Sorina Ispas

Dr. Sorina Ispas


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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13 November 2023 in Journal of Personalized Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SISorina Ispas
Sorina Ispas
LTLiliana Ana Tuta
Liliana Ana Tuta
MBMihaela Botnarciuc
Mihaela Botnarciuc
VIViorel Ispas
Viorel Ispas
SSSorana Staicovici
Sorana Staicovici
APAdina Petcu
Adina Petcu
The etiology of metabolic disorders, such as obesity, has been predominantly associated with the gut microbiota, which is acknowledged as an endocrine organ that plays a crucial role in modulating energy homeostasis and host immune responses. The presence of dysbiosis has the potential to impact the functioning of the intestinal barrier and the gut-associated lymphoid tissues by allowing the transit of bacterial structural components, such as lipopolysaccharides. This, in turn, may trigger inflammatory pathways and potentially lead to the onset of insulin resistance. Moreover, intestinal dysbiosis has the potential to modify the production of gastrointestinal peptides that are linked to the feeling of fullness, hence potentially leading to an increase in food consumption. In this literature review, we discuss current developments, such as the impact of the microbiota on lipid metabolism as well as the processes by which its changes led to the development of metabolic disorders. Several methods have been developed that could be used to modify the gut microbiota and undo metabolic abnormalities. Methods: After researching different databases, we examined the PubMed collection of articles and conducted a literature review. Results: After applying our exclusion and inclusion criteria, the initial search yielded 1345 articles. We further used various filters to narrow down our titles analysis and, to be specific to our study, selected the final ten studies, the results of which are included in the Results section. Conclusions: Through gut barrier integrity, insulin resistance, and other influencing factors, the gut microbiota impacts the host’s metabolism and obesity. Although the area of the gut microbiota and its relationship to obesity is still in its initial stages of research, it offers great promise for developing new therapeutic targets that may help prevent and cure obesity by restoring the gut microbiota to a healthy condition.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
NMNicoleta Mihaela Mindrescu
Nicoleta Mihaela Mindrescu
CGCristian Guja
Cristian Guja
Viorel JingaViorel Jinga
Viorel Jinga
SISorina Ispas
Sorina Ispas
ACAntoanela Curici
Antoanela Curici
Anca StoianAnca Stoian
Anca Stoian
The intestinal microbiota refers to the collection of microorganisms that exist in the human gut. It has been said that bacteria influence the development of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, as they have roles in immunomodulation, protection against pathogens, blood vessel growth, repairing the intestinal wall, and the development of the neurological system. In this review, we look at the latest research regarding interactions between gut microbiota and oral antihyperglycemic drugs and we present data suggesting that the microbiome may help counteract the reduced glucose tolerance and insulin resistance associated with metabolic disorders. We found that antidiabetic drugs can have significant impacts on gut microbiota composition and function, potentially influencing both the efficacy and side effects of these medications. Additionally, we discovered that microbial-based therapeutics, including probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, and fecal microbiota can be considered when discussing preventive measures and personalized treatment options for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Understanding how antidiabetic drugs modulate gut microbiota composition and function is essential for optimizing their therapeutic efficacy and minimizing potential adverse effects. The relationship between the gut microbiota and glycemic agents, not fully understood, is currently the subject of increasing research and discussion. It has been proven that the microbiome can impact the effectiveness of the medications, but further research in this field may uncover novel therapeutic strategies for diabetes and other metabolic disorders by targeting the gut microbiota.

10 December 2025 in Cancers
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Journal Article
Open access
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AWAdil Farooq Wali
Adil Farooq Wali
Mohamed El-TananiMohamed El-Tanani
Mohamed El-Tanani
STSIRAJUNISA TALATH
SIRAJUNISA TALATH
SRSyed Arman Rabbani
Syed Arman Rabbani
IRImran Rangraze
Imran Rangraze
MANFREDI RIZZOMANFREDI RIZZO
MANFREDI RIZZO
Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the most important cause of cancer-related death in females worldwide. Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) represent a novel class of targeted therapies that combine the precision of monoclonal antibodies with the potent cell-killing activity of cytotoxic drugs. This review highlights recent mechanistic, technological, and clinical developments of ADCs in breast cancer, including next-generation ADCs beyond those that target HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2). Authors performed a systematic literature study for ADCs and their structural features, including their components (antibody, linker, and payload) and their therapeutic efficacy. A frame of preclinical research findings and clinical evidence integration of HER2-targeted therapy outcomes in HER2-positive, HER2-low, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtypes were presented. Clinical studies of antibody–drug conjugates such as trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), and sacituzumab govitecan have demonstrated significant improvements in progression-free survival and overall survival across diverse breast cancer patient populations. ADCs offer unique advantages in breast cancer therapy by combining the precision of targeted antibodies with the potency of chemotherapy drugs. This allows them to selectively kill cancer cells, overcome resistance, reduce toxicity to healthy tissues, and expand treatment options for difficult subtypes like HER2-low and triple-negative breast cancer. Unlike previous reviews focusing on HER2-targeted ADCs, herein we review exciting ADCs targeting HER3 HER3 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 3) and Nectin-4, as well as the implications of bispecific and immune-stimulatory ADCs in the clinic. Additionally, it features mechanism-based innovations and novel trial data that revolutionize ADC applications in the HER2-low as well as the triple-negative breast cancer subtypes. The advent of ADC is changing precision oncology in breast cancer. With a new design and indications evolving, they are an attractive avenue for bypassing resistance and reducing toxicity and ultimately improving patient outcomes in the molecular subtypes. The present review summarizes recent advancements in antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) and emerging targeted therapeutic strategies for breast cancer. It covers mechanistic insights, linker–payload innovations, receptor-based targeting approaches, clinical trial progress, and next-generation modalities that extend beyond HER2-directed ADCs. Current challenges, safety profiles, and future opportunities in engineering more selective and effective ADC platforms are also discussed.

