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Background: Febrile neutropenia (FN) remains one of the most challenging problems in medical oncology and is a very severe side effect of chemotherapy. Its late consequences, when it is recurrent or of a severe grade, are dose reduction and therapy delays. Current guidelines allow the administration of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF) for profound FN (except for the case when a pegylated form of G-CSF is administrated with prophylactic intention) in addition to antibiotics and supportive care. Methods: This is a prospective study that included 96 patients with confirmed malignancy, treated with chemotherapy, who developed FN during their oncological therapy, and were hospitalized. They received standard treatment plus a dose of G-CSF of 16 µg/Kg/day IV continuous infusion. Results: The gender distribution was almost symmetrical: Male patients made up 48.96% and 51.04% were female patients, with no significance on recovery from FN (p = 1.00). The patients who received prophylactic G-CSF made up 20.21%, but this was not a predictive or prognostic factor for the recovery time from aplasia (p = 0.34). The median chemotherapy line where patients with FN were included was two and the number of previous chemotherapy cycles before FN was three. The median serological number of neutrophils (PMN) was 450/mm3 and leucocytes (WBC) 1875/mm3 at the time of FN. Ten patients possess PMN less than 100/mm3. The median time to recovery was 25.5 h for 96 included patients, with one failure in which the patient possessed grade 5 FN. Predictive factors for shorter recovery time were lower levels of C reactive protein (p< 0.001) and procalcitonin (p = 0.002) upon hospital admission and higher WBC (p = 0.006) and PMN (p< 0.001) at the time of the provoking cycle of chemotherapy for FN. The best chance for a shorter duration of FN was a short history of chemotherapy regarding the number of cycles) (p< 0.0001). Conclusions: Continuous IV administration of G-CSF could be an alternative salvage treatment for patients with profound febrile neutropenia, with a very fast recovery time for neutrophiles.
Călin Căinap; Sânziana Cetean-Gheorghe; Laura Pop; Daniel Leucuta; Doina Piciu; Andra Mester; Cătălin Vlad; Crişan Ovidiu; Alexandra Gherman; Cristina Crişan; Alina Bereanu; Ovidiu Bălăcescu; Anne Constantin; Irina Dicu; Loredana Bălăcescu; Adina Stan; Patriciu Achimaş-Cadariu; Simona Căinap. Continuous Intravenous Administration of Granulocyte-Colony-Stimulating Factors—A Breakthrough in the Treatment of Cancer Patients with Febrile Neutropenia. Medicina 2021, 57, 675 .
AMA StyleCălin Căinap, Sânziana Cetean-Gheorghe, Laura Pop, Daniel Leucuta, Doina Piciu, Andra Mester, Cătălin Vlad, Crişan Ovidiu, Alexandra Gherman, Cristina Crişan, Alina Bereanu, Ovidiu Bălăcescu, Anne Constantin, Irina Dicu, Loredana Bălăcescu, Adina Stan, Patriciu Achimaş-Cadariu, Simona Căinap. Continuous Intravenous Administration of Granulocyte-Colony-Stimulating Factors—A Breakthrough in the Treatment of Cancer Patients with Febrile Neutropenia. Medicina. 2021; 57 (7):675.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCălin Căinap; Sânziana Cetean-Gheorghe; Laura Pop; Daniel Leucuta; Doina Piciu; Andra Mester; Cătălin Vlad; Crişan Ovidiu; Alexandra Gherman; Cristina Crişan; Alina Bereanu; Ovidiu Bălăcescu; Anne Constantin; Irina Dicu; Loredana Bălăcescu; Adina Stan; Patriciu Achimaş-Cadariu; Simona Căinap. 2021. "Continuous Intravenous Administration of Granulocyte-Colony-Stimulating Factors—A Breakthrough in the Treatment of Cancer Patients with Febrile Neutropenia." Medicina 57, no. 7: 675.
The primary approach to controlling the spread of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 is to diagnose and isolate the infected people quickly. Our paper aimed to investigate the efficiency and the reliability of a hierarchical pooling approach for large-scale PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. To identify the best conditions for the pooling approach for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis by RT-qPCR, we investigated four manual methods for both RNA extraction and PCR assessment targeting one or more of the RdRp, N, S, and ORF1a genes, by using two PCR devices and an automated flux for SARS-CoV-2 detection. We determined the most efficient and accurate diagnostic assay, taking into account multiple parameters. The optimal pool size calculation included the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2, the assay sensitivity of 95%, an assay specificity of 100%, and a range of pool sizes of 5 to 15 samples. Our investigation revealed that the most efficient and accurate procedure for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 has a detection limit of 2.5 copies/PCR reaction. This pooling approach proved to be efficient and accurate in detecting SARS-CoV-2 for all samples with individual quantification cycle (Cq) values lower than 35, accounting for more than 94% of all positive specimens. Our data could serve as a comprehensive practical guide for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic centers planning to address such a pooling strategy.
