Daniela Gabriela Balan

Dr. Daniela Gabriela Balan


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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DMDiana-Theodora Morgos
Diana-Theodora Morgos
SCSTEFANI CONSTANTIN
STEFANI CONSTANTIN
MDMiricescu Daniela
Miricescu Daniela
Maria GreabuMaria Greabu
Maria Greabu
SSSilviu Marcel Stanciu
Silviu Marcel Stanciu
RNRemus Iulian Nica
Remus Iulian Nica
Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, with more than 1 million cases diagnosed every year. Helicobacter pylori represents the main risk factor, being responsible for 78% of the cases. Increased amounts of salt, pickled food, red meat, alcohol, smoked food, and refined sugars negatively affect the stomach wall, contributing to GC development. Several gene mutations, including PIK3CA, TP53, ARID1A, CDH1, Ras, Raf, and ERBB3 are encountered in GC pathogenesis, leading to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)—PI3K/AKT/mTOR—and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway activation and promoting tumoral activity. Helicobacter pylori, growth factors, cytokines, hormones, and oxidative stress also activate both pathways, enhancing GC development. In clinical trials, promising results have come from monoclonal antibodies such as trastuzumab and ramucirumab. Dual inhibitors targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways were used in vitro studies, also with promising results. The main aim of this review is to present GC incidence and risk factors and the dysregulations of the two protein kinase complexes together with their specific inhibitors.

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Journal Article
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silviu constantin badoiusilviu constantin badoiu
silviu constantin badoiu
Maria GreabuMaria Greabu
Maria Greabu
MDMiricescu Daniela
Miricescu Daniela
Iulia-Ioana Stanescu-SpinuIulia-Ioana Stanescu-Spinu
Iulia-Ioana Stanescu-Spinu
RIRadu Ilinca
Radu Ilinca
Viorel JingaViorel Jinga
Viorel Jinga
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents 85–95% of kidney cancers and is the most frequent type of renal cancer in adult patients. It accounts for 3% of all cancer cases and is in 7th place among the most frequent histological types of cancer. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), accounts for 75% of RCCs and has the most kidney cancer-related deaths. One-third of the patients with ccRCC develop metastases. Renal cancer presents cellular alterations in sugars, lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acid metabolism. RCC is characterized by several metabolic dysregulations including oxygen sensing (VHL/HIF pathway), glucose transporters (GLUT 1 and GLUT 4) energy sensing, and energy nutrient sensing cascade. Metabolic reprogramming represents an important characteristic of the cancer cells to survive in nutrient and oxygen-deprived environments, to proliferate and metastasize in different body sites. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT-mammalian target of the rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway is usually dysregulated in various cancer types including renal cancer. This molecular pathway is frequently correlated with tumor growth and survival. The main aim of this review is to present renal cancer types, dysregulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway members, crosstalk with VHL/HIF axis, and carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acid alterations.

Verified
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RTRaluca Oana Tipa
Raluca Oana Tipa
DBDaniela Gabriela Balan
Daniela Gabriela Balan
MGMihai Teodor Georgescu
Mihai Teodor Georgescu
LILuciana Angela Ignat
Luciana Angela Ignat
IVIleana Adela Adela Vacaroiu
Ileana Adela Adela Vacaroiu
BABalcangiu-Stroescu Elena Andra
Balcangiu-Stroescu Elena Andra
Since we aim to test new options to find medication for cognitive disorders, we have begun to assess the effect of semaglutide and to conduct a review gathering studies that have attempted this purpose. This systematic review focuses on the cognitive effects of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), in the context of neurological and cognitive impairment. Semaglutide, a synthetic GLP-1 analog, showcased neuroprotective effects beyond metabolic regulation. It mitigated apoptosis and improved cognitive dysfunction in cerebrovascular disease, suggesting broader implications for neurological well-being. Also, studies highlighted GLP-1 RAs’ positive impact on olfactory function in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes, on neurodegenerative disorders, multiple sclerosis, and endotoxemia. In order to analyze current studies that assess the impact of semaglutide on cognitive function, a literature search was conducted up to February 2024 on two online databases, MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Web of Science Core Collection, as well as various websites. Fifteen studies on mice populations and two studies on cell lines were included, analyzed, and assessed with bias-specific tools. The neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic properties of GLP-1 and its analogs were emphasized, with animal models and cell line studies demonstrating enhanced cognitive function. While promising, limitations include fewer studies, highlighting the need for extensive research, particularly in the human population. Even though this medication seems promising, there are significant limitations, one of which is the lack of studies on human subjects. Therefore, this review aims to gather current evidence.

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FTFlaviia Liliana Turcu
Flaviia Liliana Turcu
IVIleana Adela Adela Vacaroiu
Ileana Adela Adela Vacaroiu
BABalcangiu-Stroescu Elena Andra
Balcangiu-Stroescu Elena Andra
AMAna Mitrea
Ana Mitrea
MDMiricescu Daniela
Miricescu Daniela
ASAlina Mihaela Stanigut
Alina Mihaela Stanigut
Worldwide, urinary tract infections (UTIs) have an increased incidence, especially in women. Recurrent UTIs (rUTIs) appear in less than three months in 80% of the cases, being associated with age, sexual activity, or diabetes mellitus. Antibiotics represent the first line of treatment for rUTIs after the diagnosis based on a positive mid-stream urine (MSU) culture. Alternative therapies including low-dose antibiotic treatment, immunoprophylaxis, cranberry extracts, probiotics, D-mannose, intravesical instillations, methenamine, and estrogens may reduce the recurrence of UTIs in female patients. Multimodal therapy seems to be the future in preventing and treating rUTIs. The main aim of this narrative review is to present the actual therapeutic challenges and the most efficient prophylaxis options in women diagnosed with rUTIs.

30 December 2023 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
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Journal Article
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IVIleana Adela Adela Vacaroiu
Ileana Adela Adela Vacaroiu
BABalcangiu-Stroescu Elena Andra
Balcangiu-Stroescu Elena Andra
Iulia-Ioana Stanescu-SpinuIulia-Ioana Stanescu-Spinu
Iulia-Ioana Stanescu-Spinu
DBDaniela Gabriela Balan
Daniela Gabriela Balan
MGMihai Teodor Georgescu
Mihai Teodor Georgescu
DGDragos Eugen Georgescu
Dragos Eugen Georgescu
This case report delves into the intricacies of a challenging clinical scenario involving deep pelvic endometriosis, which manifested with renal complications. Endometriosis, a complex gynecological condition, is explored in this case, highlighting its multifaceted nature. The patient presented with a complex interplay of symptoms, including chronic pelvic pain, urinary tract issues, and severe deep adenomyosis. The diagnostic journey was protracted, emphasizing the need for early recognition and intervention in such cases. A thorough evaluation, including laparoscopic examination and histopathological analysis, revealed the extensive presence of endometriotic lesions in various pelvic and renal structures, ultimately leading to left hydronephrosis. The report underscores the significance of timely diagnosis and surgical intervention to prevent irreversible renal damage. This case provides valuable insights into the management of deep endometriosis with renal involvement and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Understanding the complexities of this condition can aid in improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of care provided.