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Dr. RuginaDumitrita Rugina
University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine

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Research Keywords & Expertise

0 resveratrol
0 Nanotechnology and bionanomedicine
0 Anthocyanins, LC/MS
0 Cell culture, Molecular biology, Flow cytometer, Fluorescence and Confocal microscopy
0 Phytochemistry (quantification of natural products, isolation of natural products)

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resveratrol

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Career Timeline

University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine

University Lecturer

01 October 2005 - 01 March 2021




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Journal article
Published: 25 June 2021 in Phytochemistry
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Anthocyanins (AN), natural compounds daily consumed by humans, have outstanding therapeutical potential if administered topically in melanoma pathology. However, the search for efficient therapy development is still in progress, owing to the lack of complete understanding of the AN intracellular path, once they are uptaken by the cells. This target is constrained by the need for an imaging strategy that would enable their intracellular detection and localization in-situ. In this light, diphenylboric acid 2-aminoethyl (DPBA), a non-fluorescent reagent, was here successfully used to form fluorescent complexes with AN. The AN used are the cyanidin aglycon as a free standard molecule (CY), and the glycosylated compounds, extracted and purified from chokeberry fruits (AE). In solution, it was observed that the fluorescence emission increased by 39% ([email protected]), and by 34% ([email protected]), which concludes that AN form fluorescent complexes with DPBA ([email protected] and [email protected]). In addition, using NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy, and HRMS (high-resolution mass spectrometry) analysis, the structure of the [email protected] complex was efficiently elucidated. In-vitro experiments showed that the complexes formed after the treatment proved to be non-toxic on B16–F10 cells. The sub-cellular visualization of all AN was monitored by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, demonstrating detectable signals of the non-metabolized CY and glycosylated CY inside melanoma cells. This study reports that the use of DPBA to image AN intracellularly is a sensitive, non-invasive and successful method that can extend its application in broad fields like drug development or metabolism-associated mechanisms.

ACS Style

Madalina Nistor; Monica Focsan; Luiza Gaina; Mihai Cenariu; Adela Pintea; Carmen Socaciu; Dumitrita Rugina. Real-time fluorescence imaging of anthocyanins complexed with diphenylboric acid 2-aminoethyl inside B16–F10 melanoma cells. Phytochemistry 2021, 189, 112849 .

AMA Style

Madalina Nistor, Monica Focsan, Luiza Gaina, Mihai Cenariu, Adela Pintea, Carmen Socaciu, Dumitrita Rugina. Real-time fluorescence imaging of anthocyanins complexed with diphenylboric acid 2-aminoethyl inside B16–F10 melanoma cells. Phytochemistry. 2021; 189 ():112849.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Madalina Nistor; Monica Focsan; Luiza Gaina; Mihai Cenariu; Adela Pintea; Carmen Socaciu; Dumitrita Rugina. 2021. "Real-time fluorescence imaging of anthocyanins complexed with diphenylboric acid 2-aminoethyl inside B16–F10 melanoma cells." Phytochemistry 189, no. : 112849.

Journal article
Published: 19 March 2021 in Nanomaterials
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Over the past decades, there has been a growing interest in using natural molecules with therapeutic potential for biomedical applications. In this context, our aim is focused on anthocyanins (AN) as molecules with anticancer properties that could be used in melanoma local therapies. Due to their susceptibility to environmental changes, current study is based on the design and development of a fluorescent system for carrying and trafficking AN inside melanoma cells. The architectural structure of the proposed system CaCO3(PAH)@[email protected] reflects a spherical shape, 1080 nm diameter and a solid groundwork CaCO3(PAH), on which rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RBITC) fluorophore was firstly added; then, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) polyelectrolytes and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) were successfully deposited. Purified AN from chokeberries were entrapped between PAA layers (rate of 94.6%). In vitro tests confirmed that CaCO3(PAH)@[email protected] does not affect the proliferation of melanoma B16-F10 cells and proved that their internalization and trafficking can be followed after 24 h of treatment. Data presented here could contribute not only to the existing knowledge about the encapsulation technology of AN but also might bring relevant information for a novel formula to deliver therapeutic molecules or other bio-imaging agents directly into melanoma cells, a strategy that could positively improve tumor therapies.

ACS Style

Raluca Ghiman; Madalina Nistor; Monica Focșan; Adela Pintea; Simion Aștilean; Dumitrita Rugina. Fluorescent Polyelectrolyte System to Track Anthocyanins Delivery inside Melanoma Cells. Nanomaterials 2021, 11, 782 .

AMA Style

Raluca Ghiman, Madalina Nistor, Monica Focșan, Adela Pintea, Simion Aștilean, Dumitrita Rugina. Fluorescent Polyelectrolyte System to Track Anthocyanins Delivery inside Melanoma Cells. Nanomaterials. 2021; 11 (3):782.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Raluca Ghiman; Madalina Nistor; Monica Focșan; Adela Pintea; Simion Aștilean; Dumitrita Rugina. 2021. "Fluorescent Polyelectrolyte System to Track Anthocyanins Delivery inside Melanoma Cells." Nanomaterials 11, no. 3: 782.

