Alcoholic Pancreatitis: Who Gets Alcoholic Pancreatitis?

Alcoholic pancreatitis may not be caused simply by drinking to much alcohol for years like once thought. There may be underlying factors, like a DNA variant, present in those who suffer from alcoholic pancreatitis.

Over 100,000 Americans (didn't even think this many people had this condition) suffer from chronic pancreatitis and many cases are caused by abuse of alcohol but gallstones, medical procedures, heredity, prescription drugs, viruses, autoimmune disease and trauma also cause pancreatitis.

Doctors seem to think that only alcoholics get alcoholic pancreatitis and granted alcoholic pancreatitis is most often seen in those who abuse alcohol for years but ...

Genetics May Be Linked To Alcoholic Pancreatitis

Those who drink heavy may or may not eventually suffer from pancreatitis. According to a new study released on November 12, 2012 in Nature Genetics researchers have uncovered a genetic link between chronic pancreatitis and alcohol consumption.

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and more than 25 other health centers across the United States found a genetic variant on chromosome X near the claudin-2 gene (CLDN2) that predicts which men who are heavy drinkers are at high risk of developing chronic pancreatitis. Read more here

Therefore ...

Research indicates it may also be due to genetics since only 3% of alcoholics develope chronic pancreatitis, suggesting a pancreas-specific risk factor.

In a study conducted over a 10 year period, involving over 2,000 patients all of whom underwent DNA testing researchers discovered that there was a common DNA variant on the X chromosome that is present in 26 percent of men without pancreatitis, but jumps to nearly 50 percent of men diagnosed with alcoholic pancreatitis.

Women have two X chromosomes, so most women with the high-risk DNA variant on one X chromosome appear to be protected from alcoholic chronic pancreatitis by the other X chromosome, if it is normal. Men have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome, so if they inherit a high-risk X chromosome, there is no protection.

I find this fascinating but then I am easily entertained when it comes to weird stuff that most other people could care less about. In any event ...

IF you suffer from alcoholic pancreatitis it may not be just excessive drinking that is to blame. In fact according to the study one could have the DNA variant, be a causual drinker and end up with pancreatitis due to some other injury to the pancreas. Now ...

If you find this information regarding alcoholic pancreatitis fascinating as well you can continue to read more about this DNA variant connection here: Genetic Link Between Pancreatitis and Alcohol Consumption

Genetic Variants Associated With Alcoholic Pancreatitis

Based on the research, I'll provide a comprehensive overview of the genetic variants associated with alcoholic pancreatitis. Multiple genes have been identified as risk factors, and their interactions with alcohol consumption can influence the development and progression of pancreatitis.

Here are the key genetic variants responsible for alcoholic pancreatitis:

1. PRSS1 and SPINK1 Variants: Recent studies have shown that variants in these genes are overrepresented in patients with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis. The SPINK1 N34S variant, in particular, has been found in about 13% of cases.

2. CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator): Research has shown a high CFTR mutant frequency (40%) in alcoholic chronic pancreatitis, indicating its significant role in disease development. These mutations can affect the severity and progression of the condition.

3. CTRC (Chymotrypsin C) Mutations: Studies have identified that CTRC mutations can increase susceptibility to pancreatitis, particularly when combined with alcohol consumption. The G60G variant has been specifically associated with increased risk of chronic pancreatitis.

4. CLDN2 Variants: According to research, common genetic variants in the CLDN2 locus can alter the risk for alcohol-related pancreatitis.

Important Considerations:

• The development of alcoholic pancreatitis typically involves multiple genetic factors working in combination.
• Environmental factors, particularly alcohol consumption, interact with these genetic variants to increase disease risk.
• Recent research has shown that even light-to-moderate alcohol consumption can trigger pancreatitis in individuals with certain genetic variants.
• The presence of these genetic variants can help explain why some heavy alcohol users develop pancreatitis while others don't.

Understanding these genetic variants is crucial for:

• Early identification of at-risk individuals
• Development of targeted treatments
• Prevention strategies
• Proper diagnosis and management of the condition

This genetic understanding has led to improved diagnostic approaches and has helped remove some of the stigma associated with the condition, as identification of pathogenic gene variants can prevent misdiagnosis of alcoholic pancreatitis.

Other posts that may be of interest:

What Caused My Acute Pancreatitis

This page is extremely important because most doctors only know two causes: gallstones and alcohol. IF they can't pin it down to those two causes then you'll get the "idiopathic" pancreatitis diagnosis which means they don't know the cause and are too lazy to look. It's highly important to actually know the cause so that cause can be addressed, cured if possible or at least hopefully taken out of the picture limiting the chances for more attacks of acute pancreatitis.

Genetic Variants Associated With Various Types Of Pancreatitis

Learn about the various genetic variants associated with both acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Pancreas Healing: 5 Steps to Pancreas Healing After Acute Pancreatitis

The steps you take to heal your pancreas can mean the difference between total healing if you had a mild case or continued attacks that could damage your pancreas enough to where you are a "chronic pancreatitis" sufferer.

Chronic Pancreatitis Diet: A Food Diary Is Necessary

This is an important step especially if you have already been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis or you've been damaged enough to highly suspect you'll have problems down the road. Large amounts of damage or recurrent acute pancreatitis (you keep having acute attacks because nobody has found the actual cause) which will cause damage during each attack make this step necessary. The cool thing about doing your own diary is that you'll create your own personal pancreatitis diet.

Pancreatitis Diet - Diet For Chronic Pancreatitis

A proper pancreatitis diet is extremely important and necessary if you want to be well. If you continue eating a normal American/Western diet you're going to be sick. It's just that simple.

At this point I just want to say thank you for visiting my site. If you like what you see share it on your social media platforms and in your support groups so that maybe someone may be helped.

Ibuprofen For Acute Pancreatitis

Would you like to know how to stop and acute pancreatitis attack? You do it by resolving the inflammation and that takes highly anti-inflammatory drugs and supplements.

Supplements to Help You Heal Your Pancreas

These are the highly anti-inflammatory supplements that I used to heal my pancreas and then continue to stay well. In combination with a proper diet you'll likely become a brand new person.