Pathophysiology and Biomarker Potential of Fatty Acid Ethyl Ester Elevation During Alcoholic Pancreatitis.

Background & Aims: The role of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) during human alcoholic pancreatitis is unknown. We compared FAEEs levels with their nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) precursors during alcohol intoxication and clinical alcoholic pancreatitis. The pathophysiology underlying FAEEs increase and their role as diagnostic biomarkers for alcoholic pancreatitis was investigated.