Coxsackie B4 virus infection of beta cells and natural killer cell insulitis in recent-onset type 1 diabetic patients.

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by T cell-mediated autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Several studies have suggested an association between Coxsackie enterovirus seroconversion and onset of disease. However, a direct link between beta cell viral infection and islet inflammation has not been established.

Defective lymphocyte caspase-3 expression in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Objective: Activation-induced cell death (AICD) is a major mechanism in the regulation of peripheral tolerance and its impairment can determine the development of autoimmunity. In the present study, in order to evaluate the role of caspase-3 in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) AICD, caspase-3 expression was analyzed in peripheral blood lymphocytes from 37 new onset T1DM patients and from 36 normal control subjects (NC) in resting conditions and after anti-Fas-triggered apoptosis.

Methods: Caspase-3 expression was determined by semiquantitative RT-PCR and Western blot.

Improved insulin secretory function and reduced chemotactic properties after tissue culture of islets from type 1 diabetic patients.

Background: Type 1 diabetes results from the destruction of pancreatic beta-cell as a consequence of an autoimmune process. To date, information on the properties of islets isolated from type 1 diabetic patients is very scant.

Methods: Some immunological and functional properties of islets prepared from the pancreas of type 1 diabetic patients were studied shortly after the isolation and after a period of culture in euglycemic condition.