Papers by Loukia Vassilopoulou
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2017
The present review aims to delve into persistent organic pollutants (POPs) , as xenobiotics, in c... more The present review aims to delve into persistent organic pollutants (POPs) , as xenobiotics, in correlation to human health. POPs exhibit a group of common characteristics, including lipophilicity, persistence to decomposition and bioaccumulation in tissues. POPs have been thoroughly studied by former researchers, as they offer a particular interest in the elucidation of metabolic, endocrine and immune perturbation caused by their synergy with intracellular mechanisms. Herein particular focus is attributed to the relationship of POPs with obesity provocation. Obesity nowadays receives epidemic dimensions, as its prevalence elevates in an exponential degree. POPs-induced obesity rotates around interfering in metabolic and endocrinal procedures and interacting with peroxisome-proliferator and retinoic receptors. Moreover, polymorphisms in CYP gene families exert a negative result, as they incapacitate detoxification of POPs. Obesity could be deemed as a multidimensional condition, as various factors interact to lead to an obesogenic result. Therefore, concomitant disorders may occur, from mild to lethal, and get intensified due to POPs exposure. POPs exact function mechanisms remain rather enigmatic, thus further investigation should be prospectively performed, for a more lucid picture of this issue, and, consequently for the establishment of alternative solutions.
Elsevier eBooks, 2021
Abstract Endocrine disrupting chemicals have recently come to the forefront of toxicology due to ... more Abstract Endocrine disrupting chemicals have recently come to the forefront of toxicology due to their effects on human health and rather distinctive features that challenge traditional concepts in toxicology. Major issues in the studies of Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are low-dose and long-term exposure, the presence of nonmonotonic dose–response curves, and the concept of the threshold of adversity. Another point is that following the concept of Real-Life Risk Simulation, it is evident that humans are exposed to mixtures of EDCs, rather than to a single EDC. The chapter reviews these concepts with special attention given to their implication in human health risk assessment. Furthermore, some approaches to limit human exposure will be discussed to define steps that will lead to a higher standard of public health.
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, Mar 6, 2019
Endometriosis is a pathological condition which has been extensively studied, since its pathophys... more Endometriosis is a pathological condition which has been extensively studied, since its pathophysiology stems from a broad spectrum of environmental influences and genetic factors. Familial studies aim at defining inheritance trends, while linkage analysis studies focus on the identification of genetic sites related to endometriosis susceptibility. Genetic association studies take into account candidate genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms, and hence target at unraveling the association between disease severity and genetic variation. The common goal of various types of studies is, through genetic mapping methods, the timely identification of therapeutic strategies for disease symptoms, including pelvic pain and infertility, as well as efficient counselling. While genome-wide association studies (GWAS) play a primary role in depicting genetic contributions to disease development, they entail a certain bias as regards the case-control nature of their design and the reproducibility of the results. Nevertheless, genetic-oriented studies and the implementation of the results through clinical tests, hold a considerable advantage in proper disease management. In this review article, we present information about gene-gene and gene-environment interactions involved in endometriosis and discuss the effectiveness of GWAS in identitying novel potential therapeutic targets in an attempt to develop novel therapeutic strategies for a better management and treatment of patients with endometriosis.
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, Jun 13, 2018
The aim of the present review was to discuss a matter of concern in the clinical field of obstetr... more The aim of the present review was to discuss a matter of concern in the clinical field of obstetrics/gynecology, namely the potency of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the management of endometriosis-associated infertility. Endometriosis is a medical condition affecting one tenth of women in their fertile years, and accounts for up to 50% of infertile women. Thus, such high prevalence has established the necessity for investigating the effectiveness of available techniques in eradicating the disease and constraining infertility as well as the accompanying pain symptoms of endometriosis. The underlying mechanisms connecting endometriosis with low fecundity have been extensively studied, both in terms of genetic alterations and epigenetic events that contribute to the manifestation of an infertility phenotype in women with the disease. Several studies have dealt with the impact of IVF in pregnancy rates (PRs) on patients with endometriosis, particularly regarding women who wish to conceive. Results retrieved from studies and meta-analyses depict a diverse pattern of IVF success, underlining the involvement of individual parameters in the configuration of the final outcome. The ultimate decision on undergoing IVF treatment should be based on objective criteria and clinicians' experience, customized according to patients' individual needs. Contents 1. Introduction: Endometriosis as a medical condition 2. Endometriosis-associated infertility 3. Conlusion
Clinical Microbiology and Infection
European Journal of Pediatrics, Apr 6, 2021
