The Relationship between Trypsin/Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP) in Serum and Acute Pancreatitis (AP).

BACKGROUND

Activation of trypsin from proteolytic cleavage of trypsinogen in the pancreas can lead to acute pancreatitis. Calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) from both peripheral and central neurons is involved in a variety of physiological/pathophysiological processes, especially sensory (nociceptive) and efferent (effector) functions. To better understand the change of trypsin/CGRP in acute pancreatitis, the study investigated the serum level of trypsin/CGRP in patients with acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

The study investigated 140 patients with acute pancreatitis, including 72 cases of biliary acute pancreatitis, 60 cases of hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis, and 8 cases of idiopathic acute pancreatitis. Sixty volunteers acted as the normal control group. The levels of trypsin and CGRP in serum were analyzed.

RESULTS

The serum levels of trypsin and CGRP in males with acute pancreatitis were higher than in females, but there was no statistical difference (p > 0.05). However, the serum levels of trypsin and CGRP in different types of acute pancreatitis were significantly higher than controls (p < 0.001), and the level of trypsin and CGRP in serum of patients with inflammation effusion was significantly higher than patients without inflammation effusion (p < 0.001). In addition, the serum levels of trypsin and CGRP in patients with I-II, III, IVA and IVB acute pancreatitis were higher than controls (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results, we concluded that the trypsin and CGRP in serum can act as a new detection index of acute pancreatitis occurring. The serum levels of trypsin and CGRP in patients with acute pancreatitis is able to determine whether inflammation effusion happens.