Ioannis Prokopakis

Dr. Ioannis Prokopakis

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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22 May 2023 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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George DaskalakisGeorge Daskalakis
George Daskalakis
APAlexandros Psarris
Alexandros Psarris
AKAntonios Koutras
Antonios Koutras
ZFZacharias Fasoulakis
Zacharias Fasoulakis
IPIoannis Prokopakis
Ioannis Prokopakis
APAngeliki Athanasios Papapanagiotou
Angeliki Athanasios Papapanagiotou
As the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, preterm birth is recognized as a major public health concern around the world. The purpose of this review is to analyze the connection between infections and premature birth. Spontaneous preterm birth is commonly associated with intrauterine infection/inflammation. The overproduction of prostaglandins caused by the inflammation associated with an infection could lead to uterine contractions, contributing to preterm delivery. Many pathogens, particularly Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Actinomyces, Candida spp., and Streptococcus spp. have been related with premature delivery, chorioamnionitis, and sepsis of the neonate. Further research regarding the prevention of preterm delivery is required in order to develop effective preventive methods with the aim of reducing neonatal morbidity.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ZFZacharias Fasoulakis
Zacharias Fasoulakis
AKAntonios Koutras
Antonios Koutras
TNTHOMAS NTOUNIS
THOMAS NTOUNIS
IPIoannis Prokopakis
Ioannis Prokopakis
PPParaskevas Perros
Paraskevas Perros
EKEmmanuel Kontomanolis
Emmanuel Kontomanolis
Cancer cells are known to have a distinct metabolic profile and to exhibit significant changes in a variety of metabolic mechanisms compared to normal cells, particularly glycolysis and glutaminolysis, in order to cover their increased energy requirements. There is mounting evidence that there is a link between glutamine metabolism and the proliferation of cancer cells, demonstrating that glutamine metabolism is a vital mechanism for all cellular processes, including the development of cancer. Detailed knowledge regarding its degree of engagement in numerous biological processes across distinct cancer types is still lacking, despite the fact that such knowledge is necessary for comprehending the differentiating characteristics of many forms of cancer. This review aims to examine data on glutamine metabolism and ovarian cancer and identify possible therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer treatment.

15 June 2023 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AKAntonios Koutras
Antonios Koutras
PPParaskevas Perros
Paraskevas Perros
IPIoannis Prokopakis
Ioannis Prokopakis
TNTHOMAS NTOUNIS
THOMAS NTOUNIS
ZFZacharias Fasoulakis
Zacharias Fasoulakis
EKEmmanuel Kontomanolis
Emmanuel Kontomanolis
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the seventh most common malignancy diagnosed among women, the eighth leading cause of cancer mortality globally, and the most common cause of death among all gynecological cancers. Even though recent advances in technology have allowed for more accurate radiological and laboratory diagnostic tests, approximately 60% of OC cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Given the high mortality rate of advanced stages of OC, early diagnosis remains the main prognostic factor. Our aim is to focus on the sonographic challenges in ovarian cancer screening and to highlight the importance of sonographic evaluation, the crucial role of the operator΄s experience, possible limitations in visibility, emphasizing the importance and the necessity of quality assurance protocols that health workers have to follow and finally increasing the positive predictive value. We also analyzed how ultrasound can be combined with biomarkers (ex. CA-125) so as to increase the sensitivity of early-stage OC detection or, in addition to the gold standard examination, the CT (Computed tomography) scan in OC follow–up. Improvements in the performance and consistency of ultrasound screening could reduce the need for repeated examinations and, mainly, ensure diagnostic accuracy. Finally, we refer to new very promising techniques such as liquid biopsies. Future attempts in order to improve screening should focus on the identification of features that are unique to OC and that are present in early-stage tumors.

