Madalina - Ticolea

Mrs. Madalina - Ticolea

Department of Pathophysiology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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20 August 2024 in Antioxidants
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Madalina - TicoleaMadalina - Ticolea
Madalina - Ticolea
Raluca Maria PopRaluca Maria Pop
Raluca Maria Pop
MPMarcel Parvu
Marcel Parvu
LULia Oxana Usatiuc
Lia Oxana Usatiuc
AUAna Uifălean
Ana Uifălean
Alina Elena PârvuAlina Elena Pârvu
Alina Elena Pârvu
This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities mechanism of Artemisia dracunculus (A. dracunculus) and Artemisia abrotanum (A. abrotanum) ethanol extracts in acute rat inflammation induced in Wistar male rats with turpentine oil. The characterization of the polyphenolic compounds in the extracts was conducted using UV–Vis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry techniques. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated in vitro by DPPH, FRAP, H2O2, and NO scavenging tests and in vivo by measuring the total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-Oxo-dG), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), 3-nitrotyrosine (3NT), and total thiols (SH). Inflammation was evaluated by measuring nuclear factor-kB-p65 (NfkB-p65) and NLRP3 inflammasome activation with IL-1β, IL-18, and gasdermin D. Liver and renal toxicity was determined following transaminases (ALT and AST), creatinine, and urea. The experimental results indicated that A. dracunculus and A. abrotanum ethanol extracts have moderate in vitro antioxidant activity and had in vivo antioxidant activity and an anti-inflammatory effect by NfkB-p65, IL-1b, IL-18, and gasdermin D serum level reduction. The antioxidant activity correlated with the chemical composition of the extracts. These results bring evidence-based use of A. dracunculus and A. abrotanum’s in traditional and contemporary medicine.

13 January 2025 in Nutrients
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IMIulia-Ioana Morar
Iulia-Ioana Morar
Raluca Maria PopRaluca Maria Pop
Raluca Maria Pop
EPErik Peitzner
Erik Peitzner
FRFloricuța Ranga
Floricuța Ranga
MOMeda Sandra Orasan
Meda Sandra Orasan
MGMircea Constantin Dinu Ghergie
Mircea Constantin Dinu Ghergie
Honey is abundant in bioactive compounds, which demonstrate considerable therapeutic effects, particularly on oxidative stress and inflammation. Objectives: This work sought to evaluate the antioxidant mechanisms of Manuka honey (MH) and Ohia Lehua honey (OLH), correlating them with phytochemical analyses in a rat model of experimentally induced inflammation. Methods: The identification of polyphenolic compounds in the extracts was carried out using HPLC-ESI MS. The extracts’ antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro through DPPH, FRAP, H2O2, and NO scavenging assays, while in vivo assessments included measurements of total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and total thiols (SH). Results: The phytochemical analysis found a rich content of phenolic compounds in MH and lower quantities in OLH. In terms of in vitro activity, both MH and OLH exhibited strong DPPH radical scavenging abilities, effective NO and H2O2 scavenging capacities, and high FRAP-reducing power. In vivo, OLH proved highly effective in enhancing antioxidant capacity and lowering oxidative stress markers, showing significant increases in TAC and substantial reductions in TOS and OSI levels. Conversely, MH displayed limited and dose-dependent antioxidant activity, a considerable increase in TAC and SH, and a moderate decrease in TOS and OSI levels. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the phenolic content of OLH and to show its capacity to scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. The effectiveness of MH primarily relies on its increased antioxidant properties and depends on concentration. These results highlight the importance of investigating natural products in developing antioxidant strategies.