Daniel Cruceriu; Oana Baldasici; Loredana Balacescu; Stefana Gligor-Popa; Mirela Flonta; Milena Man; Simona Visan; Catalin Vlad; Adrian Trifa; Ovidiu Balacescu; Patriciu Achimas-Cadariu. Critical Aspects Concerning the Development of a Pooling Approach for SARS-CoV-2 Diagnosis Using Large-Scale PCR Testing. Viruses 2021, 13, 902 .
AMA StyleDaniel Cruceriu, Oana Baldasici, Loredana Balacescu, Stefana Gligor-Popa, Mirela Flonta, Milena Man, Simona Visan, Catalin Vlad, Adrian Trifa, Ovidiu Balacescu, Patriciu Achimas-Cadariu. Critical Aspects Concerning the Development of a Pooling Approach for SARS-CoV-2 Diagnosis Using Large-Scale PCR Testing. Viruses. 2021; 13 (5):902.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniel Cruceriu; Oana Baldasici; Loredana Balacescu; Stefana Gligor-Popa; Mirela Flonta; Milena Man; Simona Visan; Catalin Vlad; Adrian Trifa; Ovidiu Balacescu; Patriciu Achimas-Cadariu. 2021. "Critical Aspects Concerning the Development of a Pooling Approach for SARS-CoV-2 Diagnosis Using Large-Scale PCR Testing." Viruses 13, no. 5: 902.
Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in men worldwide, mainly due to unsatisfactory diagnostic methods used at present, which lead to overdiagnosis, unnecessary biopsies and treatment, or misdiagnosis in early asymptomatic stages. New diagnostic biomarkers are needed for a correct and early diagnosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been broadly studied for their involvement in PCa biology, as well as for their potential role as diagnostic biomarkers. Methods: We conducted lncRNA profiling in plasma and microdissected formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues of PCa patients and attempted validation for commonly dysregulated individual lncRNAs. Results: Plasma profiling revealed eight dysregulated lncRNAs, while microarray analysis revealed 717 significantly dysregulated lncRNAs, out of which only nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) was commonly upregulated in plasma samples and FFPE tissues. NEAT1’s individual validation revealed statistically significant upregulation (FC = 2.101, p = 0.009). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.7298 for NEAT1 (95% CI = 0.5812–0.8785), suggesting a relatively high diagnostic value, thus having a potential biomarker role for this malignancy. Conclusions: We present herein data suggesting that NEAT1 could serve as a diagnostic biomarker for PCa. Additional studies of larger cohorts are needed to confirm our findings, as well as the oncogenic mechanism of NEAT1 in the development of PCa.
Diana Nitusca; Anca Marcu; Alis Dema; Loredana Balacescu; Ovidiu Balacescu; Razvan Bardan; Alin Cumpanas; Ioan Sirbu; Bogdan Petrut; Edward Seclaman; Catalin Marian. Long Noncoding RNA NEAT1 as a Potential Candidate Biomarker for Prostate Cancer. Life 2021, 11, 320 .
AMA StyleDiana Nitusca, Anca Marcu, Alis Dema, Loredana Balacescu, Ovidiu Balacescu, Razvan Bardan, Alin Cumpanas, Ioan Sirbu, Bogdan Petrut, Edward Seclaman, Catalin Marian. Long Noncoding RNA NEAT1 as a Potential Candidate Biomarker for Prostate Cancer. Life. 2021; 11 (4):320.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDiana Nitusca; Anca Marcu; Alis Dema; Loredana Balacescu; Ovidiu Balacescu; Razvan Bardan; Alin Cumpanas; Ioan Sirbu; Bogdan Petrut; Edward Seclaman; Catalin Marian. 2021. "Long Noncoding RNA NEAT1 as a Potential Candidate Biomarker for Prostate Cancer." Life 11, no. 4: 320.
Solanum chacoense (wild potato) is intensively used in breeding, its biochemical profile and putative human health-related traits being transferred into potato cultivars aimed for consumption. The goal of this study was to evaluate the biochemical profile and the anti-tumor potential of methanolic extracts obtained from S. chacoense leaves and tubers against three breast cancer cell lines in comparison to healthy endothelial cells (HUVEC). The biochemical profile of the extracts was determined by HPLC-PDA/-ESI+-MS and ITEX/GC-MS, the selective cytotoxicity by MTT assay whereas RT-qPCR was used to evaluate the expression of proliferation- and apoptosis-related genes. Both extracts proved to be rich in phenolic acids and volatile compounds, the leaf extract also containing glycoalkaloids. Both extracts proved to be cytotoxic for breast cancer cell lines, with IC50 values varying between 132.9 and 390.7 µg/ml. Both extracts had selective cytotoxicity against MCF7 cell line in comparison to HUVECs (selectivity coefficients >2.3). The treatment with the extracts induced overexpression of the pro-apoptotic gene BAX¸ down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic gene BCL-2 and the pro-proliferation genes NFkB, CCND1, and STAT3. Thus S. chacoense extracts proved to be rich in compounds with anticancer proprieties and are capable of inducing selective cytotoxicity on MCF7 cell line.
Daniel Cruceriu; Zorita Diaconeasa; Sonia Socaci; Carmen Socaciu; Ovidiu Balacescu; Elena Rakosy-Tican. Extracts of the Wild Potato Species Solanum chacoense on Breast Cancer Cells: Biochemical Characterization, In Vitro Selective Cytotoxicity and Molecular Effects. Nutrition and Cancer 2020, 73, 630 -641.
