How does cigarette smoking cause acute pancreatitis?

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

33 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction 

Acute Pancreatitis (AP) is an emerging health problem world-wide and it is a major cause of admissions for gastrointestinal disease in many countries. Amongst the more common causes (alcohol and gallstones), recent evidence has emerged indicating that smoking is an independent risk factor for AP. However, the mechanisms involved in smoking-induced AP have not been completely elucidated. This review puts together all the published evidence in literature to present the clinical and laboratory evidence relating smoking to the causation of AP.

Discussion 

The two main metabolites from cigarette smoke, namely nicotine and NNK are able to induce functional and histological changes within the pancreas consistent with AP. The major mechanisms involved include their action on acinar cells and zymogen secretion through pathways involving CCK and the nicotinic preganglionic receptors. Effects on the pancreatic microvasculature may be mediated through the nitric oxide pathway. There is indirect evidence to suggest that nicotine and acrolein may lead to CFTR dysfunction thereby influencing ductal secretion. However, direct evidence for this effect is needed. The effect of cigarette smoke metabolites on stellate cells and the islets warrants further investigation in the context of pathogenesis of AP.

Conclusion 

Using a step-wise approach, the review revisits the effects of the various metabolites of cigarette smoke on the constituents of the pancreas (exocrine, endocrine, neurohormonal, stellate cells, ductal system) and highlights their proven, and potential, mechanisms in triggering off an attack of AP.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)157-163
Number of pages7
JournalPancreatology
Volume16
Issue number2
Early online date18 Sept 2015
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aetiology
  • Morbidity
  • Alcohol
  • Pathways
  • Cell
  • Nicotine

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