Risk of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: The risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) is difficult to assess. Previous studies, mostly case control studies or studies relying on data case registers, reported relative risks varying from 2.3 to 18.5. METHODS: We studied a prospective, single centre, medical-surgical cohort of 373 consecutive patients (322 (86%) men, median age 40 years) with proven CP (alcoholic origin 85%) and a follow up of at least two years (median follow up 9.2 years; range 2.0-34.8) in order to exclude pancreatitis revealing pancreatic cancer. We calculated the age and sex standardised incidence ratio (SIR) as the ratio of the number of observed cases of pancreatic cancer in this cohort to the number of expected cases, as provided by the French National Cancer Register. RESULTS: Four cases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (1.1% of patients) were observed in 3437 patient years (expected number of cases 0.15; SIR 26.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.3-68.3; p=0.00002). In a second analysis in which patients lost to follow up were considered to be followed up until the end point without having developed pancreatic adenocarcinoma (4762 patient years), SIR was 19.0 (CI 5.2-48.8; p=0.00007). CONCLUSION: Patients with CP have a markedly increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared with the general population.     

Tumor angiogenesis in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic adenocarcinoma: impact of K-ras mutations

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is one condition in which epidemiologic studies have demonstrated a definite association with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC). The pathophysiologic and molecular events that either predispose to the development of, or potentiate the growth of, PAC are unknown. Mutation of the codon 12 K-ras gene is one genetic aberration commonly associated with development of PAC. Tumor angiogenesis, or microvascular proliferation of new capillaries, is another pathophysiologic alteration associated with PAC. Although activated ras oncogenes modulate tumor angiogenesis/neovascularization in some tumors, the importance of tumor angiogenesis and the role of K-ras mutation in regulating angiogenesis in CP and PAC are unknown. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between angiogenesis and K-ras mutations in CP and PAC. Tumor angiogenesis and K-ras mutations were evaluated in resected specimens from 25 CP (23 CP plus two CP with PAC) and 16 PAC patients. Tumor angiogenesis was determined using immunohistochemistry of factor VIII-related antigen (FVIIIRAg) and ras mutations were identified by enriched-nested polymerase chain reaction. The mean number of FVIIIRAg-positive blood vessels was significantly (p < 0.005) higher in PAC (23.0 +/- 7.5), CP with a mutant K-ras genome (17.7 +/- 2.8) and CP with a normal K-ras genome (6.5 +/- 3.8), compared to unaffected areas. Codon 12 K-ras mutations were detected in three of 25 CP specimens (12%) and in 15 of 16 PAC specimens (94%). In CP patients with mutant K-ras in their genome, microvessel density was significantly (p < 0.01) elevated, compared to patients with a normal K-ras genome. Statistical analyses (Spearman rank-difference correlation coefficient, Student t test, and chi2 analysis) indicated a significant association between codon 12 K-ras mutations and tumor angiogenesis in both CP and PAC. This study demonstrates a significant association between angiogenesis and K-ras mutation in both PAC and CP. At a minimum, K-ras mutation is associated with the events that increase angiogenesis and it may potentiate or promote tumor angiogenesis.     

Comparative evaluation of p53 mutation in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) has a very poor prognosis. In patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis (CP) the risk for the PA development is higher than in the general population. The purpose of the study was to compare the prevalence of p53 mutations in PA and CP in order to evaluate their usefulness in differential diagnosis of those diseases. METHODOLOGY: We examined 49 patients who underwent Whipple resection or distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (26 subjects) or chronic pancreatitis (23 subjects). DNA from pancreatic tissue was analyzed for p53 mutations with PCR/SSCP methods. RESULTS: The p53 gene mutation has been shown in 16 (61.5%) of the PA patients (9 in exon 5 and 7 in exon 7) and in 2 (8.6%) of CP patients (1 in exon 5 and 1 in exon 8; p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between p53 mutation and G3 tumor differentiation (p < 0.01). Overall median survival in patients with PA was 8.5 months. No relationship between presence of p53 mutation and survival time in PA patients has been observed. CONCLUSIONS: The specificity of p53 mutation for pancreatic cancer is very high. Our results indicate that p53 gene mutation may provide an additional tool in differential diagnosis of CP and PC.     

