Monica Neațu

Dr. Monica Neațu


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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29 December 2023 in Pharmaceutics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MNMonica Neațu
Monica Neațu
ACAnca Covaliu
Anca Covaliu
IIIulia Ionita
Iulia Ionita
AJAna Jugurt
Ana Jugurt
EUGENIA IRENE DAVIDESCUEUGENIA IRENE DAVIDESCU
EUGENIA IRENE DAVIDESCU
Bogdan Ovidiu PopescuBogdan Ovidiu Popescu
Bogdan Ovidiu Popescu
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition marked by the progressive deterioration of cognitive abilities, memory impairment, and the accumulation of abnormal proteins, specifically beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, within the brain. Despite extensive research efforts, Alzheimer’s disease remains without a cure, presenting a significant global healthcare challenge. Recently, there has been an increased focus on antibody-based treatments as a potentially effective method for dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. This paper offers a comprehensive overview of the current status of research on antibody-based molecules as therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. We will briefly mention their mechanisms of action, therapeutic efficacy, and safety profiles while addressing the challenges and limitations encountered during their development. We also highlight some crucial considerations in antibody-based treatment development, including patient selection criteria, dosing regimens, or safety concerns. In conclusion, antibody-based therapies present a hopeful outlook for addressing Alzheimer’s disease. While challenges remain, the accumulating evidence suggests that these therapies may offer substantial promise in ameliorating or preventing the progression of this debilitating condition, thus potentially enhancing the quality of life for the millions of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease worldwide.

2 August 2023 in Biomedicines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MNMonica Neațu
Monica Neațu
AJAna Jugurt
Ana Jugurt
ACAnca Covaliu
Anca Covaliu
EUGENIA IRENE DAVIDESCUEUGENIA IRENE DAVIDESCU
EUGENIA IRENE DAVIDESCU
Bogdan Ovidiu PopescuBogdan Ovidiu Popescu
Bogdan Ovidiu Popescu
Autoimmune encephalitis is a complex and multifaceted pathology that involves immune-mediated inflammation of the brain. It is characterized by the body’s immune system attacking the brain tissue, leading to a cascade of inflammatory processes. What makes autoimmune encephalitis vast is the wide range of causes, mechanisms, clinical presentations, and diagnostic challenges associated with the condition. The clinical presentations of autoimmune encephalitis are broad and can mimic other neurological disorders, making it a challenging differential diagnosis. This diverse clinical presentation can overlap with other conditions, making it crucial for healthcare professionals to maintain a high level of suspicion for autoimmune encephalitis when evaluating patients. The diagnostic challenges associated with autoimmune encephalitis further contribute to its vastness. Due to the variable nature of the condition, there is no definitive diagnostic test that can confirm autoimmune encephalitis in all cases. In this context, personalized patient management is crucial for achieving favorable outcomes. Each patient’s treatment plan should be tailored to their specific clinical presentation, underlying cause, and immune response. Our objective is to raise awareness about the frequent yet underdiagnosed nature of autoimmune encephalitis by sharing five cases we encountered, along with a brief literature review.

30 November 2024 in Biomedicines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MNMonica Neațu
Monica Neațu
IIIulia Ionita
Iulia Ionita
AJAna Jugurt
Ana Jugurt
EUGENIA IRENE DAVIDESCUEUGENIA IRENE DAVIDESCU
EUGENIA IRENE DAVIDESCU
Bogdan Ovidiu PopescuBogdan Ovidiu Popescu
Bogdan Ovidiu Popescu
The coexistence of dementia and depression in older populations presents a complex clinical challenge, with each condition often exacerbating the other. Cognitive decline can intensify mood disturbances, and untreated or recurring depression accelerates neurodegenerative processes. As depression is a recognized risk factor for dementia, it is crucial to address both conditions concurrently to prevent further deterioration. Antidepressants are frequently used to manage depression in dementia patients, with some studies suggesting they offer neuroprotective benefits. These benefits include promoting neurogenesis, enhancing synaptic plasticity, and reducing neuroinflammation, potentially slowing cognitive decline. Additionally, antidepressants have shown promise in addressing Alzheimer’s-related pathologies by reducing amyloid-beta accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation. However, treatment-resistant depression remains a significant challenge, particularly in older adults with cognitive impairment. Many do not respond well to standard antidepressant therapies due to advanced neurodegenerative changes. Conflicting findings from studies add to the uncertainty, with some research suggesting that antidepressants may increase dementia risk, especially when used in patients with undiagnosed early-stage dementia. This article aims to explore the intricate relationship between depression and dementia, examining the benefits and risks of antidepressant use. We highlight the urgent need for personalized, comprehensive treatment strategies that balance mental health improvement with cognitive protection.