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Mara CarsoteMara Carsote
Mara Carsote
Mihai-Lucian CiobicaMihai-Lucian Ciobica
Mihai-Lucian Ciobica
OSOana Claudia Sima
Oana Claudia Sima
AVAna Valea
Ana Valea
CBCosmina Ioana Bondor
Cosmina Ioana Bondor
CRCrina Rusu
Crina Rusu
Brown tumors, an exceptional bone complication of severe primary (PHP) or renal (secondary) hyperparathyroidism (RHP), are caused by long-standing, elevated parathormone (PTH)-induced osteoclast activation causing multinucleated giant cell conglomerates with hemosiderin deposits in addition to the local production of cytokines and growth factors. We aim to present an adult case series including two females displaying this complication as part of a multidisciplinary complex panel in high PTH-related ailments. The approach was different since they had distinct medical backgrounds and posed a wide area of challenges amid real-life settings, namely, a 38-year-old lady with PHP and long-term uncontrolled hypercalcemia (with a history of pregnancy-associated PHP, the removal of a cystic jaw tumor, as well as a family and personal positive diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease, probably a PHP-jaw tumor syndrome), as well as, a 26-year-old woman with congenital single kidney and chronic renal disease-associated RHP who was poorly controlled under dialysis and developed severe anemia and episodes of metabolic acidosis (including one presentation that required emergency hemodialysis and was complicated with convulsive seizures, followed by resuscitated respiratory arrest). Both subjects displayed a severe picture of PHP/RHP with PTH levels of >1000 pg/mL and >2000 pg/mL and elevated serum bone turnover markers. Additionally, they had multiple brown tumors at the level of the ribs and pelvis (asymptomatically) and the spine, skull, and pelvis (complicated with a spontaneous cervical fracture). As an endocrine approach, the control of the underlying parathyroid disease was provided via surgery in PHP (for the postparathyroidectomy hungry bone syndrome) via medical intervention (with vitamin D analogs) in RHP. Additionally, in this case, since the diagnosis was not clear, a multidisciplinary decision to perform a biopsy was taken (which proved inconclusive), and the resection of the skull tumor to confirm the histological traits. This series highlights the importance of addressing the entire multidisciplinary panel of co-morbidities for a better outcome in patients with PHP/RHP-related brown tumors. However, in the instance of real-life medicine, poor compliance and reduced adherence to recommendations might impair the overall health status. Thus, sometimes, a direct approach at the level of cystic lesion is taken into consideration; this stands for a narrow frame of decision, and it is a matter of personalized decision. As seen here, brown tumors represent the hidden face of PHP/RHP, primarily the complex and severe forms, and awareness is essential even in the modern era.

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LULia Oxana Usatiuc
Lia Oxana Usatiuc
Raluca Maria PopRaluca Maria Pop
Raluca Maria Pop
Adrian Onisim SurdAdrian Onisim Surd
Adrian Onisim Surd
MPMarcel Parvu
Marcel Parvu
Madalina - TicoleaMadalina - Ticolea
Madalina - Ticolea
Alina Elena PârvuAlina Elena Pârvu
Alina Elena Pârvu
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common and multifactorial endocrine disorder in reproductive-aged women, is strongly associated with insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and also affects up to one in four women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The current study explored the potential of Plantago ovata (P. ovata) seed ethanol extract (POEE) to modulate oxidative stress (OS), inflammatory responses, metabolic profiles, and hormonal levels in rat Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM and Letrozole (LET)-induced PCOS. Phytochemical analysis measured total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) using HPLC-DAD-ESI MS for compound identification. POEE’s antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro through DPPH, H2O2, FRAP, and NO scavenging assays. Rats received POEE, metformin, or Trolox (TX) for 10 days. PCOS confirmation was achieved via ultrasound and histopathology. Serum levels of OS markers (TOS, TAC, OSI, MDA, AOPP, 8-OHdG, NO, 3-NT, AGEs, and SH), inflammatory markers (NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-18, Gasdermin D, and IL-10), metabolic parameters (fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, and liver enzymes), and hormone levels (LH, FSH, estrogen, testosterone, and insulin) were assessed. Additionally, the Triglyceride–Glucose index (TyG) and HOMA-IR were calculated. POEE had a medium content of polyphenols and a good in vitro antioxidant effect. In vivo, POEE administration in diabetic rats led to a reduction in OS markers and an increase in antioxidant levels, alongside decreases in inflammatory cytokines, blood glucose levels, and transaminase activity and improvements in lipid profile. In the PCOS model, POEE treatment effectively reduced total OS and lowered levels of LH, FSH, and testosterone, while elevating estrogen concentrations and reducing insulin resistance. These therapeutic effects were dose-dependent, with higher doses producing more pronounced outcomes, comparable to those observed with metformin and TX treatment.

