Address of Corresponding Author

Pancreatology 2004;4:567-586 (DOI: 10.1159/000082182)

  Key Words

• Apoptosis
• Necrosis
• Caspases
• Mitochondrial dysfunction

  Abstract

The understanding of the regulation of apoptosis and necrosis, the two principal cell death pathways, is becoming exceedingly important in investigations of the pathogenesis and treatment of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. For example, in acute pancreatitis significant amounts of pancreatic necrosis are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Thus, determining the key steps regulating necrosis should provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies for improving outcome in these patients. On the other hand, in pancreatic cancer various survival mechanisms act to prevent cell death, resulting in promotion of tumor growth and metastasis. Resistance of pancreatic cancer to apoptosis is the key factor preventing responses to therapies. Investigations of the regulation of cell death mechanisms specific to pancreatic cancer should lead to improvements in our current therapies for this disease. The present review is designed to provide information about cell death pathways in pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer with reference to areas that need further investigation, as well as to provide measurement techniques adapted to pancreatic tissue and cells.

Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel and IAP

  Author Contacts

Anna S. Gukovskaya, PhD
VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System
Building 258, Room 340, 11301 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90073 (USA)
Tel. +1 310 268 3676, Fax +1 310 268 4578, E-Mail agukovsk@ucla.edu

  Article Information

Published online: November 16, 2004
Number of Print Pages : 20
Number of Figures : 6, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 204