Diabetes and Chronic Pancreatitis: Considerations in the Holistic Management of an Often Neglected Disease

Urolithin A's Role in Alleviating Severe Acute Pancreatitis via Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondrial Calcium Channel Modulation

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), characterized by pancreatic acinar cell death, currently lacks effective targeted therapies. Ellagic acid (EA), rich in pomegranate, shows promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in SAP treatment. However, the roles of other forms of EA, such as plant extracellular vesicles (EVs) extracted from pomegranate, and Urolithin A (UA), converted from EA through gut microbiota metabolism in vivo, have not been definitively elucidated. Our research aimed to compare the effects of pomegranate-derived EVs (P-EVs) and UA in the treatment of SAP to screen an effective formulation and to explore its mechanisms in protecting acinar cells in SAP. By comparing the protective effects of P-EVs and UA on injured acinar cells, UA showed superior therapeutic effects than P-EVs. Subsequently, we further discussed the mechanism of UA in alleviating SAP inflammation. In vivo animal experiments found that UA could not only improve the inflammatory environment of pancreatic tissue and peripheral blood circulation in SAP mice but also revealed that the mechanism of UA in improving SAP might be related to mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through the results including pancreatic tissue transcriptomics and transmission electron microscopy. Further research found that UA could regulate ER-mitochondrial calcium channels and reduce pancreatic tissue necroptosis. In vitro experiments of mouse pancreatic organoids and acinar cells also confirmed that UA could improve pancreatic inflammation by regulating the ER-mitochondrial calcium channel and necroptosis pathway proteins. This study not only explored the therapeutic effect of plant EVs on SAP but also revealed that UA could alleviate SAP by regulating ER-mitochondrial calcium channel and reducing acinar cell necroptosis, providing insights into the pathogenesis and potential treatment of SAP.

Oxidative Stress Linking Obesity and Cancer: Is Obesity a 'Radical Trigger' to Cancer?

Obesity is on the rise worldwide, and consequently, obesity-related non-communicable diseases are as well. Nutritional overload induces metabolic adaptations in an attempt to restore the disturbed balance, and the byproducts of the mechanisms at hand include an increased generation of reactive species. Obesity-related oxidative stress causes damage to vulnerable systems and ultimately contributes to neoplastic transformation. Dysfunctional obese adipose tissue releases cytokines and induces changes in the cell microenvironment, promoting cell survival and progression of the transformed cancer cells. Other than the increased risk of cancer development, obese cancer patients experience higher mortality rates and reduced therapy efficiency as well. The fact that obesity is considered the second leading preventable cause of cancer prioritizes the research on the mechanisms connecting obesity to cancerogenesis and finding the solutions to break the link. Oxidative stress is integral at different stages of cancer development and advancement in obese patients. Hypocaloric, balanced nutrition, and structured physical activity are some tools for relieving this burden. However, the sensitivity of simultaneously treating cancer and obesity poses a challenge. Further research on the obesity-cancer liaison would offer new perspectives on prevention programs and treatment development.

PECULIARITIES OF FORMATION OF CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM DISORDERS WITH COMORBID CHRONIC PANCREATITIS AND CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To determine glycemic condition, regulation of carbohydrate metabolism, degree of insulin resistance in patients with chronic pancreatitis with its isolated course and with comorbid COPD and diabetes mellitus.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: 110 patients with chronic pancreatitis were examined. The first group of patients included 38 individuals with an isolated course of chronic pancreatitis (1 group), 2nd group included 35 patients with chronic pancreatitis and COPD, 3rd group included 37 patients with chronic pancreatitis and COPD and type 3c diabetes mellitus. The control group (CCOPD) included 32 individuals with isolated COPD, the control group (CDM) includes 34 individuals with isolated type 2 diabetes mellitus. All the patients were examined for functional state of the pancreas and carbohydrate metabolism was assessed.

RESULTS

Results: Patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis with COPD and diabetes mellitus developed 3.2 times increased glucose concentration on an empty stomach. Blood glucagon content in all patients was lower in comparison with that of practically healthy individuals which is indicative of an insufficient glucagon secretion by α-cells of the pancreas. Pancreatic polypeptide content in the blood was lower in patients with chronic pancreatitis and COPD and T3c diabetes mellitus in comparison with the reference value.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: A comorbid course of chronic pancreatitis with exacerbated COPD is associated with more intensive disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism regulation and glycaemia parameters in comparison with an isolated course of chronic pancreatitis. In case comorbidity includes a chronic pancreatitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes mellitus, the most unfavorable glycemic profile is found which is indicative of carbohydrate metabolism decompensation.

