Genetic and Environmental Attributes of Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease of the pancreas. Tropical chronic pancreatitis is a severe form of CP with multifactorial aetiology. In addition to the growing evidence of attributes of genetic factors, the environmental factors may also play crucial roles in the progression and pathogenesis of CP as these factors may interact with the genetic components of individuals and cause aberrations. Oxidative stress related genes may modify the effects of ambient tobacco smoking and alcohol on CP. This review presents an updated account of the contribution of gene-environment interactions on the onset and progression of CP.