 |
|
Scientists discover how coffee can reduce risk of pancreatitis
March 14, 2006Scientists at the University of Liverpool have found how coffee can reduce the risk of alcohol-induced pancreatitis.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have found how coffee can reduce the risk of alcohol-induced pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed, causing severe abdominal pain. It is often triggered by alcohol consumption which causes digestive enzymes to digest part of the pancreas.
Scientists have known for some time that coffee can reduce the risk of alcoholic pancreatitis, but have been unable to determine how. Researchers at the University have now discovered that caffeine can partially close special channels within cells, reducing to some extent the damaging effects of alcohol products on the pancreas.
Professor Ole Petersen and Professor Robert Sutton, from the University's Physiological Laboratory and Division of Surgery, have found that cells in the pancreas can be damaged by products of alcohol and fat formed in the pancreas when oxygen levels in the organ are low. Under these conditions, excessive amounts of calcium are released from stores within the cells of the pancreas. Special organelles, called mitochondria, also become damaged and cannot produce the energiser that normally allows calcium to be pumped out of the cells. The excess calcium then activates protein breakdown, destroying the cells in the pancreas.
Professor Petersen explains: "The primary cause of the build up in calcium ion concentration is movement of calcium ions from a store inside the cells into the cell water through special channels in the store membrane. We have found that caffeine, present in drinks such as coffee can at least partially close these channels. This explains why coffee consumption can reduce the risk of alcoholic pancreatitis. The caffeine effect, however, is weak and excessive coffee intake has its own dangers, so we have to search for better agents.
"At the moment there is no specific pharmacological treatment for pancreatitis. As a result of this research however, we can, for the first time, begin to search for specific chemical agents that target the channels causing the excessive liberation of calcium ions inside the cells, which is where the problem originates. We are also hoping that these findings can be used to warn against the dangers of binge drinking. Some of the effects of the non-oxidative alcohol products on isolated pancreatic cells cannot be reversed, explaining why excess alcohol intake can be so dangerous.\\\
University of Liverpool
Professor Ole Petersen and Professor Robert Sutton, from the University's Physiological Laboratory and Division of Surgery, have found that cells in the pancreas can be damaged by products of alcohol and fat formed in the pancreas when oxygen levels in the organ are low. Under these conditions, excessive amounts of calcium are released from stores within the cells of the pancreas. Special organelles, called mitochondria, also become damaged and cannot produce the energiser that normally allows calcium to be pumped out of the cells. The excess calcium then activates protein breakdown, destroying the cells in the pancreas.
Professor Petersen explains: "The primary cause of the build up in calcium ion concentration is movement of calcium ions from a store inside the cells into the cell water through special channels in the store membrane. We have found that caffeine, present in drinks such as coffee can at least partially close these channels. This explains why coffee consumption can reduce the risk of alcoholic pancreatitis. The caffeine effect, however, is weak and excessive coffee intake has its own dangers, so we have to search for better agents.
"At the moment there is no specific pharmacological treatment for pancreatitis. As a result of this research however, we can, for the first time, begin to search for specific chemical agents that target the channels causing the excessive liberation of calcium ions inside the cells, which is where the problem originates. We are also hoping that these findings can be used to warn against the dangers of binge drinking. Some of the effects of the non-oxidative alcohol products on isolated pancreatic cells cannot be reversed, explaining why excess alcohol intake can be so dangerous.\\\
University of Liverpool
Pancreatitis Current Events and Pancreatitis News RSSA case of post-gastrectomy acute pancreatitis
Gastrectomy is commonly performed for both benign and malignant lesions. Although the incidence of post-gastrectomy acute pancreatitis (PGAP) is low compared to other well-recognized post-operative complications, it has been reported to be associated with a high mortality rate.
ERCP quality outcomes in a community hospital setting compare favorably with academic centers
A new study from researchers in Minnesota found that endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) performed in a community hospital setting results in complication rates that compare favorably with those of academic centers while achieving technical success at or above the performance levels recommended by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)/American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Task Force.
Endothelin-1 inhibitors in chronic pancreatitis
Fibrosis is a key feature of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. The extensive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins fosters the development of an exocrine and endocrine organ insufficiency, and accelerates progression of the tumour.
Perform non-radiation ERCP during pregnancy: Is it safe?
Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the lithogenicity of bile and impair gallbladder emptying, which create a favorable environment for gallstone formation.
Study could help target new pancreatitis treatments
Pancreatitis is often a fatal condition, in which the pancreas digests itself and surrounding tissue.
Genetically engineered mice don't get obese, but do develop gallstones
Obesity and gallstones often go hand in hand. But not in mice developed at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Even when these mice eat high-fat diets, they don't get fat, but they do develop gallstones.
Popular diabetes treatment could trigger pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer
A drug widely used to treat Type 2 diabetes may have unintended effects on the pancreas that could lead to a form of low-grade pancreatitis in some patients and a greater risk of pancreatic cancer in long-term users, UCLA researchers have found.
Study examines radiation dose estimates for pregnant women undergoing therapeutic ERCP
Pregnant women with gallstone disease may require immediate endoscopic intervention because of potentially life-threatening cholangitis (infection in the bile ducts) or gallstone pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
An herbal extract inhibits the development of pancreatic cancer
An herb recently found to kill pancreatic cancer cells also appears to inhibit development of pancreatic cancer as a result of its anti-inflammatory properties, according to researchers from the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson.
U-M researchers ID gene involved in pancreatic cancer
Researchers from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a gene that is overexpressed in 90 percent of pancreatic cancers, the most deadly type of cancer.