19 August 2024 in Biomedicines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MNMonica Neațu
Monica Neațu
HAHera-Drăguț Ana-Marina
Hera-Drăguț Ana-Marina
IIIulia Ionita
Iulia Ionita
AJAna Jugurt
Ana Jugurt
EUGENIA IRENE DAVIDESCUEUGENIA IRENE DAVIDESCU
EUGENIA IRENE DAVIDESCU
Bogdan Ovidiu PopescuBogdan Ovidiu Popescu
Bogdan Ovidiu Popescu
Immunosenescence, the gradual deterioration of immune function with age, holds profound implications for our understanding and management of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. Traditionally diagnosed in young adults, advancements in disease-modifying therapies and increased life expectancy have led to a growing number of older individuals with MS. This demographic shift underscores the need for a deeper investigation into how age-related alterations in immune function shape the course of MS, influencing disease progression, treatment effectiveness, and overall patient outcomes. Age-related immunosenescence involves changes such as shifts in cytokine profiles, the accumulation of senescent immune cells, and compromised immune surveillance, collectively contributing to a state known as “inflammaging”. In the context of MS, these immunological changes disturb the intricate balance between inflammatory and regulatory responses, thereby impacting mechanisms of central immune tolerance and peripheral regulation. This paper stands out by combining the most recent advancements in immunosenescence with both pathophysiological and treatment perspectives on multiple sclerosis, offering a cohesive and accessible discussion that bridges theory and practice, while also introducing novel insights into underexplored concepts such as therapy discontinuation and the latest senolytic, neuroprotective, and remyelination therapies. Enhancing our understanding of these complexities will guide tailored approaches to MS management, ultimately improving clinical outcomes for affected individuals.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AFAnca Maria Florea
Anca Maria Florea
MNMonica Neațu
Monica Neațu
DLDimela-Gabriela Luca
Dimela-Gabriela Luca
EUGENIA IRENE DAVIDESCUEUGENIA IRENE DAVIDESCU
EUGENIA IRENE DAVIDESCU
Bogdan Ovidiu PopescuBogdan Ovidiu Popescu
Bogdan Ovidiu Popescu
The diagnostic algorithm for the demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system remains a work in progress, with the search for the ideal biomarkers ongoing. The so-called “ideal” biomarker should ensure the accurate differentiation between the most common demyelinating pathologies of the CNS and between the subtypes of the same pathology (for example, the conversion from relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis to the secondary progressive phenotype). Advances in technology facilitated this research and in the following sections we will comprehensively review most of these, outlining the past, present, and prospects and the impact they had on both diagnosis and therapeutic approach.

7 July 2023 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
MNMonica Neațu
Monica Neațu
AJAna Jugurt
Ana Jugurt
ACAnca Covaliu
Anca Covaliu
EUGENIA IRENE DAVIDESCUEUGENIA IRENE DAVIDESCU
EUGENIA IRENE DAVIDESCU
Bogdan Ovidiu PopescuBogdan Ovidiu Popescu
Bogdan Ovidiu Popescu
Autoimmune encephalitis is a complex and multifaceted pathology that involves the immune-mediated inflammation of the brain. It is characterized by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking the brain tissue, leading to a cascade of inflammatory processes. What makes autoimmune encephalitis vast is the wide range of causes, mechanisms, clinical presentations, and diagnostic challenges associated with the condition. The clinical presentations of autoimmune encephalitis are broad and can mimic other neurological disorders, making it a challenging differential diagnosis. This diverse clinical presentation can overlap with other conditions, making it crucial for healthcare professionals to maintain a high level of suspicion for autoimmune encephalitis when evaluating patients. The diagnostic challenges associated with autoimmune encephalitis further contribute to its vastness. Due to the variable nature of the condition, there is no definitive diagnostic test that can confirm autoimmune encephalitis in all cases. In this context, personalized patient management is crucial for achieving favorable outcomes. Each patient's treatment plan should be tailored to their specific clinical presentation, underlying cause, and immune response. Our objective is to raise awareness about the frequent yet under-diagnosed nature of autoimmune encephalitis by sharing five cases we encountered, along with a brief literature review.