AMA StyleDaniel Cruceriu, Zorita Diaconeasa, Sonia Socaci, Carmen Socaciu, Ovidiu Balacescu, Elena Rakosy-Tican. Extracts of the Wild Potato Species Solanum chacoense on Breast Cancer Cells: Biochemical Characterization, In Vitro Selective Cytotoxicity and Molecular Effects. Nutrition and Cancer. 2020; 73 (4):630-641.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniel Cruceriu; Zorita Diaconeasa; Sonia Socaci; Carmen Socaciu; Ovidiu Balacescu; Elena Rakosy-Tican. 2020. "Extracts of the Wild Potato Species Solanum chacoense on Breast Cancer Cells: Biochemical Characterization, In Vitro Selective Cytotoxicity and Molecular Effects." Nutrition and Cancer 73, no. 4: 630-641.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in the world. More than half of all CRC patients will eventually develop metastases and require treatment accordingly, but few validated predictive factors for response to systemic treatments exist. In order to ascertain which patients benefit from specific treatments, there is a strong need for new and reliable biomarkers. We conducted a comprehensive search using the PUBMED database, up to December 2019, in order to identify relevant studies on predictive biomarkers for treatment response in metastatic CRC. We will herein present the currently used and potential biomarkers for treatment response and bring up-to-date knowledge on the role of circulating microRNAs, associated with chemotherapy and targeted therapy regimens used in metastatic CRC treatment. Molecular, tumor-related, disease-related, clinical, and laboratory predictive markers for treatment response were identified, mostly proposed, with few validated. Several circulating microRNAs have already proven their role of prediction for treatment response in CRC, but future clinical studies are needed to confirm their role as biomarkers across large cohorts of patients.
Alexandra Gherman; Loredana Balacescu; Sinziana Gheorghe-Cetean; Catalin Vlad; Ovidiu Balacescu; Alexandru Irimie; Cosmin Lisencu. Current and New Predictors for Treatment Response in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. The Role of Circulating miRNAs as Biomarkers. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2020, 21, 2089 .
AMA StyleAlexandra Gherman, Loredana Balacescu, Sinziana Gheorghe-Cetean, Catalin Vlad, Ovidiu Balacescu, Alexandru Irimie, Cosmin Lisencu. Current and New Predictors for Treatment Response in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. The Role of Circulating miRNAs as Biomarkers. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020; 21 (6):2089.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlexandra Gherman; Loredana Balacescu; Sinziana Gheorghe-Cetean; Catalin Vlad; Ovidiu Balacescu; Alexandru Irimie; Cosmin Lisencu. 2020. "Current and New Predictors for Treatment Response in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. The Role of Circulating miRNAs as Biomarkers." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21, no. 6: 2089.
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide and the fifth cause of death among all cancer patients. Breast cancer development is driven by genetic and epigenetic alterations, with the tumor microenvironment (TME) playing an essential role in disease progression and evolution through mechanisms like inflammation promotion. TNF-α is one of the essential pro-inflammatory cytokines found in the TME of breast cancer patients, being secreted both by stromal cells, mainly by tumor-associated macrophages, and by the cancer cells themselves. In this review, we explore the biological and clinical impact of TNF-α in all stages of breast cancer development. First of all, we explore the correlation between TNF-α expression levels at the tumor site or in plasma/serum of breast cancer patients and their respective clinical status and outcome. Secondly, we emphasize the role of TNF-α signaling in both estrogen-positive and -negative breast cancer cells. Thirdly, we underline TNF-α involvement in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis of breast cancer cells, and we point out the contribution of TNF-α to the development of acquired drug resistance. Collectively, these data reveal a pro-tumorigenic role of TNF-α during breast cancer progression and metastasis. We systemize the knowledge regarding TNF-α-related therapies in breast cancer, and we explain how TNF-α may act as both a target and a drug in different breast cancer therapeutic approaches. By corroborating the known molecular effects of TNF-α signaling in breast cancer cells with the results from several preclinical and clinical trials, including TNF-α-related clinical observations, we conclude that the potential of TNF-α in breast cancer therapy promises to be of great interest.
Daniel Cruceriu; Oana Baldasici; Ovidiu Balacescu; Ioana Berindan-Neagoe. The dual role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in breast cancer: molecular insights and therapeutic approaches. Cellular Oncology 2020, 43, 1 -18.
AMA StyleDaniel Cruceriu, Oana Baldasici, Ovidiu Balacescu, Ioana Berindan-Neagoe. The dual role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in breast cancer: molecular insights and therapeutic approaches. Cellular Oncology. 2020; 43 (1):1-18.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniel Cruceriu; Oana Baldasici; Ovidiu Balacescu; Ioana Berindan-Neagoe. 2020. "The dual role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in breast cancer: molecular insights and therapeutic approaches." Cellular Oncology 43, no. 1: 1-18.