Exosomal glypican-1 discriminates pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from chronic pancreatitis

Background and aimsPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) diagnosis can be difficult in a chronic pancreatitis (CP) background, especially in its mass forming presentation. We aimed to assess the accuracy of glypican-1-positive circulating exosomes (GPC1⁺crExos) to distinguish PDAC from CP versus the state-of-the-art CA 19–9 biomarker.MethodsThis was a unicentric prospective cohort. Endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration or biopsy and blood tests (GPC1⁺crExos and serum CA 19–9) were performed.ResultsThe cohort comprised 60 PDAC and 29 CP (7 of which mass forming - MF) patients. Median levels of GPC1⁺crExos were significantly higher in PDAC (99.7%) versus CP (28.4%; p<0.0001) with an AUROC of 0.96 with 98.3% sensitivity and 86.2% specificity for a cut-off of 45.0% (p<0.0001); this outperforms CA 19–9 AUROC of 0.82 with 78.3% sensitivity and 65.5% specificity at a cut-off of 37 U/mL (p<0.0001). The superiority of% GPC1+crExos over CA 19–99 in differentiating PDAC from CP was observed in both early (stage I) and advanced tumors (stages II-IV).ConclusionLevels of GPC1⁺crExos coupled to beads enable differential diagnosis between PDAC and CP including its mass-forming presentation.     

The use of molecular technology in the differentiation of pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis

Summary Conclusion. It is concluded that currently there are limitations in the use of some of the proposed tests, whereas in the future, further progress in our understanding of the molecular biology of pancreatic disease and the development and application of existing techniques should have a greater impact on clinical practice. Background. Fifteen to 20% of patients with pancreatic cancer present with a resectable mass in the head of the pancreas, but there is a subgroup of patients for whom it is difficult to reach the correct diagnosis. Method. This article addresses how molecular technology can be used to aid in the diagnosis of this group of patients. The clinical and scientific literature is reviewed by accessing papers through the Medline database. Results. This article reviews the limitations of conventional imaging techniques and the limitations of fine needle aspiration cytology and cytological examination of pancreatic duct secretions. The molecular biology of both pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis is then reviewed with emphasis on the common molecular defects seen in these diseases. The current use of molecular techniques in the examination of cytological and histological specimens, stool, blood, and pancreatic duct secretions and how this helps discriminate between benign and malignant lesions of the pancreas is addressed. Finally, the use of novel serum screening tests in groups at high risk of pancreatic cancer is discussed.     

Mechanisms of pancreatic fibrosis and applications to the treatment of chronic pancreatitis

Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a crucial role in pancreatic fibrogenesis in chronic pancreatitis and in the desmoplastic reaction of pancreatic cancer. When PSCs are stimulated by oxidative stress, ethanol and its metabolite acetaldehyde, and cytokines, the phenotype of quiescent fat-storing cells converts to myofibroblastlike activated PSCs, which then produce extracellular matrix, adhesion molecules, and various chemokines in response to cytokines and growth factors. Recent data suggest that PSCs have a phagocytic function. Plateletderived growth factor is a potent stimulator of PSC proliferation. Transforming growth factor β, activin A, and connective tissue growth factor also play a role in PSC-mediated pancreatic fibrogenesis through autocrine and paracrine loops. Following pancreatic damage, pathophysiological processes that occur in the pancreas, including pancreas tissue pressure, hyperglycemia, intracellular reactive oxygen species production, activation of protease-activated receptor 2, induction of cyclooxygenase 2, and bacterial infection play a role in sustaining pancreatic fibrosis through increased PSC proliferation and collagen production by PSCs. Targeting PSCs might be an effective therapeutic approach in chronic pancreatitis. Various substances including vitamin A, vitamin E, polyphenols, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ ligands, and inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system show great promise of being useful in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis.     

