Relationship between Cholesterol-Related Lipids and Severe Acute Pancreatitis: From Bench to Bedside

Abstract

It is well known that hypercholesterolemia in the body has pro-inflammatory effects through the formation of inflammasomes and augmentation of TLR (Toll-like receptor) signaling, which gives rise to cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the interaction between cholesterol-related lipids and acute pancreatitis (AP) has not yet been summarized before. This hinders the consensus on the existence and clinical importance of cholesterol-associated AP. This review focuses on the possible interaction between AP and cholesterol-related lipids, which include total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein (Apo) A1, from the bench to the bedside. With a higher serum level of total cholesterol, LDL-C is associated with the severity of AP, while the persistent inflammation of AP is allied with a decrease in serum levels of cholesterol-related lipids. Therefore, an interaction between cholesterol-related lipids and AP is postulated. Cholesterol-related lipids should be recommended as risk factors and early predictors for measuring the severity of AP. Cholesterol-lowering drugs may play a role in the treatment and prevention of AP with hypercholesterolemia.

Decreased HDL-C Levels as a Predictor of Organ Failure in Acute Pancreatitis in the Emergency Department

“…In this regard, it was hypothesized that impaired high-density lipoprotein-associated antioxidant defense may contribute to the severity of the disease [57]. It has recently been published that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are effective in the early prediction of MOF in patients with AP [58,59]. HDL-C, as a useful parameter in combination with several clinical parameters, can improve the predictive sensitivity of AP, being able to form part of a multivariate model for AP prediction [60].…”

Unraveling the Metabolic Changes in Acute Pancreatitis: A Metabolomics-Based Approach for Etiological Differentiation and Acute Biomarker Discovery

“…A noteworthy change was also observed in sterol lipids, including metabolites like 18:2 cholesterol ester and 1a,25-dihydroxypentyl cholecalciferol. Considering the crucial functions of sterol lipids in maintaining membrane integrity and regulating immune responses, such alterations could signify an adaptive response to inflammation and tissue injury in acute pancreatitis [26][27][28]. According to these data, the monoglyceride of stearic acid and esters like lauryl stearate and myristyl linoleate may be considered as putative biomarkers of the differentiation between groups BAP and AAP.…”

Statin Induced Changes in Rat Pancreatic Tissue: A Histological and Biochemical Perspective

“…However, evidence remains mixed, with some studies showing no association with statins. 3 Histomorphological changes underlying this possible risk are poorly understood. This research yields a significant and vital impact on understanding and observing statin-induced histological changes in the structure and exocrine function of the pancreas of rats.…”