Objective To summarize the role of inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP) and gut barrier dysfunction in recent years. Methods Literatures on cytokines and experimental pancreatitis as well as clinical pancreatitis were collected and reviewed. Results Tumor necrosis factor-α and other inflammatory cytokines were elevated significantly during pancreatitis in many tissues, especially in pancreas and alimentary tract, in a fashion independent of the animal model used. Anti-cytokine therapy could decrease the concentration of the cytokines in experimental animal. Conclusion Inflammatory cytokines are believed to be primarily responsible for the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis and its associated distant organ dysfunction. Further study of the nature of these cytokines may provide a new approach to treating this disease.
【Abstract】Objective To study the change of pancreatic microcirculation in the early phase of acute pancreatitis. MethodsLiteratures on acute pancreatitis and microcirculation were collected and reviewed.ResultsPancreatic microcirculation has changed in the early phase of acute pancreatitis, including contraction of interlobular arteriole, slowing of blood fluid, increasing of pancreatic vascular permeability, leukocyte adherence in postcapillary venules, and decreasing of pancreatic perfusion.Conclusion Impairment of pancreatic microcirculation in the early phase of acute pancreatitis may play a key role in the progression of this disease.