Changes in Enteroendocrine Hormones After Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation

Objective When total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is performed for chronic pancreatitis, the pancreas and most of the duodenum are removed, with Roux-en-Y reconstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Enteroendocrine cells in the intestines and pancreas secrete hormones coordinating digestion and motility, but anatomic reconstruction alters transit of nutrients to these cells. We hypothesized that TPIAT leads to changes in enteroendocrine hormones. Methods Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) were measured from mixed-meal tolerance tests of 34 clinical trial participants before and 18 months after TPIAT. Area under the curve of GLP-1 and PYY-stimulated responses were calculated by trapezoidal method, and the PP response was measured as the stimulated max minus baseline (Delta PP). Results Area under the curve of GLP-1 and PYY increased significantly after TPIAT (GLP-1 average +553.1 pg/mL per minute,P= 0.004; PYY average +4647.9 pg/mL per minute,P= 0.02). Delta PP trended toward lower after TPIAT (average, -52.2 pg/mL,P= 0.06). Conclusions In this novel study of enteroendocrine hormones in TPIAT patients, stimulated levels of GLP-1 and PYY were significantly higher after versus before TPIAT. Delta PP was lower after TPIAT, but not significantly. These hormone changes have potential clinical implications that warrant further research.