Acute diarrhea is one of the most frequent causes of doctor visits and hospital admissions for ch... more Acute diarrhea is one of the most frequent causes of doctor visits and hospital admissions for children. Our objective was to evaluate the association between probiotics administration and reduction of acute infectious diarrhea duration in children dwelling in developed countries. Bibliographic databases, gray literature, and reference lists were searched up to September 29, 2019. Double-blind, randomized controlled trials that examined probiotics efficacy in children with acute infectious diarrhea residing in developed countries were included. Data were synthesized by generic inverse variance method using fixed- and random-effects model. Twenty trials met the eligibility criteria (n = 3469 patients) and were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 19 studies in meta-analysis. Twelve trials (n = 840) were assessed as high/unclear risk of bias and eight (n = 2629) as low risk of bias. Comparisons revealed a moderate effectiveness of probiotics in low risk of bias studies (MD = − 13.45 h; 95% CI − 24.26, − 2.62; p = 0.02, Bayesian meta-analysis pooled effect MD = − 0.38, 95% CrI − 2.3, 1.58) and a notable effect in studies with high/unclear risk for bias (MD = − 19.70 h; 95% CI − 28.09, − 11.31; p = 0.0004). In trials of optimal methodological quality (n = 1989), probiotics effect was absent (MD = − 3.32 h; 95% CI − 8.78, 2.13, p = 0.23). Conclusion: Outcomes suggest that probiotics do not demonstrate sufficient clinical impact in reducing diarrhea duration in children in the developed countries. Systematic Review Registration: This review is registered at PROSPERO (ID: CRD42020152966). What is Known: • Probiotics, due to the conflicting study results, are administered without adequate evidence as an adjuvant therapeutic agent for eliminating duration of acute infectious diarrhea in pediatric patients. What is New: • In developed countries, probiotics are demonstrated as ineffective in reducing the duration of acute infectious diarrhea in children. What is Known: • Probiotics, due to the conflicting study results, are administered without adequate evidence as an adjuvant therapeutic agent for eliminating duration of acute infectious diarrhea in pediatric patients. What is New: • In developed countries, probiotics are demonstrated as ineffective in reducing the duration of acute infectious diarrhea in children.
Acute diarrhea is one of the most frequent causes of doctor visits and hospital admissions for ch... more Acute diarrhea is one of the most frequent causes of doctor visits and hospital admissions for children. Our objective was to evaluate the association between probiotics administration and reduction of acute infectious diarrhea duration in children dwelling in developed countries. Bibliographic databases, gray literature, and reference lists were searched up to September 29, 2019. Double-blind, randomized controlled trials that examined probiotics efficacy in children with acute infectious diarrhea residing in developed countries were included. Data were synthesized by generic inverse variance method using fixed- and random-effects model. Twenty trials met the eligibility criteria (n = 3469 patients) and were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 19 studies in meta-analysis. Twelve trials (n = 840) were assessed as high/unclear risk of bias and eight (n = 2629) as low risk of bias. Comparisons revealed a moderate effectiveness of probiotics in low risk of bias studies (MD = − 1...
Oncology Reports, 2018
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common cancers. In fact, it is placed in the third plac... more Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common cancers. In fact, it is placed in the third place among the most diagnosed cancer in men, after lung and prostate cancer, and in the second one for the most diagnosed cancer in women, following breast cancer. Moreover, its high mortality rates classifies it among the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Thus, in order to help clinicians to optimize their practice, it is crucial to introduce more effective tools that will improve not only early diagnosis, but also prediction of the most likely progression of the disease and response to chemotherapy. In that way, they will be able to decrease both morbidity and mortality of their patients. In accordance with that, colon cancer research has described numerous biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic and predictive purposes that either alone or as part of a panel would help improve patient's clinical management. This review aims to describe the most accepted biomarkers among those proposed for use in CRC divided based on the clinical specimen that is examined (tissue, faeces or blood) along with their restrictions. Lastly, new insight in CRC monitoring will be discussed presenting promising emerging biomarkers (telomerase activity, telomere length and micronuclei frequency).
Health Care of the Russian Federation, 2019
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 2019
Endometriosis is a pathological condition which has been extensively studied, since its pathophys... more Endometriosis is a pathological condition which has been extensively studied, since its pathophysiology stems from a broad spectrum of environmental influences and genetic factors. Familial studies aim at defining inheritance trends, while linkage analysis studies focus on the identification of genetic sites related to endometriosis susceptibility. Genetic association studies take into account candidate genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms, and hence target at unraveling the association between disease severity and genetic variation. The common goal of various types of studies is, through genetic mapping methods, the timely identification of therapeutic strategies for disease symptoms, including pelvic pain and infertility, as well as efficient counselling. While genome-wide association studies (GWAS) play a primary role in depicting genetic contributions to disease development, they entail a certain bias as regards the case-control nature of their design and the reproducibility of the results. Nevertheless, genetic-oriented studies and the implementation of the results through clinical tests, hold a considerable advantage in proper disease management. In this review article, we present information about gene-gene and gene-environment interactions involved in endometriosis and discuss the effectiveness of GWAS in identitying novel potential therapeutic targets in an attempt to develop novel therapeutic strategies for a better management and treatment of patients with endometriosis.
