The presence of the 2694T/G polymorphism was detected by DGGE analysis of exon 14a. Its presence was detected by comparison with already characterized samples, known to carry this polymorphism in homozygous or heterozygous states (Fig. 1).

In a group of 22 CBAVD patients the 2694G allele was detected in 10 subjects (nine heterozygous and one homozygous). Of 39 patients with chronic pancreatitis 20 had this polymorphism (18 heterozygous and two homozygous). Among 50 healthy blood donors 26 showed the presence of the polymorphism (23 heterozygous and three homozygous). The results are summarized in Tables 1 and 2.

Table 1. Genotype frequencies in the three groups analyzed