Researchers are investigating autophagy as a potential treatment for pancreatitis, a condition where damaged organelles accumulate and disrupt cellular function. Autophagy helps maintain healthy pancreatic acinar cells by removing these damaged components. Impaired autophagy has been linked to pancreatitis, leading to cell stress and potential cell death. The review also discusses the role of mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction in the disease. Potential therapeutic targets within the autophagy pathway have been identified, with animal studies suggesting that manipulating certain proteins can protect against pancreatitis. Further research will focus on the specific role of autophagy receptors in treating the disease in humans.
Source link
The link between defective autophagy and pancreatitis could point to new treatments