Journal article
Published: 15 March 2021 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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We report here the synthesis and structural characterization of novel cationic (phenothiazinyl)vinyl-pyridinium (PVP) dyes, together with optical (absorption/emission) properties and their potential applicability as fluorescent labels. Convective heating, ultrasound irradiation and mechanochemical synthesis were considered as alternative synthetic methodologies proficient for overcoming drawbacks such as long reaction time, nonsatisfactory yields or solvent requirements in the synthesis of novel dye (E)-1-(3-chloropropyl)-4-(2-(10-methyl-10H-phenothiazin-3-yl)vinyl)pyridin-1-ium bromide 3d and its N-alkyl-2-methylpyridinium precursor 1c. The trans geometry of the newly synthesized (E)-4-(2-(7-bromo-10-ethyl-10H-phenothiazin-3-yl)vinyl)-1-methylpyridin-1-ium iodide 3b and (E)-1-methyl-4-(2-(10-methyl-10H-phenothiazin-3-yl)vinyl)pyridin-1-ium tetrafluoroborate 3a′ was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. A negative solvatochromism of the dyes in polar solvents was highlighted by UV-Vis spectroscopy and explanatory insights were supported by molecular modeling which suggested a better stabilization of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMO). The photostability of the dye 3b was investigated by irradiation at 365 nm in different solvents, while the steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence properties of dye 3b and 3a′ in solid state were evaluated under one-photon excitation at 485 nm. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the new PVP dyes on B16-F10 melanoma cells was evaluated by WST-1 assay, while their intracellular localization was assessed by epi-fluorescence conventional microscopy imaging as well as one- and two-photon excited confocal fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). PVP dyes displayed low cytotoxicity, good internalization inside melanoma cells and intense fluorescence emission inside the B16-F10 murine melanoma cells, making them suitable staining agents for imaging applications.

ACS Style

Bianca Stoean; Dumitrita Rugina; Monica Focsan; Ana-Maria Craciun; Mǎdǎlina Nistor; Tamas Lovasz; Alexandru Turza; Ioan-Dan Porumb; Emese Gál; Castelia Cristea; Luminita Silaghi-Dumitrescu; Simion Astilean; Luiza Gaina. Novel (Phenothiazinyl)Vinyl-Pyridinium Dyes and Their Potential Applications as Cellular Staining Agents. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2021, 22, 2985 .

AMA Style

Bianca Stoean, Dumitrita Rugina, Monica Focsan, Ana-Maria Craciun, Mǎdǎlina Nistor, Tamas Lovasz, Alexandru Turza, Ioan-Dan Porumb, Emese Gál, Castelia Cristea, Luminita Silaghi-Dumitrescu, Simion Astilean, Luiza Gaina. Novel (Phenothiazinyl)Vinyl-Pyridinium Dyes and Their Potential Applications as Cellular Staining Agents. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021; 22 (6):2985.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bianca Stoean; Dumitrita Rugina; Monica Focsan; Ana-Maria Craciun; Mǎdǎlina Nistor; Tamas Lovasz; Alexandru Turza; Ioan-Dan Porumb; Emese Gál; Castelia Cristea; Luminita Silaghi-Dumitrescu; Simion Astilean; Luiza Gaina. 2021. "Novel (Phenothiazinyl)Vinyl-Pyridinium Dyes and Their Potential Applications as Cellular Staining Agents." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22, no. 6: 2985.

Journal article
Published: 31 October 2020 in BMC Chemistry
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Although a vast number ofAloespecies are known, only theAloe veraandAloe arborescensspecies are currently used by cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, the current study aims to complete the existent literature data with new information on the phytochemical composition of some lesser-knownAloespecies, with the main focus on carotenoids and fatty acids. Among the analyzed species,Aloe aculeataandAloe feroxhad the highest content in carotenoids, the major pigments being lutein and β-carotene (according to HPLC analysis). The fatty acid profile of eachAloespecies was analysed by GC–MS. Linolenic and linoleic acids were the major polyunsaturated fatty acids found in higher percent inAloe ferox,Aloe spectabilisandAloe marlothii. Instead,Aloe aculeataproved to have a distinct fatty acid profile, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. Species such asAloe arborescensandAloe marlothiiproved to have the highest antioxidant potential according to data of DPPH, ORAC, HPS assays, even if the richest one in vitamin C was found to beAloe spectabilis.Though the scientific research is mainly focused on the common speciesAloe barbadensis, the current data suggests that otherAloespecies could receive more attention from industry part, being great sources of bioactive compounds.

ACS Style

Bunea Andrea; Rugină Dumitrița; Copaciu Florina; Dulf Francisc; Veres Anastasia; Sonia Socaci; Pintea Adela. Comparative analysis of some bioactive compounds in leaves of different Aloe species. BMC Chemistry 2020, 14, 1 -11.

AMA Style

Bunea Andrea, Rugină Dumitrița, Copaciu Florina, Dulf Francisc, Veres Anastasia, Sonia Socaci, Pintea Adela. Comparative analysis of some bioactive compounds in leaves of different Aloe species. BMC Chemistry. 2020; 14 (1):1-11.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bunea Andrea; Rugină Dumitrița; Copaciu Florina; Dulf Francisc; Veres Anastasia; Sonia Socaci; Pintea Adela. 2020. "Comparative analysis of some bioactive compounds in leaves of different Aloe species." BMC Chemistry 14, no. 1: 1-11.