Clinical significance of K-ras and c-erbB-2 mutations in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and chronic pancreatitis

Background: The differentiation of chronic pancreatitis (CP) from pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) remains the great challenge for clinicians. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of K-ras and c-erbB-2 mutations in PA and CP in order to evaluate their usefulness in differential diagnosis of those diseases. Methods: The study included 49 patients who underwent Whipple resection or distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (26 subjects) or chronic pancreatitis (23 subjects). DNA from pancreatic tissue was analyzed for K-ras codon 12 and c-erbB-2 mutations with PCR amplifications. Results: The K-ras gene mutation has been shown in 20 (76.9%) PA cases and in 8 (34.8%) CP cases (p<0.01). Prevalence of c-erbB-2 amplification in patients with PA was 17 (65.3%), which was not different from CP, 16 (56.5%) (p=0.58). There was a significant correlation between K-ras mutation and lymph node metastases (p=0.025) as well as between K-ras mutation and G3 tumor differentiation (p=0.037). Overall median survival in patients with PA was 9.5 mo. There was no relationship between presence of K-ras (p=0.58) or c-erbB-2 (p=0.17) mutation and survival time in PA patients. Conclusion: Those results may indicate that both K-ras and c-erbB-2 play a role in pancreatic carcinogenesis, however only K-ras may provide an additional tool in differential diagnosis of CP and PC.     

Differentiation of chronic pancreatitis from pancreatic cancer: recent advances in molecular diagnosis

Chronic pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas, characterized by a progressive destruction of the exocrine and endocrine pancreas, leading both to exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. In recent years, our knowledge of this disease has improved, an epidemiological link between chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer has been established, and the molecular alterations underlying their pathogenesis have been partly revealed. Nevertheless, the differentiation of chronic inflammation of the pancreas from cancer of the pancreas remains a great challenge. This overview will point out the present knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer and will focus on the role of molecular markers for differentiating chronic pancreatitis from pancreatic cancer.     

Altered expression of extracellular matrix molecules and their receptors in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic adenocarcinoma in comparison with normal pancreas

Summary The aim of this study was to elucidate the expression and distribution patterns of both integrins and extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules in chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC) compared with normal pancreas (NP). Expression of nine α-subunits (α2-α6, αv, αl, αm, and αx), four β-subunits (β1, β3-β5), and four ECM molecules (type IV collagen, laminin, fibronectin, and vitronectin) was investigated immunohistochemically. In CP, all integrins except αv showed nearly the same staining patterns compared with NP. Some acinar cells in CP expressed αv. Whereas α2, α3, and α6 expression was stronger and diffuse, no α5 expression was seen in PC. Basement membrane (BM) showed continuous staining in CP, whereas it showed discontinuous/absent staining in PC with antitype IV collagen, laminin, and vitronectin antibodies. Some carcinoma cells showed reverse correlation between α2, α3, and α6 expression and type IV collagen and laminin expression. Fibronectin showed diffuse stromal expression in CP and PC. Some acinar cells or duct cells in CP carcinoma cells in PC showed intracellular VN expression. These results suggest that these integrins and ECM molecules are involved in inflammatory and malignant processes in pancreas.     

胰腺导管腺癌、慢性胰腺炎及正常胰腺组织中胰腺上皮内瘤变的比较研究

目的探讨胰腺导管腺癌、慢性胰腺炎和正常胰腺组织中各级别PanIN的发生率以及与临床病理学参数间的关系.方法回顾性研究长海医院2001年1月～ 2003年12月间外科切除和同期尸检获得的250例胰腺标本中PanIN的发生情况,并联系临床病理指标进行相关分析.结果 250例胰腺标本中,有156例存在PanIN病变,发生率62.4%.其中,胰腺导管腺癌、慢性胰腺炎和正常胰腺组织中PanIN的发生率分别为75.6%、46.0%和30.0%,胰腺导管腺癌PanIN发生率明显高于慢性胰腺炎及正常胰腺组织(P < 0.01);慢性胰腺炎中高级别PanIN发生率明显高于正常胰腺组织(P < 0.05).PanIN-3仅在胰腺导管腺癌和慢性胰腺炎中见到.胰腺导管腺癌中,有烟酒嗜好和(或)糖尿病者高级别PanIN的发生率53.7%,明显高于对照组29.4%(P < 0.01).PanIN的发生率以61 ～ 70岁年龄组为最高.结论胰腺导管腺癌、慢性胰腺炎和正常胰腺组织中PanIN的发生率逐渐增加,程度逐渐加重,支持胰腺癌发生的分子模型.     

