Physicochemical properties of biological fluids in patients with chronic pancreatitis

Abstract

Human biological fluids (BF) contain a variety of low- and high-molecular-weight surfactants that can adsorb at liquid phase boundaries and alter surface tension (ST), thereby accelerating or delaying the processes of matter and energy transfer through biological membranes. Numerous proteins, lipids, electrolytes, and hormones that have surfactant properties and ability to change the ST of blood, urine, and pancreatic secretions are altered in chronic pancreatitis (CP).

We examined 72 patients with CP in the acute stage, ranging in age from 20 to 63 (34 men and 38 women). Of them, 36 had biliary CP and 36 had alcohol-induced pancreatitis. 30 healthy people were examined. Interfacial tensiometry and rheometry techniques were used to study the physicochemical properties of blood, urine and duodenal contents.

CP patients’ dynamic ST of BF was examined using the MPT-2 Lauda computer tensiometer (Germany). We assessed the rheological properties of the BF, which consist of elastic and viscous components, using an enhanced ADSA.

There are substantial changes in the physicochemical properties of blood, urine, and duodenal contents in CP patients. Interfacial tensiometry and rheometry parameters of the BF in patients with CP vary according to the surfactant content, which includes enzymes and pancreatic hormones. Tensiometry and rheometry indices of the BF in CP correlate with changes in exocrine and endocrine pancreatic functions and the severity of sonographic CP manifestations. Interphase tensiometry and rheometry of blood, urine, and duodenal contents can be used as integral criteria for evaluating biochemical and functional changes in CP.