Pancreatic Morphology, Immunology, and the Pathogenesis of Acute Pancreatitis
Tudorel Mihoc,
Silviu Constantin Latcu,
Cosmin-Ciprian Secasan,
Vlad Dema,
Alin Adrian Cumpanas,
Mircea Selaru,
Catalin Alexandru Pirvu,
Andrei Paul Valceanu,
Flavia Zara,
Cristina-Stefania Dumitru,
Dorin Novacescu,
Stelian Pantea
Affiliations
Tudorel Mihoc
Doctoral School, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, E. Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Silviu Constantin Latcu
Doctoral School, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, E. Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Cosmin-Ciprian Secasan
Department XV, Discipline of Urology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, E. Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Vlad Dema
Doctoral School, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, E. Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Alin Adrian Cumpanas
Department XV, Discipline of Urology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, E. Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Mircea Selaru
Department X, General Surgery II, Discipline of Surgical Emergencies, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, E. Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Catalin Alexandru Pirvu
Department X, General Surgery II, Discipline of Surgical Emergencies, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, E. Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Andrei Paul Valceanu
Department X, General Surgery II, Discipline of Surgical Emergencies, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, E. Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Flavia Zara
Department II of Microscopic Morphology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, E. Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Cristina-Stefania Dumitru
Department II of Microscopic Morphology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, E. Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Dorin Novacescu
Department II of Microscopic Morphology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, E. Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Stelian Pantea
Department X, General Surgery II, Discipline of Surgical Emergencies, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, E. Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Acute pancreatitis is a complex inflammatory disorder with significant morbidity and mortality. This review aims to integrate the current knowledge of pancreatic morphology and immunology with the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis, providing a comprehensive understanding of this critical condition. We conducted an extensive literature review, synthesizing data from recent studies and authoritative sources on pancreatic anatomy, histology, immunology, and the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis. We also incorporated epidemiological data, clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and prognostic factors. The pancreas exhibits a complex morphology with intricate interactions between its exocrine and endocrine components. Its unique immunological landscape plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and orchestrating responses to pathological conditions. In acute pancreatitis, the disruption of intracellular calcium signaling leads to premature enzyme activation, triggering a cascade of events including mitochondrial dysfunction, ATP depletion, and the release of proinflammatory mediators. This process can escalate from localized inflammation to systemic complications. The interplay between pancreatic morphology, immune responses, and pathophysiological mechanisms contributes to the varied clinical presentations and outcomes observed in acute pancreatitis. Understanding the intricate relationships between pancreatic morphology, immunology, and the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis is crucial for developing more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This integrated approach provides new insights into the complex nature of acute pancreatitis and may guide future research directions in pancreatic disorders.