More Pancreatitis Current Events and Pancreatitis News Articles
 |
The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Pancreatitis: A Revised and Updated Directory for the Internet Age by Icon Health Publications (Author) This book has been created for patients who have decided to make education and research an integral part of the treatment process. Although it also gives information useful to doctors, caregivers and other health professionals, it tells patients where and how to look for information covering virtually all topics related to pancreatitis (also Chronic relapsing pancreatitis), from the essentials to the most advanced areas of research. The title of this book includes the word official. This reflects the fact that the sourcebook draws from public, academic, government, and peer-reviewed research. Selected readings from various agencies are reproduced to give you some of the latest official information available to date on pancreatitis. Given patients' increasing sophistication in using the... |
 |
The Doctor's Guide to Gastrointestinal Health: Preventing and Treating Acid Reflux, Ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diverticulitis, Celiac Disease, Colon ... Pancreatitis, Cirrhosis, Hernias and more by Paul Miskovitz M.D. (Author), Marian Betancourt (Author) "This is the reference guide you dream about--answers to all your important questions written in a language you can understand. For everyone who wants better health and peace of mind." --Diane Sawyer, Co-anchor of ABC News' Good Morning America and PrimeTime Thursday "An important, practical, easy-to-read, and easy-to-understand source of information for anyone with a chronic gastrointestinal problem." --Isadore Rosenfeld, M.D., Rossi Distinguished Professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University and bestselling author Digestive ailments, whether mild or life-threatening, are a major concern for millions of people--and they can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Now, in this essential reference book, Dr. Paul... |
 |
Andrew's Story living with Pancreatitis by B Prentice (Author) Description This is a moving story of how an ordinary family learnt to cope with the incurable, debilitating and often terminal disease of Pancreatitis. The first symptoms appeared when Andrew was just fifteen and after 20 years he lost complete pancreatic function. This robbed him of his job, wife, home and self-respect. Often mistaken for an alcoholic or drug addict, it was a constant struggle to receive any help. He could 'live on the streets as homeless without detriment, the same as any other homeless person'. This resulted in deep depression, self-harm and several suicide attempts. There is no justice. About the Author Like many people, Brenda Prentice does not like to see injustice. When her adopted son, who was chronically ill with 20 years of... |
 |
Pancreatitis Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Pancreatitis Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Pancreatitis Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Pancreatitis Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
 |
The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Anti-Inflammation Diet by M.D., Christopher P. Cannon (Author), Elizabeth Vierck (Author) Extinguish inflammation now. New research shows that abnormal inflammation may be linked to a variety of diseases and conditions. In this book, you will find what diseases and conditions are caused by inflammation, which foods reduce inflammation and which foods contribute to inflammation, and how to tweak today’s diets to make them anti-inflammatory. |
 |
Gastric Gold Aloe Vera AMP 90 Count Bottle by Alternative Health Products Gastric Gold is helpful in reversing and correcting many digestive and gastrointestinal tract disorders and diseases. A.M.P. (Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharide) the main ingredient in Gastric Gold purifies the blood, cleanses the liver, restores and protects the digestive tract, while it works to stop the damaging causes of these painful conditions: The Aloe Vera plant has been recognized for many years for its remarkable health-enhancing properties. In the past it was known for external applications for the skin only. Concentrated and stabilized Aloe (AMP) the active ingredient in Gastric Gold, is now widely used to help a variety of conditions in the digestive tract. The digestive tract is designed to ensure nutrients from food are absorbed into the blood stream while dispensing with... |
 |
A.H.P.B.A- 2005 Surgical Spring Week /DVD:31 Also With: American Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (Host) A.H.P.B.A- 2005 Surgical Spring Week /DVD:31 FREE PAPERS: PANCREATIC SURGERY . Pancreatic necrosectomy through a cyst-gastrostomy improves patient outcome compared to open necrosectomy in patients with nectrotizing pancratitis - Dr. Leo Derosier (USA) . Pancreaticoduodenectmy outcomes in a general surgery training program - Dr. Craig Fisher (USA) . The effect of neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer on surgical complications Dra. Melissa Brunsvold (USA) . Factors associated with clinical failure following pancreatectomy and autologous islet cell transplantation - Dr. Curtis Way (USA) . Natural history of indeterminate pancreatic cysts - Dr. Richard Walsh (USA) . Long-term survival and quality of life after total pancreatectomy - Dr. Marcus Tan (USA). |
 |
Chronic Pancreatitis by M. W. Buechler (Author), Helmut Friess (Author), W. Uhl (Author), Peter Malfertheiner (Author) This book contains contributions by leading pancreatologists from around the world summarizing the latest developments in the fields of chronic pancreatitis: Etiology Pathophysiology Diagnostics Conservative, interventional and surgical treatment Invaluable for students, general practitioners and clinicians. |
 |
Alternative Health & Herbs Remedies Bean Pod 2-Ounce Bottle by Alternative Health & Herbs Remedies Bean Pod contains amino acids and enzymes. It gradually aids the pancreas to produce insulin. |
 |
21st Century Complete Medical Guide to Pancreatic Diseases, Pancreas Disorders, and Pancreatitis, Authoritative Government Documents, Clinical References, ... for Patients and Physicians (CD-ROM) by PM Medical Health News (Author) This up-to-date electronic book on CD-ROM provides the best collection available anywhere of official Federal government information and documents on the subject of pancreatic diseases, pancreas disorders, and pancreatitis. This CD-ROM uses next-generation search technology that allows complete indexing and makes all files on the disc fully searchable. For patients, practical information is provided in clearly written patient education documents. For medical professionals, doctor reference tools and texts have detailed technical information and clinical background material. This thoroughly researched collection presents vital information from many authoritative sources: National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Combined Health Information Database (CHID), Centers for Disease Control... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |