Correlation of Acute Inflammatory Markers with Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Pancreatitis (CP) is a long-standing inflammation of the pancreas that presents as episodes of acute inflammation or chronic damage, leading to alterations in the organ’s normal structure and function. Numerous studies have focused on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in Acute Pancreatitis (AP), but similar studies in CP are rare. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of acute inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in CP patients with healthy controls, and to investigate the correlation between acute inflammatory markers and oxidative stress markers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India, from January 2018 to December 2021. Forty-five patients diagnosed with CP, based on clinical manifestations, Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) of the abdomen, and histopathology reports, were enrolled along with 45 healthy controls. Serum biochemical parameters, including inflammatory markers such as high-sensitive C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), as well as oxidative stress parameters such as Malondialdehyde (MDA), Total Antioxidant Status (TAO), and Total Oxidant Status (TOS), were measured. The Oxidative Status Index (OSI) was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Results: There were no significant differences in age and gender between the two groups. None of the individuals in the control group had diabetes, and their Body Mass Index (BMI) was within normal limits. Patients exhibited leukocytosis, hypoproteinemia, and hypoalbuminemia. Although all patients presented with pain, none had recent acute pain episodes or elevated serum amylase levels. Compared to healthy individuals, CP patients showed significantly elevated serum concentrations of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, as well as OSI. Serum antioxidant (TAO) levels were significantly reduced in patients compared to controls. Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were positively correlated with age, smoking and alcohol intake. There was a positive correlation between acute inflammatory markers and oxidative stress markers in patients with CP. Conclusion: Serum inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were significantly elevated in patients with CP as compared to controls, indicating key roles in patients with CP.