胰腺导管腺癌、慢性胰腺炎及正常胰腺组织中胰腺上皮内瘤变的比较研究

目的探讨胰腺导管腺癌、慢性胰腺炎和正常胰腺组织中各级别PanIN的发生率以及与临床病理学参数间的关系。方法回顾性研究长海医院2001年1月-2003年12月间外科切除和同期尸检获得的250例胰腺标本中PanIN的发生情况,并联系临床病理指标进行相关分析。结果250例胰腺标本中,有156例存在PanIN病变,发生率62.4％。其中,胰腺导管腺癌、慢性胰腺炎和正常胰腺组织中PanIN的发生率分别为75.6％、46.0％和30.0％,胰腺导管腺癌PanIN发生率明显高于慢性胰腺炎及正常胰腺组织(P<0.01);慢性胰腺炎中高级别PanIN发生率明显高于正常胰腺组织(P<0.05)。PanIN-3仅在胰腺导管腺癌和慢性胰腺炎中见到。胰腺导管腺癌中,有烟酒嗜好和(或)糖尿病者高级别PanIN的发生率53.7％,明显高于对照组29.4％(P<0.01)。PanIN的发生率以61-70岁年龄组为最高。结论胰腺导管腺癌、慢性胰腺炎和正常胰腺组织中PanIN的发生率逐渐增加,程度逐渐加重,支持胰腺癌发生的分子模型。     

Mast cells and pancreatic stellate cells in chronic pancreatitis with differently intensified fibrosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The pathogenesis of pancreatic fibrosis is unknown. Pathogenic analyses take into account the effect of oxidant stress and the increase in free radicals leading to degranulation of mast cells, which may cause inflammation and activate fibrosis. Activated pancreatic stellate cells produce abnormal components of intercellular substance and are responsible for pancreatic fibrogenesis. The aim of the study was to determine the correlation between the presence and state of mast cells and pancreatic stellate cells activation in chronic pancreatitis with varied intensity fibrosis. METHODOLOGY: We studied 27 patients with chronic pancreatitis of varied fibrosis intensity. Immunohistochemical reactions for mast cells (anti-human mast cell tryptase) and ultrastructural analyses of mast cells and pancreatic stellate cells were performed. The number of degranulated mast cells in the ultrastructural picture and the number of pancreatic stellate cells stained positive for vimentin and alpha-smooth muscle actin were counted. RESULTS: A significant increase was revealed in the number of degranulated mast cells--to 35.6% in chronic pancreatitis I degree fibrosis, 68.3% in II degree, 75.1% in III degree and IV degree (control 10.2%) and a parallel increase in the number of activated pancreatic stellate cells (stained positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin) to 328 +/- 29/mm2 in I degree fibrosis, to 978 +/- 67/mm2 in II degree and 2355 +/- 331/mm2 in III degree and IV degree (control 38.8 +/- 9/mm2). CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the number of activated pancreatic stellate cells parallel to the increase in degranulated mast cells in more pronounced pancreatic fibrosis suggests that mast cell-released chemical mediators are involved in pancreatic stellate cells activation.     

The role of cystic fibrosis gene mutations in determining susceptibility to chronic pancreatitis

This article reviews current concepts regarding the pathobiology of cystic fibrosis pancreatic disease. It summarizes recent studies on the relationship between CFTR mutations and pancreatitis, and it reviews several unresolved issues in the field.     