Background and Objectives: Over decades, prostate cancer (PCa) has become one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in men. Extensive evidence exists that microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are key players in PCa and a new class of non-invasive cancer biomarkers. Materials and Methods: We performed miRNA profiling in plasma and tissues of PCa patients and attempted the validation of candidate individual miRs as biomarkers. Results: The comparison of tissue and plasma profiling results revealed five commonly dysregulated miRs, namely, miR-130a-3p, miR-145-5p, miR-148a-3p, miR-150-5p, and miR-365a-3p, of which only three show concordant changes—miR-130a-3p and miR-150-5p were downregulated and miR-148a-3p was upregulated in both tissue and plasma samples, respectively. MiR-150-5p was validated as significantly downregulated in both plasma and tissue cancer samples, with a fold change of −2.697 (p < 0.001), and −1.693 (p = 0.035), respectively. ROC analysis showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.817 (95% CI: 0.680–0.995) for plasma samples and 0.809 (95% CI: 0.616–1.001) for tissue samples. Conclusions: We provide data indicating that miR-150-5p plasma variations in PCa patients are associated with concordant changes in prostate cancer tissues; however, given the heterogeneous nature of previous findings of miR-150-5p expression in PCa cells, additional future studies of a larger sample size are warranted in order to confirm the biomarker potential and role of miRNA-150-5p in PCa biology.
Ionut Andrei Paunescu; Razvan Bardan; Anca Marcu; Diana Nitusca; Alis Dema; Serban Negru; Ovidiu Balacescu; Loredana Balacescu; Alin Cumpanas; Ioan Ovidiu Sirbu; Bogdan Petrut; Edward Seclaman; Catalin Marian. Biomarker Potential of Plasma MicroRNA-150-5p in Prostate Cancer. Medicina 2019, 55, 564 .
AMA StyleIonut Andrei Paunescu, Razvan Bardan, Anca Marcu, Diana Nitusca, Alis Dema, Serban Negru, Ovidiu Balacescu, Loredana Balacescu, Alin Cumpanas, Ioan Ovidiu Sirbu, Bogdan Petrut, Edward Seclaman, Catalin Marian. Biomarker Potential of Plasma MicroRNA-150-5p in Prostate Cancer. Medicina. 2019; 55 (9):564.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIonut Andrei Paunescu; Razvan Bardan; Anca Marcu; Diana Nitusca; Alis Dema; Serban Negru; Ovidiu Balacescu; Loredana Balacescu; Alin Cumpanas; Ioan Ovidiu Sirbu; Bogdan Petrut; Edward Seclaman; Catalin Marian. 2019. "Biomarker Potential of Plasma MicroRNA-150-5p in Prostate Cancer." Medicina 55, no. 9: 564.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third most diagnosed type of cancer worldwide with high mortality and an increased incidence rate.
Laura Ioana Gavrilas; Daniel Cruceriu; Corina Ionescu; Doina Miere; Ovidiu Balacescu. Pro-apoptotic genes as new targets for single and combinatorial treatments with resveratrol and curcumin in colorectal cancer. Food & Function 2019, 10, 3717 -3726.
AMA StyleLaura Ioana Gavrilas, Daniel Cruceriu, Corina Ionescu, Doina Miere, Ovidiu Balacescu. Pro-apoptotic genes as new targets for single and combinatorial treatments with resveratrol and curcumin in colorectal cancer. Food & Function. 2019; 10 (6):3717-3726.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaura Ioana Gavrilas; Daniel Cruceriu; Corina Ionescu; Doina Miere; Ovidiu Balacescu. 2019. "Pro-apoptotic genes as new targets for single and combinatorial treatments with resveratrol and curcumin in colorectal cancer." Food & Function 10, no. 6: 3717-3726.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third most common type of cancer worldwide with high incidence rates in our country as well. Both dietary habits and lifestyle factors have a strong contribution in preventing colorectal cancer. A healthy dietary pattern based on adequate intake of fruit, non-starchy vegetables, and whole grains is associated with positive outcomes regarding CRC development. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the dietary intake of plant-based food and food groups, along with lifestyle habits of CRC patients. A case-control study was conducted during April 2015 – October 2017. Patients (n=151) recently diagnosed with CRC and undergoing conventional treatment were recruited from Medisprof Oncology Hospital. Controls (n=151) were selected randomly from generally healthy adults. Dietary and lifestyle data were collected during a face to face interview and the applied lifestyle questionnaire included 74 items. The results showed that intake of specific food groups with high content of bioactive components was significantly higher in the control group compared to the CRC group (p
Laura Ioana Gavrilaş; Corina Ionescu; Ovidiu Bălăcescu; Daniela Muresan; Cornelia Revnic; Lorena Filip; Doina Miere. Intake of Plant Based Foods and Colorectal Cancer. A Case-Control Study in Romania. Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca. Food Science and Technology 2018, 75, 163 -8.
