Acute pancreatitis: Molecular biology update

Molecular genetic studies provide critical information that points to trypsin as the central molecule in initiating acute pancreatitis. Susceptibility to acute pancreatitis appears to be related to the body’s ability to protect itself from trypsin activation. Once acute pancreatitis is initiated, the extent, severity, and complications are largely controlled by other factors, such as the immune response. Knowledge of these concepts will likely become more and more important as risk and pathways are better de.ned and early interventions developed.