Increased angiogenin expression in obstructive chronic pancreatitis surrounding pancreatic cancer but not in pure chronic pancreatitis

We previously demonstrated the increased expression of angiogenin (ANG) in pancreatic cancer and its relation to cancer aggressiveness; however, the expression patterns and the roles of angiogenin in chronic pancreatitis are still unknown. We investigated the expression of ANG both in the tissues and in the sera of chronic pancreatitis patients (pure chronic pancreatitis) by using in situ hybridization, Western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In situ hybridization revealed no detectable ANG messenger RNA (mRNA) signals in all tissues of pure chronic pancreatitis and normal pancreas. Only a small amount of protein band expression was obtained in all of the protein lysates of pure chronic pancreatitis and normal pancreas. Accordingly, there was no significant difference between the mean serum ANG concentration of chronic pancreatitis patients (352.1+/-72.5 ng/ml) and that of healthy volunteers (357.6+/-45.2 ng/ml). By contrast, acinar cells and interstitial fibroblasts in the tissues surrounding pancreatic cancer showed increased ANG mRNA expression. Strong protein band expression was obtained in the protein lysates of pancreatic cancer surrounding tissue, and mean serum ANG concentration was increased in pancreatic cancer patients. These findings suggest that ANG expression is increased in pancreatic cancer surrounding tissue but is not increased in pure chronic pancreatitis, and that ANG is potentially involved in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment rather than the establishment of pure chronic pancreatitis.     

Dachaihu decoction ameliorates pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting macrophage infiltration in chronic pancreatitis

AIM To explore the role of macrophages in chronic pancreatitis(CP) and the effect of Dachaihu decoction(DCHD) on pancreatic fibrosis in mice.METHODS Kun Ming mice were randomly divided into a control group, CP group, and DCHD group. In the CP and DCHD groups, mice were intraperitoneally injected with 20% L-arginine(3 g/kg twice 1 d/wk for 6 wk). Mice in the DCHD group were administered DCHD intragastrically at a dose of 14 g/kg/d 1 wk after CP induction. At 2 wk, 4 wk and 6 wk post-modeling, the morphology of the pancreas was observed using hematoxylin and eosin, and Masson staining. Interleukin-6(IL-6) serum levels were assayed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to observe the co-expression of F4/80 and IL-6 in the pancreas. Inflammatory factors including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α(MIP-1α) and IL-6 were determined using real time-polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analysis was used to detect fibronectin levels in the pancreas. RESULTS Compared with the control group, mice with 20% L-arginine-induced CP had obvious macrophage infiltration and a higher level of fibrosis. IL-6 serum concentrations were significantly increased. Double immunofluorescence staining showed that IL-6 and F4/80 were co-expressed in the pancreas. With the administration of DCHD, the infiltration of macrophages and degree of fibrosis in the pancreas were significantly attenuated; IL-6, MCP-1 and MIP-1α m RNA, and fibronectin levels were reduced. CONCLUSION The dominant role of macrophages in the development of CP was mainly related to IL-6 production. DCHD was effective in ameliorating pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting macrophage infiltration and inflammatory factor secretion in the pancreas.     

The molecular landscape of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality within the next decade, with limited effective treatment options and a dismal long-term prognosis for patients. Surgical resection of early, localised disease provides the only chance for potentially curative treatment; however, most patients with PDAC present with advanced disease and are not suitable for surgery. Genomic analyses of PDAC tumour lesions have identified a small number of recurrent alterations that are detected across most tumours, and beyond that a large number that either occur at a low (<5%) prevalence or are patient-specific in nature. This molecular heterogeneity has presented a significant challenge for the characterisation of tumour subtypes and effective molecular biomarkers, which have not yet manifested clinical benefits for diagnosis, treatment or prognosis in PDAC. These challenges are compounded by the overall lack of tumour biopsies for sequencing, the invasive nature of tissue sampling and the confounding effects of low tumour cellularity in many PDAC biopsy specimens, which have limited the applications of molecular profiling in unresectable patients and for longitudinal tumour monitoring. Further investigation into alternative sources of tumour analytes that can be sampled using minimally invasive methods and used to complement molecular analyses from tissue sequencing are required.