| Title |
Unraveling the causal effect of intra-pancreatic fat deposition on pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, and diabetes - A clinical epidemiological perspective - |
| Subtitle |
|
| Authors |
Hajime YAMAZAKI1), Naotaka KUGIYAMA2), Shuhei SHINODA3), Masahiko TANIKAWA4), Yoshiki NAITO5) |
| Authors (kana) |
|
| Organization |
1)Section of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Community Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 2)Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 3)Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 4)Department of Pathology, Kurume University School of Medicine, 5)Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kurume University Hospital |
| Journal |
Journal of the Japan Pancreas Society
|
| Volume |
40
|
| Number |
1
|
| Page |
2-11 |
| Year/Month |
2025 / |
| Article |
Report |
| Publisher |
Japan Pancreas Society |
| Abstract |
Intra-pancreatic fat deposition (IPFD) refers to lipid accumulation within the pancreas, which manifests as adipocytes or lipid droplets within acinar and endocrine cells. IPFD is a modifiable condition that can be improved through dietary and exercise interventions. High IPFD is typically identified by increased pancreatic echogenicity on ultrasonography and can be quantified using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Approximately 20% of the general population exhibits IPFD levels exceeding 10% of the pancreas, making it one of the most common pancreatic conditions. IPFD shows a modest correlation with subcutaneous, visceral, and hepatic fat, and can occur in non-obese individuals. Genome-wide association studies have identified genetic polymorphisms linked to IPFD, while environmental factors such as aging and obesity also play important roles. Recent studies suggest that IPFD is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, and diabetes. However, high-quality clinical epidemiological research integrating pathology, medical imaging, clinical data, and genetic information is needed to clarify these causal relationships. |
| Practice |
Clinical internal medicine |
| Keywords |
Pancreas fat, Fatty pancreas, Diabetes, Pancreatitis, Pancreatic cancer |
