Paula Anderco

Dr. Paula Anderco

Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Sibiu, Romania
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

View All Publications
27 March 2023 in Biomedicines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ABAdrian Boicean
Adrian Boicean
Victoria BirlutiuVictoria Birlutiu
Victoria Birlutiu
CICristian Ichim
Cristian Ichim
Paula AndercoPaula Anderco
Paula Anderco
SBSabrina Andreea Birsan
Sabrina Andreea Birsan
Inflammatory bowel diseases represent a complex array of diseases of incompletely known etiology that led to gastrointestinal tract chronic inflammation. In inflammatory bowel disease, a promising method of treatment is represented by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), FMT has shown its increasing effectiveness and safety in recent years for recurrent CDI; moreover, it showed real clinical benefits in treating SARS-CoV-2 and CDI co-infection. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are characterized by immune dysregulation, resulting in digestive tract damage caused by immune responses. Most current therapeutic strategies are associated with high costs and many adverse effects by directly targeting the immune response, so modifying the microbial environment by FMT offers an alternative approach that could indirectly influence the host’s immune system in a safe way. Studies outline the endoscopic and clinical improvements in UC and CD in FMT patients versus control groups. This review outlines the multiple benefits of FMT in the case of IBD by improving patients unbalanced gut, therefore improving endoscopic and clinical symptomatology. We aim to emphasize the clinical importance and benefits of FMT in order to prevent flares or complications of IBD and to highlight that further validation is needed for establishing a clinical protocol for FMT in IBD.

1 November 2024 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BOBRUSNIC OLGA
BRUSNIC OLGA
DODanusia Onisor
Danusia Onisor
ABAdrian Boicean
Adrian Boicean
AHAdrian Gheorghe Hasegan
Adrian Gheorghe Hasegan
CICristian Ichim
Cristian Ichim
ACAdrian Nicolae Cristian
Adrian Nicolae Cristian
Colorectal cancer (CRC) constitutes a significant global health challenge, with recent studies underscoring the pivotal role of the gut microbiome in its pathogenesis and progression. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a compelling therapeutic approach, offering the potential to modulate microbial composition and optimize treatment outcomes. Research suggests that specific bacterial strains are closely linked to CRC, influencing both its clinical management and therapeutic interventions. Moreover, the gut microbiome’s impact on immunotherapy responsiveness heralds new avenues for personalized medicine. Despite the promise of FMT, safety concerns, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, remain a critical issue. Clinical outcomes vary widely, influenced by genetic predispositions and the specific transplantation methodologies employed. Additionally, rigorous donor selection and screening protocols are paramount to minimize risks and maximize therapeutic efficacy. The current body of literature advocates for the establishment of standardized protocols and further clinical trials to substantiate FMT’s role in CRC management. As our understanding of the microbiome deepens, FMT is poised to become a cornerstone in CRC treatment, underscoring the imperative for continued research and clinical validation.

23 April 2024 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ABAdrian Boicean
Adrian Boicean
CICristian Ichim
Cristian Ichim
STSamuel Bogdan Todor
Samuel Bogdan Todor
Paula AndercoPaula Anderco
Paula Anderco
LPLivia Mirela Popa
Livia Mirela Popa
The role of the intestinal microbiota in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic diseases is increasingly significant. Consequently, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is emerging as a promising therapeutic avenue for various pancreatic disorders, including cancer, pancreatitis, and type 1 diabetes (T1D). This innovative procedure entails transferring gut microbiota from healthy donors to individuals affected by pancreatic ailments with the potential to restore intestinal balance and alleviate associated symptoms. FMT represents a pioneering approach to improve patient outcomes in pancreatic diseases, offering tailored treatments customized to individual microbiomes and specific conditions. Recent research highlights the therapeutic benefits of targeting the gut microbiota for personalized interventions in pancreatic disorders. However, a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between gut microbiota and pancreatic physiology warrants further investigation. The necessity for additional studies and research endeavors remains crucial, especially in elucidating both adult and pediatric cases affected by pathological pancreatic conditions.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RBRazvan George Bogdan
Razvan George Bogdan
Paula AndercoPaula Anderco
Paula Anderco
CICristian Ichim
Cristian Ichim
Anca-Maria CimpeanAnca-Maria Cimpean
Anca-Maria Cimpean
STSamuel Bogdan Todor
Samuel Bogdan Todor
LPLivia Mirela Popa
Livia Mirela Popa
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare, life-threatening thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) characterized by complement dysregulation, leading to microvascular thrombosis and multi-organ injury. TMAs are defined by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and organ dysfunction caused by small-vessel thrombosis. Unlike thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which results from severe ADAMTS13 deficiency, aHUS is driven by uncontrolled activation of the alternative complement pathway. While the kidneys are most frequently affected, other vital organs can also be involved. Genetic susceptibility contributes significantly to disease risk, but a trigger such as infection, pregnancy or autoimmune disease is usually required. Diagnosis is challenging due to overlapping features with other TMAs and relies on exclusion and complement testing. C5 inhibitors, such as eculizumab and ravulizumab, have revolutionized treatment but necessitate prophylactic vaccination and ongoing clinical surveillance. While these therapies provide effective disease control, discontinuing treatment remains complex, especially in patients with complement gene mutations. New therapies targeting various points in the complement cascade are under investigation and may offer safer, more cost-effective options. Progress in genetic profiling and biomarker discovery is essential for earlier diagnosis, individualized therapy and relapse prevention. This review highlights recent advances in the understanding of aHUS pathophysiology, clinical features and evolving therapeutic strategies aimed at improving patient outcomes.