Preprint content
Published: 30 October 2020
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Although a vast number of Aloe species are known, only the Aloe vera and Aloe arborescens species are currently used by cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, the current study aims to complete the existent literature data with new information on the phytochemical composition of some lesser-known Aloe species, with the main focus on carotenoids and fatty acids. Among the analyzed species, Aloe aculeata and Aloe ferox had the highest content in carotenoids, the major pigments being lutein and β -carotene (according to HPLC analysis). The fatty acid profile of each Aloe species was analysed by GC-MS. Linolenic and linoleic acids were the major polyunsaturated fatty acids found in higher percent in Aloe ferox , Aloe spectabilis and Aloe marlothii . Instead, Aloe aculeata proved to have a distinct fatty acid profile, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. Species such as Aloe arborescens and Aloe marlothii proved to have the highest antioxidant potential according to data of DPPH, ORAC, HPS assays, even if the richest one in vitamin C was found to be Aloe spectabilis. Though the scientific research is mainly focused on the common species Aloe barbadensis , current data suggests that other Aloe species could receive more attention from industry part, being great sources of bioactive compounds.

ACS Style

Bunea Andrea; Dumitrita Rugina; Copaciu Florina; Dulf Francisc; Veres Anastasia; Sonia Socaci; Pintea Adela. Comparative analysis of some bioactive compounds in leaves of different Aloe species. 2020, 1 .

AMA Style

Bunea Andrea, Dumitrita Rugina, Copaciu Florina, Dulf Francisc, Veres Anastasia, Sonia Socaci, Pintea Adela. Comparative analysis of some bioactive compounds in leaves of different Aloe species. . 2020; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bunea Andrea; Dumitrita Rugina; Copaciu Florina; Dulf Francisc; Veres Anastasia; Sonia Socaci; Pintea Adela. 2020. "Comparative analysis of some bioactive compounds in leaves of different Aloe species." , no. : 1.

Preprint content
Published: 15 October 2020
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Although a vast number of Aloe species are known, only the Aloe vera and Aloe arborescens species are currently used by cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, the current study aims to complete the existent literature data with new information on the phytochemical composition of some lesser-known Aloe species, with the main focus on carotenoids and fatty acids. Among the analyzed species, Aloe aculeata and Aloe ferox had the highest content in carotenoids, the major pigments being lutein and β-carotene (according to HPLC analysis). The fatty acid profile of each Aloe species was analysed by GC-MS. Linolenic and linoleic acids were the major polyunsaturated fatty acids found in higher percent in Aloe ferox, Aloe spectabilis and Aloe marlothii. Instead, Aloe aculeata proved to have a distinct fatty acid profile, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. Species such as Aloe arborescens and Aloe marlothii proved to have the highest antioxidant potential according to data of DPPH, ORAC, HPS assays, even if the richest one in vitamin C was found to be Aloe spectabilis. Though the scientific research is mainly focused on the common species Aloe barbadensis, the current data suggests that other Aloe species could receive more attention from industry part, being great sources of bioactive compounds.

ACS Style

Bunea Andrea; Dumitrita Rugina; Copaciu Florina; Dulf Francisc; Veres Anastasia; Sonia Socaci; Pintea Adela. Comparative analysis of some bioactive compounds in leaves of different Aloe species. 2020, 1 .

AMA Style

Bunea Andrea, Dumitrita Rugina, Copaciu Florina, Dulf Francisc, Veres Anastasia, Sonia Socaci, Pintea Adela. Comparative analysis of some bioactive compounds in leaves of different Aloe species. . 2020; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bunea Andrea; Dumitrita Rugina; Copaciu Florina; Dulf Francisc; Veres Anastasia; Sonia Socaci; Pintea Adela. 2020. "Comparative analysis of some bioactive compounds in leaves of different Aloe species." , no. : 1.

Preprint content
Published: 29 July 2020
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Although a vast number of Aloe species are known, only the Aloe vera and Aloe arborescens species are currently used by cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, the current study aims to complete the existent literature data with new information on the phytochemical composition of some lesser-known Aloe species, with the main focus on carotenoids and fatty acids. Among the analyzed species, Aloe aculeata and Aloe ferox had the highest content in carotenoids, the major pigments being lutein and β-carotene (according to HPLC analysis). The fatty acid profile of each Aloe species was analysed by GC-MS. Linolenic and linoleic acids were the major polyunsaturated fatty acids found in higher percent in Aloe ferox, Aloe spectabilis and Aloe marlothii. Instead, Aloe aculeata proved to have a distinct fatty acid profile, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. Species such as Aloe arborescens and Aloe marlothii proved to have the highest antioxidant potential according to data of DPPH, ORAC, HPS assays, even if the richest one in vitamin C was found to be Aloe spectabilis. Though the scientific research is mainly focused on the common species Aloe barbadensis, current data suggests that other Aloe species could receive more attention from industry part, being great sources of bioactive compounds.

ACS Style

Bunea Andrea; Dumitrita Rugina; Copaciu Florina; Dulf Francisc; Veres Anastasia; Sonia Socaci; Pintea Adela. Comparative analysis of some bioactive compounds in leaves of different Aloe species. 2020, 1 .

