Alkmini Gatsounia

Dr. Alkmini Gatsounia

orcid

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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Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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AGAlkmini Gatsounia
Alkmini Gatsounia
Georgios SchinasGeorgios Schinas
Georgios Schinas
GDGerasimos Danielides
Gerasimos Danielides
KGKaterina Grafanaki
Katerina Grafanaki
NMNicholas S. Mastronikolis
Nicholas S. Mastronikolis
SLSPYRIDON LYGEROS
SPYRIDON LYGEROS
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a prevalent inflammatory disease of the upper airway, contributing significantly to the global disease burden. CRSwNP is characterized by sustained and exaggerated inflammation, accompanied by marked changes in gene and protein expression regulated through intricate molecular mechanisms. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small single-stranded RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, have emerged as pivotal players in CRSwNP pathophysiology. Dysregulated miRNA expression is implicated in numerous human diseases, including cancer, asthma, and inflammatory disorders, highlighting their broad clinical relevance. In CRSwNP, miRNAs influence important inflammatory pathways, including T2 immune responses and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which leads to chronic inflammation and tissue remodeling. Profiling studies have identified specific miRNAs as potential biomarkers for disease severity, prognosis, and therapeutic response, offering a pathway to personalized medicine. Furthermore, advances in small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) and exosomes, which naturally transport miRNAs, provide innovative avenues for targeted miRNA delivery, minimizing systemic side effects. This review explores current knowledge on miRNA expression and function in CRSwNP, emphasizing their role in disease pathogenesis and their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

1 January 2025 in Case Reports in Pathology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
AGAlkmini Gatsounia
Alkmini Gatsounia
PBPinelopi Bosgana
Pinelopi Bosgana
GDGerasimos Danielides
Gerasimos Danielides
AVAthanasios Vlachodimitropoulos
Athanasios Vlachodimitropoulos
HKHamida Kurabi
Hamida Kurabi
SLSPYRIDON LYGEROS
SPYRIDON LYGEROS
Introduction: Adult rhabdomyoma (ARM) is an exceedingly rare benign neoplasm accounting for less than 2% of all striated muscle tumors. Originating from striated muscle cells, it primarily occurs in the head and neck region but is particularly rare in the parapharyngeal space. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 64‐year‐old male patient who presented with a 6‐month history of progressive dysphagia and globus pharyngeus. CT and MRI scans revealed a well‐defined multilobular mass in the right parapharyngeal space. Surgical excision was performed, and histopathological evaluation confirmed ARM. ARM diagnosis presents a challenge due to nonspecific clinical and radiological manifestations. Histopathological examination remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice, and close postoperative monitoring is crucial due to high recurrence rates. Conclusion: This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and treatment modalities for ARM in a rare anatomical location. A multidisciplinary approach incorporating radiological, cytological, and histopathological evaluations is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management.

19 December 2024 in Journal of Personalized Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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GDGerasimos Danielides
Gerasimos Danielides
AGAlkmini Gatsounia
Alkmini Gatsounia
George KyriakopoulosGeorge Kyriakopoulos
George Kyriakopoulos
Constantinos STATHOPOULOSConstantinos STATHOPOULOS
Constantinos STATHOPOULOS
SNStephanos Naxakis
Stephanos Naxakis
SLSPYRIDON LYGEROS
SPYRIDON LYGEROS
Background/Objectives: Periostin’s role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, particularly in the nose and paranasal sinuses, is an area of growing interest. This study aims to evaluate the expression of periostin in mucoceles, inverted papillomas, choanopolyps and retention cysts. Methods: Tissue samples collected during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) were analyzed for POSTN gene mRNA expression using qPCR. Periostin protein levels were measured via ELISA and Western Blot. Serum periostin levels were also assessed through ELISA in both patients (n = 54) and controls (n = 12). Results: A total of 66 participants were recruited, including 18 with inverted papillomas, 10 with mucoceles, 10 with choanopolyps, 16 with retention cysts and 12 controls. There were no significant alternations between tissue and serum samples of inverted papilloma compared to the control group. Choanopolyp tissues exhibited elevated POSTN protein expression, though POSTN mRNA and serum levels remained unchanged. In mucoceles, periostin levels were significantly elevated in both tissues and serum. Retention cyst tissues demonstrated an increase in POSTN mRNA and protein expression, whereas serum periostin levels remained consistent with those observed in the control group. Conclusions: The findings suggest that periostin may play a role in the pathophysiology of benign non-neoplastic lesions of the nose and paranasal sinuses such as mucoceles, retention cysts and choanopolyps, highlighting a need for more investigation in this subject.

4 July 2026 in Clinics and Practice
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SLSPYRIDON LYGEROS
SPYRIDON LYGEROS
AGAlkmini Gatsounia
Alkmini Gatsounia
IAIOANNA ATHANASIADOU
IOANNA ATHANASIADOU
AGAris Ι. Giotakis
Aris Ι. Giotakis
FTFoteini Tsapardoni
Foteini Tsapardoni
GDGerasimos Danielides
Gerasimos Danielides
Background/Objectives: Sinonasal osteomas are benign, slow-growing tumors that are typically asymptomatic and incidentally detected. However, in rare cases, they may present with atypical and potentially serious complications involving other sinonasal, orbital, or intracranial structures. This review aims to synthesize these unusual manifestations and to highlight the underlying mechanisms, diagnostic challenges, and management implications. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted, focusing on reported cases of sinonasal osteomas with rare or complicated presentations. Studies were analyzed with emphasis on clinical features, imaging findings, pathophysiological mechanisms, and treatment strategies. Results: Unusual presentations of sinonasal osteomas are primarily driven by sinus obstruction, progressive expansion, and skull-base erosion. These processes may result in complications such as pneumocephalus, intracranial mucoceles, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, orbital compression, and secondary infections. Clinical manifestations are often nonspecific, including headache, seizures, visual disturbances, or focal neurological deficits, which may delay diagnosis. High-resolution computed tomography is essential for identifying the osseous lesion and associated bone changes, while magnetic resonance imaging is critical for assessing soft-tissue involvement and intracranial extension. Management is individualized, with surgical resection indicated in most symptomatic or complicated cases, using endoscopic, open, or combined approaches. Conclusions: Although rare, atypical manifestations of sinonasal osteomas can result in significant morbidity. A mechanism-based understanding, supported by appropriate imaging, is essential for accurate diagnosis and timely management. Increased clinical awareness is crucial to improving outcomes in these uncommon but clinically significant cases.