AMA StyleLaura Ioana Gavrilaş, Corina Ionescu, Ovidiu Bălăcescu, Daniela Muresan, Cornelia Revnic, Lorena Filip, Doina Miere. Intake of Plant Based Foods and Colorectal Cancer. A Case-Control Study in Romania. Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca. Food Science and Technology. 2018; 75 (2):163-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaura Ioana Gavrilaş; Corina Ionescu; Ovidiu Bălăcescu; Daniela Muresan; Cornelia Revnic; Lorena Filip; Doina Miere. 2018. "Intake of Plant Based Foods and Colorectal Cancer. A Case-Control Study in Romania." Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca. Food Science and Technology 75, no. 2: 163-8.
A continuous challenge in cancer management is to improve treatment efficacy and to diminish its side effects. Consequently, new conventional and unconventional drugs and bioactive compounds from plants are constantly developed, characterized, and used for in vitro and in vivo models. This review focuses on the antitumor properties of Calendula officinalis, its biological and molecular effects in tumor cells and animal models, as well as its role in cancer palliative care. A systematic review of studies describing the cytotoxic role of C officinalis and its therapeutic role on cancer cells were carried out using the PubMed database. Albeit C officinalis extracts have cytotoxic activity toward different cancer cell lines, a high grade of variation between studies was observed, depending on plant organ subjected to extraction, extraction method, and the cancer cell lines used for each study. Nevertheless, its cytotoxic activity is related to a few bioactive compounds, presenting multiple roles in both activation of proapoptotic proteins and decreasing the expression of the proteins that inhibit cell death. Moreover, due to its anti-genotoxic/protective as well as antitumor and antimetastatic effects proven in animal models, C officinalis could have important future implications in developing novel cancer treatment strategies, while until now it has been used especially for diminishing the side effects of radiotherapy.
Daniel Cruceriu; Ovidiu Balacescu; Elena Rakosy. Calendula officinalis: Potential Roles in Cancer Treatment and Palliative Care. Integrative Cancer Therapies 2018, 17, 1068 -1078.
AMA StyleDaniel Cruceriu, Ovidiu Balacescu, Elena Rakosy. Calendula officinalis: Potential Roles in Cancer Treatment and Palliative Care. Integrative Cancer Therapies. 2018; 17 (4):1068-1078.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniel Cruceriu; Ovidiu Balacescu; Elena Rakosy. 2018. "Calendula officinalis: Potential Roles in Cancer Treatment and Palliative Care." Integrative Cancer Therapies 17, no. 4: 1068-1078.
Prostate cancer (PCa) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in men. Despite the tremendous progress in research over the years, a suitable minimally invasive PCa biomarker is yet to be discovered. The recent advances regarding the roles of microRNAs as biomarkers has allowed for their study in PCa as well, especially as blood-based markers. However, there are several studies that used urine as biological sample to evaluate microRNAs as biomarkers for PCa diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response, which were reviewed herein. A high degree of inconsistency among reports has been observed, which could be due to several analytical aspects, starting with different urinary fractions used for analysis and continuing with the employment of various analytical platforms and methods of statistical analysis. However, a few microRNAs were found to be dysregulated in the urine of PCa patients, which alone or together with serum prostate-specific antigen seem to improve diagnostic power even in the gray zone of PCa. These results warrant further confirmation by larger prospective studies, preferably using a standardized protocol for analysis. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1438. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1438 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Ovidiu Balacescu; Bogdan Petrut; Oana Tudoran; Dragos Feflea; Loredana Balacescu; Andrei Anghel; Ioan O. Sirbu; Edward Seclaman; Catalin Marian. Urinary microRNAs for prostate cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response: are we there yet? WIREs RNA 2017, 8, e1438 .
AMA StyleOvidiu Balacescu, Bogdan Petrut, Oana Tudoran, Dragos Feflea, Loredana Balacescu, Andrei Anghel, Ioan O. Sirbu, Edward Seclaman, Catalin Marian. Urinary microRNAs for prostate cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response: are we there yet? WIREs RNA. 2017; 8 (6):e1438.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOvidiu Balacescu; Bogdan Petrut; Oana Tudoran; Dragos Feflea; Loredana Balacescu; Andrei Anghel; Ioan O. Sirbu; Edward Seclaman; Catalin Marian. 2017. "Urinary microRNAs for prostate cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response: are we there yet?" WIREs RNA 8, no. 6: e1438.
Introduction.Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Angiogenesis was reported as one important mechanism activated in colorectal carcinogenesis. Tumor microenvironment associated angiogenesis involves a large spectrum of signaling molecules and deciphering their role in colorectal carcinogenesis still represents a major challenge. The aim of our study is to point out the diagnosis and prediction role of PDGF family and their receptors in colorectal carcinogenesis.Material and Methods.A systematic search in Medline and PubMed for studies reporting the role of platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and their receptors (PDGFRs) in tumor biology related to CRC was made.Results.PDGFs are important growth factors for normal tissue growth and division, with an important role in blood vessel formation. PDGFs/PDGFRs signaling pathway has been demonstrated to be involved in angiogenesis mainly by targeting pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells. High levels of PDGF-BB were reported in CRC patients compared to those with adenomas, while elevated levels of PDGFRα/βin the stroma of CRC patients were correlated with invasion and metastasis. Moreover, PDGF-AB and PDGF-C were correlated with early diagnosis, cancer grading, and metastatic disease.Conclusions.Both PDGFs and PDGFRs families play an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis and could be considered to be investigated as useful biomarkers both for diagnosis and treatment of CRC.