AMA Style

Bunea Andrea, Dumitrita Rugina, Copaciu Florina, Dulf Francisc, Veres Anastasia, Sonia Socaci, Pintea Adela. Comparative analysis of some bioactive compounds in leaves of different Aloe species. . 2020; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bunea Andrea; Dumitrita Rugina; Copaciu Florina; Dulf Francisc; Veres Anastasia; Sonia Socaci; Pintea Adela. 2020. "Comparative analysis of some bioactive compounds in leaves of different Aloe species." , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 26 June 2020 in Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces
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A great amount of effort is directed towards the progress of cancer treatment approaches aspiring to develop non-invasive, targeted and highly efficient therapies. In this context, Photothermal (PTT) and Photodynamic (PDT) Therapies were proven as promising. This work aims to integrate the therapeutic activities of two near-infrared (NIR) photoactive biomaterials - gold nano-bipyramids (AuBPs) and Indocyanine Green (ICG) - into one single targeted hybrid nanosystem able to operate as dual PTT-PDT agent with higher efficiency compared with each one alone. Firstly, different aspect ratio’ AuBPs were systematically investigated in water solution for their intrinsic ability to efficiently generate toxic reactive oxygen species, namely oxygen singlet (1O2), under NIR laser irradiation, as this effect is less investigated in literature. Interestingly, the photodynamic activity of AuBPs measured by monitoring the photooxidation of 9,10-Anthracenediyl-bis(methylene)dimalonic acid (ABDA) – a well-known 1O2 sensor, is important, counting for 30 % decrease in ABDA optical absorbance for the most active AuBPs, well-correlating with the previously determined photothermal conversion efficiency. Furthermore, ICG was successfully grafted onto the Poly-lactic acid (PLA) coating of plasmonic nanoparticles and, consequently, the as-designed fully integrated hybrid nanosystem shows improved PTT-PDT performance in solution. Specifically, by triggering simultaneous PTT-PDT activities, the 1O2 amount is doubled, while the heating monitoring shows higher and faster increase in temperature compared to AuBPs alone. Finally, the efficiency of the combined PTT-PDT therapeutic activity was validated in vitro against B16-F10 cell line by covalent conjugation of the nanosystem with Folic Acid, which ensures the cellular recognition by overexpression of folate receptor.

ACS Style

Andreea Campu; Monica Focsan; Frederic Lerouge; Raluca Borlan; Leopold Tie; Dumitrita Rugina; Simion Astilean. ICG-loaded gold nano-bipyramids with NIR activatable dual PTT-PDT therapeutic potential in melanoma cells. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 2020, 194, 111213 .

AMA Style

Andreea Campu, Monica Focsan, Frederic Lerouge, Raluca Borlan, Leopold Tie, Dumitrita Rugina, Simion Astilean. ICG-loaded gold nano-bipyramids with NIR activatable dual PTT-PDT therapeutic potential in melanoma cells. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. 2020; 194 ():111213.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Andreea Campu; Monica Focsan; Frederic Lerouge; Raluca Borlan; Leopold Tie; Dumitrita Rugina; Simion Astilean. 2020. "ICG-loaded gold nano-bipyramids with NIR activatable dual PTT-PDT therapeutic potential in melanoma cells." Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 194, no. : 111213.

Journal article
Published: 25 March 2020 in Molecules
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Raman mapping is becoming a very useful tool in investigating cells and cellular components, as well as bioactive molecules intracellularly. In this study, we have encapsulated beta-carotene using a layer-by-layer technique, as a way to enhance its stability and bioavailability. Further, we have used Raman mapping to characterize the as-obtained capsules and monitor their uptake by the human retinal epithelial D407 cells. We were able to successfully map the beta-carotene distribution inside the capsules, to localize the capsules intracellularly, and distinguish between capsules and other cellular components.

ACS Style

Loredana F. Leopold; Oana Marișca; Ioana Oprea; Dumitrița Rugină; Maria Suciu; Mădălina Nistor; Maria Tofană; Nicolae Leopold; Cristina Coman. Cellular Internalization of Beta-Carotene Loaded Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Capsules by Raman Mapping. Molecules 2020, 25, 1477 .

AMA Style

Loredana F. Leopold, Oana Marișca, Ioana Oprea, Dumitrița Rugină, Maria Suciu, Mădălina Nistor, Maria Tofană, Nicolae Leopold, Cristina Coman. Cellular Internalization of Beta-Carotene Loaded Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Capsules by Raman Mapping. Molecules. 2020; 25 (7):1477.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Loredana F. Leopold; Oana Marișca; Ioana Oprea; Dumitrița Rugină; Maria Suciu; Mădălina Nistor; Maria Tofană; Nicolae Leopold; Cristina Coman. 2020. "Cellular Internalization of Beta-Carotene Loaded Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Capsules by Raman Mapping." Molecules 25, no. 7: 1477.

Research article
Published: 27 February 2020 in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
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Currently, one of the central problems in cancer management is the relapse of disease following conventional treatments, yet few therapeutic agents targeting resistance and tolerance exist. Propolis is known as a healing agent since ancient times. Therefore, over time, its curative properties have kept the interest of scientists, thus leading permanently to investigations of its other possible undiscovered effects. In this context, current experiments were performed to establish the chemopreventive potential of propolis extract (PE) (1.05 mg/kg BW/day) in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea- (MNU-) induced rat mammary tumors. MNU-inoculated/PE-treated rats had tumors of different physical attributes compared with control rats MNU-inoculated. The number of developed tumors (mean 49% versus 100%), incidence (mean 49% versus 100%), multiplicity (1.8 versus 3.7 (p < 0.001)), tumor volume (mean 10 cm3 versus 16 cm3 (p < 0.001)), and weight of the tumor mass (mean 7.42 g versus 9.00 g (p < 0.05)) were noted. The numbers of grade I tumors recorded for MNU-inoculated rats were 24 (Group 1) and 7 (Group 2) for MNU-induced/PE-treated rats. In the serum of rats MNU-inoculated/PE-treated were found higher levels of antioxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) than in MNU-induced. Taken together, these data indicate that propolis could be a chemopreventive agent against MNU-induced mammary carcinogenesis.

