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.

Pancreas Regeneration Part 2

In a previous post called Pancreas Regeneration - Is It Possible? I alluded to the fact I thought pancreas regeneration is possible and why I was led to believe regeneration potentially viable depending of course upon you, the patient, doing what is necessary in order to provide a climate conducive to regeneration.

I am always looking for new scientific evidence to prove that my thoughts may be at least somewhat correct and one of my blog readers left a comment with a link to an article that I feel you must read. It is mainly about alcohol, it's role in alcoholic pancreatitis and the close relationship between the pancreas and the liver in regards to alcohol and it's role in creating an atmosphere conducive to pancreatic disease (pancreatitis) and liver disease. It is a fairly complicated, indepth article however; if you still drink alcohol this article may help you to understand why you need to quit drinking alcohol and of course more importantly why it is necessary in order to create an atmosphere conducive to pancreatic tissue regeneration after damage due to pancreatitis.

This is an exceptional article (in pdf format so you can save it to your computer) that may instill hope for those who wish to someday feel good again. Read it here.

I wish to thank my reader for sending me the link to this information because I had not found it myself and I learned something that I thought may be possible is in all actuality quite probable.

Enjoy the read it is great information about alcoholic pancreatitis with a secetion on pancreas regeneration but may seem like eating cardboard to some. LOL it is VERY scientifically intense.

Alcoholic pancreatitis: Lessons from the liver

Living with Pancreatitis Until You're Beating Pancreatitis

Living with Pancreatitis can definitely be a challenge for people who suffer with this condition. Beating pancreatitis can be even more difficult with underlying issues.

Those who have hereditary (genetic) issues such as Familial hyperlipidemia or Familial hypertriglyceridemia (high blood fats) or those who suffer with another genetic disorder called cystic fibrosis or congenital malformations such as pancreas divisum or an autoimmune disease such as Lupus or Celiac disease which causes their pancreatitis will most likely experience the most frustrating challenges simply because there is an underlying condition that needs resolution (which may or may not be possible) in order to completely resolve the condition called Pancreatitis.

The resolution of the underlying condition may not be possible as is the case in those born with cystic fibrosis and it seems that Pancreatitis caused by high blood fats is not easily controlled either. Those suffering with pancreatitis due to an autoimmune disease may be able to find resolution if they are able to control the autoimmune disease such as the case found in Celiac Disease whereby a gluten free diet may be of great significance in regards to living with and beating pancreatitis. However ...

If the pancreas has suffered damage due to Acute Pancreatitis episodes there will most likely be the resulting chronic pancreatitis that must also be resolved or put into remission in order to achieve relief from pain and other symptoms while also lowering the risk of continued pancreatic damage and pancreatic cancer due to long term inflammation of the pancreas.

This is where a strict chronic pancreatitis diet and helpful supplements such as grape seed extract, vitamin C and curcumin come into play.

Grapefruit juice and/or grapefruit seed extract may also be of benefit and has been shown in one study on rats/mice that it STOPPED acute pancreatitis in the little crittters while protecting the pancreas; however, it is important to note that consumption of grapefruit juice and/or grapefruit seed extract has been linked to a 36% increase in breast cancer among postmenopausal women yet another study indicates that the first study may be erroneous. However ...

Grape seed extract and curcumin do NOT have this link to cancer and in fact show just the opposite in regards to positive potential. Both grape seed extract and curcumin have shown definite ant-cancer potential including the ability to promote apoptosis (programmed cancer cell death). This fact ...

Would clearly indicate there is potential benefit to be realized, for those who suffer from any form of pancreatitis, by integrating grape seed extract and curcumin into their daily wellness regemin.

For those who suffer from the more common forms of pancreatitis such as gallstone pancreatitis, alcoholic pancreatitis or idiopathic pancreatitis or that which is suspected of being caused by genetic or congentital issues I am convinced that, due to my own experience, beating pancreatitis, in almost all types/forms, can be achieved via a strict pancreatitis diet and the above mentioned supplements. Of course ...

This is also premised upon any damage that can actually be healed. Resolution of pain and symptoms will not be achieved over night. It may take weeks to months to see significant results, depending on the amount of damage already sustained but with complete discipline and due diligence I firmly believe most victims of chronic pancreatitis will see major benefit via diet and supplements. It is important again to note ...

There will not be the complete resolution of pain, symptoms and potential risk of disability and death as in the case of alcoholic pancreatitis unless the person suffering determines it is in their best interest to completely quit drinking. Alcohol is of course completely out of the question for anyone who suffers from any form of pancreatitis and should be completely eliminated from consumption in any form.

In the case of gallstone pancreatitis it is clearly indicated that removal of the stones is needed in order to remove the risk of necrotizing pancreatitis and any additional recurrent acute pancreatitis episodes due to an obstruction of the common or pancreatic duct by a stone or sludge. This of course can only be achieved completely via surgery and removal of the gallbladder. Once the offending stones, along with the potential of recurrence, are removed then healing via diet and supplements may give the patient a more positive experience, again subject to the amount of actual damage. 

Always remember I am NOT a doctor. Everything I say is simply my uneducated opinion from personal experience and indepth research, nothing more. Everything you do that is suggested or hinted at on this beating pancreatitis blog site is done at your own risk.

