Expression of TNF-α, APRIL and BCMA in Behcet's disease.

Background: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is an important proinflammatory cytokine which plays an important role in the immunopathogenesis of Behcet's disease (BD). B cell activating factor (BAFF) and its homolog A proliferation inducing ligand (APRIL) are members of the tumor necrosis factor family. BAFF binds to 3 receptors, B cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R), transmembrane activator and calcium modulator ligand interactor (TACI), and B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) that are expressed by B cells.

Comparative study of the effect of a daily steroid regimen versus a weekly oral pulse steroid regimen on morphological changes, blood sugar, bone mineral density and suprarenal gland activity.

Background: The most serious side effects of systemic steroids include osteoporosis and suprarenal suppression. Many steroid regimens have been suggested to minimize these side effects; one of them is oral steroid pulse therapy.

Objective: To compare the side effects of a daily oral steroid regimen versus a weekly oral steroid pulse regimen on bone mineral density and suprarenal suppression.

Bcl-2 expression in mycosis fungoides before and after PUVA therapy.

PUVA is the first therapeutic choice in early stages of mycosis fungoides (MF). In this study the effect of PUVA on bcl-2 expression in MF was assessed in 15 patients (three stage Ia and 12 stage Ib) and 10 controls. Two biopsies were taken from each patient before and after 24 sessions of PUVA therapy.