ACS Style

A. F. Gal; L. Stan; F. Tăbăran; D. Rugină; A. F. Cătoi; S. Andrei. Chemopreventive Effects of Propolis in the MNU-Induced Rat Mammary Tumor Model. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity 2020, 2020, 4014838 -13.

AMA Style

A. F. Gal, L. Stan, F. Tăbăran, D. Rugină, A. F. Cătoi, S. Andrei. Chemopreventive Effects of Propolis in the MNU-Induced Rat Mammary Tumor Model. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2020; 2020 ():4014838-13.

Chicago/Turabian Style

A. F. Gal; L. Stan; F. Tăbăran; D. Rugină; A. F. Cătoi; S. Andrei. 2020. "Chemopreventive Effects of Propolis in the MNU-Induced Rat Mammary Tumor Model." Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity 2020, no. : 4014838-13.

Journal article
Published: 27 December 2019 in Nutrients
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Sea buckthorn oil, derived from the fruits of the shrub, also termed seaberry or sandthorn, is without doubt a strikingly rich source of carotenoids, in particular zeaxanthin and β-carotene. In the present study, sea buckthorn oil and an oil-in-water emulsion were subjected to a simulated gastro-intestinal in vitro digestion, with the main focus on xanthophyll bioaccessibility. Zeaxanthin mono- and di-esters were the predominant carotenoids in sea buckthorn oil, with zeaxanthin dipalmitate as the major compound (38.0%). A typical fatty acid profile was found, with palmitic (49.4%), palmitoleic (28.0%), and oleic (11.7%) acids as the dominant fatty acids. Taking into account the high amount of carotenoid esters present in sea buckthorn oil, the use of cholesterol esterase was included in the in vitro digestion protocol. Total carotenoid bioaccessibility was higher for the oil-in-water emulsion (22.5%) compared to sea buckthorn oil (18.0%) and even higher upon the addition of cholesterol esterase (28.0% and 21.2%, respectively). In the case of sea buckthorn oil, of all the free carotenoids, zeaxanthin had the highest bioaccessibility (61.5%), followed by lutein (48.9%), making sea buckthorn oil a potential attractive source of bioaccessible xanthophylls.

ACS Style

Cristina Tudor; Torsten Bohn; Mohammed Iddir; Francisc Vasile Dulf; Monica Focşan; Dumitriţa Olivia Rugină; Adela Pintea. Sea Buckthorn Oil as a Valuable Source of Bioaccessible Xanthophylls. Nutrients 2019, 12, 76 .

AMA Style

Cristina Tudor, Torsten Bohn, Mohammed Iddir, Francisc Vasile Dulf, Monica Focşan, Dumitriţa Olivia Rugină, Adela Pintea. Sea Buckthorn Oil as a Valuable Source of Bioaccessible Xanthophylls. Nutrients. 2019; 12 (1):76.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Cristina Tudor; Torsten Bohn; Mohammed Iddir; Francisc Vasile Dulf; Monica Focşan; Dumitriţa Olivia Rugină; Adela Pintea. 2019. "Sea Buckthorn Oil as a Valuable Source of Bioaccessible Xanthophylls." Nutrients 12, no. 1: 76.

Journal article
Published: 15 November 2019 in Molecules
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Currently, research studies on nanoparticle cytotoxicity, uptake or internalization into the body’s cells are of great interest for the improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic applications. We report here the synthesis and characterization of very stable novel warfarin-capped gold nanoparticles with an average diameter of 54 ± 10 nm which were prepared using sodium warfarin as a reducing agent. The nanoparticles were tested in terms of cytotoxicity and cellular internalization in vitro on two cell lines: normal lung fibroblast HFL-1 and human retinal pigment epithelial D407 cells. Our results showed that the normal lung fibroblast HFL-1 cells were more sensitive to the nanoparticle treatment compared to the human retinal pigment epithelial D407 cells. Moreover, any signs of potential cytotoxicity occurred during the first 24 h of treatment, the cellular viability remaining largely unchanged for longer exposure times. Transmission electron microscopy and dark field hyperspectral imaging revealed that the nanoparticles were effectively delivered and released to the HFL-1 and D407 cells’ cytoplasm. Our results provide valuable information to further investigate sodium warfarin-capped gold nanoparticles for possible biological applications.

ACS Style

Loredana Florina Leopold; Dumitriţa Rugină; Ioana Oprea; Zorița Diaconeasa; Nicolae Leopold; Maria Suciu; Vasile Coman; Dan Cristian Vodnar; Adela Pintea; Cristina Coman. Warfarin-Capped Gold Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Cytotoxicity, and Cellular Uptake. Molecules 2019, 24, 4145 .

AMA Style

Loredana Florina Leopold, Dumitriţa Rugină, Ioana Oprea, Zorița Diaconeasa, Nicolae Leopold, Maria Suciu, Vasile Coman, Dan Cristian Vodnar, Adela Pintea, Cristina Coman. Warfarin-Capped Gold Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Cytotoxicity, and Cellular Uptake. Molecules. 2019; 24 (22):4145.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Loredana Florina Leopold; Dumitriţa Rugină; Ioana Oprea; Zorița Diaconeasa; Nicolae Leopold; Maria Suciu; Vasile Coman; Dan Cristian Vodnar; Adela Pintea; Cristina Coman. 2019. "Warfarin-Capped Gold Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Cytotoxicity, and Cellular Uptake." Molecules 24, no. 22: 4145.

