Andrographolide, a novel inducer of apelin gene expression.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata) has been used as a traditional medicine in Asia and Scandinavia for centuries to remedy several illnesses. It has since been shown to possess antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-neoplasm, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, and energetic effects. AIMS OF THE STUDY: This study sought to investigate the effect of Andrographolide on apelin gene expression and serum levels of glucose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 18 male rats were used. They were divided into three groups of six, including i) negative control group, ii) 3.5 mg/kg Andrographolide group, and iii) 7 mg/kg Andrographolide group. Apelin gene expression was investigated by real-time PCR method. Serum levels of glucose were measured by the photometric method. RESULTS: The results of this study revealed that 3.5 and 7 mg doses per kg of body weight of andrographolide, for six days, significantly increased hepatic expression of apelin gene in male Wistar rats, as compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Serum levels of glucose at doses of 3.5 and 7 mg/kg of andrographolide, and in the control group, were 71.5 ± 8.96, 51.5 ± 2.64, and 93.87 ± 14.27 mg/dl, respectively. Andrographolide induced a decrease in serum levels of HDL-c and an increase in LDL-c/HDL-c ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that Andrographolide can elicit an increase of hepatic apelin gene expression and a decrease in serum levels of blood glucose.

Assessment of the radiological safety of a Genoray portable dental X-ray unit.

OBJECTIVES: The portable dental radiographic systems are generally used in emergency situations (e.g. during natural disasters) for disabled/aged patients and in patient rooms. This study assesses the output exposure of a portable dental radiographic system measured using thermoluminescent dosemeters (TLDs). METHODS: Occupational exposure of the operator was determined when the portable dental unit was used for mandibular and maxillary teeth exposure. RESULTS: The doses of some critical organs of an operator were measured using TLDs implanted within the Rando phantom. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the annual organ dose limits, the eye lens dose limit is the main factor determining the frequency of system application.