ANASTASIA NTIKOUDI

Ms. ANASTASIA NTIKOUDI

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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24 May 2024 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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ANANASTASIA NTIKOUDI
ANASTASIA NTIKOUDI
ASAlketa Theodora Spirou
Alketa Theodora Spirou
EEELENI EVANGELOU OR EVAGELOU
ELENI EVANGELOU OR EVAGELOU
EDEleni Dokoutsidou
Eleni Dokoutsidou
George MastorakosGeorge Mastorakos
George Mastorakos
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common and presents in a large proportion—up to 30%—of the global adult female population. Several factors have been linked with NAFLD in women, such as age, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. To extract appropriate details about the topic, we conducted an extensive search using various medical subject headings and entry terms including ‘Menopause’, ‘Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease’, ‘Insulin resistance’, and ‘BMI’. This exhaustive search resulted in a total of 180 studies, among which only 19 were able to meet the inclusion criteria. While most of these studies indicated a significant rise in NAFLD prevalence among postmenopausal women, two did not find strong evidence linking menopause with NAFLD. Moreover, it was observed that women with NAFLD had higher insulin resistance levels and BMIs compared to those without the condition. In summary, it is important to consider specific factors like risk profile, hormonal status, and age along with metabolic components when treating women presenting with NAFLD. There is need for data-driven research on how gender affects the sensitivity of biomarkers towards NAFLD as well as the development of sex-specific prediction models—this would help personalize management approaches for women, who stand to benefit greatly from such tailored interventions.

25 March 2025 in Diabetology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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ANANASTASIA NTIKOUDI
ANASTASIA NTIKOUDI
APAnastasia Papachristou
Anastasia Papachristou
ATAfroditi Tsalkitzi
Afroditi Tsalkitzi
NMNIKOLETTA MARGARI
NIKOLETTA MARGARI
EEELENI EVANGELOU OR EVAGELOU
ELENI EVANGELOU OR EVAGELOU
Eugenia VlachouEugenia Vlachou
Eugenia Vlachou
Metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are interrelated metabolic disorders with significant global health impacts. MASLD, the hepatic manifestation of metabolic dysfunction, is driven by insulin resistance, ectopic lipid accumulation, and systematic inflammation. T2DM exacerbates the progression of MASLD, increasing the risk of advanced fibrosis, cardiovascular complications, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This bidirectional relationship highlights the need for integrated management strategies. The pathology of these conditions involves disrupted lipid and glucose metabolism, leading to a cycle of metabolic dysfunction which worsens both hepatic and systemic outcomes. Non-invasive diagnostic tools have improved early detection but lack precision in staging liver disease, emphasizing the need for more accurate biomarkers. Routine screening for MASLD in diabetic populations is critical for early intervention. Management focuses on weight reduction through lifestyle changes, although long-term adherence remains a challenge. Pharmacological advancements, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1Ras) and sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, show promise in reducing liver fat, improving glycemic control, and slowing fibrosis progression. However, these therapies are less effective in advanced stages of fibrosis and cirrhosis, underscoring the need for novel treatment options. In conclusion, the intertwined nature of MASLD and T2DM necessitates a multidisciplinary approach integrating early diagnosis, lifestyle interventions, and targeted therapies. Future research should prioritize refining diagnostic accuracy and developing innovative treatments for delivering personalized care strategies to mitigate the growing burden of these conditions. These efforts are crucial for improving outcomes in this vulnerable population.

31 October 2024 in Life
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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ANANASTASIA NTIKOUDI
ANASTASIA NTIKOUDI
DODimitra Anna Owens
Dimitra Anna Owens
ASAlketa-Theodora Theodora Spirou
Alketa-Theodora Theodora Spirou
EEELENI EVANGELOU OR EVAGELOU
ELENI EVANGELOU OR EVAGELOU
Eugenia VlachouEugenia Vlachou
Eugenia Vlachou
This review explores the impact of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) on menopausal women suffering from insomnia. The transition to menopause is often accompanies by sleep disturbances, which significantly affect women’s quality of life. This review applies a scoping approach to evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on CBT-I interventions for insomnia among menopausal women. The included studies examined variations in the number of CBT-I sessions, the duration of interventions, and their delivery methods (face-to-face, online, or telephone-based). The results consistently showed that CBT-I significantly improves sleep quality and reduces insomnia severity in menopausal women. CBT-I was particularly effective compared to other interventions such as sleep restriction therapy and sleep hygiene education. Sleep quality improvements were observed to persist for up to six months after treatment. These findings support the use of CBT-I as a first-line intervention for insomnia in menopausal women, offering a sustainable solution with fewer side effects compared to pharmacological treatments. However, the review also highlights the need for further research on CBT-I’s efficacy in diverse populations, as most studies focused on predominantly white and well-educated women.

