Dipyridamole inhibits human peritoneal mesothelial cell proliferation in vitro and attenuates rat peritoneal fibrosis in vivo

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is one of the most serious complications after long-term continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Proliferation of human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) and matrix over-production are regarded as the main processes predisposing to PF. Dipyridamole (DP) has been reported to have potential as an antiproliferative and antifibrotic agent. We thus investigated the effect of DP in inhibiting proliferation and collagen synthesis of HPMC. A rat model of peritonitis-induced PF was also established to demonstrate the in vivo preventive effect of DP.

METHODS

HPMC was cultured from human omentum by an enzyme digestion

METHOD

Cell proliferation was measured by the methyltetrazolium assay. Intracellular cAMP was measured using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit. Total collagen synthesis was measured by (3)H-proline incorporation assay. Expression of collagen alpha1 (I) and collagen alpha 1 (III) mRNAs was determined by Northern blotting. The rat model of peritonitis-induced PF was developed by adding dextran microbeads (Cytodex, 8 mg/1 mL volume) to a standardized suspension (3 x 10(9)) of Staphylococcus aureus. DP was administrated via intravenous infusion (4 mg in 1 h) daily for seven days. Macroscopic grading of intraperitoneal adhesions and histological analyses of peritoneal thickness and collagen expression were performed.

RESULTS

Addition of DP to HPMC cultures suppressed serum-stimulated cell proliferation and collagen synthesis. The antimitogenic and antifibrotic effects of DP appear to be predominantly mediated through the cAMP pathway, as DP increased intracellular cAMP in a dose-dependent manner. The macroscopic grade of intraperitoneal adhesion and peritoneal thickness were both significantly increased in animals treated with Cytodex plus S. aureus; on the other hand, DP attenuated these fibrotic changes with statistical significance (P < 0.01). Analysis of gene expression of collagen alpha 1 (I) and alpha1 (III) in the peritoneal tissue of experimental animals yielded similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that dipyridamole may have therapeutic potential in treating peritoneal fibrosis.

Congenital multiple plaque-like glomangiomyoma in trunk--a case report

Congenital glomus tumor is a rare variant of glomus tumor, and glomangiomyoma is the least frequent histological type of glomus tumor. We present a case of congenital multiple plaque-like glomangiomyoma in an 11-year-old child with multiple diffuse plaques on his right lateral trunk. Histopathologic study showed a picture of typical glomus cell undergoing transition to smooth muscle cell. After literature review, this might be the first case report of congenital multiple plaque-like glomus tumor in trunk with histological appearance of a glomangiomyoma.

The evaluation of the therapeutic effect of tao-shang-tsao on alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate and carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver damage in rats

The hepatoprotective effects of Tao-shang-tsao, Ixeris laevigata Sch.-Bip. var. oldhami Kitam., were studied on cholestatic hepatitis induced by alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT, 100 mg/10 ml/kg, in olive oil, i.p.) and acute hepatitis induced by carbon tetrachloride (20% CCl4/olive oil, 1.5 ml/kg, i.p.) in rats by post-treatment with the crude methanolic extracts of I. laevigata (0.3, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg) orally in the therapeutic model. Hepatoprotective activity was monitored by estimating the serum transaminases concentrations and histopathological changes in the livers of experimental rats. It was found that the I. laevigata extract significantly decreased the acute elevation of serum transaminases by biochemical examination. According to pathohistological studies in the liver of experimental rats, the crude I. laevigata extract ameliorates the central necrosis, fatty change or proliferation of bile duct epithelium focal necrosis caused by ANIT or CCl4-induced hepatitis rats.

Stimulatory effect of isoferulic acid on alpha1A-adrenoceptor to increase glucose uptake into cultured myoblast C2C12 cell of mice

In an attempt to elucidate the effect of isoferulic acid on alpha1-adrenoceptor (AR), the myoblast C2C12 cells of mice were employed to investigate the change of glucose uptake in the present study. Isoferulic acid enhanced the uptake of radioactive glucose into C2C12 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, which were abolished by pretreatment with prazosin. Effect of isoferulic acid on alpha1-AR was further characterized using the displacement of [3H]YM617 binding in C2C12 cells. The radioactive glucose uptake increasing action of isoferulic acid was abolished by tamsulosin or WB 4101 at concentration sufficient to block alpha1A-adrenoceptor (alpha1A-AR) but it was not modified by chlorethylclonidine (CEC) at the concentration sufficient to abolish alpha1B-AR. An activation of alpha1A-AR by isoferulic acid in C2C12 cells can thus be considered. Pharmacological inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) by U73312 resulted in a concentration-dependent reduction of isoferulic acid-stimulated glucose uptake in C2C12 cells. This inhibition by U73112 was specific because the inactive congener, U73343, failed to modify the action of isoferulic acid. Also, chelerythrine and GF 109203X diminished the action of isoferulic acid at concentration sufficient to inhibit the activity of protein kinase C (PKC). The obtained data suggest that an activation of alpha1A-AR by isoferulic acid may increase the glucose uptake via PLC-PKC pathway in C2C12 cells.

Sharp, an inducible cofactor that integrates nuclear receptor repression and activation

A yeast two-hybrid screen using the conserved carboxyl terminus of the nuclear receptor corepressor SMRT as a bait led to the isolation of a novel human gene termed SHARP (SMRT/HDAC1 Associated Repressor Protein). SHARP is a potent transcriptional repressor whose repression domain (RD) interacts directly with SMRT and at least five members of the NuRD complex including HDAC1 and HDAC2. In addition, SHARP binds to the steroid receptor RNA coactivator SRA via an intrinsic RNA binding domain and suppresses SRA-potentiated steroid receptor transcription activity. Accordingly, SHARP has the capacity to modulate both liganded and nonliganded nuclear receptors. Surprisingly, the expression of SHARP is itself steroid inducible, suggesting a simple feedback mechanism for attenuation of the hormonal response.

Formation of heavy metal species during PVC-containing simulated MSW incineration

The effect of PVC-derived chlorine on heavy metal emissions in MSW incineration was investigated using a tubular furnace and simulated MSW spiked with PVCs and heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn). The molar ratio of the chlorine content to that of the heavy metal (Cl/M ratio) was varied from 3-200 as one parameter. The results indicated that the major species found in the fly ash were chlorides of alkaline and alkali-earth metals, whereas those identified in the bottom ash were MgSiO3, SiO2 and some complex aluminates and silicates. The emission of heavy metals and/or their compounds, with extreme and medium volatility, tended to be enhanced within the lower Cl/M range, whereas those with a refractory volatility were likely to be affected within the higher Cl/M range. However, those with an extremely refractory volatility were less affected by an increase of the Cl/M ratio. The variation of speciation and partitioning in MSW combustion as affected by the Cl/M ratio are discussed.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the liver

Solitary fibrous tumor of the liver is a rare neoplasm. So far, 21 cases have been described in the English literature. We reported an additional case. Our patient, a 75-year-old man, suffered from abdominal fullness and body weight loss of 6 kg over 6 months, and chills and fever for 2 months. Hypoglycemia was noted at admission. Both abdominal sonography and CT showed a huge mass occupying the right lobe of liver. Liver biopsy showed fibrous tumor. Right lobectomy was performed and the tumor was resected. Pathological examination showed spindle-shaped and fibroblast-like cells within the collagenous stroma. On immunohistochemical stains, these spindle tumor cells showed CD34 positive reactivity. The post-operative course was uneventful and there was no more hypoglycemia. The patient recovered smoothly, regained his body weight, and was alive without evidence of disease recurrence at the last follow-up visit in November, 2000.

The effects of FeCl3 on the distribution of the heavy metals Cd, Cu, Cr, and Zn in a simulated multimetal incineration system

Recognizing that waste-derived chlorine can enhance heavy metal emissions by forming volatile metallic chlorides during municipal solid waste (MSW) combustion, and that in Taiwan, FeCl3-containing sewage sludge may either be landfilled or coincinerated with other MSW, this study thus investigated the effects of FeCl3 on the speciation and partitioning of heavy metals in a multimetal incineration system by using a tubular furnace and FeCl3-spiked simulated wastes. The molar ratio of chlorine content to heavy metal content (referred to as the Cl/ M ratio), ranging from 3 to 200, was used as a parameter to evaluate the effects of chlorine on the movement of heavy metals between the incinerator discharges. Results indicate that speciation and partitioning were related to the affinity between the chlorine and the heavy metals and between chlorine and hydrogen in the combustion system. The effectiveness of increasing the Cl/M ratio to the formation potential of metallic chlorides and on the shift of heavy metals from the bottom ash to the fly ash and/or the flue gases was found to have in increasing order as follows: Zn>Cu>Cr, a phenomenon basically reflecting the volatility of the heavy metals and their chlorides formed during combustion.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome secondary to neurilemoma--a case report

Peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes in the foot include those symptom complexes that are primarily neurologic in origin and result from embarrassment to any of the peripheral nerve trunks or branches of the foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome usually is precipitated by compression of the tibial nerve posterior and distal to the medial malleolus. A neurilemoma is relatively uncommon in the foot. It is usually a solitary tumor that is almost exclusively benign and can be removed without jeopardizing the integrity of the nerve. Diagnosis is based on a thorough history and clinical pictures. Certain diagnostic modalities, ultrasound and MRI, have been employed to aid in diagnosis. Surgical excision of the tumor remains the treatment of choice.

The dual role of ultraspiracle, the Drosophila retinoid X receptor, in the ecdysone response

The Drosophila homolog of the retinoid X receptor, ultraspiracle (USP), heterodimerizes with the ecdysone receptor (EcR) to form a functional complex that mediates the effects of the steroid molting hormone ecdysone by activating and repressing expression of ecdysone response genes. As with other retinoid X receptor heterodimers, EcR/USP affects gene transcription in a ligand-modulated manner. We used in vivo, cell culture, and biochemical approaches to analyze the functions of two usp alleles, usp(3) and usp(4), which encode stable proteins with defective DNA-binding domains. We observed that USP is able to activate as well as repress the Z1 isoform of the ecdysone-responsive broad complex (BrC-Z1). Activation of BrC-Z1 as well as EcR, itself an ecdysone response gene, can be mediated by both the USP3 and USP4 mutant proteins. USP3 and USP4 also activate an ecdysone-responsive element, hsp27EcRE, in cultured cells. These results differ from the protein null allele, usp(2), which is unable to mediate activation [Schubiger, M. & Truman, J. W. (2000) Development 127, 1151--1159]. BrC-Z1 repression is compromised in all three usp alleles, suggesting that repression involves the association of USP with DNA. Our results distinguish two mechanisms by which USP modulates the properties of EcR: one that involves the USP DNA-binding domain and one that can be achieved solely through the ligand-binding domain. These newly revealed properties of USP might implicate similar properties for retinoid X receptor.

Effects of heparin immobilization on the surface characteristics of a biological tissue fixed with a naturally occurring crosslinking agent (genipin): an in vitro study

Heparinized biomaterials have been used to manufacture blood-contacting prostheses. The present study was intended to characterize the surface properties of a genipin-fixed biological tissue immobilized with heparin using the methods of ionic binding (the /h-i tissue) or covalent binding via multi-point attachment (the /h-m tissue) or end-point attachment (the /h-e tissue). The surface characteristics of test tissues evaluated were water contact angle, surface tension, protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, and cellular compatibility. Nonheparinized and the glutaraldehyde-fixed counterparts were used as controls. It was found that immobilization of heparin on the glutaraldehyde- and genipin-fixed tissues increased their hydrophilicity and surface tension and suppressed their mole ratio of adsorbed fibrinogen to adsorbed albumin and the amount of platelets adhered. Among the heparinized tissues, the /h-m tissue was more hydrophobic and had a higher mole ratio of adsorbed fibrinogen to adsorbed albumin and a greater amount of platelets adhered than the /h-i and /h-e tissues. In general, the surface characteristics of the /h-i tissue were comparable to the /h-e tissue. However, it is known that the ionically immobilized heparin may be displaced from the surface by an ion-exchange mechanism when exposed to blood. There were no significant differences in hydrophilicity, surface tension, the mole ratio of adsorbed fibrinogen to adsorbed albumin, and the amount of platelet adhesion between the glutaraldehyde- and genipin-fixed tissues in comparison with their respective counterparts. However, the cellular compatibility of the genipin-fixed tissues with or without heparinization was significantly superior to its glutaraldehyde-fixed counterparts.

Aesthetic resection of the gastrocnemius muscle in postpoliomyelitis calf hypertrophy: an uncommon case report

Muscle hypertrophy is a rare finding in neurologic lesions. Infiltration, stretching, and exercise of the muscle are causative factors of enlargement and hypertrophy. We report a case of unilateral calf hypertrophy postpoliomyelitis. The resection of the total medial and partial lateral gastrocnemius muscle was performed to achieve left calf reduction and a symmetrical contour of both legs. The patient is satisfied with the results and has not complained of any instability in walking or running after 2 years of follow-up.

Antimicrobial activity of honokiol and magnolol isolated from Magnolia officinalis

The antimicrobial activity of honokiol and magnolol, the main constituents of Magnolia officinalis was investigated. The antimicrobial activity was assayed by the agar dilution method using brain heart infusion medium and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were determined for each compound using a twofold serial dilution assay. The results showed that honokiol and magnolol have a marked antimicrobial effect (MIC = 25 microg/mL) against Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus subtilis, but did not show antimicrobial activity (MIC > or = 100 microg/mL) for Shigella flexneii, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Our results indicate that honokiol and magnolol, although less potent than tetracycline, show a significant antimicrobial activity for periodontal pathogens. Hence we suggest that honokiol and magnolol might have the potential to be an adjunct in the treatment of periodontitis.

Therapeutic effect of gypenoside on chronic liver injury and fibrosis induced by CCl4 in rats

Gypenoside is a saponins extract derived from the Gynostemma pentaphyllum. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antifibrotic potential of Gypenoside on chronic liver injury induced by CCl4 for 8 wks. The results indicated that the increase of SGOT, SGPT activities in CCl4 liver injury were significantly reduced by treatment with Gypenoside. It also elevated the A/G ratio. For the study of anti-fibrotic potential, Gypenoside reduced the collagen content by 33%. These phenomena were confirmed by pathologic observation; thinner bands of liver collagen were found. The results suggest that Gypenoside has hepatoprotective and anti-fibrotic activities.

Characterization of adenosine A1 receptor in cultured myoblast C2C12 cells of mice

In an attempt to investigate the presence of adenosine A1 receptor in cell line, we used N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), an agonist of adenosine A1 receptor, to incubate with C2C12 cells in vitro. CPA increased the uptake of radioactive glucose into C2C12 cells in a concentration-dependent manner and this action was abolished by the antagonists, both 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) (1,3-dipropy1-8-cyclopentylxanthine) and 8-(p-sulfophenyl)theophylline (8-SPT), at concentrations sufficient to block adenosine A1 receptor. Northern blot analysis showed the expression of adenosine A1 receptor mRNA by C2C12 cells. Western blotting also indicated a positive correlation (r = 0.99) of antibody recognized adenosine A1 receptor with membrane protein. The presence of adenosine A1 receptor in C2C12 cells can thus be considered. In the presence of U73312 (1-[6[[(17 beta)-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl]amino]hexyl]-1H- pyrrole-2,5-dione), the specific inhibitor of phospholipase C, glucose uptake stimulated by CPA into C2C12 cells was reduced concentration-dependently while it was not modified by U73343 (1-[6[[(17 beta)-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl]amino]hexyl]-2,5- pyrrolidinedione), the negative control of U73312. Moreover, chelerythrine and GF 109203X (3-[1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-1H-indol-3-yl]-4-(1H-indol-3- yl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione) also diminished the CPA-stimulated glucose uptake at concentrations sufficient to inhibit protein kinase C. The obtained data suggest that activation of adenosine A1 receptor in C2C12 cells may increase the glucose uptake via phospholipase C-protein kinase C pathway.

Organization of ribosomal RNA genes from a Loofah witches' broom phytoplasma

Using the technique of integrative mapping with three vectors carrying chromosomal rDNA sequences, one of two rRNA operons of loofah witches' broom (LfWB) phytoplasma was constructed. This is the first complete rRNA operon of a phytoplasma to be reported. The operon has a context of 5'-16S-23S-5S-3' with a tRNA(Ile) gene in the ITS and tRNA(Val) and tRNA(Asn) genes downstream from the 5S rRNA gene. Although the other operon has not been cloned, the DNA sequence of a PCR-amplified product shows that it has no tRNA(Ile) gene in the ITS region. The complete nucleotide sequences of 16S, 23S, and 5S rDNA are 1538, 2864, and 113 bp, respectively. Five -10-like sequences, but no -35 sequences, were found within a 494-bp leader region. There was a TG dinucleotide two nucleotides upstream from each -10-like sequence. The existence of a TG dinucleotide at this position has been reported to enhance the efficiency of a promoter without a -35 region. The regions immediately flanking the 5' and 3' ends of 16S and 23S rDNA can form long basepaired stems that contain sites for processing by RNase III. No obvious sequence for a rho-dependent or rho-independent termination site was found downstream from the tRNA(Asn) gene. The transcription may stop within a pyrimidine-rich region, as has been reported for several polypeptide-encoding genes and rRNA operons of archaeobacteria. The presence of the tRNA genes downstream from the 5S rRNA gene in the rRNA operon of LfWB phytoplasma further supports the hypothesis that phytoplasmas are phylogenetically closer to acholeplasmas than to mycoplasmas. The phylogenetic relatedness of LfWB phytoplasma to other phytoplasmas is discussed on the basis of the nucleotide sequence of rRNA genes and ITS.

Antimicrobial activity of tannin components from Vaccinium vitis-idaea L

Reactive oxygen species have been implicated as important pathological mediators in many clinical disorders, including periodontal disease. As a possible alternative for the treatment of periodontal disease, the antimicrobial activity of six tannins isolated from Vaccinium vitis-idaea L., with confirmed antioxidant activity, were assayed by the agar dilution method against selected periodontal pathogens, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia. The results showed that epicatechin-(4beta-->8)-epicatechin-(4beta-->8, 2beta-->O-->7)-catechin had strong antimicrobial activity against P. gingivalis and P. intermedia, but not A. actinomycetemcomitans. The other tannins tested did not show antimicrobial activity. We conclude that tannins isolated from V. vitis-idaea L. with antimicrobial activity could potentially be used for the treatment of periodontal disease.

Prediction of soil depth using a soil-landscape regression model: a case study on forest soils in southern Taiwan

Techniques for conventional forest soil surveys in Taiwan need to be further developed in order to save time and money. Although some soil-landscape regression models have been developed to describe and predict soil properties and depths, they have seldom been studied in Taiwan. This study establishes linear soil-landscape regression models related to soil depths and landscape factors found in the forest soils of southern Taiwan. These models were evaluated by validating the models according to their mean errors and root mean square errors. The study was carried out at the 60,000 ha Chishan Forest Working Circle. About 310 soil pedons were collected. The landscape factors included elevation, slope, aspect, and surface stone contents. Sixty percent of the total field samples were used to establish the soil-landscape regression models, and forty % were used for validation. The sampling strategy indicated that each representative pedon covers an area of about 147 ha. The number of samples was appropriate considering the available time and budget. The single variate and/or multivariate linear regression soil-landscape models were successfully established. Those models revealed significant inter-relations among the soil depths of the B and B+BC horizons, solum thickness, and landscape factors, including slope and surface stone contents (p < 0.003). The mean errors in the validation of the soil-landscape model were low and acceptable for this case study. In addition, the slope data derived from the DEM (digital elevation model) database in this case study were used to predict the soil depths of the B, B+BC horizons and the solum thickness without carrying out a field survey. Surface stone should be collected in a field soil survey to increase the precision of soil depth prediction of the B and B+BC horizons, and the solum thickness.

Endoscopic excision of benign tumors in the forehead and brow

Twenty-five cases of benign tumor of the forehead and brow were excised successfully with endoscope-assisted surgery. The access incision was selected strategically behind the front hairline. For tumors in the middle of the forehead, the tumor was approached by subgaleal dissection. For those in the brow or temporal area, the dissection plane was just superficial to the deep temporal fascia. Patient age ranged from 3 to 59 years. The mass varied in size from 1.0 x 0.5 to 2.0 x 2.0 cm. There were 18 lipomas, 6 dermoid cysts, and 1 pilomatricoma. There was no residual mass or recurrence 1 to 24 months postoperatively. There was no paresthesia or numbness in the scalp. Patients and their families were greatly satisfied with this operation and the absence of visible scarring.

