Triamcinolone acetonide for rare ocular manifestations of pemphigus vulgaris: a case report

We present an interesting case of pemphigus vulgaris with severe and rare eye manifestations. An old lady with systemic and ocular manifestations of pemphigus vulgaris was treated with systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, with no effect. Subconjunctival injection of triamcinolone acetate reduced the ocular signs and led to gradual reduction of the systemic medications

The Destructive Action of IL-1α and IL-1β in IDDM is a Multistage Process: Evidence and Confirmation by Apoptotic Studies, Induction of Intermediates and Electron Microscopy

Using the rat β-cell RIN-5AH insulinoma line as a means for studying insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), it is shown that interleukin-1 (IL-1) induces β-cell damage initiated by early apoptotic signals. This action is demonstrated by DNA fragmentation, as assessed by specific BrdU labeling, surface expression of Fas and nitric oxide (NO) production. In addition, the interplay between NO and Fas is shown, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirms apoptosis by revealing the degree and type of cellular damage which, in the case of IL-1α, can be reversed by an inhibitor to NO synthesis. Apoptosis is also reconfirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) by observing condensed nuclear chromatin after IL-1 exposure. Thus, treatment of insulinoma cells with IL-1α and IL-1β seems to initiate a number of signals, including PKC activation as published previously, that ultimately lead to β-cell destruction. Each IL-1 isoform, however, definitely follows a different pathway of action