Objective To summarize the recent pathogenetic researches on the acute pancreatitis. Methods Relevant references about the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis, which were published recently domestic and abroad were collected and reviewed. Results Recent experimental data indicated that the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemotactic factors were responsible for local injury and systemic dissemination of the inflammatory mediators. Experimental studies also provided evidences implying that the immune system might play a role in the development of pancreatitis, such as the activation of lymphocyte and neutrophil. Additionally, the pancreas may completely recover or become fibrotic after an attack of acute pancreatitis and the presence of pancreatic stellate cell was known as a crucial factor in the fibrogenesis. Conclusion The pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis is very complicated, the factors that determine the ultimate severity of the attack are still unknown.
ObjectiveTo summarize the therapeutic targets of pancreatic cancer (PC). MethodsThe related literatures about the therapeutic targets of PC were reviewed. ResultsPC was one of the most challenging tumor in worldwide, and was characterized as a highly aggressive disease with poor overall prognosis and a high mortality rate. The hallmark of PC was its poor response to radio-and chemo-therapy. Current chemotherapeutic regimens could not provide substantial survival benefit with a clear increase in overall survival. Recently, several new approaches which could significantly improve the clinical outcome of PC had been described, involving signal-transduction pathways, immune response, stroma reaction, and epigenetic changes. ConclusionsMany therapeutic targets are involved in the treatment of PC. As current therapies failed to significantly improve the progression and the survival of PC, new therapeutic approaches and clinical studies are strongly required.