Journal article
Published: 10 November 2019 in Antioxidants
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Being delicious and containing strong disease-fighting agents, berries represent an increasing proportion of fruits consumed nowadays in our diet. However, berries are highly perishable as fresh and, therefore, they are usually processed into various products to extend their shelf-life and availability throughout the year. Among the fruit-containing products, jam is one of the most common due to its nourishing properties, its low production costs, and its accessibility for a lengthy period. Rather than home preparation, consumers nowadays increasingly prefer to purchase commercial jams from markets due to its convenience. Although fresh berries have been extensively studied for their phenolic compounds, a limited number of studies investigating commercially manufactured jams have been conducted so far. Considering this, the objective of this study was to assess the total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin content and the antioxidant activity of five commonly consumed commercial berry jams (blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) and blackcurrant (Ribes nigrun) mixture, blackcurrant (Ribes nigrun), cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus)) collected from the market. Even though a possible loss of phenolics, anthocyanins, and a decrease of radical scavenging activity may occur during jam processing and subsequent storage, our data indicated that the selected commercial jams remained good sources of nutritive molecules with antioxidant properties based on the high levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and elevated antioxidant activities determined in this study. Additionally, the samples were characterized by GC-MS for their volatile profiles, and terpenes were found to be the dominating class covering more than 74% of volatile compounds in the jams.

ACS Style

Zoriţa Diaconeasa; Cristian I. Iuhas; Huseyin Ayvaz; Dumitriţa Rugină; Andreea Stanilă; Francisc Dulf; Andrea Bunea; Sonia Ancuța Socaci; Carmen Socaciu; Adela Pintea. Phytochemical Characterization of Commercial Processed Blueberry, Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Cranberry, and Raspberry and Their Antioxidant Activity. Antioxidants 2019, 8, 540 .

AMA Style

Zoriţa Diaconeasa, Cristian I. Iuhas, Huseyin Ayvaz, Dumitriţa Rugină, Andreea Stanilă, Francisc Dulf, Andrea Bunea, Sonia Ancuța Socaci, Carmen Socaciu, Adela Pintea. Phytochemical Characterization of Commercial Processed Blueberry, Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Cranberry, and Raspberry and Their Antioxidant Activity. Antioxidants. 2019; 8 (11):540.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zoriţa Diaconeasa; Cristian I. Iuhas; Huseyin Ayvaz; Dumitriţa Rugină; Andreea Stanilă; Francisc Dulf; Andrea Bunea; Sonia Ancuța Socaci; Carmen Socaciu; Adela Pintea. 2019. "Phytochemical Characterization of Commercial Processed Blueberry, Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Cranberry, and Raspberry and Their Antioxidant Activity." Antioxidants 8, no. 11: 540.

Review
Published: 01 July 2018 in Drug Design, Development and Therapy
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Antiangiogenic cytokines as potential new therapeutic targets for resveratrol in diabetic retinopathy Mihaela Popescu,1 Cătălina Bogdan,2 Adela Pintea,3 Dumitriţa Rugină,3 Corina Ionescu1 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Haţieganu”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; 2Department of Dermopharmacy and Cosmetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Haţieganu”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; 3Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects >350 million people worldwide. With many complications that can reduce the patient’s quality of life, vision loss is one of the most debilitating disorders it can cause. Active research in the field of diabetes includes microvascular complications in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Disturbances in the balance of pro-angiogenesis and anti-angiogenesis factors can lead to the progression of DR. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the outermost layer of the retina, and it is essential in maintaining the visual function. The RPE produces and secretes growth factors as well as protective agents which maintain structural integrity of the retina. Small natural molecules, such as resveratrol, may influence neurotrophic factors of the retina. The pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) are secreted by RPE cells. These two proteins inhibit angiogenesis and inflammation in RPE cells. An alteration of their production contributes to various eye diseases. There is a critical balance between two important factors secreted on opposite sides of the RPE: at the basal side, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; acts on the choroidal endothelium) and, on the apical side, PEDF (acts on neurons and photoreceptors). Resveratrol inhibits VEGF expression in human adult RPE cells and limits the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy, by attenuating transforming growth factor-β2-induced wound closure and cell migration. Possible new mechanisms could include PEDF and TSP-1 expression alterations under physiological and pathological conditions. Resveratrol is currently of interest due to its capacity to influence the cell’s secretory activity. Some limitations arise from its low bioavailability. Several drug delivery systems are currently tested, promising to improve tissue concentrations. This article reviews biological pathways involved in the pathogenesis of DR that could be influenced by resveratrol. A study of these pathways could identify new potential targets for the reduction of diabetic complications. Keywords: diabetes, retinal secretome, diabetic microvascular complications, phytoalexin

ACS Style

Mihaela Popescu; Cătălina Bogdan; Adela Pintea; Dumitrița Rugină; Corina Ionescu. Antiangiogenic cytokines as potential new therapeutic targets for resveratrol in diabetic retinopathy. Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2018, ume 12, 1985 -1996.

AMA Style

Mihaela Popescu, Cătălina Bogdan, Adela Pintea, Dumitrița Rugină, Corina Ionescu. Antiangiogenic cytokines as potential new therapeutic targets for resveratrol in diabetic retinopathy. Drug Design, Development and Therapy. 2018; ume 12 ():1985-1996.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mihaela Popescu; Cătălina Bogdan; Adela Pintea; Dumitrița Rugină; Corina Ionescu. 2018. "Antiangiogenic cytokines as potential new therapeutic targets for resveratrol in diabetic retinopathy." Drug Design, Development and Therapy ume 12, no. : 1985-1996.

