CONTENTS
1. Rat erythrocytes superoxide dismutase activity in acute exposure to hypobaric hypoxia
Adriana Muresan, Soimita Suciu, Cristina Gagyi, C Login
2. Experimental study on the sex difference in liver oxidative stress induced by high dose tamoxifen
Soimita Suciu, Lavinia Sabau, Adriana Muresan, Doina Daicoviciu, M Dorofteiu
3. Effects of magnesium supplementation in experimental alloxanic diabetes
Irina Chiş, MI Ungureanu, P Turcoman, Anca Suciu, Adriana Muresan
4. The role of vitamin e in endometritis
Lavinia Sabau, Adriana Muresan, Soimita Suciu, M Dorofteiu, Dorina Daicoviciu
5. Post myocardial infarction dilated cardiomiopathy - clinical, electrocardiographic,
echocardiographic and oxidative stress data
Luminiţa Ardelean, S Blaga, I Marian, Anca Cristea, Soimiţa Suciu, Adriana Mureşan
6. Erythropoietin responsiveness in anemic chronic hemodialysis patients: links with inflammationand malnutrition
Anca Rusu, Simona Racasan, IM Patiu, Anca Cristea, Mirela Gherman-Caprioara
7. The effects of acute administration of nimodipine in an inflammation experimental model
Anca Dana Buzoianu, Dana Goşa, Corina Bocşan
8. The malnutrition and inflammation markers, as cardiovascular risk factors in patients with endstage renal disease (ESRD) treated by dialysis
Crina Rusu, Simona Răcăşan, Anca Cristea, Liliana Pârvu, Diana Moldovan, IM Paţiu, Mirela
Gherman Căprioară
9. Observations on the short-term evolution in a hospital of a group of patients with unstable angina
pectoris: the predictability of a multimarker type of analysis
Roxana Chiorescu, S Blaga, Luminiţa Vida-Simiti, Anca Cristea, Soimiţa Suciu, Adriana Mureşan
10. The role of oxidative stress in acute viral hepatitis
Monica Turdean, Doina Tatulescu, Adriana Muresan, Soimita Suciu
11. FOR THE GENERAL PRACTITIONER: Antioxidant therapy in acute viral hepatitis
Doina Tatulescu, Monica Turdean, Adriana Muresan, Simona Mera

1. RAT ERYTHROCYTES SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE ACTIVITY IN ACUTEEXPOSURE TO HYPOBARIC HYPOXIA
Adriana Muresan1, Soimita Suciu1, Cristina Gagyi2, C Login1
1
Physiology Department, “I.Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca
2
Pharmaceutical Biochemistry Department, “I.Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
Cluj-Napoca
Address for correspondence: Prof. Adriana Muresan, Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Iuliu Hatieganu Clu-Napoca, Clinicilor Street no.1, 400006 - Cluj-Napoca, Romania

ABSTRACT
Hypoxia is a source of reactive oxygen species. Acute or chronic exposure to hypobaric hypoxia
leads to oxidative stress in living organisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the SOD
activity in rats exposed to hypobaric hypoxia, at a simulated altitude of 2000 m, with or without
antioxidant protection. We found a decreased SOD activity in rat erythrocytes following acuteexposure to hypobaric hypoxia. In selenium treated rats, red blood cells SOD activity is even lower
than in no antioxidant receiving group.
Key words: hypobaric hypoxia, superoxide dismutase activity, antioxidants

2. EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE GENDER DIFFERENCE IN LIVER OXIDATIVESTRESS INDUCED BY HIGH DOSE TAMOXIFEN
Soimita Suciu, Lavinia Sabau, Adriana Muresan, Doina Daicoviciu, M Dorofteiu

Physiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, Cluj-Napoca
Address for correspondence: Dr. Soimita Suciu, Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu
Hatieganu Clu-Napoca, Clinicilor Street no.1, 400006 - Cluj-Napoca, Romania

ABSTRACTIn this study we determined the liver content of lipid peroxides, malonaldehyde and carbonyl groups
of proteins, as markers of oxidative stress, comparatively in male and female Wistar rats which were
acutely exposed to high dose tamoxifen. We found higher levels of hepatic oxidative stress markers
in tamoxifen treated groups as compared to controls. None of the three markers differed in the twosexes, suggesting that oxidative effect of tamoxifen in the liver is estrogen receptor independent.
Key words: tamoxifen, liver, oxidative stress, gender difference

3. EFFECTS OF MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTATION IN EXPERIMENTAL ALLOXANICDIABETES
Irina Chiş1, MI Ungureanu2, P Turcoman2, Anca Suciu2, Adriana Muresan1
1Physiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj Napoca,
2
Students, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Address for correspondence: Dr. Irina Chis, Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu
Hatieganu Clu-Napoca, Clinicilor Street no.1, 400006 - Cluj-Napoca, Romania

ABSTRACTThe implications of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the physiological and pathologicalprocesses are well known. According to previous studies, the ROS level is high in diabetes mellitus.
The aim of the present study was to discover whether Magnesium could in some way protect fromthe damages produced by the ROS. In order to do this, several experiments were made on male
Wistar rats, which were divided into three groups. In each group of rats, the markers of the oxidative
stress were assessed, as well as the level of nitric oxide. Significantly lower values of the oxidative
stress parameters were obtained from the group of rats treated with Magnesium before inducing
diabetes. This is an argument for the fact that the alloxanic diabetes is clearly associated withdecreased Magnesium status and increased oxidative stress.
Key words: reactive species of oxygen, diabetes mellitus, Magnesium, nitric oxide.

4. THE ROLE OF VITAMIN E IN ENDOMETRITIS
Lavinia Sabau, Adriana Muresan, Soimita Suciu, M Dorofteiu, Dorina Daicoviciu
Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy ”Iuliu Hatieganu”, Cluj-Napoca
Address for correspondence: Dr. Lavinia Sabau, Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu
Hatieganu Clu-Napoca, Clinicilor Street no.1, 400006 - Cluj-Napoca, Romania

ABSTRACT
Endometritis is a common type of infection that occurs postpartum or postabortum. The predisposing
risk factors are: great length of labor, rupture of membranes, cesarean section, and low
socioeconomic status, number of vaginal examinations, anemia and obesity. Reactive oxygen species
are produces in great quantities during the infections, in general. The aim of our study was toevaluate whether oxidative stress plays a role in the evolution of this disease and whether
administration of vitamin E can be beneficial.
Key words: reactive oxygen species, vitamin E, endometritis.

5. POST MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION DILATED CARDIOMIOPATHY – CLINICAL,ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC, ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC AND OXIDATIVE STRESSDATALuminiţa Ardelean1, S Blaga2, I Marian2, Anca Cristea2, Soimiţa Suciu3, Adriana Mureşan3
1
County Hospital, Satu Mare
2
Medical Clinic One, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj-Napoca
3
Physiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Haţieganu” Cluj-Napoca
Address for correspondence: Prof..Dr. Sorin Blaga, Medical Clinic One, Clinicilor Street 3-5, 400006, Cluj-Napoca,
Romania. E-mail: sblaga@umfcluj.ro

ABSTRACT
Aim: Ischemic heart disease, with or without previous myocardial infarction, alters the energy
metabolism, hidroionic balance, coronary microcirculation and the oxidative stress, resulting in the
reduction of the left ventricular function. The aim of the present study was to evaluate some clinical,
electrocardiographic and oxidative stress parameters, in patients with post myocardial infarction
dilated cardiomyopathy.
Design: 25 consecutive patients with previous myocardial infarction and dilated cardiomyopathy (22males and 3 females), mean age 66±14 years) were evaluated by means of clinical (NYHA class),
electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and of oxidative stress data at baseline.
Theechocardiographic measurements were taken from the routine echo-report and were focused on the
diameters and ejection fraction of the left ventricle. The serum levels of reactive oxygen species wasevaluated by means of the lipid peroxides and the hydrogen donating ability of plasma.
Results: 22 patients (88%) had many risk factors for ischemic heart disease and 24 patients (95%)
had severe NYHA class (III-IV). The dilated cardiomyopathy evolving in context of extensive
myocardial infarction, usually with electrical or mechanical complications, had a significantly higher
levels (p<0,001) of the lipid peroxides, a significantly lower levels (p<0,001) hydrogen donating
capacity, comparatively with those having a smaller myocardial dysfunction.
Conclusions: The post myocardial infarction dilated cardiomyopathy, especially secondary to theextensive myocardial infarction will have a marked poor left ventricular function. The reactive
oxygen species might be involved in the pathogenesis, the evolution and the prognosis of thiscondition.
Key words: myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, oxidative stress.

6. ERYTHROPOIETIN RESPONSIVENESS IN ANEMIC CHRONIC HEMODIALYSISPATIENTS: LINKS WITH INFLAMMATION AND MALNUTRITION
Anca Rusu1, Simona Racasan1, Patiu IM1, Anca Cristea2, Mirela Gherman-Caprioara1
1
Nephrology and Dialysis Clinic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2
Immunology Department, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj-Napoca
Address for correspondence: Dr. Anca Rusu, Nephrology and Dialysis Clinic, University of Medicine and Pharmacy“Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj-Napoca, Clinicilor Street no. 1, 400006 Cluj-napoca, Romania

ABSTRACT
It is well known that some hemodialysis patients have a poor response to recombinant humanerythropoietin (rHuEPO) treatment even after resistance factors are excluded. Less attention has been
accorded to inflammation and malnutrition. The aim of this study is to analyse the relationshipbetween anaemia, erythropoietin responsiveness, inflammation and malnutrition. 34 hemodialysis
patients were included. Haemoglobin, hematocrit, serum ferritine and serum creatinine were
measured. C-reactive protein (CRP) was determined as a marker of inflammation. rHuEPO dose andrHuEPO responsiveness index (U/week/hematocrit) were calculated. Mean CRP values were 7.5±1.3
mg/l. Hemoglobin was higher in patients with CRP<2mg/l (group A), as compared with those having
CRP>2mg/l (group B) (11.1±0.5 vs. 10.1±0.2 g/dl, NS); rHuEPO dose was significantly lower ingroup A compared with group B (56.3±18.6 vs. 93.8±7.2 U/kg/wk, p<0.05). Serum creatinine
displayed a significantly negative correlation with CRP and rHuEPO dose. At 6 months, patientsfrom group A had higher hemoglobin: 12.1±0.4 g/dl (p=0.0036 vs. group B) even though theyneeded less rHuEPO, compared with patients from group B.
Conclusion: there is a strong correlation between anemia and inflammation and malnutrition markers
in our hemodialysed patients. CRP might be a predictive factor for rHuEPO responsiveness.
Key words: anemia, hemodialysis, erythropoietin, inflammation, C-reactive protein, malnutrition

7. THE EFFECTS OF ACUTE ADMINISTRATION OF NIMODIPINE IN AN
INFLAMMATION EXPERIMENTAL MODEL
Anca Dana Buzoianu, Dana Goşa, Corina Bocşan
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu
Haţieganu”, Cluj-Napoca
Address for correspondence: Conf. Dr. Anca Buzoianu,, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of
Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu Hatieganu Clu-Napoca, Clinicilor Street no.1, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we studied the effect of nimodipine, calcium channel blocker, in acute experimental
inflammation. The material was represented by 4 groups of rats, which were injected with kaolin
solution in one paw. The inflammatory response was measured using a digital pletismometer in 4
moments: initially, after 1 hour, 2 hours and 24 hours after injection. We compared the values
obtained between the groups treated with different nimodipine amounts. The results obtained show amoderate anti-inflammatory effect of nimodipine in mentioned doses.
Keywords: anti-inflammatory effect, calcium channel blockers, oedema
8. THE MALNUTRITION AND INFLAMMATION MARKERS, AS CARDIOVASCULARRISK FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE (ESRD) TREATEDBY DIALYSIS
Crina Rusu1, Simona Răcăşan1, Anca Cristea2, Liliana Pârvu1, Diana Moldovan, IM Paţiu1,
Mirela Gherman Căprioară1
1
Nephrology and Dialysis Clinic “Mihai Manasia” County Clinical Hospital Cluj
2
Immunology Laboratory, County Clinical Hospital Cluj
Address for correspondence: Dr. Crina Rusu, Nephrology and Dialysis Clinic, University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Iuliu Hatieganu Clu-Napoca, Clinicilor Street no.1, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

ABSTRACTThe cardiovascular diseases in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) determine an importantmorbidity and mortality in this group. Malnutrition and inflammation are factors that contribute to
the increase of the cardiovascular risk.
The aim of the study is the evaluation of nutrition and inflammation indices in patients with ESRD
treated by dialysis having symptomatic cardiovascular diseases; we intend to identify the removablecauses of malnutrition and inflammation, seeking for the most efficient methods for prevention andtreatment.
We have studied two groups of patients: 95 patients with ESRD treated by hemodialysis (HD) and 37
patients with ESRD treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) from theNephrology Clinic in Cluj. Patients with acute inflammatory states, neoplasia were excluded.
We organized them in 4 groups depending on the dialysis modality (HD or CAPD) and on theexistence of the symptomatic cardiovascular diseases.

We have measured the C-reactive protein (CRP) and the anthropometrical and biochemical markersof the nutrition status. The results were compared with those obtained from a control group (forCRP) and with literature data for the other parameters.
It has been remarked that CRP presents statistically significant high serum levels in patients with
ESRD and cardiovascular diseases. We identified protein malnutrition in all dialysis patients. There
has not been found any correlation between CRP and the nutritional markers.
Key words: dialysis, cardiovascular diseases, C-reactive protein, inflammation, malnutrition.

9. OBSERVATIONS ON THE SHORT-TERM EVOLUTION IN A HOSPITAL OF A
GROUP OF PATIENTS WITH UNSTABLE ANGINA PECTORIS: THE PREDICTABILITY
OF A MULTIMARKER TYPE OF ANALYSIS
Roxana Chiorescu1, S Blaga1, Luminiţa Vida-Simiti1, Anca Cristea1, Soimiţa Suciu2, AdrianaMureşan2
1
Medical Clinic I, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Haţieganu” Cluj-Napoca
2
The Physiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Haţieganu” Cluj-Napoca
Address for correspondence: Prof. Sorin Blaga, Medical Clinic 1, Clinicilor Street 3-5, 40006, Cluj-Napoca. E-mail:sblaga@umfcluj.ro

ABSTRACT
Objective: The complete and quick evaluation of patients with acute coronary syndromes allows
their inclusion into a risk class and the choice of the optimal therapeutic strategy. The aim of thepresent research was the evaluation of the intra hospital short-term prognosis in patients withunstable angina pectoris (UAP), using a multimarker type strategy.
Methods: 22 patients with UAP included in the Braunwald I-III classes, were evaluated in hospital,
using clinical observation (centered mainly upon the evolution of the thoracic pain, the identificationof risk factors), electrocardiography, echocardiography and angiographic parameters (regarding theextension and severity of the coronary lesions) and some biochemical inflammation (CRP,
fibrinogen), myocardial damage (troponin I) and ischemia (the changes in the albumin) markers. The
clinical evolution was monitored also within the first month after hospital release.
Results: 2 subgroups of patients were identified from the evolutional point of view: subgroup A – 11patients with recurrent angina pectoris during the period of hospitalization and subgroup B – 11patients, without the relapse of thoracic pain. The patients of subgroup A also presented significantly
increased levels of serum fibrinogen, as compared to the normal levels in subgroup B (p=0.001), thesignificant decrease between days I and V of the value of serum albumin (p=0.02), in comparison to
an insignificant decrease in subgroup B, major EKG abnormalities of the ST segment and T wave (incomparison with the interest only of the T wave, in group B), more severe and/or extended lesions atcoronary angiography, as well as the reappearance of angina pectoris, the development of myocardial
infarction or stroke in the first month after release.
Conclusions: The most complete possible evaluation of patients with UAP, through a multimarker
strategy, using clinical, echocardiography, angiographic and biochemical parameters, establishes anintra hospital and short-term evolutional profile.
Key words: unstable angina pectoris, risk classes, coronary angiography, biochemical markers.

10. THE ROLE OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN ACUTE VIRAL HEPATITIS
Monica Turdean1, Doina Tatulescu1, Adriana Muresan2, Soimita Suciu2
1
Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy ClujNapoca
2
Department of Physiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca
Address for correspondence: Dr. Monica Turdean, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Iuliu Moldovan Street no. 23, Cluj-Napoca.

ABSTRACTThis study aims is to evaluate the role of oxidative stress in the evolution of acute viral hepatitis. The
study was carried out in 20 patients with acute viral hepatitis: 13 patients with acute hepatitis A and 7
patients with acute hepatitis B, admitted to the Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of ClujNapoca in the period 2004-2005. The criteria for inclusion in the study were the absence of:viral/bacterial associated infections, diabetes mellitus, chronic alcoholism, or pro-oxidant medication(paracetamol, corticosteroids) administered prior to admission.
All the patients studied underwent biochemical serum testing on admission in order to assessoxidative stress: lipid peroxides and carbonylated proteins.
This paper reports the preliminary results of a study in progress whose objective is to evidence theoxidative stress and its role as a prognostic factor for the evolution of acute viral hepatitis. The final
aim is to assess the efficiency of antioxidant medication administered in association withconventional therapy in acute viral hepatitis.
Keywords: acute viral hepatitis, oxidative stress.

11. FOR THE GENERAL PRACTITIONER: ANTIOXIDANT THERAPY IN ACUTEVIRAL HEPATITISDoina Tatulescu1, Monica Turdean1, Adriana Muresan2, Simona Mera3
1
Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy ClujNapoca
2
Department of Physiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca
3
Infectious Diseases Hospital, Cluj-Napoca
Address for correspondence: Dr. Doina Tatulescu, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Iuliu Moldovan Street no. 23, Cluj-Napoca.

ABSTRACTIn acute viral hepatitis produced by B and/or C hepatitis virus, hepatic cells injuries are mainly induced
by immune mechanism, beside an important role is granted to the pathophysio-genetic mechanism
produced by oxidative stress. It is demonstrated unanimously the fact that the persistence of theinfection, the evolution of hepatic injury and carcinogenesis are mediated by the initial degree and thepersistence of the reactive oxygen species. In this article are evaluated concisely the indications and theefficiency of some drugs, generically included in the group of complementary therapy, recommended tobe administrated in association with the antiviral therapy in the treatment of acute viral hepatitis thanks
to theirs antioxidant and immune modulating effects.
Key words: acute hepatitis, oxidative stress, antioxidant therapy.