12 December 2023 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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MVMaria Vasilaki
Maria Vasilaki
Eugenia VlachouEugenia Vlachou
Eugenia Vlachou
AKAnna Kavga
Anna Kavga
OGOurania D Govina
Ourania D Govina
EDEleni Dokoutsidou
Eleni Dokoutsidou
Victoria AlikariVictoria Alikari
Victoria Alikari
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) can cause fatigue, negatively affecting the daily functioning and health of individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of spirituality and illness perceptions on fatigue among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. In this cross-sectional, descriptive study, 100 patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus completed the Fatigue Assessment Scale, the FACIT Sp-12 scale, and the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised assessing fatigue, spirituality, and illness perceptions, respectively. The mean age of the sample was 52.18 ± 15.53 years and 65% were insulin-treated patients. The mean score for the FACIT Sp-12 scale was 31.86 ± 7.7, for the FAS 27.0 ± 7.63, and for the Consequences and Emotional Representations of IPQ-R 25.5 ± 5.3. Statistically negative significant correlations were observed between the FACIT Sp-12 total score and the FAS subscales (r = −0.44 to −0.48, p < 0.01) and positive correlations between the “IP—Consequences and Emotional Representations” subscales and FAS scores. The total score of the FACIT Sp-12 (β = −0.35) was a negative predictor while Consequences and Emotional Representations (β = 0.28) were positive predictors of the total FAS Score. Participants scored moderate levels of total fatigue. Spirituality and positive illness perceptions may have a protective effect on the fatigue of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

7 July 2025 in Livers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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ANANASTASIA NTIKOUDI
ANASTASIA NTIKOUDI
APAnastasia Papachristou
Anastasia Papachristou
ASAlketa-Theodora Theodora Spirou
Alketa-Theodora Theodora Spirou
EEELENI EVANGELOU OR EVAGELOU
ELENI EVANGELOU OR EVAGELOU
ATAthanasios N. Tsartsalis
Athanasios N. Tsartsalis
George MastorakosGeorge Mastorakos
George Mastorakos
Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has emerged as the most prevalent chronic liver condition. Its prevalence is estimated to further increase. The gut–liver axis, which represents both anatomical and functional connections, contributes significantly to the development of MASLD. Dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in gut microbiota, can exacerbate the disease by increasing intestinal permeability, which permits harmful bacteria and their components to enter the bloodstream. This review sought to explore the impact of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on the treatment of MASLD. Method: The methodology for scoping reviews in accordance with Prisma-ScR guidelines was followed. A comprehensive search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Medline. Out of 1390 studies screened, 25 were selected for the final analysis. Results: The findings of this scoping review highlight the therapeutic potential of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in the management and treatment of MASLD, as showcased by the existing literature. Conclusions: This scoping review offers important insights into the advantages of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in the treatment of MASLD. The limitations identified in this study emphasize the necessity for larger, long-term, and geographically diverse studies in order to obtain more solid scientific results.

9 June 2026 in Endocrines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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ANANASTASIA NTIKOUDI
ANASTASIA NTIKOUDI
APAnastasia Papachristou
Anastasia Papachristou
ATAfroditi Tsalkitzi
Afroditi Tsalkitzi
DRDESPOINA RIZIKOU
DESPOINA RIZIKOU
EEELENI EVANGELOU OR EVAGELOU
ELENI EVANGELOU OR EVAGELOU
Eugenia VlachouEugenia Vlachou
Eugenia Vlachou
Background: Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), particularly hot flashes and night sweats, are highly prevalent during the menopausal transition and have been increasingly associated with adverse cardiometabolic profiles. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents a major manifestation of systemic metabolic dysregulation and is rising globally. Emerging evidence suggests a potential overlap between menopausal symptom severity and MASLD risk; however, this relationship remains insufficiently characterized. Method: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines to map the existing evidence on the association between VMS and MASLD. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE was performed for English-language studies published between January 2015 and December 2025. Eligible studies included original research assessing both MASLD and menopausal symptoms. Data were extracted and synthesized narratively. Methodological quality was appraised using the CASP Cross-Sectional Studies Checklist. Results: Of 690 identified records, five cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 106 to 5995 participants from Korea, Greece, and the United States. Across studies, moderate-to-severe VMS were consistently associated with increased MASLD prevalence or higher surrogate indices of hepatic steatosis. Women with more severe VMS demonstrated unfavorable metabolic profiles, including greater insulin resistance and elevated liver enzyme levels. Although adjustments for body mass index and hypertension attenuated some associations, the overall trend remained positive. Heterogeneity was observed in diagnostic tools and symptom assessment methods. Conclusions: Current evidence indicates a consistent association between VMS severity and MASLD in peri- and postmenopausal women. While causality cannot be inferred due to cross-sectional designs, VMS may represent a clinical marker of underlying metabolic and hepatic dysfunction. Longitudinal and mechanistic studies are warranted to clarify directionality and inform integrated screening strategies in midlife women.