Original paper
Published: 11 November 2017 in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition
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Anthocyanins are water soluble pigments which have been proved to exhibit health benefits. Several studies have investigated their effects on several types of cancer, but little attention has been given to melanoma. The phytochemical content of nine different berry samples was assessed by liquid chromatography followed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI+-MS). Twenty-six anthocyanins were identified, after a previous C18 Sep-pak clean-up procedure. Chokeberry and red grape anthocyanins rich extracts (C-ARE and RG-ARE) were selected to be tested on normal and melanoma cell lines, due to their different chemical pattern. C-ARE composition consists of cyanidin aglycone glycosylated with different sugars; while RG-ARE contains glucosylated derivatives of five different aglycones. Both C-ARE and RG-ARE anthocyanins reduced proliferation, increased oxidative stress biomarkers and diminished mitochondrial membrane potential in melanoma cells, having no negative influence on normal cells. A synergistic response may be attributed to the five different aglycones present in RG-ARE, which proved to exert greater effects on melanoma cells than the mixture of cyanidin derivatives with different sugars (C-ARE). In conclusion, C-ARE and RG-ARE anthocyanins may inhibit melanoma cell proliferation and increase the level of oxidative stress, with opposite effect on normal cells. Therefore, anthocyanins might be recommended as active ingredients for cosmetic and nutraceutical industry.

ACS Style

Zorita Diaconeasa; Huseyin Ayvaz; Dumitriţa Ruginǎ; Loredana Florina Leopold; Andreea Stǎnilǎ; Carmen Socaciu; Flaviu Tăbăran; Lavinia Luput; Diana Carla Mada; Adela Pintea; Andrew Jefferson. Melanoma Inhibition by Anthocyanins Is Associated with the Reduction of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Changes in Mitochondrial Membrane Potential. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition 2017, 72, 404 -410.

AMA Style

Zorita Diaconeasa, Huseyin Ayvaz, Dumitriţa Ruginǎ, Loredana Florina Leopold, Andreea Stǎnilǎ, Carmen Socaciu, Flaviu Tăbăran, Lavinia Luput, Diana Carla Mada, Adela Pintea, Andrew Jefferson. Melanoma Inhibition by Anthocyanins Is Associated with the Reduction of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Changes in Mitochondrial Membrane Potential. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition. 2017; 72 (4):404-410.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zorita Diaconeasa; Huseyin Ayvaz; Dumitriţa Ruginǎ; Loredana Florina Leopold; Andreea Stǎnilǎ; Carmen Socaciu; Flaviu Tăbăran; Lavinia Luput; Diana Carla Mada; Adela Pintea; Andrew Jefferson. 2017. "Melanoma Inhibition by Anthocyanins Is Associated with the Reduction of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Changes in Mitochondrial Membrane Potential." Plant Foods for Human Nutrition 72, no. 4: 404-410.

Book chapter
Published: 02 August 2017 in Functional Food - Improve Health through Adequate Food
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Antioxidant Compounds Recovered from Food Wastes | InTechOpen, Published on: 2017-08-02. Authors: Sonia Ancuța Socaci, Dumitrița Olivia Rugină, Zorița Maria Diaconeasa, et

ACS Style

Sonia Ancuța Socaci; Dumitrița Olivia Rugină; Zorița Maria Diaconeasa; Oana Lelia Pop; Anca Corina Fărcaș; Adriana Păucean; Maria Tofană; Adela Pintea. Antioxidant Compounds Recovered from Food Wastes. Functional Food - Improve Health through Adequate Food 2017, 1 .

AMA Style

Sonia Ancuța Socaci, Dumitrița Olivia Rugină, Zorița Maria Diaconeasa, Oana Lelia Pop, Anca Corina Fărcaș, Adriana Păucean, Maria Tofană, Adela Pintea. Antioxidant Compounds Recovered from Food Wastes. Functional Food - Improve Health through Adequate Food. 2017; ():1.

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Sonia Ancuța Socaci; Dumitrița Olivia Rugină; Zorița Maria Diaconeasa; Oana Lelia Pop; Anca Corina Fărcaș; Adriana Păucean; Maria Tofană; Adela Pintea. 2017. "Antioxidant Compounds Recovered from Food Wastes." Functional Food - Improve Health through Adequate Food , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 30 April 2017 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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Elderberries are known for their high anthocyanins content, which have been shown to possess anti-proliferative and anti-cancer effects. Anthocyanins enriched extract (AEE) was obtained from elderberries and was characterized by LC/DAD/ESI-MS analysis. Five cyanidin-based anthocyanins were identified, among which Cy-3-O-samb was the major compound (51%). The total anthocyanins content of AEE was 495 mg Cy-3-O-samb/100 g FW. AEE inhibited proliferation of metastatic B16-F10 murine melanoma cells, in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 264.3 μg/mL. LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), as a marker of membrane integrity, increased 74% in B16-F10 cells treated with 250 μg/mL AEE, compared to control. It was observed that apoptosis is the mechanism of melanoma cell death after AEE treatment, confirmed morphologically by acridine orange/ethidium bromide double staining and TUNEL analysis. These results indicate that elderberry-derived anthocyanins might be utilized in future applications as topical adjuvant in skin cancer therapy.

ACS Style

Dumitriţa Rugină; Daniela Hanganu; Zoriţa Diaconeasa; Flaviu Tăbăran; Cristina Coman; Loredana Leopold; Andrea Bunea; Adela Pintea. Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Potential of Cyanidin-Based Anthocyanins on Melanoma Cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2017, 18, 1 .