13 June 2025 in Biomedicines
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Journal Article
Open access
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Dimitrios PapageorgiouDimitrios Papageorgiou
Dimitrios Papageorgiou
ISIOAKEIM SAPANTZOGLOU
IOAKEIM SAPANTZOGLOU
IPIoannis Prokopakis
Ioannis Prokopakis
EZEleftherios Zachariou
Eleftherios Zachariou
The most frequent form of ectopic pregnancy, known as tubal pregnancy, leads to a dangerous situation where the fertilized ovum implants inside a fallopian tube, which can result in tubal rupture and severe bleeding. The purpose of this narrative review is to evaluate all existing data regarding epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of tubal ectopic pregnancy in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of this common yet difficult clinical condition. Prior ectopic pregnancy, together with tubal pathology and assisted reproduction, represent the main risk factors for this condition. The diagnosis relies on serial β-hCG tests combined with transvaginal ultrasonography, but laparoscopy serves as the diagnostic tool for cases with uncertain results. The treatment plan depends on the fallopian tube integrity, along with the patient’s hemodynamic condition. Patients with unruptured pregnancies who are hemodynamically stable receive methotrexate treatment as the preferred option, but surgical intervention with salpingectomy or salpingostomy becomes necessary in case of tubal rupture or when medical treatment fails. The development of laparoscopic procedures has led to better results and improved possibilities for fertility preservation. The psychological effects on patients require both counseling and follow-up care. Early detection, along with personalized management, helps decrease maternal complications and optimize reproductive outcomes.

22 June 2025 in Biomedicines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Dimitrios PapageorgiouDimitrios Papageorgiou
Dimitrios Papageorgiou
Galateia LioutaGalateia Liouta
Galateia Liouta
EPEvangelia Pliakou
Evangelia Pliakou
EZEleftherios Zachariou
Eleftherios Zachariou
ISIOAKEIM SAPANTZOGLOU
IOAKEIM SAPANTZOGLOU
EKEmmanuel Kontomanolis
Emmanuel Kontomanolis
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, which causes 313,959 new cases and 207,252 deaths worldwide annually. The lack of specific symptoms, together with no effective screening tools, results in 75% of patients receiving their diagnosis at an advanced stage. The combination of cytoreductive surgery with platinum-based chemotherapy plays a pivotal role in the treatment of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, but patients still experience poor long-term survival because of frequent relapses and chemotherapy resistance. The treatment landscape has evolved because bevacizumab and Poly-ADP Ribose Polymerase inhibitors now serve as frontline and maintenance therapies for homologous recombination-deficient tumors. Treatment decisions for recurrent disease depend on platinum sensitivity assessment, which determines the appropriate therapeutic approach, while targeted agents deliver significant benefits to specific patient groups. The development of antibody-drug conjugates such as mirvetuximab soravtansine and immunotherapy, including checkpoint inhibitors and cancer vaccines, demonstrates promising investigative potential. The precision of therapy improves through the use of emerging biomarkers and molecular profiling techniques. The future management of this disease may change because of innovative approaches that include adoptive cell therapy, cytokine therapy, and oncolytic viruses. The progress made in ovarian cancer treatment still faces challenges when it comes to drug resistance, survival improvement, and life quality preservation. The development of translational research alongside clinical trials remains essential to bridge treatment gaps while creating personalized therapies based on molecular and clinical tumor characteristics.

9 November 2022 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
TNTHOMAS NTOUNIS
THOMAS NTOUNIS
IPIoannis Prokopakis
Ioannis Prokopakis
AKAntonios Koutras
Antonios Koutras
ZFZacharias Fasoulakis
Zacharias Fasoulakis
SPSavia Pittokopitou
Savia Pittokopitou
EKEmmanuel Kontomanolis
Emmanuel Kontomanolis
Evidence indicates that SARS-CoV-2 infection increases the likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Modifications in the circulatory, pulmonary, hormonal, and immunological pathways induced by pregnancy render pregnant women as a high-risk group. A growing body of research shows that SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is connected to a number of maternal complications, including pneumonia and intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization. Miscarriages, stillbirth, preterm labor, as well as pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction are also among the most often documented fetal implications, particularly among expecting women who have significant COVID-19 symptoms, often affecting the timing and route of delivery. Thus, prevention of infection and pharmacological treatment options should aim to minimize the aforementioned risks and ameliorate maternal, obstetric and fetal/neonatal outcomes.