Roberta M. Manzat Saplacan; Loredana Balacescu; Claudia Gherman; Romeo Chira; Anca Craiu; Petru A. Mircea; Cosmin Lisencu; Ovidiu Balacescu. The Role of PDGFs and PDGFRs in Colorectal Cancer. Mediators of Inflammation 2017, 2017, 1 -9.
AMA StyleRoberta M. Manzat Saplacan, Loredana Balacescu, Claudia Gherman, Romeo Chira, Anca Craiu, Petru A. Mircea, Cosmin Lisencu, Ovidiu Balacescu. The Role of PDGFs and PDGFRs in Colorectal Cancer. Mediators of Inflammation. 2017; 2017 ():1-9.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRoberta M. Manzat Saplacan; Loredana Balacescu; Claudia Gherman; Romeo Chira; Anca Craiu; Petru A. Mircea; Cosmin Lisencu; Ovidiu Balacescu. 2017. "The Role of PDGFs and PDGFRs in Colorectal Cancer." Mediators of Inflammation 2017, no. : 1-9.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world and considered to be one of the most diet-related types of cancer. Extensive research has been conducted but still the link between diet and colorectal cancer is complex. Recent studies have highlight microRNAs (miRNAs) as key players in cancer-related pathways in the context of dietary modulation. MicroRNAs are involved in most biological processes related to tumor development and progression; therefore, it is of great interest to understand the underlying mechanisms by which dietary patterns and components influence the expression of these powerful molecules in colorectal cancer. In this review, we discuss relevant dietary patterns in terms of miRNAs modulation in colorectal cancer, as well as bioactive dietary components able to modify gene expression through changes in miRNA expression. Furthermore, we emphasize on protective components such as resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, α-mangostin, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and dietary fiber, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms in the context of prevention and even treatment. In addition, several bioactive dietary components that have the ability to re-sensitize treatment resistant cells are described.
Laura I. Gavrilas; Corina Ionescu; Oana Tudoran; Cosmin Lisencu; Ovidiu Balacescu; Doina Miere. The Role of Bioactive Dietary Components in Modulating miRNA Expression in Colorectal Cancer. Nutrients 2016, 8, 590 .
AMA StyleLaura I. Gavrilas, Corina Ionescu, Oana Tudoran, Cosmin Lisencu, Ovidiu Balacescu, Doina Miere. The Role of Bioactive Dietary Components in Modulating miRNA Expression in Colorectal Cancer. Nutrients. 2016; 8 (10):590.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaura I. Gavrilas; Corina Ionescu; Oana Tudoran; Cosmin Lisencu; Ovidiu Balacescu; Doina Miere. 2016. "The Role of Bioactive Dietary Components in Modulating miRNA Expression in Colorectal Cancer." Nutrients 8, no. 10: 590.
Microarray analysis represents a powerful way to test scientific hypotheses on the functionality of cells. The measurements consider the whole genome, and the large number of generated data requires sophisticated analysis. To date, no gold-standard for the analysis of microarray images has been established. Due to the lack of a standard approach there is a strong need to identify new processing algorithms.
Bogdan Belean; Monica Borda; Jörg Ackermann; Ina Koch; Ovidiu Balacescu. Unsupervised image segmentation for microarray spots with irregular contours and inner holes. BMC Bioinformatics 2015, 16, 1 .
AMA StyleBogdan Belean, Monica Borda, Jörg Ackermann, Ina Koch, Ovidiu Balacescu. Unsupervised image segmentation for microarray spots with irregular contours and inner holes. BMC Bioinformatics. 2015; 16 (1):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBogdan Belean; Monica Borda; Jörg Ackermann; Ina Koch; Ovidiu Balacescu. 2015. "Unsupervised image segmentation for microarray spots with irregular contours and inner holes." BMC Bioinformatics 16, no. 1: 1.
Roberta M Manzat-Saplacan; Loredana Balacescu; Claudia Gherman; Simona Visan; Romeo Chira; Adriana Bintintan; Georgiana Nagy; Cornelia Popovici; Simona D Valean; Craiu Anca; Vasile Bintintan; Razvan Scurtu; Petru A Mircea; Ioana Berindan-Neagoe; Tudor Eliade Ciuleanu; Ovidiu Balacescu. Is there a correlation between peripheral blood expression of angiogenic transcriptional factors/receptors and colorectal cancer? Journal of B.U.ON. : official journal of the Balkan Union of Oncology 2015, 20, 1 .