An easy method for preparation of postage stamp autografts

A modified technique of postage stamp autografting is studied. By using quick cutting plates, chessboard tray, skiing technique and petrolatum gauze, skin islands can be uniformly located and correctly oriented on the gauze. Moving the skin squares on the stainless steel tray is relatively easy, and the expansion ratio can be predicted by means of the chessboard diagram. The skin island grafts adhere to the petrolatum gauze when the gauze is applied to the tray. Then, as in the modified Meek technique, the "autografting carrier" can be used to cover the burn wound. In comparison with the modified Meek technique, this method does not require expensive equipment. The quick cutting plates can take over the function of the modified Meek-Wall dermatome. The stainless steel trays and the petrolatum gauze are easily available. The advantages of this method include: (1) the expansion ratio can reach up to 1:9, (2) the preparation procedures are not time consuming, (3) regular distribution of these skin islands shortens the healing time, and (4) the cost of this method is relative low. The results of this technique are comparable to that of the modified Meek technique. This preliminary study reveals that this technique is an easy and economic alternative for the treatment of extensive burn patients.

Stimulatory effect of trans-cinnamaldehyde on norepinephrine secretion in cultured pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells

AIM

The effect of trans-cinnamaldehyde (CNMA) on the release of norepinephrine (NE) from nerve terminal was investigated using rat pheochromocytoma 12 (PC-12) cells.

METHODS

The amount of NA released from PC-12 cells incubated with CNMA or related substances was quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-electrochemical detection. The lipophilic anion bisoxonol was used to monitor the effect of CNMA on the membrane potential.

RESULTS

CNMA stimulated the secretion of NE in a concentration-dependent manner from 5 mumol/L to 50 mumol/L, while the value of lactate dehydrogenase in the incubated medium was not influenced by CNMA. However, acetaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamoyl chloride and cinnamamide failed to produce similar effect. The action of CNMA can thus be considered specific. The depolarizing effect of CNMA on the membrane potential was also illustrated by a concentration-dependent increase in the fluorescence of bisoxonol, a potential-sensitive dye. Saxitoxin attenuated the depolarizing action of CNMA at concentrations sufficient to block sodium channels. Besides, the effect of CNMA to depolarize the membrane potential in PC-12 cells is greater than that of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). The action of CNMA on NE releasing depends on extracellular Ca2+ and is attenuated by 8-bromo-cAMP at concentrations sufficient to inhibit the action of cyclic AMP.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that CNMA can depolarize the membrane to result in a Ca(2+)-dependent and cyclic AMP-related release of NE from PC-12 cells.

The consistency and reliability of periodontal bone level measurements using digital scanning radiographic image analysis--a pilot study

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the consistency and reliability of alveolar bone height measurement using digital scanning radiographic image analysis (DSRIA). A randomly selected (standardized paralleling technique) periapical radiographs of 20 molar teeth (10 maxillary molars and 10 mandibular molars) from 178 individuals with periodontitis were reporting or referred to the patient population of the dental clinics of the teaching hospital. Radiographic measurements were performed and read by two examiners, with a separation time of three weeks of different tooth groups and as established by double reading of 20 molar teeth in 10 individuals using the DSRIA. The calculating data of radiographic alveolar bone loss (RABL) measured and analyzed by the DSRIA for each molar group were compared based on the inter- and intra-examiners' data. The means and standard deviations were calculated to compare radiographs of the inter- and intra-examiners' groups. The reliability coefficients were computed to assess the consistency and reliability for each molar group. The results revealed that the intra- and inter-examiners' reliability coefficients ranged from 0.986 to 0.995 (p < 0.001, significantly different from 0). An excellent reproducibility was indicated in maxillary molar, mandibular molar and of both arches, respectively. It was concluded that the standard periapical radiograph using the DSRIA has the potential to be a valuable and reliable method in measuring linear alveolar bone defects caused by periodontitis.