26 March 2025 in Plants
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Madalina - TicoleaMadalina - Ticolea
Madalina - Ticolea
Raluca Maria PopRaluca Maria Pop
Raluca Maria Pop
MPMarcel Parvu
Marcel Parvu
LULia Oxana Usatiuc
Lia Oxana Usatiuc
AUAna Uifălean
Ana Uifălean
Alina Elena PârvuAlina Elena Pârvu
Alina Elena Pârvu
This study investigates the phytochemical composition, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities of A. absinthium and A. annua flowers and leaf ethanol extracts in acute rat inflammation model. Polyphenolic compounds were analyzed quantitatively (total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoids (TFCs)) and qualitatively by HPLC-ESI MS analysis. The antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro (by DPPH, FRAP, H2O2, and NO scavenging tests), and in vivo (by total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), and key oxidative damage markers). Inflammation was evaluated via nuclear factor-kB-p65 (NfkB-p65), and canonical NLRP3 inflammasome activation (with IL-1β, IL-18, caspase-1, and gasdermin D). The antiproliferative activity against human ovarian tumor cells (A2780cis, OVCAR-3, and OAW-42) was evaluated by the MTT assay, focusing on the modulation of multidrug resistance (MDR) pumps and the PARP-1 enzyme. Liver and renal toxicity were tested by measuring transaminases (ALT and AST), creatinine, and urea. The study results indicated that A. absinthium and A. annua flowers and leaf ethanol extracts have rich polyphenol content and moderate in vitro antioxidant activity. Tested extracts display an important antiproliferative activity against the ovarian tumor cell lines A2780cis, OVCAR-3, and OAW-42 based on chemoresistance countering and apoptotic mechanisms. There were differences related to the cell type and plant extract type. The tested plant extracts had significant and dose-dependent in vivo anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, with the A. annua flowers extract having the lowest efficiency. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity biomarkers correlated with the extracts’ chemical composition. There was no inflammation-induced hepatotoxicity, but renal dysfunction was associated. Only AANL improved the renal function. These results can be used to design and develop remedies with combined anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-proliferative activities.

24 August 2024 in Antioxidants
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LULia Oxana Usatiuc
Lia Oxana Usatiuc
MPMarcel Parvu
Marcel Parvu
Raluca Maria PopRaluca Maria Pop
Raluca Maria Pop
AUAna Uifălean
Ana Uifălean
VDValean Dan
Valean Dan
Alina Elena PârvuAlina Elena Pârvu
Alina Elena Pârvu
The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the Gypsophila paniculata ethanol extract (GPEE) on oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic markers in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (DM). Phytochemical analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was performed to measure the total phenolic and flavonoid contents. In vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated through DPPH, FRAP, H2O2, and NO scavenging tests, and the in vivo effects of the GPEE were assessed in streptozotocin-induced DM rats. Treatments with the GPEE, metformin, and Trolox were administrated by gavage for 10 days. On day 11, blood was collected, and serum oxidative stress (total oxidative status, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, nitric oxide, 3-nitrotyrosine, advanced glycation end-products, total antioxidant reactivity, total thiols), inflammatory (IL-1β, NF-κB, IL-18, and gasdermin D), metabolic (fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and triglyceride–glucose index), and liver injury (AST, ALT, and AST:ALT ratio) markers were measured. The GPEE was found to have a significant polyphenols content and a moderate in vitro antioxidant effect. In vivo, the GPEE lowered oxidants and increased antioxidants, decreased inflammatory markers and blood glucose, and improved lipid profiles and transaminases in a dose-dependent manner, with higher doses having a better effect, being comparable to those of metformin and Trolox.