AMA StyleRoberta M Manzat-Saplacan, Loredana Balacescu, Claudia Gherman, Simona Visan, Romeo Chira, Adriana Bintintan, Georgiana Nagy, Cornelia Popovici, Simona D Valean, Craiu Anca, Vasile Bintintan, Razvan Scurtu, Petru A Mircea, Ioana Berindan-Neagoe, Tudor Eliade Ciuleanu, Ovidiu Balacescu. Is there a correlation between peripheral blood expression of angiogenic transcriptional factors/receptors and colorectal cancer? Journal of B.U.ON. : official journal of the Balkan Union of Oncology. 2015; 20 (5):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRoberta M Manzat-Saplacan; Loredana Balacescu; Claudia Gherman; Simona Visan; Romeo Chira; Adriana Bintintan; Georgiana Nagy; Cornelia Popovici; Simona D Valean; Craiu Anca; Vasile Bintintan; Razvan Scurtu; Petru A Mircea; Ioana Berindan-Neagoe; Tudor Eliade Ciuleanu; Ovidiu Balacescu. 2015. "Is there a correlation between peripheral blood expression of angiogenic transcriptional factors/receptors and colorectal cancer?" Journal of B.U.ON. : official journal of the Balkan Union of Oncology 20, no. 5: 1.
Sixteen hydrazinyl-thiazolo arene ruthenium complexes of the general formula [(η6-p-cymene)Ru(N,N′-hydrazinyl-thiazolo)Cl]Cl were synthesized. All complexes were tested in vitro for their antiproliferative activity on three tumor cell lines (HeLa, A2780, and A2780cisR) and on a noncancerous cell line (HFL-1). A superior cytotoxic activity of the ruthenium complexes as compared to cisplatin and oxaliplatin, on both cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin resistant ovarian cancer cells, was observed. In addition, the biological activity of two selected derivatives was evaluated using microarray gene expression assay and ingenuity pathway analysis. p53 signaling was identified as an important pathway modulated by both arene ruthenium compounds. New activated molecules such as FAS, ZMAT3, PRMT2, BBC3/PUMA, and PDCD4, whose overexpressions are correlated with overcoming resistance to cisplatin therapy, were also identified as potential targets. Moreover, the arene ruthenium complexes can be used in association with cisplatin to prevent cisplatin resistance development and synergistically to induce cell death in ovarian cancer cells.
Adriana Grozav; Ovidiu Balacescu; Loredana Balacescu; Thomas Cheminel; Ioana Berindan-Neagoe; Bruno Therrien. Synthesis, Anticancer Activity, and Genome Profiling of Thiazolo Arene Ruthenium Complexes. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 2015, 58, 8475 -8490.
AMA StyleAdriana Grozav, Ovidiu Balacescu, Loredana Balacescu, Thomas Cheminel, Ioana Berindan-Neagoe, Bruno Therrien. Synthesis, Anticancer Activity, and Genome Profiling of Thiazolo Arene Ruthenium Complexes. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 2015; 58 (21):8475-8490.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdriana Grozav; Ovidiu Balacescu; Loredana Balacescu; Thomas Cheminel; Ioana Berindan-Neagoe; Bruno Therrien. 2015. "Synthesis, Anticancer Activity, and Genome Profiling of Thiazolo Arene Ruthenium Complexes." Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 58, no. 21: 8475-8490.
Different molecular changes have been previously associated with therapeutic response and recurrent disease, however, the detailed mechanism of action in triple-negative breast cancer subtype remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the cellular and molecular signaling of two claudin-low triple-negative breast cancer cells to doxorubicin and docetaxel treatment. Whole human transcriptomic evaluation was used to identify the subsequent changes in gene expression, while biological effects were measured by means of proliferation and anchorage-independent growth assays. Microarray analysis revealed changes in stem cell-related signaling pathways, suggesting that doxorubicin treatment affects the balance between self-renewal and differentiation. While the treatment reduced the proliferation, aggregation and mammosphere forming ability of stem-like cells derived from Hs578T cell line, stem-like cells derived from MDA-MB-231 cells were not significantly affected. Our results suggest that claudin-low triple-negative breast cancer cells might predominantly alter stem cell-related signaling pathways to promote stem-like cells activity as an innate resistance mechanism to doxorubicin treatment.
Oana Tudoran; Olga Soritau; Loredana Balacescu; Simona Visan; Otilia Barbos; Roxana-Maria Cojocneanu; Ovidiu Balacescu; Ioana Berindan-Neagoe. Regulation of stem cells-related signaling pathways in response to doxorubicin treatment in Hs578T triple-negative breast cancer cells. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry 2015, 409, 163 -176.
AMA StyleOana Tudoran, Olga Soritau, Loredana Balacescu, Simona Visan, Otilia Barbos, Roxana-Maria Cojocneanu, Ovidiu Balacescu, Ioana Berindan-Neagoe. Regulation of stem cells-related signaling pathways in response to doxorubicin treatment in Hs578T triple-negative breast cancer cells. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. 2015; 409 (1):163-176.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOana Tudoran; Olga Soritau; Loredana Balacescu; Simona Visan; Otilia Barbos; Roxana-Maria Cojocneanu; Ovidiu Balacescu; Ioana Berindan-Neagoe. 2015. "Regulation of stem cells-related signaling pathways in response to doxorubicin treatment in Hs578T triple-negative breast cancer cells." Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry 409, no. 1: 163-176.