Toxicology Reports, 2018
Since ancient times the concept of dose response, from a toxicological perspective, has been a ma... more Since ancient times the concept of dose response, from a toxicological perspective, has been a matter of concern. Already by the 8th century BC and over the years, many enlightened people have attempted to interpret this phenomenon, observing and coming across its results and practical implementation through exposure to chemical substances, either from natural or synthetic sources. Nowadays, the environmental exposure of human populations to chemicals in terms of quantity and quality might differ. Nevertheless, dose response still remains an issue joining hands with scientific and technological progress. The aim of the present review is not only to briefly recount the history of the dose response concept, from ancient time theories to novel approaches, but also to draw the outline of challenges and requirements toxicology science needs to fulfill.
Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 2017
The present review aims to delve into persistent organic pollutants (POPs) , as xenobiotics, in c... more The present review aims to delve into persistent organic pollutants (POPs) , as xenobiotics, in correlation to human health. POPs exhibit a group of common characteristics, including lipophilicity, persistence to decomposition and bioaccumulation in tissues. POPs have been thoroughly studied by former researchers, as they offer a particular interest in the elucidation of metabolic, endocrine and immune perturbation caused by their synergy with intracellular mechanisms. Herein particular focus is attributed to the relationship of POPs with obesity provocation. Obesity nowadays receives epidemic dimensions, as its prevalence elevates in an exponential degree. POPs-induced obesity rotates around interfering in metabolic and endocrinal procedures and interacting with peroxisome-proliferator and retinoic receptors. Moreover, polymorphisms in CYP gene families exert a negative result, as they incapacitate detoxification of POPs. Obesity could be deemed as a multidimensional condition, as ...
Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2017
Exposure to organophosphorus nerve agents, the most deadly chemical warfare agents, is possible i... more Exposure to organophosphorus nerve agents, the most deadly chemical warfare agents, is possible in a variety of situations, such as destruction of chemical warfare agents, terrorist 3 attacks, armed conflicts or accidents in research laboratories and storage facilities. Hundreds of thousands of tons of chemical munitions were disposed of at the sea in the post World War II period, with European, Russian, Japanese and US coasts being the most affected. Sulfur mustard, Lewisite and nerve agents appear to be the most frequently chemical warfare agents disposed of at the sea. Addressing the overall environmental risk, it has been one of the priorities of the world community since that time. Aside from confirming exposure to nerve agents in the alleged use for forensic purposes, the detection and identification of biological markers of exposure are also needed for the diagnosis and treatment of poisoning, in addition to occupational health monitoring for specific profiles of workers. When estimating detrimental effects of acute or potential chronic sub-lethal doses of organophosphorus nerve agents, released accidentally or intentionally into the environment, it is necessary to understand the wide spectra of physical, chemical and toxicological properties of these agents, and predict their ultimate fate in environmental systems.
Toxicology Reports, 2017
The association between genetic variations in the cytochrome P450 (CYP) family genes and patholog... more The association between genetic variations in the cytochrome P450 (CYP) family genes and pathological conditions related to long-term exposure to organochlorine compounds (OCs) deserves further elucidation. OCs are persistent organic pollutants with bioaccumulative and lipophilic characteristics. They can act as endocrine disruptors and perturb cellular mechanisms. Prolonged exposure to OCs has been associated with different pathological manifestations. CYP genes are responsible for transcribing enzymes essential in xenobiotic metabolism. Therefore, polymorphisms in these genetic sequences a. alter the metabolic pathways, b. induce false cellular responses, and c. may provoke pathological conditions. The main aim of this review is to define the interaction between parameters a, b and c at a mechanistic/molecular level, with references in clinical cases.
Toxicological Risk Assessment and Multi-System Health Impacts from Exposure, 2021
Abstract Endocrine disrupting chemicals have recently come to the forefront of toxicology due to ... more Abstract Endocrine disrupting chemicals have recently come to the forefront of toxicology due to their effects on human health and rather distinctive features that challenge traditional concepts in toxicology. Major issues in the studies of Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are low-dose and long-term exposure, the presence of nonmonotonic dose–response curves, and the concept of the threshold of adversity. Another point is that following the concept of Real-Life Risk Simulation, it is evident that humans are exposed to mixtures of EDCs, rather than to a single EDC. The chapter reviews these concepts with special attention given to their implication in human health risk assessment. Furthermore, some approaches to limit human exposure will be discussed to define steps that will lead to a higher standard of public health.