24 August 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CICristian Ichim
Cristian Ichim
ABAdrian Boicean
Adrian Boicean
STSamuel Bogdan Todor
Samuel Bogdan Todor
Paula AndercoPaula Anderco
Paula Anderco
Victoria BirlutiuVictoria Birlutiu
Victoria Birlutiu
Background: Gut microbiota dysregulation is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to the progression of liver cirrhosis and its complications, particularly hepatic encephalopathy. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy aimed at restoring intestinal microbial homeostasis and modulating systemic inflammation. Methods: This prospective, single-center clinical trial evaluated the short-term safety and efficacy of FMT in patients with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis. Clinical assessment, liver stiffness (via elastography), steatosis (controlled attenuation parameter), inflammatory biomarkers, and extended biochemical panels were analyzed at baseline, one week and one month post-FMT. A control group receiving standard medical therapy was used for comparison. Results: FMT was associated with a significant reduction in hepatic encephalopathy severity (p = 0.014), sustained improvements in liver stiffness (p = 0.027) and decreased steatosis (p = 0.025). At one month, C-reactive protein and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio both declined significantly (p = 0.043), indicating a measurable anti-inflammatory effect. No serious adverse events were recorded. In comparison with controls, FMT recipients showed lower systemic inflammation and improved neuropsychiatric status. Conclusions: FMT demonstrated a favorable safety profile and yielded early clinical and biochemical benefits in patients with cirrhosis. These preliminary findings support the potential utility of microbiota-based interventions in chronic liver disease and warrant validation in larger, multicenter trials.

18 March 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
LPLivia Mirela Popa
Livia Mirela Popa
CICristian Ichim
Cristian Ichim
Paula AndercoPaula Anderco
Paula Anderco
STSamuel Bogdan Todor
Samuel Bogdan Todor
DPDiana Pop-Lodromanean
Diana Pop-Lodromanean
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators in digestive pathologies, including inflammatory bowel disease (miR-31, miR-155, and miR-21), colorectal cancer (miR-21, miR-598, and miR-494), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (miR-21, miR-192, and miR-122). Their capacity to modulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level makes them highly promising candidates for biomarkers and therapeutic interventions. However, despite considerable progress, their clinical application remains challenging. Research has shown that miRNA expression is highly dynamic, varying across patients, disease stages, and different intestinal regions. Their dual function as both oncogenes and tumor suppressors further complicates their therapeutic use, as targeting miRNAs may yield unpredictable effects. Additionally, while miRNA-based therapies hold great potential, significant hurdles persist, including off-target effects, immune activation, and inefficiencies in delivery methods. The intricate interplay between miRNAs and gut microbiota adds another layer of complexity, influencing disease mechanisms and treatment responses. This review examined the role of miRNAs in digestive pathologies, emphasizing their diagnostic and therapeutic potential. While they offer new avenues for disease management, unresolved challenges underscore the need for further research to refine their clinical application.