AMA Style

Dumitriţa Rugină, Daniela Hanganu, Zoriţa Diaconeasa, Flaviu Tăbăran, Cristina Coman, Loredana Leopold, Andrea Bunea, Adela Pintea. Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Potential of Cyanidin-Based Anthocyanins on Melanoma Cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2017; 18 (5):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Dumitriţa Rugină; Daniela Hanganu; Zoriţa Diaconeasa; Flaviu Tăbăran; Cristina Coman; Loredana Leopold; Andrea Bunea; Adela Pintea. 2017. "Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Potential of Cyanidin-Based Anthocyanins on Melanoma Cells." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 18, no. 5: 1.

Research article
Published: 31 May 2015 in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
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The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of a chokeberry anthocyanin extract (CAE) on pancreaticβ-cells (βTC3) exposed to hydrogen peroxide- (H2O2-) and high glucose- (HG-) induced oxidative stress conditions. In order to quantify individual anthocyanins high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to photodiode array (PDA) was used. The identification of the fragment ion pattern of anthocyanins was carried out by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). The results showed that physiologically achievable concentrations of CAE (1, 5, and 10 μM) protectβTC3 against H2O2- and HG-induced cytotoxicity. Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were increased in pancreaticβ-cells pretreated with CAE compared to cells exposed to the prooxidant agents. GSH levels initially reduced after exposure to H2O2and HG were restored by pretreatment with CAE. Insulin secretion inβTC3 cells was enhanced by CAE pretreatment. CAE restored the insulin pool and diminished the intracellular reactive oxygen species level in glucose-induced stress condition inβTC3 cells. These results demonstrate that anthocyanins from CAE were biologically active, showing a secretagogue potential and an antioxidative protection of enzymatic systems, conferring protection against H2O2and glucose toxicity inβTC3 cells.

ACS Style

Dumitrita Olivia Rugina; Zorita Diaconeasa; Cristina Coman; Andrea Bunea; Carmen Socaciu; Adela Pintea. Chokeberry Anthocyanin Extract as Pancreaticβ-Cell Protectors in Two Models of Induced Oxidative Stress. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity 2015, 2015, 1 -10.

AMA Style

Dumitrita Olivia Rugina, Zorita Diaconeasa, Cristina Coman, Andrea Bunea, Carmen Socaciu, Adela Pintea. Chokeberry Anthocyanin Extract as Pancreaticβ-Cell Protectors in Two Models of Induced Oxidative Stress. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2015; 2015 ():1-10.

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Dumitrita Olivia Rugina; Zorita Diaconeasa; Cristina Coman; Andrea Bunea; Carmen Socaciu; Adela Pintea. 2015. "Chokeberry Anthocyanin Extract as Pancreaticβ-Cell Protectors in Two Models of Induced Oxidative Stress." Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity 2015, no. : 1-10.

Journal article
Published: 22 January 2015 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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The present study was aimed at evaluating the antiproliferative potential of anthocyanin-rich fractions (ARFs) obtained from two commercially available juices (blueberry and blackcurrant juices) on three tumor cell lines; B16F10 (murine melanoma), A2780 (ovarian cancer) and HeLa (cervical cancer). Individual anthocyanin determination, identification and quantification were done using HPLC-MS. Antioxidant activity of the juices was determined through different mechanism methods such as DPPH and ORAC. For biological testing, the juices were purified through C18 cartridges in order to obtain fractions rich in anthocyanins. The major anthocyanins identified were glycosylated cyanidin derivatives. The antiproliferative activity of the fractions was tested using the MTT assay. The antiproliferative potential of ARF was found to be associated with those bioactive molecules, anthocyanins due to their antioxidant potential. The results obtained indicated that both blueberry and blackcurrants are rich sources of antioxidants including anthocyanins and therefore these fruits are highly recommended for daily consumption to prevent numerous degenerative diseases.

ACS Style

Zoriţa Diaconeasa; Loredana Leopold; Dumitriţa Rugină; Huseyin Ayvaz; Carmen Socaciu. Antiproliferative and Antioxidant Properties of Anthocyanin Rich Extracts from Blueberry and Blackcurrant Juice. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2015, 16, 2352 -2365.

AMA Style

Zoriţa Diaconeasa, Loredana Leopold, Dumitriţa Rugină, Huseyin Ayvaz, Carmen Socaciu. Antiproliferative and Antioxidant Properties of Anthocyanin Rich Extracts from Blueberry and Blackcurrant Juice. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2015; 16 (2):2352-2365.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zoriţa Diaconeasa; Loredana Leopold; Dumitriţa Rugină; Huseyin Ayvaz; Carmen Socaciu. 2015. "Antiproliferative and Antioxidant Properties of Anthocyanin Rich Extracts from Blueberry and Blackcurrant Juice." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 16, no. 2: 2352-2365.

Book chapter
Published: 01 January 2014 in Handbook of Nutrition, Diet and the Eye
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Adela Pintea; Dumitrita Olivia Rugina. Resveratrol and the Human Retina. Handbook of Nutrition, Diet and the Eye 2014, 481 -491.

AMA Style

Adela Pintea, Dumitrita Olivia Rugina. Resveratrol and the Human Retina. Handbook of Nutrition, Diet and the Eye. 2014; ():481-491.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Adela Pintea; Dumitrita Olivia Rugina. 2014. "Resveratrol and the Human Retina." Handbook of Nutrition, Diet and the Eye , no. : 481-491.