28 January 2026 in Biology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Shakta Mani SatyamShakta Mani Satyam
Shakta Mani Satyam
SPSainath P
Sainath P
Mohamed El-TananiMohamed El-Tanani
Mohamed El-Tanani
BBBHOOMENDRA BHONGADE
BHOOMENDRA BHONGADE
AWAdil Farooq Wali
Adil Farooq Wali
KHKarolina Hoffmann
Karolina Hoffmann
Cardiometabolic diseases, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity, along with their cardiovascular complications, remain leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, imposing significant public health, economic, and societal burdens. Conventional pharmacological therapies often show limited efficacy and increased adverse effects because they do not account for the body’s intrinsic circadian rhythms, which regulate organ function, drug absorption, and metabolism. Chronopharmacology, which aligns treatment timing with these biological rhythms, offers a strategy to enhance therapeutic outcomes. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of chronopharmacology principles applied to cardiometabolic disease management, integrating molecular, physiological, and clinical perspectives. It examines how core clock genes and tissue-specific circadian patterns influence drug action and absorption and summarizes evidence-based time-optimized interventions for hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, and multimorbid patients. Furthermore, the review highlights emerging innovations, including artificial intelligence-guided dosing, circadian-biomarker-informed therapy selection, and wearable digital devices for real-time monitoring of biological rhythms. By synthesizing mechanistic and clinical insights, circadian-aligned treatment strategies are shown to improve drug efficacy, reduce adverse effects, and support the development of precision, rhythm-based therapeutics, offering a practical framework for personalized cardiometabolic disease care.

18 June 2025 in Metabolites
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
NMNicoleta Mihaela Mindrescu
Nicoleta Mihaela Mindrescu
CGCristian Guja
Cristian Guja
Viorel JingaViorel Jinga
Viorel Jinga
SISorina Ispas
Sorina Ispas
ACAntoanela Curici
Antoanela Curici
Anca StoianAnca Stoian
Anca Stoian
Background: The gut microbiota plays a critical role in metabolic health and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Alterations in microbial composition may influence glycemic control and systemic inflammation. Materials and methods: In this single-center, randomized study, 60 adults with T2DM receiving metformin were evaluated biologically and received either empagliflozin or sitagliptin. Demographic, metabolic, and lifestyle data were collected. Gut microbiota profiling was conducted at two timepoints to assess changes in bacterial and fungal taxa. Blood glucose, HbA1c, and inflammation markers were analyzed longitudinally. Results: Both treatment groups showed significant improvements in glycemic control. Median fasting glucose decreased from 132 to 123 mg/dL (p = 0.046) in the sitagliptin group and from 131 to 114 mg/dL (p = 0.025) in the empagliflozin group. Median HbA1c levels declined significantly in both groups, with a greater reduction in the empagliflozin group (p = 0.001 vs. p = 0.049). The microbiota analysis revealed an increase in beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp.) and a decrease in pro-inflammatory taxa (Escherichia coli and Streptococcus spp.). Notably, empagliflozin was associated with a more pronounced microbiota rebalancing and a significant decline in fungal overgrowth (e.g., Candida spp.; p = 0.034). Conclusions: Treatment with sitagliptin and empagliflozin led to improved glycemic outcomes and partial restoration of gut microbial balance in T2DM patients. Empagliflozin showed superior efficacy in modulating both glycemia and dysbiosis.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SISorina Ispas
Sorina Ispas
Andreea Nelson TwakorAndreea Nelson Twakor
Andreea Nelson Twakor
NMNicoleta Mihaela Mindrescu
Nicoleta Mihaela Mindrescu
VIViorel Ispas
Viorel Ispas
DTDoina Ecaterina Tofolean
Doina Ecaterina Tofolean
Anca StoianAnca Stoian
Anca Stoian
The global rise in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) calls for an urgent focus on lifestyle interventions, particularly physical activity, as a critical factor in its management and prevention. This systematic review evaluates the impact of physical activity and sedentary behavior on glycemic control in individuals with T2DM. Studies included in this review were selected based on specific criteria: randomized controlled trials involving adults aged 18 and older, published in English between January 2018 and May 2024, with full-text availability and quantifiable outcome results. Exclusion criteria included non-peer-reviewed research, small sample sizes, and studies limited to abstracts, posters, or editorials. The analysis of the selected studies revealed that regular physical activity, including aerobic exercises and resistance training, significantly improves glycemic control as measured by fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels. Reductions in sedentary behavior were also associated with better metabolic outcomes, highlighting the importance of integrating physical activity into daily routines for individuals with T2DM. These findings feature the need for continued research to refine and optimize lifestyle interventions to mitigate the global burden of T2DM.