The protective effects of zinc in experimental gentamicin induced acute renal failure in rats.

This study investigates the effects of zinc in acute kidney injury induced by gentamicin (Ge). We used Wistar male rats distributed in 4 groups of 12 animals each, treated intraperitoneally as follows: Group I (Control) treated with distilled water; Group II (Ge) with experimental induced acute renal failure with Ge; Group III (Ge + Zn) administration of ZnCl2 in animals with experimental induced renal failure with Ge, Group IV (Zn) treated with ZnCl2 as positive control. We measured serum levels of urea, creatinine, total antioxidant status, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and urinary proteins before the nephrotoxicity induction (baseline) and 3, 7 and 10 days after Ge administration. The renal histopathological analysis was also done. The results showed an increase of urea and creatinine values in Ge + Zn group after 7 days compared to baseline, but less accentuated than those in Ge group. Zn supplementation was associated with an increase of the total antioxidant status in Ge + Zn group compared to Ge group (P < 0.01). It was also revealed a significant reduction of proteinuria in Ge + Zn group compared to Ge group (P < 0.001). The histopathological investigation highlighted the tubular necrosis affecting more than 90% of proximal tubules in Ge group. In Ge + Zn group it was observed a milder degree of tubular necrosis (influencing less than 25% of proximal tubules), a moderate inflammation and the presence of tubular regeneration. In conclusion, Zn administration proved a to have a protective role in experimental gentamicin-induced acute renal failure.

Magnesium in Pediatric Nephrotic Syndrome.

Aim: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate serum Mg concentration in children with nephrotic syndrome and highlight the relationship between Mg concentration and acute nephropathy. Material and Methods: We conducted a clinical study in 27 patients, aged 2 to 17 years, admitted to the Nephrology clinic of the Iasi "Sf. Maria" Children's Hospital between 2011-2015, with the diagnosis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS), first episode or relapse. In each patient, we investigated serum urea and creatinine, total cholesterol, total serum proteins, serum magnesium, urinary proteins, creatinine clearance and renal histopathology. We also used a control group of 14 children with normal renal function. Results: 12 patients had NS in the acute phase, 6 steroid responsive and 6 steroid resistant. The remaining 15 patients were in the remission phase of NS, 7 steroid responsive and 8 steroid resistant. Significantly decreased serum Mg levels were found in NS active group compared to control group. Renal histopathological analysis in steroid responsive patients revealed the following pathological aspects: optically normal glomeruli (1 case), minimal mesangial changes (5 cases), IgM nephropathy (4 cases), mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis (4 cases). Conclusions: The variations of serum and urinary Mg levels in children with acute nephropathy may be useful for early diagnosis and improving therapy.

Changes in Some Divalent Cations Concentrations In An Experimental Rat Model of Gentamicin-Induced Acute Renal Failure.

Aim: The changes in divalent cations concentration were assessed in and experimentally gentamicin-induced renal failure in white Wistar rats. Material and Methods: The white male Wistar rats were distributed into 4 groups of 7 animals each and were treated intraperitoneally as follows: Group I (Control): distilled water in a volume of 0.5ml/100g rat/day for10 days; Group II (Ge): gentamicin 80 mg/kbw/day for 7 days; Group III (Ge+Zn): gentamicin 80 mg/kbw/day for 7 days and ZnCl2 5 mg/kbw/day for 10 days prior to administration of Ge and then another 7 days simultaneously with Ge administration; Group IV (Zn): ZnCl2 5 mg/kbw/day for 17 days. Before starting the experiment (I0) and at 3, 7 and 10 days after the first Ge administration, magnesium, copper and zinc plasma concentrations and urinary magnesium levels were determined. Results: Zn administration significantly decreased (p<0.001) plasma Mg concentrations in Ge+Zn group compared to Ge group after 7 days in the experiment, and induced a lower urinary elimination of Mg in Ge+Zn group (p<0.05) than in Ge group (p<0.01). Also, Zn induced a slight augmentation of Cu concentration in Ge+Zn group (p<0.05) compared to Ge group after 7 and 10 days. Conclusions: The variation in divalent cation concentrations in the context of renal diseases may be helpful for an early diagnosis and effective alternative therapeutic measures.

Imidazoline receptor antagonists idazoxan and efaroxan enhance locomotor functions in rats.

UNLABELLED: Discovered in 1984, imidazoline receptors (I1, I2, I3) are located centrally and peripherally being involved in various physiologic and pathophysiologic processes in the body. Experimental and clinical investigations have suggested the interrelations between imidazoline, adrenergic, dopaminergic, glutamatergic and opioid systems, which may explain the influence of different substances acting on imidazoline receptors in cognitive disorders, behavioral disturbances and motor diseases pathways. AIM: To investigate the effects of two imidazoline receptor antagonists on locomotor activity and endurance capacity in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experiment was carried out with white male Wistar rats (200-250 g) divided into 3 groups of 7 animals each, treated intraperitonealy with the same volume of solution as follows: Group I (Control): distilled water 0.3 ml/100 g body weight; Group II (IDZ): idazoxan 3 mg/kbw; Group III (EFR): efaroxan 1 mg/kbw. Exercise capacity was evaluated using a locomotor PanLAB treadmill test. The data were presented as mean +/- standard deviation and significance was tested by SPSS Statistics for Windows version 17.0 and ANOVA method. Experimental protocol was implemented according to recommendations of the Gr.T. Popa" University Committee for Research and Ethical Issues. RESULTS: Intraperitoneal administration of idazoxan and efarox- an resulted in a significant increase in running distance compared with the control group (p < 0.05). At the same time a reduction in the number and time of electric shocks delivered to motivate the animal to keep running was observed. In this experimental behavioral model the effects of idazoxan on the evaluated parameters were more intense than those of efaroxan. CONCLUSIONS: In our experimental conditions we demonstrated the ability of imidazoline receptor antagonists idazoxan and efaroxan to improve fatigue resistance during forced running in rats.

DIVALENT CATIONS PROFILE IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS AND VARICEAL BLEEDING.

AIM: The objective of this study is to evaluate divalent cations serum levels (magnesium, zinc, copper) in liver cirrhossis and one of its major complication (variceal bleeding). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective case-control study including 60 patients with liver cirrhosis complicated with variceal bleeding admitted to the Emergency Department, and 35 subjects without liver cirrhosis which served as group control. Serum concentrations of zinc, copper and magnesium were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: The concentration of magnesium was significantly lower between patients with liver cirrhosis (11.6 ± 2.77mg/l) vs group control study (17.7 = 3.86 mg/l) (p < 0.001), regarding decreased magnesium levels and the presence of complications as hepatic encephalopathy, ascites (Child C class). Serum concentrations of zinc were decreased (0.77 ± 0.35 mg/l) compared to control group (p < 0.001) in patients with liver cirrhosis and variceal bleeding. Serum levels of copper were increased (1.69 ± 0.722 mg/l) compared to control group in patients with liver cirrhosis and variceal bleeding and are also correlated with serum albumin levels (p < 0.001, Pearson coefficient r-0.631). CONCLUSIONS: Variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis is associated to important imbalances in blood concentrations of zinc, copper and magnesium.

ANTINFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF AN N, N'-DISALICYLIDENEMETHYLENDIAMINE-DERIVED SCHIFF BIS BASE AND ITS COPPER(II) COMPLEX.

AIM: The cooper(II) complex combination of N, N'-disalicylidenemethylenediamine and the Schiff bis base were investigated for anti-inflammatory activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In vivo, the anti-inflammatory activity of the metallic complex in comparison with the activity of the Schiff bis base was tested by the method of Winter and co-workers using the Levy technique. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: Our study on the anti-inflammatory activity of a new Schiff bis base and its complex cooper(II) combination showed that the Schiff bis bases exhibited significant anti-inflammatory action in acute experimental inflammation when compared to the control group. The copper cation from the complex combination enhanced the anti-inflammatory effect of the Schiff bis base, the effect being stronger at doses of 10 mg/kg cooper(II) complex. CONCLUSIONS: The Schiff bis base and its cooper(II) complex had an anti-inflammatory effect comparable to that of indomethacin.

Influence of montelukast on cisplatin-induced experimental acute renal failure.

AIM: To investigate the influence of Montelukast (MK) in acute renal failure (ARF) experimentally induced by cisplatin (CIS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experiment was carried out in male Wistar rats (280-320g), divided into 4 groups of 12 animals each, treated as follows: Group I (Control); Group II (CIS): CIS, 5 mg/kbw, single dose, i.p.; Group III (CISMK): CIS, 5 mg/kbw, single dose, i.p and MK 2 mg/kbw, p.o., 10 days; Group IV (MK): MK 2 mg/kbw, p.o., 10 days. Blood and urine (24 h) samples were taken before the start of experiment (Io) and at 3, 7, 10 and 14 days after CIS administration. The following were determined: urea, creatinine, Ca, Mg serum levels and creatinine, proteins, Ca and Mg urinary levels. For histological evaluation, 3 rats of each group were sacrificed at 3, 7, 10 and 14 days. The severity of histopathological changes was evaluated using scores on a 1-4 point scale. RESULTS: Both in CIS and CISMK group, serum levels of urea and creatinine and urinary protein levels were significantly higher compared with Io values and control group at 3 and 7 days, (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Urinary creatinine levels were significantly decreased at 3 and 7 days, (p < 0.01) and (p < 0.05) in CIS and CISMK group compared to Io and control group. The degree of severity of histopathological changes was similar in CIS and CISMK group. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results showed that MK at a dose of 2 mg/kbw had no protective effect in CIS-induced experimental acute renal failure.

Sertraline influence on morphine-induced conditioned place preference in rats.

UNLABELLED: Serotonine reuptake inhibitors are an important pharmacological arsenal for treating major depression, a severe disease with poorly understood pathogenic mechanisms. Also, little is known about the action of antidepressants on reward system, the function of which is severely affected in this disorder. AIM: To assess the influence of sertraline on brain reward system by conditioned place preference technique in rats. RESULTS: Both 3 and 5 mg/kg doses of sertraline determined a significant rewarding effect, whereas only the 5 mg/kg dose increased the morphine-induced rewarding effect (in the morphine-only group time spent in the conditioning chamber increased by 184.92 +/- 21.43% post-conditioning vs. preconditioning, whereas the increase was 195.56 +/- 18.3% in the group treated with morphine and sertraline 5 mg/kg, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The stimulant effect of sertraline on brain reward function might be involved in its therapeutic efficacy.

Effects of two serotoninergic agents on the behavioral manifestations in rats.

AIM: To investigate the effects of two serotonin receptor antagonists on spontaneous behavior in rats. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The experiment was carried out on white male Wistar rats (150-200g) divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each, treated intraperitoneally with the same volume of solution as follows: Group I (Control): saline solution 0.1 ml/10 g weight; Group II (SB-269970): SB-269970 1 mg/kbw; Group III (NAN-190): NAN-190 1 mg/kbw. The effects of serotonin receptor antagonists on the spontaneous psychomotor skills of rats were tested in Actimeter LE-8811 (PanLab). The data were presented as mean +/- standard deviation and significance was tested by SPSS Statistics for Windows version 17.0 and ANOVA method. The experimental protocol was implemented according to the guidelines for handling and use of experimental animals of the Research Ethics Committee of the Iasi "Grigore T. Popa" University and ethical standards of the European Community. RESULTS: The 5HT1 serotonin receptor antagonist NAN-190 determined a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.01) in both horizontal and vertical movements as compared with the control group, whereas the 5HT7 serotonin receptor antagonist SB269970 had no influence on rat behavioral manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: In our experimental conditions 1 mg/kbw NAN-190 decreased the total escape attempts, corresponding to a significant diminution of exploratory and self-maintenance spontaneous behavior in this experimental animal model. These manifestations may be correlated with the anxiolytic effect of 5HT1 serotonin receptor antagonist NAN-190 in rats. The administration of 5HT7 serotonin receptor antagonist SB-269970 did not alter the spontaneous activity in this behavioral experimental model in rats.

Research on plasma and saliva levels of some bivalent cations in patients with chronic periodontitis (salivary cations in chronic periodontitis).

The purpose of this study was to determine whether chronic periodontitis can stand behind modifications in the salivary and blood concentration of some bivalent cations (Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and Copper). For this purpose, we formed a group of 30 adult patients with clinically onset chronic periodontitis, and another one of 30 healthy patients as control. Both groups were free from acute oral pathology and general illnesses. The groups were divided again according to the habit of smoking. Total saliva samples were obtained as "first time in the morning", then weighed and processed. Cations were read on Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and by Ion Chromatography (Magnesium). The same patients were required to undergo laboratory blood tests for Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc. Data obtained was normalised, then statistically interpreted using two-tailed heteroscedastic t-Student tests. Our data confirmed the existence of a connection between salivary calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper, and of blood magnesium, and chronic periodontitis. Salivary calcium and magnesium are affected by smoking.

The microbiological diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis: results of Haydarpasa-1 study.

We aimed to provide data on the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in this largest case series ever reported. The Haydarpasa-1 study involved patients with microbiologically confirmed TBM in Albania, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, France, Hungary, Iraq, Italy, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Syria and Turkey between 2000 and 2012. A positive culture, PCR or Ehrlich-Ziehl-Neelsen staining (EZNs) from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was mandatory for inclusion of meningitis patients. A total of 506 TBM patients were included. The sensitivities of the tests were as follows: interferon-γ release assay (Quantiferon TB gold in tube) 90.2%, automated culture systems (ACS) 81.8%, Löwenstein Jensen medium (L-J) 72.7%, adenosine deaminase (ADA) 29.9% and EZNs 27.3%. CSF-ACS was superior to CSF L-J culture and CSF-PCR (p <0.05 for both). Accordingly, CSF L-J culture was superior to CSF-PCR (p <0.05). Combination of L-J and ACS was superior to using these tests alone (p <0.05). There were poor and inverse agreements between EZNs and L-J culture (κ = -0.189); ACS and L-J culture (κ = -0.172) (p <0.05 for both). Fair and inverse agreement was detected for CSF-ADA and CSF-PCR (κ = -0.299, p <0.05). Diagnostic accuracy of TBM was increased when both ACS and L-J cultures were used together. Non-culture tests contributed to TBM diagnosis to a degree. However, due to the delays in the diagnosis with any of the cultures, combined use of non-culture tests appears to contribute early diagnosis. Hence, the diagnostic approach to TBM should be individualized according to the technical capacities of medical institutions particularly in those with poor resources.

Effects of some dopamine antagonists on spatial memory performance in rats--experimental research.

UNLABELLED: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter with an important role in forming long-lasting memories for some time, especially in episodic memory. Literature data show that dopamine receptor stimulation may be detrimental to spatial working memory functions in lab animals. (R)-(+)-7-Chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine hydrochloride derivative--SCH-23390 is a synthetic compound that acts as a selective, high-affinity antagonist of D1 receptors. Experimental studies suggest that SCH 23390 may prevent the spatial working memory disturbances induced by the active substances of marijuana. Melperone is an atypic antipsychotic drug presenting also dopaminergic D2 and 5-HT2A receptor antagonistic activity. This neuroleptic agent is used in the treatment of some types of schizophrenia. AIM: Experimental research on the effects of two dopamine receptor antagonists on spatial memory performance in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experiment was carried out in white Wistar rats (200-250g), divided into 3 groups of 7 animals each, treated intraperitoneally with the same volume of solution for 14 days, as follows: Group I (Control): saline solution 0.1 ml/10g kbw; Group II (coded SCH): SCH-23390 0.3 mg/kbw; Group III (coded MLP): melperone 2 mg/kbw. The dopaminergic agent spatial memory performance was assessed by recording spontaneous alternation behavior in a single session in Y-maze. Each animal was placed at the end of one arm and allowed to move freely through the maze during an 8 min session. Alternation was defined as a consecutive entry in three different arms. The alternation percentage was computed with the following formula: number of alternations divided by total number of arm visits minus 2. Data were presented as +/- standard deviation and significance was tested by SPSS Statistics for Windows version 13.0 and ANOVA method. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant compared to those in the control group. Experimental researches were carried out in compliance with the regulations of our University Committee for Research and Ethical Issues. RESULTS: SCH-23390 (0.3 mg/kbw) and melperone (2 mg/kbw) intraperitoneal injection for 14 days determined a statistically significant (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) increase in spontaneous alternation rate (compared to controls in Y-maze test). CONCLUSIONS: Our research revealed that the 14 consecutive days administration of these two dopamine receptor antagonists was associated with the improvement of short-term memory in rats, more intense for SCH-23390 compound.

The effect of pioglitazone on non-pregnant female genital tract in experimental diabetes mellitus.

UNLABELLED: The effects of pioglitazone, a very used drug in the treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, were tested at the level of ovary of non-pregnant female rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experiment was performed on three groups of adult non-pregnant female rats. group 1 was a control group (and did not receive any substance), group 2 received streptozotocin 60 mg/kg i.p. (single administration), and group 3 received streptozotocin 60 mg/kg i.p. (single administration) and pioglitazone 5 mg/kg/day p.o., daily for 8 weeks. The plasma glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were determined before drugs administration and during the experiment. After 8 weeks the animals were anesthetized and sacrificed. The ovaries were examined by optical microscopy. A morphometric evaluation was performed. The obtained data were statistically interpreted by ANOVA test. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of treatment the plasma glucose and triglyceride levels were significantly lower in the pioglitazone treated group compared to the streptozotocin only group. In the pioglitazone group the number of primordial and primary ovarian follicles was significantly higher than in streptozotocin only group. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed a partial protective action of pioglitazone on ovary in nonpregnant diabetic female rats.

Manganese interactions with dopaminergic system.

Manganese is a trace element with important involvement in the central nervous system functioning. The effects of manganese excess on central dopaminergic system in case of both basal nuclei and reward system are linked to important pathologic states such as Parkinsonism and cognitive impairment. Our data show that Mn2+ reduces the intensity of experimental morphine addiction in rats (manganese chloride unequally decreases several symptoms of opioid withdrawal syndrome - signs such as compulsive mastication, grooming and teeth chattering being particularly affected). Manganese chloride, administered during conditioning acquisition phase in rats, significantly reduces the intensity of morphine conditioned place preference. We believe that manganese interaction with dopaminergic circuits in the brain reward system represents one of the most important aspects of the action of bivalent cations at central nervous system level.

Behavioral involvement of imidazoline system.

The imidazoline system consists in imidazoline receptors I1, I2 and I3 and the active as well as that there are some endogenous ligands. We consider that one of the most important functions of this system is modulation of different types of behavior. Existent data show that I1 and I2 receptors have different effects on some behavior components, such as suicidal behavior, stress, anxiety, food intake etc. We consider that selective I1 and I2 agonists could become drugs to be used in the therapy of some behavioral disorders. The fact that some agonists or antagonists of imidazoline receptors have also effect on alpha-adrenergic receptors or MAO (monoamine oxidase) enlarges the use area of the compounds in behavioral disorders.

Divalent cations levels change in nephrotic syndrome.

UNLABELLED: Divalent cations (calcium, magnesium, zinc, cooper, manganese) play an important role in various biological processes. Different acute or chronic renal disorders in children or adults modify the urinary excretion of these cations and may influence their concentrations in organism. AIM: Evaluation of the changes of some divalent cations levels (Cu, Zn, Mg, Ca) in acute renal diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We measured plasma concentrations and urinary excretion of cations in pediatric patients with acute urinary infections. We also evaluated malondyaldehide (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) plasma levels. RESULTS: The obtained results show that serum levels of Ca, Cu, Zn are decreased in patients with acute urinary infections compared with a control group of healthy children, while urinary excretion of Cu and Zn there were higher in group study compared with control group. There are no significant differences of the serum magnesium concentration. Increased plasma MDA levels and decreased plasma TAC, Cu and Zn concentrations indicate an increased oxidative stress in patients with acute renal diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary data show that in some acute urinary conditions, such as lower urinary tract infection and pyelonephritis, appear disturbances of plasma and urinary concentrations of divalent cations. We consi der that trace elements should be measured routinely in children with renal disorders.

Involvement of imidazoline system in drug addiction.

The imidazoline system (a concept which is barely over decades old) consists in imidazoline receptors I, I2 and I3 and their active endogenous ligands, the most important of which is agmatine. Brain contains both I1 and 12 of imidazoline receptors. One of the most important functions of this system is modulation of different behaviour components, such as suicidal behaviour, stress, anxiety, food intake etc. Own data preliminary data revealed different effects of alpha2 and imidazoline-receptors antagonists on morphine conditioned place preference (efaroxan reduces its intensity, while idazoxan has no influence); this reveals a possible di fferent role of I1 and I2 receptors in reward system.

Pharmacological agents that affect sperm motility.

UNLABELLED: Male fertility is determined by several factors one of which is essential sperm motility. A large number of drugs have a toxic influence on sperm motility MATERIAL AND METHODS: We tested the influence of some antibacterial antibiotics on rat sperm motility. Following antibiotics were tested antibacterial influences: amoxicillin + clavulanic acid dose of 30 mg/kg body/day, daily and that 150 mg/kgbody/day, daily, respectively ceftazidime dose of 50 mg/kgbody/day, daily and that 250 mg/kgbody/day, daily. For each antibiotic and dose was used by a group of rats that received treatment for 12 days for amoxicillin+clavulanic acid and 11 days, respectively 10 days for ceftazidime. A control group of rats was not received and no substance Sperm motility was determined and histopathological examination of tissues was performed harvested. RESULTS: Our data showed that the combination of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in doses of 30 mg/kgbody/day (dose is reached in clinical practice) of sperm motility reduced with 49.33% (p<0.01) and dose of 150 mg/kgbody/day, sperm motility was reduced with 68.96% (p<0.01) ceftazidime doses tested significantly reduced motility of sperm (p<0.01), dose of 50 mg/kgbody/day, sperm motility was reduced with 83.79% and dose of 250 mg/kgbody/day, sperm motility was reduced with 85.36% (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Ceftazidim has a strong effect on sperm cells motility at therapeutic doses. This effect is higher compared to amoxicillin+clavulanic acid association.

[Platelet functions in acute and chronic experimentally induced hepatopathia]. / Cercetari asupra functiei plachetare in conditiile hepatopatiei experimentale acute si cronice.

UNLABELLED: It's well known the coagulation damage in chronic hepatitis and hepatic cirrhosis. The aim of our study was to quantify platelet dysfunction in acute and chronic toxic hepatitis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We determined adhesivity, aggregability and icosanoids production in rats with acute and chronic hepatopathia induced by CCl4 administration. RESULTS: Our data shows that platelet adhesivity and aggregability are affected in chronic toxic affectation but also in acute intoxication (p < 0.05). Icosanoids production (expressed like MDA levels are significantly decreased only in chronic CCl4 intoxication (p < 0.001). Significantly correlation appears between aggregability and adhesivity in control group (r = 0.66) and between aggregability and MDA (r = -0.78) and adhesivity and MDA (r = -0.57) in lot C. CONCLUSION: Primary haemostasis and platelet dysfunction are involved in coagulation dysfunction in hepatic diseases and the modifications of platelet parameters also appeared in acute hepatic affectation.

Research on serum and saliva concentration of some bivalent cations in patient with suppurations of the oro-maxillo-facial area.

UNLABELLED: Bivalent cations, such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese play important roles in some physiological and pathological processes on the human body. AIM: To determine possible modifications in serum and saliva concentration of total-Ca2+, total-Mg2+, Zn2+ and Cu2+ in patients with suppurative infections of the oro-maxillo-facial area and eventually their significance for the mentioned pathology. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Study included 47 patients with suppurative infections of the oro-maxillo-facial area, hospitalised during 2006-2008 in the oro-maxillo-facial clinic of "Sfântul Spiridon" Hospital Iasi and 43 healthy control volunteers. RESULTS: Results revealed decreased serum Zn2+ (0.94 +/- 0.21 vs. 1.39 +/- 0.14 mg/L, p < 0.01), decreased serum Zn2+/Cu2+ ratio and increased serum and saliva total-Mg2+ concentration (27.34 +/- 2.61 mg/mL in patients vs. 23.83 +/- 1.61 mg/L in healthy controls- serum, p < 0.05 and 3.79 +/- 0.41 mg/mL in patients vs. 3.21 +/- 0.40 mg/mL in healthy controls - saliva, p < 0.05) in patients with suppurative infections of the oro-maxillo-facial area vs. healthy controls. There were no statistically significant differences in total-Ca2+ concentrations in saliva and serum. Our data are in agreement with medical literature revealing zinc deficiency as a predisposition factor to infection. CONCLUSION: We consider that a significant increase in total-Mg2+ saliva concentration, as well as a decrease in Zn2+/Cu2+ serum ratio could be considered a marker for predisposition to oro-maxillar suppurations.