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ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Microcirculatory Dysfunction as a Central Driver of Disease Severity in Acute Pancreatitis: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets

Authors: Karla María López Cortés*; Alexa Crystal González Herrera; Alfonso Sandoval Polito, M.D.; Juan Antonio Falcón Rojas, MS1; Julia Alethia Plascencia Cureño, MS3; Samuel Sanchez Cruz, MS3; Airam Alejandra Arias Villaverde; +1 Authors

Microcirculatory Dysfunction as a Central Driver of Disease Severity in Acute Pancreatitis: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets

Abstract

Acute pancreatitis (AP) remains a complex inflammatory disease in which early microcirculatory failure plays a central role in determining severity, organ dysfunction, and clinical outcomes. Despite major advances in understanding its pathobiology, therapeutic strategies targeting microvascular impairment, endothelial injury, and perfusion disturbances remain fragmented and inconsistently translated into practice. This comprehensive narrative review critically synthesizes current evidence on pancreatic microcirculatory dysfunction and its therapeutic implications. We integrate data from contemporary models, including endothelial glycocalyx degradation, capillary leak phenomena, leukocyte–endothelium interactions, mitochondrial dysfunction, and splanchnic hypoperfusion, establishing microcirculatory collapse as a unifying mechanism in the progression to severe AP. Furthermore, the review critically evaluates therapeutic interventions aimed at maintaining or restoring microvascular integrity, including optimized fluid resuscitation, low-molecular-weight heparin, ulinastatin, epidural analgesia, continuous hemofiltration, and experimental endothelial-protective agents. Evidence suggests that early, controlled hydration, anticoagulation in select cases, and epidural strategies may improve perfusion and reduce complications, while emerging therapies targeting glycocalyx preservation, mitochondrial stability, and SIRT1-FOXO1 pathways show promising translational potential. However, heterogeneity among studies, limited high-quality randomized trials, and variations in timing and patient selection highlight persistent gaps. Overall, this review consolidates microcirculatory dysfunction as a central therapeutic target in acute pancreatitis and underscores the need for standardized protocols, high-quality RCTs, and precision-based approaches to modify the early trajectory of severe disease.

Keywords

Acute pancreatitis, microcirculation, endothelial dysfunction, organ failure, perfusion injury, fluid resuscitation, glycocalyx, systemic inflammation, heparin therapy, epidural analgesia.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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