CONTENTS
1. The physiological role of reactive oxygen species in the mechanism of ovulation
Lavinia Sabau, Camelia Alb, Adriana Muresan, Soimita Suciu
2. Hydrogen peroxide effects on venous smooth muscle
Ioana Raluca Siska, J Avram, Gabriela Tanasie, Carmen Bunu, Georgeta Mihalas, Fr Schneider
3. Salivary oxidants and antioxidants in patients with amalgam fillings and direct composite resin
restorations
Camelia Alb, D. Borzea, S. Alb, Diana Dudea, Soimiţa Suciu
4. Histamine upregulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase in human endothelial cells
Daniela Crîsnic, Daciana Nistor, Diana Szilagy, Ioana Raluca Siska, M Crîsnic, Erika Suciu, VDumitraşcu, V Păunescu
5. Cardiovascular risk evaluation and subclinical atherosclerosis
L. Gheorghiu, Mioara Bodea, G Bodis
6. The infuence of antenatal administration of glucocorticoids upon the neuronal activity
Simona Clichici, Adela Joantă, Adriana Filip, C Puică, M Rusu, M Dorofteiu
7. Patophisiological approach in evaluating benefits of various hormonal therapies in postmenopause
A Neştianu, Liliana Neştianu
8. FOR THE GENERAL PRACTITIONER: Metoprolol in hypertension
S Blaga, V Roman

1. THE PHYSIOLOGICAL ROLE OF REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES IN THE
MECHANISM OF OVULATION
Lavinia Sabau, Camelia Alb, Adriana Muresan, Soimita Suciu
Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu “, Cluj-Napoca
ABSTRACTThe exact mechanism of the rupture of the graafian follicle at ovulation is not fully elucidated.
Reactive oxygen species are produced permanently in our body and they have important roles inmany physiological processes. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate whether reactive
oxygen species can be involved in physiology of ovulation. We observed that in healthy women withnormal menstrual cycle an increased production of reactive oxygen species occurs at ovulation. On
the other hand, the women who have follicle cysts - follicle cyst being a result of failure of ovulation
with continued growth of the follicle - we found no increase of reactive oxygen species at ovulation.
Therefore, we concluded that, reactive oxygen species have a physiological role in production of therupture of graafian follicle at ovulation because they can damage the cells from the follicular layers
surrounding the oocyte. The antioxidants also increase at ovulation, probably in order to neutralize
the reactive oxygen species produced in larger amounts at this moment and thus, the oxidative stresswith negative effect cannot occur.
Key words: reactive oxygen species, antioxidants, ovulation.
2.iHYDROGEN PEROXIDE EFFECTS ON VENOUS SMOOTH MUSCLE
Ioana Raluca Siska, Jecu Avram1, Gabriela Tanasie, Carmen Bunu, Georgeta Mihalas, FranciscSchneider
Department of Physiology
1 st1 Surgery Department
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes” Timisoara
Address for correspondence: Dept. of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, 2, Col. Martir
Uta Ioan Square, Timisoara 1900, Romania

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of hydrogen peroxide upon humansaphenous vein contractility. Human saphenous veins were collected from patients undergoing
stripping operations for varicose veins (n = 6). The preparations were suspended in organ baths
containing Krebs-Henseleit solution, and their mechanical responses were isometrically measured.
The cumulative concentration-response curves to hydrogen peroxide (10-5 – 10-2M) were performed.
Lower concentrations of H2O2 (10-5 - 10-4M) induced contractions of the venous spirals, while higher
doses (10-3 - 10-2M) caused irreversible venodilation, probably due to their toxic, damaging effect.
H2O2-induced contraction was significantly diminished after pretreatment of the preparations withcalcium channel blockers, suggesting its calcium-dependence. The contractile response induced by
10-4M H2O2 was partially inhibited by NG-nitro-l-arginine, indomethacin and/or nordihidroguaiaretic
acid, suggesting that nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase and/or lipooxygenase metabolites appear to playsome role in hydrogen peroxide-induced contractions.
Key words: hydrogen peroxide, human saphenous vein, nitric oxide, czclooxygenase,lipooxygenase.

3. SALIVARY OXIDANTS AND ANTIOXIDANTS IN PATIENTS WITH AMALGAMFILLINGS AND DIRECT COMPOSITE RESIN RESTORATIONS
Camelia Alb, D Borzea, S Alb1, Diana Dudea, Soimita Suciu2
Department of Dental Propedeutics and Dental Materials
1
Department of Odontology & Parodontology, 2Department of Physiology University of Medicine
and Pharmacy “Iuliu Haţieganu”, Cluj-Napoca
Address for correspondence: Department of Dental Propedeutics and Dental Materials, University of Medicine andPharmacy “Iuliu Haţieganu”, 13, Emil Isac Street, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

ABSTRACT
Recent studies have revealed the involvement of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and theantioxidant defense mechanisms in human saliva in various processes of the oral cavity: theperiodontal disease, oral carcinogenesis, inflammatory reactions of the oral mucosa, metal based
restorations.
The authors have followed the dynamics of salivary lipid peroxides, ceruloplasmine and protein
carbonyls in 2 groups of study: 1st group - patients with amalgam fillings, 2nd group - patients withdirect composite resin restorations. The results were compared with those of a control group,
including patients without any cavities or restorations, and a healthy periodontal status. Analysis of
the results has revealed in the 1st group of patients, with amalgam fillings, a significant increase ofsalivary lipid peroxides and a decrease of antioxidants. In the 2nd group of study these parameterspresented no significant changes.
Key words: oxidants, antioxidants, amalgam fillings, metal-free restorations.

4. HISTAMINE UPREGULATES ENDOTHELIAL NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE IN
HUMAN ENDOTHELIAL CELLS
Daniela Crisnic, Daciana Nistor, Diana Szilagy, Ioana Raluca Siska, M Crisnic1, Erica Suciu, V
Dumitrascu2, V Paunescu
Department of Physiology, 1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, 2Department of Surgery,
University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Victor Babes” TimişoaraAddress for correspondence: Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, 2, Col
Uta Ioan Square, Timisoara, Romania

ABSTRACTObjective. The main vasorelaxing factor produced by endothelial cells is nitric oxide (NO). In theendothelium, NO is synthesized by endothelium nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The aim of this study
was to evaluate the effects of histamine on endothelial cells NO production.
Material and methods. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were harvested fromumbilical cords by collagenase treatment and the cell culture established as previously described.
Results. The ratio of the cell population with the highest NO production (NO++) was measured
using a Nitric Oxide Sensor Dye, by flow cytometry. The ratio of NO++ cells in basal conditions was20%, and increased to 46% after adding Histamine. Pretreatment of the cell culture with Cimetidine,Phenergan and Cimetidine + Phenergan before stimulation with Histamine modified this ratio to41%, 30% and 30%, respectively.
Conclusions. The upregulation of eNOS activity could be prevented by Phenergan, a selective
antagonist at the H1 receptor, but not by H2 receptor antagonist.
Key words: human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS),histamine, nitric oxide.

5. CARDIOVASCULAR RISK EVALUATION AND SUBCLINICAL ATHEROSCLEROSISL Gheorghiu, Mioara Bodea, G Bodis
Cardiology Clinic, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu “, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Address for correspondence: Cardiology Clinic, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, University of Medicine and Pharmacy“Iuliu Hatieganu “, 13 Emil Isac Street, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

ABSTRACT
Aim: To evaluate cardiovascular risk in different age groups and to identify the presence of
subclinical atherosclerosis.
Material and method: Three groups, each including 15 asymptomatic patients, aged between 30-40years (group A), 40-50 years (group B), and 50-60 years (group C), M/F sex ratio 7/8 group A, 9/6
group B and 8/7 group C, were studied. The Framingham risk score was evaluated in each analyzed
group. For the identification of subclinical atherosclerosis, echo-Doppler was used in order todetermine: the common carotid artery (CCA) diameter, the CCA intimal medial thickness (IMT), thediameter and flow of the radial artery, initially, after reactive hyperemia, and after 0.8 mg sublingual
spray nitroglycerine administration, respectively.
Results: Cardiovascular risk significantly increased in men in the 40-50 age group (from 11% to18%), and increased less significantly in the 50-60 age group (21%). In case of women, the riskincreased insignificantly in group B (7%-12%) and significantly in group C (22%). CAA diameter
was insignificantly changed in the three analyzed groups, and IMT increased significantly in groupC, for both men and women (IMT group A 0.82±0.05, group B 0.95±0.07, group C 1.08±0.06). The
response to reactive hyperemia was reduced in group C, while the response to nitroglycerine wassimilar in all three groups.
Conclusions: The analysis of cardiovascular risk confirms an age-dependent increase in risk for men
in the fourth decade and for women in the sixth decade of life. Subclinical atherosclerosis can beshown by the increase in CCA diameter and IMT; the reduction in the radial artery response tohyperemia is due to an increase in vascular stiffness with age, as well as to increased endothelial
dysfunction.
Key words: subclinical atherosclerosis, echo-Doppler

6. THE INFUENCE OF ANTENATAL ADMINISTRATION OF GLUCOCORTICOIDS
UPON THE NEURONAL ACTIVITY

Simona Clichici1, Adela Joantă1, Adriana Filip1, C Puică2, M Rusu2, M Dorofteiu1
1
Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca
2
Department of Biological Research, Cluj-Napoca

Address for correspondence: Dept of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, 13, Emil Isac
Street, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

ABSTRACTThis study wants to show what are the effects of the antenatal administration of glucocorticoids uponneuronal viability, as well as upon some enzymes, such as Mg2+-dependent ATP-ase and cytochromeoxidase. These enzymes are involved in cerebral energetic metabolism. We chose to administrate
Dexamethasone, which remains active in the body for 48-72 h, and Diprophos, which is active within
the body for a longer period of time, 2-3 weeks. Glucocorticoids cross the placenta and areeliminated in the lactate secretion. Our results show a decrease of the number of neurons in theanalysed cerebral structures and a depression of the Mg2+-dependent ATP-ase and cytochromeoxidase activity. This is true when administrating Diprophos and Dexamethasone, the effects being
however more severe when administrating Diprophos.
Key words: glucocorticoids, neuronal viability, cytochrome oxidase, Mg2+-dependent ATP-ase.

7. PATOPHISIOLOGICAL APPROACH IN EVALUATING BENEFITS OF VARIOUS
HORMONAL THERAPIES IN POSTMENOPAUSE
Adrian Nestianu1, Liliana Nestianu2
1
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova
2
Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Filantropia”, BucureştiAddress for correspondence: Dept. of Pathophysiology, University of Medicine Craiova, 4, Petru Rares Street, Craiova,
Romania

ABSTRACTThe most widely used oral estrogens in the treatment of climacteric and postmenopausal symptoms
are conjugated estrogens (CE) and estradiol valerate (EV), associated to progesterone compounds.
Because estrogen/progesterone supplementation is considered a possible cause of hyperplasia, may
induce an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases in post-menopausal women, and could affectmood and behavior, we have investigated the safety and metabolic effects of various hormones used
as replacement therapy in post-menopausal women.
All the estrogens tested showed similar efficacy in the management of climacteric symptoms. Ourdata suggest that progestogen ciproterone acetate (CPA) is safer than norethisterone (NET), because
had no antagonistic effect upon the beneficial effects of estrogens on HDL levels.
Key words: HDL, LDL, menopausal women, cardiovascular diseases, conjugated equine estrogens,estradiol valerate, progestins.

8. FOR THE GENERAL PRACTITIONER: METOPROLOL IN HYPERTENSION
S Blaga, Roman Vlaicu
1st Medical Clinic – Internal Medicine and Cardiology,
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Address for correspondence: 1st Medical Clinic – Internal Medicine and Cardiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University ofMedicine and Pharmacy, 13 Emil Isac Street, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

ABSTRACTThe aim of the present study is to evaluate, by means of external mechanographic data, the changes
in left ventricular performance of 41 patients with mild to moderate arterial hypertension, treatedwith metoprolol, a cardioselective beta-adrenolitic drug. The results show an improvement of allstudied parameters, which are likely to be correlated with a regression of myocardial disease, in thiscontext.

Key words: hypertension, left ventricular performance, metoprolol, systolic time intervals