary pancreatitis is the presence of variations in the PRSS1 gene. Nonetheless, not all families afflicted with this condition can trace it back to a genetic cause in the PRSS1 gene. It is approximated that 60% to 85% of individuals with hereditary pancreatitis can pinpoint a genetic cause. For those without a disease-causing variation in PRSS1, other genes, some of which remain unidentified, can trigger hereditary pancreatitis.

Instructions for producing the digestive enzyme cationic trypsinogen, which assists in food digestion, are provided by the PRSS1 genes and synthesized in the pancreas.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, certain mutations in the PRSS1 gene can lead to hereditary pancreatitis by causing the premature conversion of a cationic trypsinogen enzyme to trypsin within the pancreas. Alternatively, other mutations can prevent the breakdown of trypsin, resulting in increased levels of the enzyme in the pancreas. This elevated trypsin activity can harm pancreatic tissue and incite an immune response, leading to inflammation in the pancreas.

The reason why some individuals with a disease-causing variant in PRSS1 do not develop hereditary pancreatitis is still unclear. However, it has been estimated that about 80% of those with a variant in the PRSS1 gene are likely to develop pancreatitis.

The condition of hereditary pancreatitis is intriguing and has shed light on the pathophysiology of pancreatitis. Nevertheless, there remain numerous unresolved inquiries, particularly regarding the connection between these mutations and pancreatitis and cancer. It is crucial that a team of skilled pancreatic specialists, capable of providing genetic counseling, oversee the care of these patients. To enhance management strategies and advance genetic research, it is imperative that patients be registered with one of the major Hereditary Pancreatitis Registries.

Follow the link of the selected polymorphism to read a brief description of how the selected polymorphism affects Pancreatitis and see a list of existing studies.

SNP polymorphisms related to the topic Pancreatitis: