Paul Serban Popa

Dr. Paul Serban Popa

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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Verified
Journal Article
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PPPaul Serban Popa
Paul Serban Popa
GPGabriel Valeriu Popa
Gabriel Valeriu Popa
EKEarar Kamel
Earar Kamel
CPClaudia Elisabeta Popa-Cazacu
Claudia Elisabeta Popa-Cazacu
MMMădălina Nicoleta Matei
Mădălina Nicoleta Matei
Peri-implantitis, a common biological complication of dental implants, is characterized by soft-tissue inflammation and progressive bone loss. Oxidative stress is increasingly implicated in its pathogenesis, yet the diagnostic potential of salivary redox biomarkers remains unclear. This study’s objective was to assess the association between salivary malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and peri-implant disease via a pre-registered, quantitative meta-analysis of previously published studies using predefined statistical criteria. Following a priori PROSPERO registration, we systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2004–September 2025), extracted data in duplicate, and pooled effects using random-effects models; certainty of evidence was appraised with GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) and risk of bias with ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions)/QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2). Twelve studies were included qualitatively: seven (n = 726) contributed to MDA and five (n = 485) to TAC meta-analyses. Peri-implant disease was associated with elevated MDA (SMD = 1.64, 95% CI 1.39–1.88) and reduced TAC (SMD = −1.88, 95% CI −2.17 to −1.58); statistical heterogeneity was not detected, and results were robust to sensitivity and exploratory assay-based subgroup analyses. Salivary MDA and TAC show consistent, large, standardized differences in peri-implant disease; however, observational designs, assay variability, and the absence of validated diagnostic thresholds warrant cautious interpretation and prospective validation before clinical adoption.

14 December 2022 in Processes
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ELElena Lacramioara Lisa
Elena Lacramioara Lisa
ODOANA DRAGOSTIN
OANA DRAGOSTIN
APAntoneta Dacia Petroaie
Antoneta Dacia Petroaie
GGGabriela Gurau
Gabriela Gurau
A(Alina Georgiana Cristea (Hohotă)
Alina Georgiana Cristea (Hohotă)
MMMădălina Nicoleta Matei
Mădălina Nicoleta Matei
Ketoconazole (KZ) is a broad-spectrum drug used to treat fungal infections. Local use of ketoconazole has been associated with some side effects in healthy adults, especially local reactions, such as stinging, severe irritation, and itching. Moreover, the bioavailability of KZ after oral administration is low in tablets due to its low water solubility. In addition, oral administration of ketoconazole produces systemic exposure, associated with significant side effects, such as cholestatic and hepatocellular lesions. In an attempt to reduce hepatotoxicity, ketoconazole may be administered at the primary site of infection with cutaneous candidiasis, specifically on the skin tissue. However, the use of ketoconazole in topical dosage forms is limited by its high lipophilicity and extremely poor aqueous solubility (1 ng/mL), thus leading to the rare availability of topical dosage forms on the market. Therefore, a new approach to the effective delivery of ketoconazole to the site of infection is targeted, including obtaining new derivatives (keeping the imidazolic nucleus), with a similar spectrum of action, and finally, their inclusion in betacyclodextrin complexes in order to optimize bioavailability and physico-chemical stability.

26 May 2023 in Children
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Journal Article
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PPPaul Serban Popa
Paul Serban Popa
DODaniela Onișor
Daniela Onișor
ANAurel Nechita
Aurel Nechita
KEKamel Earar
Kamel Earar
MMMădălina Nicoleta Matei
Mădălina Nicoleta Matei
The benefits of physical activities conducted systematically on the harmonious development, intellectual performance, and general health of children are unanimously accepted. This study’s aim is to determine whether differences in oral health between young athletes and children not engaged in competitive sports are present. A total of 173 children aged between 6 and 17 years, 58 hockey players, 55 football players, and 60 in the control group were divided into groups according to their activity, age, and biological sex and examined for oral hygiene and dental and periodontal health, using clinically determined indices. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the groups, with lower (better) values for athletes, regardless of age, sex, or activity. Oral hygiene showed the most relevant differences for males aged 14 to 17, as did the index for dental health. Periodontal health, on the other hand, was significantly better for females aged 6 to 13. Based on this data, the beneficial influence of regular physical activity also has an impact on oral health. Identifying the mechanisms behind this needs to be explored in depth and may be a topic for further research.

10 December 2024 in Dentistry Journal
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Journal Article
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PPPaul Serban Popa
Paul Serban Popa
EPElisabeta Claudia Popa-Cazacu
Elisabeta Claudia Popa-Cazacu
AZAnamaria Zaharescu
Anamaria Zaharescu
GPGabriel Valeriu Popa
Gabriel Valeriu Popa
MMMădălina Nicoleta Matei
Mădălina Nicoleta Matei
Background/Objectives: This study aims to compare the effects of conventional surgical techniques and laser-assisted methods on salivary oxidative stress biomarkers following third molar extraction, in order to evaluate the potential benefits of laser surgery in reducing oxidative stress and promoting faster recovery. Methods: A total of 154 patients, aged 16–30, undergoing third molar extractions were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: conventional surgery (n = 75) and laser-assisted surgery (n = 79). Saliva samples were collected at baseline, and 24, 48, 72, and 168 h postoperatively. The levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were measured as indicators of oxidative stress. Results: Initial biomarker levels were similar across all participants. Postoperative oxidative stress increased in both groups, with significantly higher levels in the conventional surgery group at 48 and 72 h. Salivary biomarkers of oxidative stress were significantly lower in the laser group at 48 and 72 h post-surgery (p < 0.05), indicating a faster recovery. By 168 h, biomarker levels in the laser group had nearly returned to baseline, whereas levels in the conventional group remained slightly elevated. Conclusions: Laser-assisted surgery significantly reduces oxidative stress and promotes faster recovery when compared with conventional methods, as evidenced by the more rapid normalization of salivary biomarkers. These findings suggest that laser techniques may offer superior clinical outcomes in third molar extractions.

8 November 2023 in Healthcare
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MMMădălina Nicoleta Matei
Mădălina Nicoleta Matei
PPPaul Serban Popa
Paul Serban Popa
ACAntonela Magdalena Covaci
Antonela Magdalena Covaci
COChipirliu Oana
Chipirliu Oana
EKEarar Kamel
Earar Kamel
AZAnamaria Zaharescu
Anamaria Zaharescu
This article explores the correlation between salivary biomarkers, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPX), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and their association with oral health for children in competitive sports. Saliva has emerged as a valuable resource for evaluating physiological and pathological conditions due to its non-invasive collection method and easy storage. This study examines the potential of GPX, TAC, and SOD as salivary biomarkers for assessing the impact of competitive sports on children’s oral health. It discusses the potential implications of increased oxidative stress due to intense physical activity and the role of antioxidant defense mechanisms in maintaining oral health. In total, 173 children aged between 6 and 17 were divided into three groups, 58 hockey players, 55 football players, and 60 in the control group, and examined to assess their oral hygiene and dental and periodontal health. Saliva was collected, centrifuged, and the supernatant was analyzed for the relevant biomarkers. The findings seem to suggest that salivary biomarkers, like GPX, TAC, and SOD, might serve as indicators of the physiological response to competitive sports in children, as well as indicators of oral health, especially dental cavities, and periodontal disease. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the groups, with better values for athletes, regardless of age, sex, or activity type. Understanding the relationship between salivary biomarkers and competitive sports in children can have significant implications for monitoring and optimizing the health and performance of young athletes. Further research is needed to establish the specific associations between these biomarkers and the effects of several types and intensities of sports activities on oral health in children.

15 March 2024 in Romanian Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PPPaul Serban Popa
Paul Serban Popa
GPGabriel Valeriu Popa
Gabriel Valeriu Popa
KEKamel Earar
Kamel Earar
MMMădălina Nicoleta Matei
Mădălina Nicoleta Matei
Aim of the Study: This research aims to investigate the relationship between participation in competitive sports and oral health among children. Focusing on hockey and football players, the study examines how environmental factors, especially ambient temperature, and physical activities impact oral hygiene, dental decay, periodontal inflammation, and salivary oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: The study involved 173 children aged 6 to 17, including 58 hockey players, 55 football players, and 60 non-athletic controls. Oral health was assessed using Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S), Decayed/Missing/Filled Teeth (DMF-T), and Papillary-Marginal-Attached Gingival (PMA) Index. Salivary oxidative stress was evaluated through biomarkers such as glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Data analysis was performed using MedCalc software, adhering to STROBE guidelines and employing chi-squared tests and t-tests for statistical significance. Results: The findings indicate that children engaged in competitive sports show significantly better oral health than the control group. This is evidenced by lower scores in OHI-S, PMA, and DMF-T indices among athletes, suggesting improved oral hygiene and reduced incidence of periodontal disease and dental caries. Additionally, higher levels of GPX and TAC were observed in athletes, indicating a positive impact of sports on managing salivary oxidative stress. However, lower SOD activity was also noted in these children. The study also reveals significant differences in oral health based on age, gender, and type of sport, with older children and males generally exhibiting better outcomes. Conclusions: The study concludes that regular participation in competitive sports like hockey and football positively influences oral health in children. Improved oral hygiene, lower prevalence of dental diseases, and enhanced management of oxidative stress are key benefits observed in young athletes. Despite its limitations such as small sample size and a specific focus on two sports, this research underscores the positive correlation between sports activity and oral health, paving the way for further comprehensive studies in this area.