European Journal of Pediatrics, Springer Nature, 2021
Acute diarrhea is one of the most frequent causes of doctor visits and hospital admissions for ch... more Acute diarrhea is one of the most frequent causes of doctor visits and hospital admissions for children. Our objective was to evaluate the association between probiotics administration and reduction of acute infectious diarrhea duration in children dwelling in developed countries. Bibliographic databases, gray literature, and reference lists were searched up to September 29, 2019. Double-blind, randomized controlled trials that examined probiotics efficacy in children with acute infectious diarrhea residing in developed countries were included. Data were synthesized by generic inverse variance method using fixed- and random-effects model. Twenty trials met the eligibility criteria (n = 3469 patients) and were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 19 studies in meta-analysis. Twelve trials (n = 840) were assessed as high/unclear risk of bias and eight (n = 2629) as low risk of bias. Comparisons revealed a moderate effectiveness of probiotics in low risk of bias studies (MD = − 13.45 h; 95% CI − 24.26, − 2.62; p = 0.02, Bayesian meta-analysis pooled effect MD = − 0.38, 95% CrI − 2.3, 1.58) and a notable effect in studies with high/unclear risk for bias (MD = − 19.70 h; 95% CI − 28.09, − 11.31; p = 0.0004). In trials of optimal methodological quality (n = 1989), probiotics effect was absent (MD = − 3.32 h; 95% CI − 8.78, 2.13, p = 0.23).
Conclusion: Outcomes suggest that probiotics do not demonstrate sufficient clinical impact in reducing diarrhea duration in children in the developed countries.
Experimental & Therapeutic Medicine, Spandidos Publications, 2019
Endometriosis is a pathological condition which has been extensively studied, since its pathophys... more Endometriosis is a pathological condition which has been extensively studied, since its pathophysiology stems from a broad spectrum of environmental influences and genetic factors. Familial studies aim at defining inheritance trends, while linkage analysis studies focus on the identification of genetic sites related to endometriosis susceptibility. Genetic association studies take into account candidate genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms, and hence target at unraveling the association between disease severity and genetic variation. The common goal of various types of studies is, through genetic mapping methods, the timely identification of therapeutic strategies for disease symptoms, including pelvic pain and infertility, as well as efficient counselling. While genome-wide association studies (GWAS) play a primary role in depicting genetic contributions to disease development, they entail a certain bias as regards the case-control nature of their design and the reproducibility of the results. Nevertheless, genetic-oriented studies and the implementation of the results through clinical tests, hold a considerable advantage in proper disease management. In this review article, we present information about gene-gene and gene-environment interactions involved in endometriosis and discuss the effectiveness of GWAS in identifying novel potential therapeutic targets in an attempt to develop novel therapeutic strategies for a better management and treatment of patients with endometriosis.
Toxicology Reports, Elsevier, 2018
Since ancient times the concept of dose response, from a toxicological perspective, has been a ma... more Since ancient times the concept of dose response, from a toxicological perspective, has been a matter of concern. Already by the 8th century BC and over the years, many enlightened people have attempted to interpret this phenomenon, observing and coming across its results and practical implementation through exposure to chemical substances, either from natural or synthetic sources. Nowadays, the environmental exposure of human populations to chemicals in terms of quantity and quality might differ. Nevertheless, dose response still remains an issue joining hands with scientific and technological progress. The aim of the present review is not only to briefly recount the history of the dose response concept, from ancient time theories to novel approaches, but also to draw the outline of challenges and requirements toxicology science needs to fulfill.
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, Spandidos Publications, 2018
The aim of the present review was to discuss a matter of concern in the clinical field of obstetr... more The aim of the present review was to discuss a matter of concern in the clinical field of obstetrics/gyne cology, namely the potency of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the management of endometriosis-associated infertility. Endometriosis is a medical condition affecting one tenth of women in their fertile years, and accounts for up to 50% of infertile women. Thus, such high prevalence has established the necessity for investigating the effectiveness of avail able techniques in eradicating the disease and constraining infertility as well as the accompanying pain symptoms of endometriosis. The underlying mechanisms connecting endometriosis with low fecundity have been extensively studied, both in terms of genetic alterations and epigenetic events that contribute to the manifestation of an infertility phenotype in women with the disease. Several studies have dealt with the impact of IVF in pregnancy rates (PRs) on patients with endometriosis, particularly regarding women who wish to conceive. Results retrieved from studies and meta-analyses depict a diverse pattern of IVF success, underlining the involvement of individual parameters in the configuration of the final outcome. The ultimate decision on undergoing IVF treatment should be based on objective criteria and clinicians' experience, customized according to patients' individual needs.
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Papers by Loukia Vassilopoulou
Conclusion: Outcomes suggest that probiotics do not demonstrate sufficient clinical impact in reducing diarrhea duration in children in the developed countries.
Conclusion: Outcomes suggest that probiotics do not demonstrate sufficient clinical impact in reducing diarrhea duration in children in the developed countries.