The Use of the Domestic Enzyme Preparation Pancreatin 8000 in the Rehabilitation of Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis After Surgery

Aim: To investigate the clinical efficacy of the domestic enzyme drug Pancreatin 8000 in the rehabilitation of patients with chronic pancreatitis after operations on the pancreas. Materials and Methods: A study of 32 patients with chronic pancreatitis who received the drug Pancreatin 8000 (8000 lpolytic Ph. U., 5800 amylolytic Ph. U. and 380 proteolytic Ph. U.) The course of treatment was 21 days. In the course of the study we evaluated the growth rate index (calculated by the formula: В/P – 100, where В is weight in kilograms, Р is growth in centimeters) and data of clinical examinations. А pain syndrome was estimated by the nature, expressed and depending on a meal and daypart. Results: In average, normalization of the frequency of vomiting was noted on the 2nd-8th day, on the 8th day, vomiting in all the patients was once a day and formalized. Pain decreased and disappeared in the period from the 2nd to the 7th day. In 3 (7%) patients the pain did not decrease, that is why it was necessary to use pain-relieving drugs. The dynamics of body weight increase was from 1 to 4 kg during 3 months of taking the drug in different patients. No increase in body weight was noted in 1 (2%) patients. The disappearance of symptoms of gastrointestinal and intestinal dyspepsia was noted on the 2nd to 6th day. Conclusions: Thus, the positive clinical effect of the drug Pancreatin 8000 is not only the result of the substituted enzyme therapy, but also the transition of the pancreas into a mode of functional calmness.

Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 Gene and Glucose Metabolism Characteristics in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Comorbidities

BACKGROUND

Genetic variants that affect insulin signaling play an important role in insulin resistance (IR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to evaluate changes of the glycemic profile and IR in T2DM with comorbid obesity and chronic pancreatitis (CP) considering the allele status of the IRS1 gene (rs2943640).

METHODS

The study involved 33 type-2 diabetic patients and 10 healthy individuals. The IRS-1 gene rs2943640 C>A polymorphism was genotyped using the TaqMan real-time PCR method.

RESULTS

In type 2 diabetic patients regardless of the presence/absence of comorbid obesity and CP glycemic profile parameters significantly did not differ between carriers of allele C or allele A of the IRS1 gene (rs2943640). At the same time significantly higher HOMA-IR (by 2.25 times) was established in carriers of the C allele. In type 2 diabetic patients with both comorbidities (carriers of the C allele) the maximum HOMA-IR was established, which significantly differed from the data of patients with only T2DM and patients with comorbid obesity. In carriers of the A allele significantly higher level of HOMA-IR was found in patients with comorbid obesity and CP vs patients with only T2DM, and also in patients with comorbid obesity vs patients with only T2DM.

CONCLUSIONS

Presence of the C allele of the IRS1 gene (rs2943640) may indicate risk of high IR in type 2 diabetic patients regardless of the presence/absence of comorbid obesity and CP; here with CP is a more important factor in IR progression then obesity.

Mechanisms of Post-Pancreatitis Diabetes Mellitus and Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes: A Review of Preclinical Studies

Anatomical proximity and functional correlations between the exocrine and endocrine pancreas warrant reciprocal effects between the two parts. Inflammatory diseases of the exocrine pancreas, such as acute or chronic pancreatitis, or the presence of cystic fibrosis disrupt endocrine function, resulting in diabetes of the exocrine pancreas. Although novel mechanisms are being increasingly identified, the intra- and intercellular pathways regulating exocrine-endocrine interactions are still not fully understood, making the development of new and more effective therapies difficult. Therefore, this review sought to accumulate current knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of diabetes in acute and chronic pancreatitis, as well as cystic fibrosis.

Novel Biomarkers to Distinguish between Type 3c and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Untargeted Metabolomics

Pancreatogenic diabetes mellitus (T3cDM) is a highly frequent complication of pancreatic disease, especially chronic pancreatitis, and it is often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A correct diagnosis allows the appropriate treatment of these patients, improving their quality of life, and various technologies have been employed over recent years to search for specific biomarkers of each disease. The main aim of this metabolomic project was to find differential metabolites between T3cDM and T2DM. Reverse-phase liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry was performed in serum samples from patients with T3cDM and T2DM. Multivariate Principal Component and Partial Least Squares-Discriminant analyses were employed to evaluate between-group variations. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify potential candidates and the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated to evaluate their diagnostic value. A panel of five differential metabolites obtained an area under the ROC curve of 0.946. In this study, we demonstrate the usefulness of untargeted metabolomics for the differential diagnosis between T3cDM and T2DM and propose a panel of five metabolites that appear altered in the comparison between patients with these diseases.

Diabetes of the Exocrine Pancreas Related to Hereditary Pancreatitis, an Update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim was to review evidence about diabetes secondary to hereditary pancreatitis, seeking novel diagnostic and treatment features.

RECENT FINDINGS

Hereditary pancreatitis (HP) is an autosomal dominant condition, characterized by recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis, progression to fibrosis, and chronic pancreatitis. Clinical presentation includes diabetes of the exocrine pancreas (DEP). HP prevalence ranges from 0.3 to 0.57 per 100,000 people, with up to 80% of these develop DEP. This condition often requires specific interventions: with regard to metabolic control, metformin is the first choice for those with mild DEP, and for those in advanced disease, insulin is considered the first-line therapy. Insulin analogues and insulin pump therapy are preferred due to the brittle glycemic pattern and risk of hypoglycemia. In case of exocrine insufficiency, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is recommended. Pancreatic polypeptide administration is a promising novel treatment feature. DEP due to HP appears to be a misdiagnosed condition. The requirement of specific management demonstrates the importance of this matter; therefore, appropriate recognition and classification are important.