FIZIOLOGIA (PHYSIOLOGY) 2007; vol.17, nr. 2 (54)
CONTENTS
1. Experimental Study Considering the Influence of Hypersodic Diet over the Homeostasis of theCalcemia, Magnesemia and Phosphoremia
Airinei NG, Raluca Airinei, Badiu G
2. Multidrug-Resistant Germs Isolated from Intensive Care Units
Monica Licker, Anghel A, Sandesc D, Cristina Branzeu, Liliana Dragomirescu, Ancuta Tutelca, Cristina
Orb, Luminita Baditoiu, Roxana Zugravu, Denis Şerban, Roxana Moldovan
3. Complications Particularities Found in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Evolution
Corina Flangea, Giju S, Elena Potencz, Rodica Mihaescu, Daniela Puscasiu, Carmen Tatu, Anghel A
4. Correlation between the Concentration of Glycosylated Hemoglobin and Oxidative Stress in Diabetes
Mellitus Type 2
Matei D, Zaha D, Pruna C, Muresan M, Micle L, Micle O, Popa A, Muresan A
5. Assessment of Oxidative Status in Morbidly Obese Patients Submitted to Bariatric Surgery
Adriana Florinela Catoi Galea, Adriana Muresan, Galea RF, Nicoleta Decea , Login C
6. CASE REPORT: Tetraplegia Due to Hypokalemia: Clinical Presentation of a Patient with Gitelman
Syndrome
Kacso Ina, Rusu Anca, Parvu Liliana, Gherman-Caprioara Mirela
7. Asympomatic Bacteriuria in the Elderly. What Are the Risk Factors?
Alina Pacurari, Romosan I, Muntean C, Horhat R
8. Effects of Zolpidem on Blood Glucose Level and Serum Lipids in Diabetic Rats
Horák J , Cecilia Bobos, Pucsok J, Aliz Horák, Katalin Fodor
9. BOOK REVIEW: Practice of Laboratory Medicine – Manole Cojocaru
10. BOOK REVIEW: Psychosomatic Medicine – Dan L Dumitrascu
1. EXPERIMENTAL STUDY CONSIDERING THE INFLUENCE OF HYPERSODIC DIETOVER THE HOMEOSTASIS OF THE CALCEMIA, MAGNESEMIA AND PHOSPHOREMIA
Airinei NG, Raluca Airinei, Badiu G
Physiology Department, Medical Faculty of “Ovidius” University – Constanta
Address for correspondence: Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of “Ovidius” University, 56 Ion Voda Street,
Constanta, Romania

ABSTRACT
We convey the results of a complex study performed on animals (Guinea pigs), regarding calcemia,
magnesemia and phosphoremia homeostasis, the most abundant ions in the body and highly important
for triggering, coordination and development of some intra and extracellular processes, some of them ofvital importance. It has been found that animals, which had a hypersodic food intake for a month, haveshown alterations of the calcemia, magnesemia and phosphoremia.
The results imply the possibility of the existence of new ionic inter-relations that are to be taken into
account when studying the ionic homeostasis, both in physiological states as in various pathologicalconditions.
Key words: hypersodic food intake, calcemia, magnesemia, phosphoremia, homeostasis
2. MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT GERMS ISOLATED FROM INTENSIVE CARE UNITS
Monica Licker1, Andrei Anghel2, Dorel Sandesc3, Cristina Branzeu3, Liliana Dragomirescu1, Ancuta
Tutelca4, Cristina Orb4, Luminita Baditoiu5, Roxana Zugravu1, Denis Serban1, Roxana Moldovan1
1
Microbiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes” Timisoara
2
Biochemistry Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes” Timisoara

3

Intensive Care Unit, County Hospital, Timisoara
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes” Timisoara
5
Epidemiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes” Timisoara
4

Address for correspondence: Dr. Monica Licker, Microbiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Victor
Babes Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2A, 300041, Romania

ABSTRACTThe aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of multi-drug resistant germs isolated frompatients hospitalized in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and their resistance to antimicrobials.
From 209 samples, collected during a period of 4 month we isolated 195 microbial strains withnosocomial potential. 48.71% from these strains were represented by enterobacteria (Klebsiella spp.,
E.coli, Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter cloacae), from which, 34.73% (33 strains) were Extended
Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) producers (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia
spp., Citrobacter freundii, Morganella spp.). Gram-positive cocci have been represented by S.aureus
and Enterococcus spp., and Gram-negative non-fermentative rods by Acinetobacter baumanii,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strains. Other 3 strains of Pseudomonas
aeruginosa had the same ESBL resistance phenotype. The majorities of these strains has been isolated
from broncholveolar liquids, wound secretions, urines and were involved in respiratory tract, surgicalsite and urinary tract nosocomial infections (NI).
The costs of management of multi-drug resistant germs, and also of NI produced by them are huge andinclude patient morbidity and mortality, hospital and community medical costs, the impact of blocked
beds, and wider economic costs. Investment in infection control is therefore highly cost effective.
Key words: Meticillin resistant S.aureus, Extended spectrum beta lactamase producing bacteria,
K.pneumoniae, E.coli, Pseudomonas spp.
3. COMPLICATIONS PARTICULARITIES FOUND IN HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMAEVOLUTION
Corina Flangea1, Sorin Giju2, Elena Potencz3, Rodica Mihaescu4, Daniela Puscasiu5, Carmen Tatu6,
Andrei Anghel1
1Biochemistry Department UMF “Victor Babes” Timisoara,
2
County Hospital No. 1 Timisoara, Central Laboratory
3
Pathology Department UMF “Victor Babes” Timisoara,
4
Hematology Department UMF “Victor Babes” Timisoara,
5
Cell Biology Department UMF “Victor Babes” Timisoara,
6
Physiology Department UMF “Victor Babes” Timisoara,
Address for correspondence: Dr. Corina Flangea, Biochemistry Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor
Babes” Timisoara, No. 2A Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041, Timisoara, E-mail: flangeacorina@yahoo.com

ABSTRACTIntroduction. Most Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients died more frequently due to complications,especially the second neoplasia than lymphoma itself.
Material and Methods. We studied 217 patients diagnosticated with Hodgkin’s lymphoma andhospitalized in Hematology Department of City Hospital, Timisoara. Their evolution was followed
between January 1984 and June 2004.
Results and Discussions. In our group of patients found a prevalence of hematological complications
characterized by pancytopenia due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The immune response is altered
due to leucopenia and that’s why we found a large number of urinary infections, pharyngitis, tonsillitis
and vaginitis with Candida. This altered immune response can promote, besides therapy modification,
the second neoplasia, which was the first cause of dead after ten years. The second neoplasia highfrequency can due to a large number of elderly patients who have a malignant pathology much morethan younger patients.

Conclusions. Hematological complications can be a promoting factor for many diseases especially for
infectious diseases and the second neoplasia. Moreover, any new complication can hide the lesions
spreading to an advanced stage.
Key word: Hodgkin’s lymphoma, complications, antitumoral therapy
4. CORRELATION BETWEEN THE CONCENTRATION OF GLYCOSYLATEDHEMOGLOBIN AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2
Matei D, Zaha D, Pruna C, Muresan M, Micle L, Micle O, Popa A, Muresan A*
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy Oradea* University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj-Napoca
Address for correspondence: Dr. Matei D, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy Oradea, Romania

ABSTRACT
Aims: Chronic hyperglycemia is associated both with the increase of glycosylated hemoglobin
concentration, and the level of lipoperoxids, a parallelism between these two parameters existing. The
purpose of this study is to establish the correlation between the concentration of glycosylated
hemoglobin (HbA1c) and malondialdehyde, the latest parameter could be used as a biomarker of thequality of the glycemic control, together with HbA1c. Methods: The study was performed on two groupsof subjects (a study group and a control group). The experimental group included 21 patients with
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) type 2 insulin – dependent (76.2%) and non insulin-dependent (23.8%), age
between 48 and 77 years (M = 62.9 ± 8.90 years), having a mean duration of DM of 7.74 ± 5.34 years,
to whom the blood concentration of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, glycosylated
hemoglobin, malondialdehyde and ceruloplasmin were established. The same substances were measured
for the control group of 10 healthy blood donors. Results: We obtained a significant increased level ofglycemia and triglycerides for the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Also theconcentration of glycosylated hemoglobin and malondialdehyde was significantly increased bycomparison with the control group (p < 0.001). The level of cholesterol and uric acid were notsignificantly increased. Between the concentration of glycosylated hemoglobin and malondialdehyde, at
one hand, and between that of malondialdehyde and triglycerides, on the other hand, there was asignificant positive correlation (r = 0.72, r = 0.56, p < 0.001). Conclusions: These results demonstrated
that there was a positive correlation between the values of glycosylated hemoglobin and the level ofoxidative stress. Malondialdehyde could be used as a marker which appreciates the quality of glycemic
control in subjects with DM type 2, where assessment of HbA1c is irrelevant.
Keywords: diabetes mellitus type 2, oxidative stress, glycosylated hemoglobin, malondialdehyde
5. ASSESSMENT OF OXIDATIVE STATUS IN MORBIDLY OBESE PATIENTS SUBMITTED
TO BARIATRIC SURGERY
Adriana Florinela Catoi Galea1, Adriana Muresan1, Romeo Florin Galea2, Nicoleta Decea1, Cezar
Login1
1
Department of Physiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca
2Second Surgical Clinic, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca
Address for correspondence: Dr. Adriana Florinela Cătoi Galea, Department of Physiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, e-mail: florinela12@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
Background. Obesity represents a major health problem worldwide. In patients with morbid obesity(Body mass index BMI≥40 Kg/m²) the only efficient method for weight reduction and maintenanceconsists in bariaric surgery. Several studies in humans have shown an obvious direct correlation between
oxidative stress markers and the severity of obesity. These findings suggest that oxidative stress andassociated cellular damage may be particularly high in the morbidly obese. The aims of the study were
(1) to demonstrate the presence of high oxidative stress in morbidly obese patients without co-morbidities and (2) the effect of significant early postoperative weight loss (3 months) on the serum
level parameters of oxidative stress, as well as on serum antioxidant capacity which includes ascorbic
acid, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, and reduced glutathione. Material and methods. Twenty
morbidly obese patients (BMI 48.06±8.54 kg/m²), without co-morbidities, were selected for the study.
All these patients underwent silastic ring vertical gastroplasty. Serum lipid peroxides (LP) using Satohmethod, free malondialdehyde (MDA) using Esterbauer method and hydrogen donating capacity ofserum (HDC) using Janazewska method were determined before and three months after the surgicalintervention. The same parameters were determined in a control group of twenty normal weight, healthy
subjects. Results. During the first 3 months postoperatively, patients had a significant weight loss from
BMI of 48.06±8.54kg/m2 to 39.19±6.39 kg/m2 (p<0.0005). LP serum values were 2.74±0.52 nmol/ml
and free MDA were 1.83±0.62 nmol/ml in morbidly obese patients, higher in comparison with thecontrol group in which PL serum values were 1,29±0.37 nmol/ml (p<0.005) and free MDA were
1.02±0.27 nmol/ml (p<0,005). HDC value was 41.29±12.63%, lower vs. normal weight subjects(46.6±6%). PL serum values decreased to 2.01±0.44 nmol/ml (p=0.002), and free MDA to 1.60±0.43nmol/ml (p=0.01) three months after silastic ring vertical gastroplasty. HDC increased postoperatively
insignificantly though, to the value of 45.68±16.14% (p=0.116). Conclusions. Morbidly obese patientsare exposed to an increased oxidative stress demonstrated through a high lipid peroxidation and a low
antioxidant capacity. Weight loss associated with the reduction of caloric intake after silastic ringvertical gastroplasty leads to significant decrease in oxidant production and slightly improves
antioxidant defense.
Key words: morbid obesity, bariatric surgery, weight loss, lipid peroxides, antioxidant capacity.
6. TETRAPLEGIA DUE TO HYPOKALEMIA: CLINICAL PRESENTATION OF A PATIENTWITH GITELMAN SYNDROME
Kacso Ina, Rusu Anca, Parvu Liliana, Gherman-Caprioara Mirela
Nephrology and Dialysis Clinics, UMF Iuliu Hatieganu Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Address for correspondence: Dr. Gherman-Caprioara Mirela, “Iuliu Hatieganu” Univerity of Medicine and Pharmacy ClujNapoca, Romania

ABSTRACT
Gitelman syndrome (GS) is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hypokalemia,
hypomagnesaemia, hypocalciuria, metabolic alkalosis. It is a rare disorder due to mutations of the geneencoding the thiazide-sensitive sodium-chloride cotransporter (SLC12A3) on the short arm ofchromosome 16 (16q13). Phenotypically it is generally considered as the mild variant of Bartter
syndrome, as it is usually diagnosed in late childhood or adulthood and is often asymptomatic. However
severely symptomatic patients have been reported. We describe a patient presenting with hypokaliemic
tetraplegia, to our knowledge it is the first case-report of Gitelman syndrome in Romania, particular also
because of the dramatic clinical presentation.
Keywords: Gitelman syndrome, hypokalemia, hypomagnesaemia, tetraplegia, inherited tubular
disorder, distal Na/Cl cotransporter
7. ASYMPOMATIC BACTERIURIA IN THE ELDERLY. WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?
Alina Pacurari1, Romosan I1, Muntean C2, Horhat R2
1
IVth Medical Clinic of “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara
2
Department of Medical Informatics, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara
Address for correspondence: Dr. Alina Pacurari, IVth Medical Clinic of “Victor Babes” University of Medicine andPharmacy, No. 2A Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041, Timisoara, Romania

ABSTRACTAsymptomatic bacteriuria is characterized by more then 105 colony- forming units (CFU)/ml withoutclinical signs of urinary tract infection during the week proceeding the time the urine sample wasobtained. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria is over 20% in well elderly women in thecommunity over 80 years, and 10% or more for men over age 80 years. Urinary incontinence,cystocoeles, obstructive urophaty (renal stones, enlargement of the prostate), diabetes, renal cysts,
functional impairment are risk factors that predispose elderly men and women to bacteriuria.
Key words: asymptomatic bacteriuria, risk factors, elderly, urinary tract infection
8. EFFECTS OF ZOLPIDEM ON BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL AND SERUM LIPIDS IN
DIABETIC RATS
J. Horák1, Cecilia Bobos2, J. Pucsok3, Aliz Horák4, Katalin Fodor1
1
Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea,
Romania2
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu HaŃieganu” Cluj - Napoca, Romania
3
National Institute for Sports, Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
4Institute of Oncology “Ion Chiricuta” Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Address for correspondence: Prof. Dr. József Horák, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Universityof Oradea, No. 7 Ion Andreescu Street, ap.3, 400306 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

ABSTRACTIn male Wistar rats diabetes was induced by an intravenous administration of Streptozotocin (65 mg/kg,iv). The intraperitoneal injection of Zolpidem (1.25 – 2.5 - 5.0 - 10.0 and 15.0 mg/kg) repeated for fivedays, reduced blood glucose level and serum lipids. The mortality was also diminished.
Key words: rats, streptozotocin, diabetes, Zolpidem, blood glucose, serum lipids.
9. BOOK REVIEW: PSYCHOSOMATIC MEDICINEDan L. Dumitrascu
Ed. Medicalã Universitarã Iuliu HaŃieganu, Cluj-Napoca 2007, 172 pages, 7 figures, 11 tables, 72
references, ISBN 978-973-693-210-6
The author of this volume is Dr. DL Dumitrascu, recently promoted Professor for Internal Medicine.
Professor Dumitraşcu is very active in the international scientific life by many contributions, some ofthem rewarded with prizes and grants. After a stage as physiologist Dr. Dumitrascu focused his activity
on the study of functional gastrointestinal disturbances and generally on psychosomatic medicine.
The volume under discussion represents a development of an optional course on psychosomatic
medicine proposed to students in the Third Medical Clinic of the Universaity of Medicine and Pharmacy
in Cluj-Napoca. Psychosomatics is a medical specialty which follows up to explain the etiology andpathogenesis of poorly understood conditions as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromialgia, depression, several
gastrointestinal diseases (peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia), etc.
On a broader level psychosomatic explores the interaction between mind and body, exceeding theCartesian dualistic vision, promotes the bio-psychosocial model and the translational concept based on
the 2-way links of knowledge between bench and bedside. Therefore psychosomatic medicine isconsidered as a new paradigm for prophylaxis, treatment and recovery of a morbid process.
Although some skeptics consider that the goals of psychosomatic are too ambitious and the present-day
evidences too uncertain the psychosomatic literature is very large. A compressive handbook has beenedited recently by M Blumenfield and I Strain.
In this topic, Prof. Dumitraşcu has published the books “Functional digestive pathology” (1991, inRomanian language), “Neurogastroenterology” (2005, in collaboration with L Nedelcu) and edited“Psychosomatic medicine, Recent progress and current trends” comprising works of an International
Symposium, held in Cluj-Napoca in 2003. He wrote chapters on psychosomatics in the Handbook ofGastroenterology (Ed. M Grigorescu, in Romanian language, 2001) and papers in foreign scientificpublications (for instance in the volume “Psychosomatic Medicine” by C Kubo and T Kuboki, 2006).
In Romania, apart from the contributions of Dr. Dumitrascu, a valuable work has been performed byProfessor I Bradu Iamandescu focused on psychological issues and behavioral medicine.
The recent book published by Professor Dumitrascu is divided in 19 chapters and has two parts; the firstone examines the topic of general theoretical psychosomatics, the second focuses its attention on applied
psychosomatics.
It is outside our intention to analyze in details this volume, but the content of its chapters is revealed by
the titles, as follows: 1. Introduction to psychosomatic medicine; 2. Introductory definitions. 3. Historyof psychosomatic medicine. 4. Adjacent sciences. 5. Measurement tools for psychosomatic medicine. 6.
Biomedical basis of psychosomatic medicine. 7. Quality of life. 8. Psychosocial factors. 9. Medical
communication. 10. Models of disease. 11. Principles of psychotherapy (written by Doctor Cristina
Pohribneac from Bad Kissingen, Germany). 12. Oncology diseases. 13. Cardiovascular diseases. 14.
Respiratory diseases. 15. Metabolic diseases. 16. Digestive diseases. 17. Neurological diseases. 18.
Dermatological diseases. 19. Other areas of pathology.
Information of physiological issues related to psychosomatics refers particularly to neuro-endocrine
exploration and cerebral imagery, to mechanisms of pain and somatization and especially to stress.
Stress – a concept with many practical clinical implications – is treated sometimes in details in several
chapters, concerning the methods to evaluate stress, its categories, and the impact of stress and of theposttraumatic stress disorder in cancer, coping and emotions. For the readers interested in this area itwould be useful if the text has been provided with a subject index.
Lengthways the book, the differences between the biomedical and the bio-psychosocial models of
diseases are well explained, the illness behavior, somatization, importance of a close communication
between physicians and patients are presented in their real shape. For psychosomatic treatments forobesity, diabetes, cancer and some other conditions are given reference points. A large chapter provides
valuable data on the health and disease related quality of life from the tools used to its alterations inclinical pathology. It would have turned out useful to analyze also the psychosomatic topic along thelifespan from the childhood to the elderly.
Besides the undergraduate and graduate students this important book is of interest for a large audience ofphysicians, psychologists and academics working in life sciences.
Dr. Petru Derevenco
Academy of Medical Sciences
10. BOOK REVIEW: PRACTICE OF LABORATORY MEDICINE
Manole Cojocaru
Ed. Cartea Universitară, Bucureşti, 148 pages. ISBN 978-973-731-492-5, Published April 2007
In the past several years rapid advancement has occured in the structure and role of clinical laboratory.
Practice of laboratory medicine edited by a leading expert in the field presents the most appropriate upto-date approaches required for modern clinical laboratory. This is written by the very dynamic andmotivated vice-president of the Romanian Society of Laboratory Medicine, Manole Cojocaru, from
Bucharest with outstanding international reputation in his field of experience. Trainees in laboratory
medicine in Romania have been in great need of a practical guide in their native language. A selective
but relevant bibliography is attached at the end. Due to the style and format, the book will achieve its
target to become a widely used academic book. At now we finally have a new comprehensive guide oflaboratory medicine. This is a very useful book that should not be kept in a bookshelf but will certainly
be very helpful if put on the laboratory bench.
Marian Negut