FIZIOLOGIA (PHYSIOLOGY) 2007; vol.17, nr. 4(56)
CONTENTS
1. REVIEW: Autologous Vessel Bypass vs Artificial Graft Bypass
Daciana Carmen Nistor, Ioana Siska, Florina Mirea, Dana Plesca, Georgeta Mihalas, Virgil Paunescu
2. In Vitro Human Adult Mesenchimal Stem Cells Differentiation towards Chondrogenic Lineage
Gabriela Tanasie, Simona Anghel, Florina Mirea, Ioana Raluca Siska, Valentin Ordodi, Daciana Nistor,
Carmen Tatu, Carmen Bunu, Hademar Boss Gunthard, Dan Poenaru
3. Auditory Hair Cell Type Sensitivity towards Ototoxic Action of Neomycin
Roxana D. Vintila, Karina Gültig, Andrea Müller, Bernhardt Hirt, Leonard Mada, Stan Cotulbea, Hubert
Löwenheim
4. Longterm Exposure to Cigarette Smoke Induces Association of Pulmonary and Vascular Inflammation
with Endothelial Dysfunction at the Level of Guinea Pigs’ Thoracic Aorta
Lavinia Noveanu, Fira – Mladinescu Ovidiu, Ordodi Valentin, Pantea Vlad, Sturza Adrian, Mihalas
Georgeta
5. Particular Factors Modifying the Characteristics of Physiological Tremor
Aurel Saulea, Boris Melnic, Vitalie Minciuna, Valeriu Cobet, Boris Dragan, Svetlana Lozovan
6. Osteocalcin and Estradiol – Markers of Bone Cells in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Camelia Vidita Gurban, Gabriela Tanasie, Smaranda Rodica Gotia, Marioara Cornianu, Romanita
Glaja, Alexandra Faur, Simona Anghel, Camelia Ceacli
7. The Effects of Mixtures of Organic Solvents on Psycho-Physiological Functioning in Small Dosage
Occupational Exposure
Sarca Ovidiu
8. A Report from the 6th Romanian Symposium on Magnesium with International Participation
1. AUTOLOGOUS VESSEL BYPASS VERSUS ARTIFICIAL GRAFT BYPASS
Daciana Carmen Nistor, Ioana Siska, Florina Mirea, Dana Plesca, Georgeta Mihalas, Virgil Paunescu„Victor Babes University” of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Romania
Address for correspondence: Dr. Daciana Nistor, Physiology Department of „Victor Babes” University of Medicine andPharmacy Timisoara, No. 2A Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041, Timisoara, e-mail: daciana_nistor@yahoo.com

ABSTRACTIn the last years, arterial obstructive diseases are treated by using vascular grafts. Unfortunately, thismethod is limited by the lack of the autologous tissues necessary for the revascularization procedures. In
this particular case, synthetic grafts are recommended, but their performances are reduced compared to
the natural ones. An artificial graft should resist to thrombosis, inflammation and neointimal proliferationand should present metabolic and biochemical functions similar to those of blood vessels, which contain aluminal monolayer promoting healing. The lack of functional endothelial cells on the luminal surface ofthe stent induces a high thrombogeneity and also promotes intimal proliferation. These deficiencies could
be removed by using grafts coated with an endothelial monolayer. Even though autologous endothelial
cells are better tolerated than allogeneic and xenogenic ones, they do not constitute a source of normal
endothelial cells, because of the endothelial dysfunction which accompanies arterial obstructive diseases.
The purpose of our article is to review the literature data regarding a stent with properties closer to thoseof a blood vessel, better compatibility with the patient, and an adequate time interval for isolation, culture
and seeding of endothelial cells on the graft inner surface.

2. IN VITRO HUMAN ADULT MESENCHIMAL STEM CELLS DIFFERENTIATIONTOWARD CHONDROGENIC LINEAGE
Gabriela Tanasie1, Simona Anghel1, Florina Mirea1, Ioana Raluca Siska1, Valentin Ordodi1, Daciana
Nistor1, Carmen Tatu1, Carmen Bunu1, Hademar Boss Gunthard2, Dan Poenaru2

1

Department of Physiology and Immunology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Timisoara
2
Department of Orthopedics, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara
Address for correspondence: Dr. Gabriela Tanasie, Physiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Victor
Babes, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2A, 300041, Timisoara, e-mail: gtanasie@umft.ro

ABSTRACT
Aim: The purpose of our study was to investigate MSCs potential to differentiate into chondrocytes,
under the influence of culture medium. Material and methods: Bone marrow derived MSC were obtained
from patients submitted to femoral replacement, by drilling the femoral bone, after the informed writtenconsent was signed, in accordance with rules of the Ethics Committee of “Victor Babes” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara. The cells were differentiated using two different supplements inculture medium (TGF beta and BMP 2) and two culture techniques (cellular suspension culture andmicroaggregates technique). After differentiation, RNA was extracted and the cells were assessed by PCR
technique. We aimed to identify molecular markers specific for chondrocytic lineage, so that we assessed
presence of aggrecan, collagen X and II. Results: Our experiments indicated that mesenchymal stem cells
which are placed in chondrocytic medium have an increased tendency to progressively differentiate
towards the chondrogenic lineage. The MSCs cultured in presence of TGF beta showed an increased
ability to develop towards chondrocytic cells, compared to culture conditions using BMP2. Molecularbiology analysis performed in the 21 day of differentiation on cells differentiated using microaggregates
technique, revealed a strong expression of characteristic markers for cartilaginous tissue, such as:
aggrecan, collagen X, and collagen II. Conclusion: Although the supplements added in culture medium
seem to support MSCs differentiation, there are still factors which are not known which are involved in
MSCs differentiation towards the chondrocytic lineage.
Key words: mesenchymal stem cells, chondrocyte, culture medium, molecular markers, PCR

3. AUDITORY HAIR CELL TYPE SENSITIVITY TOWARDS OTOTOXIC ACTION OFNEOMYCIN
Roxana D. Vintila1, Karina Gültig2, Andrea Müller2, Bernhardt Hirt2, Leonard Mada1, Stan Cotulbea1,
Hubert Löwenheim2
1
Department of ENT, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Romania
2
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Tübingen, E. Aulhornstr. 5, Germany (Tübingen
Hearing Research Center), Marie Curie Program
Address for correspondence: Dr. Drd. Roxana Vintila, ENT Clinic, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and PharmacyTimişoara, No. 2 Eftimie Murgu Square, Timisoara, Tel: 0040- 721-934-535, e-mail: roxty@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
Objectives:The main objective was to detect on experimental way in what measure neomycin determines
apoptotic hair cell death in the organ of Corti at 6 hours after their contact with the antibiotic. We also
wanted to determine the sensitivity gradient between the different hair cell types in the organ of Corti.
Another objective was to evaluate the order of cytoplasmatic caspase 3, 8 and 9 activation.
Material and methods: The study took place in Tuebingen Hearing Research Center. Cochleas harvested
from 7 days old mice were incubated for 6 hours in rotatory bioreactors in the presence or absence of
neomycin and were afterwards treated with fluorochrominhibitors for caspase 3, 8 and 9.
Results: After 6 hours of cochlear in vitro cultivation in the presence of neomycin, the average cellnumber which expresses caspase 3, 8 and 9 is significantly higher in cochleae treated with neomycin
compared to the control group. First affected are outer hair cells in the first row followed by inner haircells and then by outer hair cells II and III. After 6 hours of neomycin treatment, first affected is the basal
segment followed by the middle one, and then, by the apical segment. The apoptotic process is initiatedby caspase 8 activation followed by caspase 9 activation and finally by caspase 3.
Conclusions: In auditory hair cell apoptosis due to neomycin participates caspase 8 which activates first,
followed by caspase 9 activation and finally by caspase 3 activation.

Key words: apoptosis, hair cell death, caspase, organ of Corti

4. LONGTERM EXPOSURE TO CIGARETTE SMOKE INDUCES ASSOCIATION OF
PULMONARY AND VASCULAR INFLAMMATION WITH ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION
AT THE LEVEL OF GUINEA PIGS’ THORACIC AORTA
Lavinia Noveanu1, Fira – Mladinescu Ovidiu2, Ordodi Valentin, Pantea Vlad1, Sturza Adrian1,
Mihalas Georgeta1
1
Physiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara
2
Pathophysiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara
Address for correspondence: Dr. Lavinia Noveanu, Physilogy Department, Eftimie Murgu Square 2A, 300041, Timisoara,
Romania, e-mail: lavinianoveanu@yahoo.com

ABSTRACTThe purpose of our study was evaluation of functional and inflammatory modifications on guinea pigs’
thoracic aorta, after chronic exposure of guinea pigs to cigarette smoke. We took 20 guinea pigs into ourstudy and they were divided into a control group (n = 5) and 3 other groups exposed to cigarette smoke
for 4 weeks (n = 5), 8 weeks (n = 5), and 8 weeks (n = 5), respectively. When the cigarette smoke
exposure period finished, the animals were sacrificed and both thoracic aorta rings were harvested forfurther vascular reactivity study in organ bath, as well as fragments of thoracic aorta and lungs formorphopathologic examination using hematoxilin-eosin staining.
Long term exposure of guinea pigs to cigarette smoke had induced initially pulmonary inflammatorychanges, followed after a “window” of approximately 8 weeks by inflammatory changes at the level ofthoracic aorta vascular wall, small pulmonary arteries, and arteries comprised by vasa vasorum.
Endothelial dysfunction, revealed by a decrease of endothelial-dependent vasodilator response to 5’
adenosine, had a statistic significance compared to control at the end of cigarette smoke exposure period:
EC50-Log[M] = 5.35 ± 0.87 vs. 7.37 ± 0.23, p < 0.001; ECmax(%) = 56.85 ± 14.56 vs. 92.50 ± 13.23, p <0.001. Endothelial-independent vasodilator response to sodium nitroprusside did not show any changes.
As conclusion, long term exposure of guinea pigs to cigarette smoke induced a series of inflammatory
processes, which had a precocious beginning as pulmonary inflammation, then presented a further
amplification as vascular inflammation and finally associated pulmonary emphysema with endothelial
dysfunction, at the end of cigarette smoke exposure period.
Key words: cigarette smoke, pulmonary inflammation, vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction

5. PARTICULAR FACTORS MODIFYING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PHYSIOLOGICALTREMOR
Aurel Saulea1, Boris Melnic2, Vitalie Minciuna1, Valeriu Cobet3, Boris Dragan3, Svetlana Lozovan3
1
Republican Center of the Medico-social Rehabilitation, Chisinau
2State University of Moldova, Chisinau
3”Nicolae Testemitanu” Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Chisinau
Address for correspondence: Prof. Univ. Dr. Aurel Saulea, 16 Valea Radiului Street, MD 2070 Chisinau, Moldova, phone:
205415, fax: 728433, e-mail: asaulea2001@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
Changes of locomotors segment inertial properties in young persons contributes to the increase ofvibration amplitude, expressed by a 3.4-fold increase of the oscillations’ spectral energy (POWER), due
to a 1.8-fold increase of their maximal energy (PMAX), respectively a 2.1-fold increase of their averageenergy (PAVER). An increase by 2.9 Hz of the mean frequency (MPF) of oscillations occurredconcurrently with the amplitude increase. The frequency of maximal energy (FMAX) increased by 4.1
Hz.
Of the total amount of oscillations of the finger distal phalanges, 64% in young persons, and 57% in old
subjects, respectively, are concentrated in the frequency range of 7-13 Hz, which is determined by theactivity of the spinal alpha-gamma loop. The density of oscillations recorded in this interval in young
persons is 8.9 times lower compared to the level recorded in an old age group. The oscillation density
increases with age over the entire considered frequency range (0-50 Hz), but the most significant are thechanges in the frequency interval 0-7 Hz, wherein the oscillation density in old subjects is 18.6 times
higher than in the young age group.
The increase of the vibration amplitude in old persons, expressed by a 2-fold increase of the spectralenergy (POWER) and by 1.5-fold increase of the maximal energy of oscillations (PMAX) occurs
concurrently with a diminution of their average frequency by 4.3 Hz., which results from a 3-fold increaseof the proportion of oscillation with a frequency below 7 Hz.
The pulsatile wave may interfere with the main parameters of the physiological tremor; however its
influence is not determinative.
Key words: physiological tremor, oscillations, frequency, spectral energy

6. OSTEOCALCIN AND ESTRADIOL - MARKERS OF BONE CELLS IN POSTMENOPAUSALOSTEOPOROSIS
Camelia Vidita Gurban1, Gabriela Tanasie2, Smaranda Rodica Gotia2, Marioara Cornianu3, Romanita
Glaja3, Alexandra Faur3, Simona Anghel4, Camelia Ceacli5
1
Department of Biochemistry, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara
2
Department of Physiology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara
3
Department of Morphopatology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara
4
Regional Center for Immunology- Transplant, SCJU, Timisoara
5
Department of Immunology, Vasile Goldis West University, Arad
Address for correspondence: Dr. Camelia Vidita Gurban, Department of Biochemistry, Victor Babes University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041, Timisoara, Romania, Tel/ Fax: + 40-256-216510, e-mail:camelia_gurban@yahoo.com

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The Estradiol (E2) and Osteocalcin (OC) play an important role in the regulation of boneturnover, stimulating the bone formation by the osteoblasts. Objectives: The aim of this study was thedetermine serum levels of Estradiol and Osteocalcine are elevated in postmenopausal women withosteoporosis. Material and Method: The study was made on two cohorts of patients with postmenopausal
osteoporosis (depending of estrogenic deprivation) comparing them with the control group (menopausal
women without osteoporosis). Serum levels of the markers were measured by ELISA technique andevaluation Bone Mineral Density (BMD) were analysed using DEXA methods assessment T scores (sT
spines). Results and discussions: Cohort 1 (under 15yr of the estrogenic deprivation): OC serum levels
were 20.12 ± 0.87 ng/ml, E2 serum levels were 28.32 ± 1.78 pg/ml, and sT spines were 3.63 ± 0.65.
Cohort 2 (over 15yr of the estrogenic deprivation): OC serum levels were 15.12 ± 1.55 ng/ml, E2 serum
levels were 19.66 ± 1.23 pg/ml, and sT spines were -3.71 ± 0.36 DS. Control group: OC serum levels
were 16.22 ± 1.62 ng/ml, E2 serum levels were 43.07 ± 4.04 pg/ml, and sT spines were -1.78 ± 0.11.
Conclusions: The serum levels increased of osteocalcin demonstrates osteoblasts activation, and thedecrease serum levels of osteocalcin demonstrates osteoblasts apoptosis stimulation, associated withestrogen deficiency in a postmenopausal women, witch will increase significantly bone turnover;producing a decrease of bone formation and increasing bone resorting, and the imbalance favoring theosteoporosis appearance.
Key words: osteoporosis, osteocalcin, bone remodeling

7. THE EFFECTS OF MIXTURES OF ORGANIC SOLVENTS ON PSYCHO-PHYSIOLOGICALFUNCTIONING IN SMALL DOSAGE OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
Sarca Ovidiu
Department of Labor Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Oradea, Timisoara

Address for correspondence: Dr. Ovidiu Sarca, Department of Labor Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Oradea,e-mail: ovidiusarca@yahoo.com

ABSTRACTThe effects of various organic solvents on the psychological and neurological functioning of the subjects
exposed to them has been largely documented, however little interest has been shown in determining
whether exposure to a very small dosage of organic solvents in a mixture, taken individually, can cause
psychological degradation in the common workplace.
In the following study we measured short time memory, attention, cognitive inhibition and cognitive
interference in 183 subjects, over the course of 4 years, who had been exposed to a small dosage mixtureof organic solvents in their workplace.
The results confirm our hypothesis, namely that even a small dosage occupational exposure can cause
various alterations in the subjects psychological functioning, determining degradation significantly larger
than the normal aging effect, over all the 4 investigated factors, after at most 4 years of exposure,cognitive interference being the most sensitive to degradation, and attention the most resistant to theseeffects.
These results emphasize the necessity of better protection against exposure to mixtures to organic
solvents; otherwise, the psychological degradation they determine may lead to various workplace
accidents, and will certainly lead to lower productivity.
Key words: mixtures of oganic solvents, psychological functions, shoes factory
8. A REPORT FROM THE 6TH ROMANIAN SYMPOSIUM ON MAGNESIUM
With international participation
Contributed by Dr. Manole Cojocaru MD, PhD, member of Director Committee of the RSMR, member of
Scientific Committee of the Symposium
Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation after potassium taking part in all importantlife processes. Progresses in magnesium research are opening a wide field for therapeutic use of thiscation. Health care delivery is no longer a simple process of examining the patients and writing aprescription. It is very important to recognize that laboratory data form the basis for Evidence-Based
Medicine (EBM) and that magnesium research can help to prepare proper guidelines for diagnosis anddirectives for treatment. Magnesium research is a dynamically field, and understanding mechanisms ofmagnesium misbalances, involvement into the pathology of many processes have shaped the existence ofsome magnesium dependent regulatory cellular mechanisms. One of the best opportunities forinternational communication is provided by scientific congresses and symposia. To achieve further
progress, a new impetus in magnesium research is needed.
The 6th Romanian Magnesium Symposium was held at the Technical University “Gh Asachi” Aula (MainHall) in beautiful city Iassy from September 27-28, 2007. Iassy, one of the most beautiful cities from
Romania must be seen. This symposium was dedicate special attention to the progress achieved in the lastyear as well as to the methodology and practical issues of the development of magnesium research.
The focus of symposium was on an excellent scientific program, this year organized by Prof. dr. Mihai
Nechifor from Iassy, President of Symposium and prof dr. Paul J. Porr from Cluj-Napoca, president of the
Romanian Society for Magnesium research who delivered the salutary addresses. Welcome party
sponsored by Antibiotics enterprise from Iassy followed the opening ceremonyMore than 100 people from around the world had the opportunity to review an interesting program.
Diverse topics such as magnesium in water and soil, magnesium in plants, physiological involvement ofmagnesium, magnesium in pathology, magnesium mechanisms of action at cellular level, magnesium
involvement in CNS, magnesium in microorganisms, magnesium in immunity, magnesium in therapy,
pharmacology and toxicology of magnesium components, magnesium sources, magnesium in veterinary
medicine were discussed with great interest.
There were 4 sessions with plenary lectures, 3 sessions with free communications and also a session for
poster presentations and 2 workshops Worwag Pharma, Sanofi Synthelabo).
The new developments on magnesium research were presented by prestigious scientific personalities:
Magnesium in the food chain of plants, animals and man (M. Anke, Jena Germany), Magnesium in acutebrain injury (R. Vink, Adelaide, Australia), Magnesium involvement in bipolar disorders (M. Nechifor,
Iassy, Romania), Mineral waters as good source of magnesium – polish mineral waters from the south
Poland (M. Schlegel–Zawadzka, Krakow, Poland), Magnesium content in the diets used for nutrition ofpatients staying in the military institute of aviation medicine hospital in Warsaw (A. Klos, Warsaw,
Poland), Magnesium deficiency detected at several elderly persons (L. M. Deac, Cluj-Napoca, Romania),
Possible implications of magnesium deficiency in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome – basis ofa new therapeutical strategy? (P. J. Porr, Cluj–Napoca, Romania), explosive magnesium efflux and H2O2
induced apoptosis in red blood cells (J. M. Lou–Bonafonte, Zaragoza, Spain), Assessment of nutritional
norms for magnesium fulfillment by food rations used for polish soldiers’ alimentation within the spaceof last 30 years (J. Bertrandt, Warsaw, Poland), Magnesium, lead and delta-aminolevulinic aciddehydratase activity in vitro (R. Naginiene, Kaunas, Lithuania), Magnesium metabolism in insulin
resistance, cardiometabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (M. Barbagallo, Palermo, Italy), Input of new
advances in biology to better understanding of magnesium needs (A. Mazur, St. Genès Champanelle,
France), Variations in magnesium distribution and cardiovascular disorders (I. S. Djujic, Belgrade,
Serbia), Serum magnesium in patients with acute ischemic stroke (M. Cojocaru, Bucharest, Romania),
Effects of magnesium sulphate on immobilization – induced gastric ulcerations in rat (V. I. Sandor, Cluj–
Napoca, Romania), Magnesium and cardiac arrhythmias (C. Zeana, Bucharest, Romania), Synthesis ofmagnesium complexes with biological molecules and their crystal structures (T. Theophanides (Athens,
Greece), Stress and immune system in athletes (M. Laires (Cruz Quebrada, Portugal), In vitro antioxidant
activities of magnesium compounds (A. Szentmihalyi, Budapest, Hungary), Neuroprotective properties of
6-hydroxy-flavanone in two murine models of epilepsy: magnesium deficiency-dependent audiogenic
seizure and pentylenetetrazole tests ( P. Maurois (Paris, France), Magnesium effect on the interaction of
statin molecules with an immobilized phosphatidylcholine monolayer (A. Berthelot, Besançon, France).
The participants had the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Iassy and its surrounding. The organizers
had prepared an excursion programme for the participants and the accompanying persons. The tour
included the astonished area Neamt Monastery. Surrounded by old forests, at the foot of the mountains,rises the oldest monastery in Moldavia-Neamt Monastery founded in the 14th century. Neamt Monasteryhas witnessed many historical events of the nation. Jewel of 15th century arhitecture, the monastery wasbuilt by Stefan the Great.
In conclusion, this symposium provided a forum for the meaningful exchange of ideas dealing withmagnesium research. The 6th Romanian Magnesium Symposium was a successful symposium, where theparticipants joined efforts to continuing to improve the development of magnesium research. Discussionof timely topics by renowned scientists assures that this symposium was informative and interesting.
Newly-acquired information about magnesium will be useful to practicing physicians who can apply thisknowledge in a clinical setting. The personal discussions are sometimes even more important and there isno substitute for them. This symposium offered an outstanding scientific program regarding the clinicaland basic studies on magnesium. On behalf of the Scientific Committee I take this opportunity to
specially acknowledge the organizers for the success of the Symposium, and also for the contributions of
the delegates.