Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutations in pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: The pancreas is one of the primary organs affected by dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. While exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a well-recognized complication of cystic fibrosis (CF), symptomatic pancreatitis is often under-recognized.

RESULTS: The aim of this review is to provide a general overview of CFTR mutation-associated pancreatitis, which affects patients with pancreatic sufficient CF, CFTR-related pancreatitis, and idiopathic pancreatitis. The current hypothesis regarding the role of CFTR dysfunction in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis, and concepts on genotype-phenotype correlations between CFTR and symptomatic pancreatitis will be reviewed. Symptomatic pancreatitis occurs in 20% of pancreatic sufficient CF patients. In order to evaluate genotype-phenotype correlations, the Pancreatic Insufficiency Prevalence (PIP) score was developed and validated to determine severity in a large number of CFTR mutations. Specific CFTR genotypes are significantly associated with pancreatitis. Patients who carry genotypes with mild phenotypic effects have a greater risk of developing pancreatitis than patients carrying genotypes with moderate-severe phenotypic consequences at any given time.

CONCLUSIONS: The genotype-phenotype correlation in pancreatitis is unique compared to other organ manifestations but still consistent with the complex monogenic nature of CF. Paradoxically, genotypes associated with otherwise mild phenotypic effects have a greater risk for causing pancreatitis; compared with genotypes associated with moderate to severe disease phenotypes. Greater understanding into the underlying mechanisms of disease is much needed. The emergence of CFTR-assist therapies may potentially play a future role in the treatment of CFTR-mutation associated pancreatitis.