Cervical cancer was reported to be the second most common female cancer worldwide, being the third cause of female cancer mortality annually. Romania ranks first among European countries in cervical cancer incidence and mortality raising the national awareness. Cervical cancer is one of the most aggressive gynecological diseases, mainly is due to rapid development of a functional tumor vascular network. In solid tumors, PDGF signalling has been showed to participate in processes such as autocrine stimulation of tumor cell growth, recruitment of tumor stroma and stimulation of angiogenesis. PDGF signaling increases the interstitial fluid pressure, an important drawback in drug administration due to loss of active agents before they reach the tumors. Several studies have showed that targeting PDGF pathways have anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor effects, implying that inhibition of PDGF signaling may improve the efficacy of chemotherapies. However, these studies have been focused on effects on tumor vasculature and mural cells, and less on tumor cells. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms of PDGF signaling in tumor cells have yet to be investigated. Here we report the molecular and cellular effects of PDGFb inhibition of in cervical tumor cells. We used the RNA interference pathway to trigger PDGFb silencing in two HPV16 positive cervical cancer cell lines (Hela, Caski). We investigated the changes in genes expression induced by PDGFb silencing by means of microarray analysis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 579 genes to be differentially expressed upon PDGFb silencing. Among the top biological functions regulated by these genes are Cell Death and Survival, Cellular Growth and Proliferation, Cardiovascular System Development and Function, Cellular Movement, etc. Cellular investigations on proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion revealed that PDGFb silencing had no effects on cells ability to proliferate nor induced cell death, which suggest that alternative signaling mechanisms are activated to maintain the balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis. This is probably done throughout HPV16 signaling as some of the identified genes are known to be involved in viral infections. We did however observe that PDGFb silencing reduced the invasiveness of cervical cancer cells. Although preliminary, our results could explain the short-term success of antiangiogenic therapies. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):C6. Citation Format: Oana M. Tudoran, Olga Soritau, Ovidiu Balacescu, Loredana Balacescu, Staffan Lindberg, Ioana Berindan-Neagoe. Molecular and cellular signaling of PDGFB in cervical cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C6.
Oana M. Tudoran; Olga Şoriţău; Ovidiu Balacescu; Loredana Balacescu; Staffan Lindberg; Ioana Berindan-Neagoe. Abstract C6: Molecular and cellular signaling of PDGFB in cervical cancer cells. Angiogenesis and Antiangiogenesis Agents 2013, 12, 1 .
AMA StyleOana M. Tudoran, Olga Şoriţău, Ovidiu Balacescu, Loredana Balacescu, Staffan Lindberg, Ioana Berindan-Neagoe. Abstract C6: Molecular and cellular signaling of PDGFB in cervical cancer cells. Angiogenesis and Antiangiogenesis Agents. 2013; 12 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOana M. Tudoran; Olga Şoriţău; Ovidiu Balacescu; Loredana Balacescu; Staffan Lindberg; Ioana Berindan-Neagoe. 2013. "Abstract C6: Molecular and cellular signaling of PDGFB in cervical cancer cells." Angiogenesis and Antiangiogenesis Agents 12, no. : 1.
Ioana Berindan-Neagoe; Cornelia Braicu; Valentina Pileczki; Roxana Cojocneanu Petric; Nicolae Miron; Ovidiu Balacescu; Dana Iancu; Tudor Eliade Ciuleanu. 5-Fluorouracil potentiates the anti-cancer effect of oxaliplatin on Colo320 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases 2013, 22, 1 .
AMA StyleIoana Berindan-Neagoe, Cornelia Braicu, Valentina Pileczki, Roxana Cojocneanu Petric, Nicolae Miron, Ovidiu Balacescu, Dana Iancu, Tudor Eliade Ciuleanu. 5-Fluorouracil potentiates the anti-cancer effect of oxaliplatin on Colo320 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases. 2013; 22 (1):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIoana Berindan-Neagoe; Cornelia Braicu; Valentina Pileczki; Roxana Cojocneanu Petric; Nicolae Miron; Ovidiu Balacescu; Dana Iancu; Tudor Eliade Ciuleanu. 2013. "5-Fluorouracil potentiates the anti-cancer effect of oxaliplatin on Colo320 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells." Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases 22, no. 1: 1.
Nicolae Miron; Sergiu Susman; Ovidiu Balacescu; Rares Buiga; Ioana Berindan-Neagoe; Victor Cristea; Loredana Balacescu; Vlad Manolescu; Tudor Eliade Ciuleanu. Novel cellular and molecular approaches to stratification and treatment of colorectal cancer. Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases 2012, 21, 1 .
AMA StyleNicolae Miron, Sergiu Susman, Ovidiu Balacescu, Rares Buiga, Ioana Berindan-Neagoe, Victor Cristea, Loredana Balacescu, Vlad Manolescu, Tudor Eliade Ciuleanu. Novel cellular and molecular approaches to stratification and treatment of colorectal cancer. Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases. 2012; 21 (4):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNicolae Miron; Sergiu Susman; Ovidiu Balacescu; Rares Buiga; Ioana Berindan-Neagoe; Victor Cristea; Loredana Balacescu; Vlad Manolescu; Tudor Eliade Ciuleanu. 2012. "Novel cellular and molecular approaches to stratification and treatment of colorectal cancer." Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases 21, no. 4: 1.