Efthalia Moustakli

Dr. Efthalia Moustakli

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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14 February 2023 in Genes
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Aris KaltsasAris Kaltsas
Aris Kaltsas
EMEfthalia Moustakli
Efthalia Moustakli
Konstantinos ATHANASIOS ZIKOPOULOSKonstantinos ATHANASIOS ZIKOPOULOS
Konstantinos ATHANASIOS ZIKOPOULOS
Ioannis GeorgiouIoannis Georgiou
Ioannis Georgiou
Fotios DimitriadisFotios Dimitriadis
Fotios Dimitriadis
ATHANASIOS ZACHARIOUATHANASIOS ZACHARIOU
ATHANASIOS ZACHARIOU
The average age of fathers at first pregnancy has risen significantly over the last decade owing to various variables, including a longer life expectancy, more access to contraception, later marriage, and other factors. As has been proven in several studies, women over 35 years of age have an increased risk of infertility, pregnancy problems, spontaneous abortion, congenital malformations, and postnatal issues. There are varying opinions on whether a father’s age affects the quality of his sperm or his ability to father a child. First, there is no single accepted definition of old age in a father. Second, much research has reported contradictory findings in the literature, particularly concerning the most frequently examined criteria. Increasing evidence suggests that the father’s age contributes to his offspring’s higher vulnerability to inheritable diseases. Our comprehensive literature evaluation shows a direct correlation between paternal age and decreased sperm quality and testicular function. Genetic abnormalities, such as DNA mutations and chromosomal aneuploidies, and epigenetic modifications, such as the silencing of essential genes, have all been linked to the father’s advancing years. Paternal age has been shown to affect reproductive and fertility outcomes, such as the success rate of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and premature birth rate. Several diseases, including autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and paediatric leukaemia, have been linked to the father’s advanced years. Therefore, informing infertile couples of the alarming correlations between older fathers and a rise in their offspring’s diseases is crucial, so that they can be effectively guided through their reproductive years.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Aris KaltsasAris Kaltsas
Aris Kaltsas
AZAthanasios Zikopoulos
Athanasios Zikopoulos
Fotios DimitriadisFotios Dimitriadis
Fotios Dimitriadis
DSDanja Sheshi
Danja Sheshi
MPMagdalena Politis
Magdalena Politis
ATHANASIOS ZACHARIOUATHANASIOS ZACHARIOU
ATHANASIOS ZACHARIOU
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition affecting men’s sexual health, with oxidative stress (OS) having recently been identified as a significant contributing causative factor. This narrative review aims to elucidate the role of OS in the pathophysiology of ED, focusing on impact, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic interventions. Key findings indicate that OS disrupts endothelial function and nitric oxide (NO) signaling, crucial for erectile function. Various sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their detrimental effects on penile tissue are discussed, including aging, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, psychological stress, hyperhomocysteinemia, chronic kidney disease, and sickle cell disease. Major sources of ROS, such as NADPH oxidase, xanthine oxidase, uncoupled endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), and mitochondrial electron transport, are identified. NO is scavenged by these ROS, leading to endothelial dysfunction characterized by reduced NO availability, impaired vasodilation, increased vascular tone, and inflammation. This ultimately results in ED due to decreased blood flow to penile tissue and the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Furthermore, ROS impact the transmission of nitrergic neurotransmitters by causing the death of nitrergic neurons and reducing the signaling of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS), exacerbating ED. Therapeutic approaches targeting OS, including antioxidants and lifestyle modifications, show promise in ameliorating ED symptoms. The review underscores the need for further research to develop effective treatments, emphasizing the interplay between OS and vascular health in ED. Integrating pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies could enhance clinical outcomes for ED patients, advocating for OS management in ED treatment protocols to improve patient quality of life.