Leave a comment and let me know you're alive!

Keep Drinking Cuz This Girl Had Fun

This is a video about a young girl who suffered a mild acute pancreatic attack due to alcohol consumption. So ...

If you have been diagnosed keep drinking and you could be next in line at the ER or 6 feet under fertalizing the plants and trees.

Leave a comment and let me know you're alive!

Alcoholic Pancreatitis - WHY You Need to Quit Drinking Alcohol

If you have been diagnosed with alcoholic pancreatitis, you aren't dead yet from complications and you are reading this right now you need to listen up and listen good to what I have to tell you.

You NEED to quit drinking.

WHY?

Because alcohol is extremely toxic to the pancreas.

If you want to die a horrificly painful death just keep downing that booze and you'll soon have death knocking at your door.

I have known some alcoholics.

I know that alcoholism is tough to beat but if you don't stop drinking you are a total idiot and absolute proof that your parents should have used birth control. I can say that because I know what is like to be addicted to some drug and alcohol is a drug.

When I was in the Corps I drank. And when I drank, I drank a lot but I didn't NEED to drink. I am one of the few who are NOT an alcoholic yet could drink most people under the table and myself not even show signs of being intoxicated.

When I was diagnosed with pancreatitis and my doctor told me to quit drinking it wasn't a big deal for me simply because I actually didn't drink much then anyway. I had been out of the Corps for about 4 years and maybe had a few beers while shooting pool or a glass of wine with dinner. However ...

When I became involved in the vacation timeshare industry I was around some real party animals. I started doing cocaine and soon found myself with a 2 gram per day habit.

I was high all the time and I was making the money in order to afford to be high. I was damn good at closing sales and so I never stooped low enough to sell the crap. I couldn't drink so I did drugs and drank a ton of grapefruit juice. In fact ...

Theresa, the bartender at one of the resorts I worked at for awhile, would have a glass of grapefruit juice waiting on the bar for me as soon as she saw me coming in the door.

One day I overdosed.

It was around 1500 hours (3PM in the afternoon) and I was smoking weed and doing lines on the bar of this little local tavern when I suddenly felt very ill and immediately asked God to let me make it to my car so I didn't die in a damn bar.

I made to my shiny new 1983 TransAm, opened the door, sat down inside, closed the door and the lights went out. I came to, in the parking lot of the bar, at dawn, around 0400 hours (4 AM) the next morning. I was probably very lucky I wasn't dead.

That put the fear of death in me for awhile but soon, like an idiot I was doing lines again. It wasn't until I OD'ed for the second time in 1987 that it really hit home. I survived that one too and this time I was smart enough (yeah I'm a slow learner) to say, that's enough. I wasn't gonna see if God would save me three times.

So I quit.

Cold turkey.

Don't let anyone tell you that white powder isn't physically addictive because I was sick as a dog for two weeks. And once an addict it takes a LONG time to get over the NEED.

In 1990, I think it was 1990, one of the major TV networks had a special 6 night series on coca-ine addiction right after the nightly news.

The first episode opened with someone over dosing. It showed him being wheeled into the ER and on the screen it showed pictures of his heart beating way to fast and it exploded right there in front of me.

The guy died on the table.

Immediately they showed this big pile of white snow, a mound of cocaine and I WANTED some! I had been cocaine free for two years, just watched a guys heart explode from an overdose and I wanted some nose candy!

So, I KNOW what it's like.

Well, it's been 23 years now. 23 years of zero recreational drugs and I must admit I am no longer bothered with any thoughts of doing coke. But the first 5 years were tough.

Here's the deal.

If I can quit a $180 per day habit (1980's cost) you can quit drinking. It just takes backbone. With maybe a little fear of death thrown in. If you need help quitting do this ...

Close your eyes and visualize the severe pain of an acute attack of pancreatitis.

Are you doing that?

Good.

Now follow along here, don't crap out.

You feel your pancreas being consumed by it's own digestive juices, the pain is intolerable, you begin to bleed internally, you vomit blood, your pancreatic juices begin to flow through your blood stream, attacking your liver, kidneys, heart and lungs.

The doctors and nurses are working frantically to save you from organ failure and internal hemorrhage, the pain is excruciating but, there is nothing they can do for you except pump your dumb ass full of morphine and watch as - your time runs out.

All because you weren't smart enough to quit drinking.

Is that the way you want to die?

A loser alcoholic.

I don't care what your sitrep is. I could care less if you were neglected as a child, your daddy mistreated you, the neighborhood bully crapped on your chest or your favorite pet dog pissed down your leg. There is really no good reason to drink, except to have fun and drunks don't have fun they simply piss people off and get sick all over their shoes.

Right now, if you are an alcoholic diagnosed with pancreatitis and you are still alive reading this and you have actually read this far - you have a choice to make.

Quit drinking or die.

It's as simple as that and as clear as the nose on your face.

So tell me what's it gonna be - Death or life?

Are you a worthless coward or do you still have some backbone?

If you have backbone - you'll quit drinking and you'll begin doing what you need to do in order to survive and overcome your condition and heal your pancreas.

I hope you make the right choice.

Oh and if you decide to choose life, quit drinking and learn how to beat pancreatitis congrats!

Leave a comment and let me know you're alive!