Serum TAM Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Ligands in Acute Pancreatitis

Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study on TAM Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Ligands for Predicting the Severity of Acute Pancreatitis

AXL and MERTK are homologous members of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL, MERTK) receptor tyrosine kinase family. They function as critical regulators of antiviral immunity, autoimmune responses, and tumor microenvironment modulation through their bridging ligands, GAS6 (Growth Arrest-Specific 6) and PROS1 (Protein S). These receptors serve as damage sensors that negatively regulate inflammation, promote tissue repair/remodeling, and modulate fibrotic processes in chronic inflammatory conditions. Building upon our previous work demonstrating the pivotal role of the AXL/MERTK signaling axis in AP pathogenesis - particularly in pancreatic necrosis regulation, this clinical study seeks to evaluate the prognostic value of the TAM receptor ligands GAS6 and PROS1 as biomarkers for predicting AP severity.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18-80 years.
2. Patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis in outpatient/emergency departments, inpatient wards, or health examination centers starting from 2024.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer.
2. Pregnant or lactating women.
3. Patients who did not provide informed consent.
4. Patients with severe organic diseases, such as malignant tumors, acute myocardial infarction, or large-scale cerebral infarction.