26 July 2023 in Antioxidants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Aris KaltsasAris Kaltsas
Aris Kaltsas
AZAthanasios Zikopoulos
Athanasios Zikopoulos
EMEfthalia Moustakli
Efthalia Moustakli
ATHANASIOS ZACHARIOUATHANASIOS ZACHARIOU
ATHANASIOS ZACHARIOU
GTGeorgia Tsirka
Georgia Tsirka
Fotios DimitriadisFotios Dimitriadis
Fotios Dimitriadis
Oxidative stress (OS), which arises through an imbalance between the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses, plays a key role in the pathophysiology of female infertility, with the latter constituting just one of a number of diseases linked to OS as a potential cause. The aim of the present article is to review the literature regarding the association between OS and female infertility. Among the reproductive diseases considered are endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), while environmental pollutants, lifestyle variables, and underlying medical conditions possibly resulting in OS are additionally examined. Current evidence points to OS likely contributing to the pathophysiology of the above reproductive disorders, with the amount of damage done by OS being influenced by such variables as duration and severity of exposure and the individual’s age and genetic predisposition. Also discussed are the processes via which OS may affect female fertility, these including DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, the last section of the manuscript contains an evaluation of treatment options, including antioxidants and lifestyle modification, capable of minimizing OS in infertile women. The prime message underlined by this review is the importance of considering OS in the diagnosis and treatment of female infertility. Further studies are, nevertheless required to identify the best treatment regimen and its ideal duration.

11 April 2025 in Metabolites
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Anastasios PotirisAnastasios Potiris
Anastasios Potiris
EMEfthalia Moustakli
Efthalia Moustakli
ETEleni Alexandros Trismpioti
Eleni Alexandros Trismpioti
EDEirini Drakaki
Eirini Drakaki
DMDespoina Mavrogianni
Despoina Mavrogianni
SSSofoklis Stavros
Sofoklis Stavros
Background/Objectives: Inflammation, infections, and oxidative stress (OS) all have an impact on male infertility, which is a complicated, multifaceted illness. OS affects motility and fertilization capability. It accomplishes this through damaging sperm DNA, oxidizing proteins, and triggering lipid peroxidation. These effects occur due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses. Methods: This review aims to evaluate the impact of oxidative stress and inflammation on male infertility by assessing recent literature. Results: Pro-inflammatory cytokines, like TNF-α and IL-6, interfere with spermatogenesis and promote oxidative damage. Additionally, infections caused by pathogens like Escherichia coli and Chlamydia trachomatis alter the reproductive microenvironment, leading to sperm dysfunction and inflammation. Conclusions: Early detection and targeted treatment are essential due to the intricate interactions among these elements. Microbiota-modulating techniques, antimicrobial therapies, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antioxidants are therapeutic approaches that may help reduce oxidative damage and enhance male fertility.

2 January 2025 in Cells
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EMEfthalia Moustakli
Efthalia Moustakli
SSSofoklis Stavros
Sofoklis Stavros
PKPeriklis Katopodis
Periklis Katopodis
CSCharikleia Skentou
Charikleia Skentou
Anastasios PotirisAnastasios Potiris
Anastasios Potiris
AZAthanasios Zikopoulos
Athanasios Zikopoulos
Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in female reproductive health; influencing natural conception and the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). An essential component of innate immunity, the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is one of the major mediators of inflammatory responses, and its activation is closely linked to oxidative stress. This interaction contributes to a decline in oocyte quality, reduced fertilization potential, and impaired embryo development. In the ovarian milieu, oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation interact intricately, and their combined effects on oocyte competence and reproductive outcomes are significant. The aims of this review are to examine these molecular mechanisms and to explore therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activity, with the goal of enhancing female fertility and improving clinical outcomes in reproductive health.

11 June 2025 in Metabolites
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EMEfthalia Moustakli
Efthalia Moustakli
SSSofoklis Stavros
Sofoklis Stavros
PKPeriklis Katopodis
Periklis Katopodis
Anastasios PotirisAnastasios Potiris
Anastasios Potiris
PDPeter Drakakis
Peter Drakakis
AZAthanasios Zikopoulos
Athanasios Zikopoulos
The human gut microbiome is integral to maintaining systemic physiological balance, with accumulating evidence emphasizing its critical role in reproductive health. This review investigates the bidirectional interactions between the gut microbiota and the female reproductive system, mediated by neuroendocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways, constituting the gut–reproductive axis. Dysbiosis, characterized by microbial imbalance, has been linked to reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, infertility, impaired spermatogenesis, and pregnancy complications. These associations can be explained by immunological dysregulation, systemic inflammation, altered sex hormone metabolism, and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis disturbances. This review aims to clarify the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning gut–reproductive interactions and to evaluate the feasibility of microbiome-targeted therapies as clinical interventions for improving reproductive outcomes.