George Jîtcă
YOU?
Author Swipe
View article: Methylphenidate and Its Impact on Redox Balance and Behavior
Methylphenidate and Its Impact on Redox Balance and Behavior Open
Methylphenidate (MPH) and its active enantiomer, dexmethylphenidate, are widely prescribed as first-line therapies for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), yet their increasing non-medical use highlights significant clinical an…
View article: Self-Medication: Attitudes and Behaviors Among Pharmacy and Medical Students
Self-Medication: Attitudes and Behaviors Among Pharmacy and Medical Students Open
Self-medication is increasingly prevalent among healthcare students, raising concerns about the adequacy of current medical education in promoting safe medication practices. This study aimed to assess the frequency, motivations, and percep…
View article: Cannabidiol Treatment in a Predator-Based Animal Model of PTSD: Assessing Oxidative Stress and Memory Performance
Cannabidiol Treatment in a Predator-Based Animal Model of PTSD: Assessing Oxidative Stress and Memory Performance Open
Numerous preclinical and clinical studies indicate that CBD possesses various therapeutic properties, including antipsychotic, analgesic, anticonvulsant, antineoplastic, and antioxidant effects. Recent research has also highlighted its pot…
View article: The role of AMPK activation in metabolic regulation, energy homeostasis and aging: A comprehensive overview
The role of AMPK activation in metabolic regulation, energy homeostasis and aging: A comprehensive overview Open
5’ Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a metabolic sensor responsible for maintaining homeostasis, regulating metabolic control, monitoring energy status, and balancing energy production with consumption. The m…
View article: Exploring the Inhibitory Potential of Phytosterols β-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol, and Campesterol on 5-Alpha Reductase Activity in the Human Prostate: An In Vitro and In Silico Approach
Exploring the Inhibitory Potential of Phytosterols β-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol, and Campesterol on 5-Alpha Reductase Activity in the Human Prostate: An In Vitro and In Silico Approach Open
Steroidal 5α-reductase type 2 (S5αR2) is a key enzyme involved in the conversion of testosterone (TST) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a crucial process in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Phytosterols (PSs), natural pl…
View article: Phytosterols and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Management: Knowledge and Perceptions Among Future Healthcare Professionals
Phytosterols and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Management: Knowledge and Perceptions Among Future Healthcare Professionals Open
Background Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in elderly men, with a growing global incidence. Dietary supplements containing phytosterols (DS-PS) are increasingly used as complementary treatments for BPH. However, th…
View article: Off-Label Pediatric Medication Prescribing and Dispensing: Awareness and Attitudes among Community Pharmacists: A Questionnaire-Based Study
Off-Label Pediatric Medication Prescribing and Dispensing: Awareness and Attitudes among Community Pharmacists: A Questionnaire-Based Study Open
Off-label practice in pediatrics requires relentless engagement from all the health professionals involved. Community pharmacists are the last ones in the prescribing–dispensing chain; therefore, they have the key responsibility of verifyi…
View article: Meldonium Supplementation in Professional Athletes: Career Destroyer or Lifesaver?
Meldonium Supplementation in Professional Athletes: Career Destroyer or Lifesaver? Open
Meldonium is a substance with known anti-anginal effects demonstrated by numerous studies and human clinical trials; however, it does not possess marketing authorization within the European Union, only in ex-Soviet republics. Since 2016, m…
View article: Cannabidiol, a promising therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. A mini-review
Cannabidiol, a promising therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. A mini-review Open
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder, manifesting in people who have endured traumatic events like violence, war, natural disasters, accidents, or other life-threatening situations. Essentially, PTSD is a chron…
View article: Assessing β-Sitosterol Levels in Dietary Supplements for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Implications for Therapeutic Efficacy
Assessing β-Sitosterol Levels in Dietary Supplements for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Implications for Therapeutic Efficacy Open
Introduction Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition among aging men that affects their life quality due to urinary symptoms. Current pharmacologic treatments, often lead to sexual dysfunction, so dietary supplements (D…
View article: Drug Repurposing of Metformin for the Treatment of Haloperidol-Related Behavior Disorders and Oxidative Stress: A Preliminary Study
Drug Repurposing of Metformin for the Treatment of Haloperidol-Related Behavior Disorders and Oxidative Stress: A Preliminary Study Open
A particular attribute of the brain lies in the ability to learn, acquire information from the environment, and utilize the learned information. Previous research has noted that various factors (e.g., age, stress, anxiety, pathological iss…
View article: The Risks of “Getting High” on Over-the-Counter Drugs during Pregnancy
The Risks of “Getting High” on Over-the-Counter Drugs during Pregnancy Open
Easy access to over-the-counter (OTC) drugs makes it possible to procure active substances that normally used in therapeutic doses do not raise health problems. The use of high doses of OTC drugs containing codeine, loperamide, pseudoephed…
View article: Hormone Imbalance in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Hormone Imbalance in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Open
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a disease that is characterized by an increased Gonadotropin-Releasing-Hormone (GnRH) pulsatile frequency, causing an altered LH/FSH ratio. More precisely an increased Luteinizing Hormone (LH) secretio…
View article: Stability of Oral Liquid Dosage Forms in Pediatric Cardiology: A Prerequisite for Patient’s Safety—A Narrative Review
Stability of Oral Liquid Dosage Forms in Pediatric Cardiology: A Prerequisite for Patient’s Safety—A Narrative Review Open
The development of safe and effective pediatric formulations is essential, especially in therapeutic areas such as pediatric cardiology, where the treatment requires multiple dosing or outpatient care. Although liquid oral dosage forms are…
View article: The Lack of Standardization and Pharmacological Effect Limits the Potential Clinical Usefulness of Phytosterols in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
The Lack of Standardization and Pharmacological Effect Limits the Potential Clinical Usefulness of Phytosterols in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Open
The prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) markedly increases with age. Phytotherapeutic approaches have been developed over time owing to the adverse side effects of conventional medications such as 5-reductase inhibitors and α1…
View article: Benzydamine—An Affordable Over-the-Counter Drug with Psychoactive Properties—From Chemical Structure to Possible Pharmacological Properties
Benzydamine—An Affordable Over-the-Counter Drug with Psychoactive Properties—From Chemical Structure to Possible Pharmacological Properties Open
Benzydamine is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with distinct pharmacological properties from other compounds in the same therapeutic class. The differences are structural and pharmacological in nature; the anti-inflammatory mechanis…
View article: Cannabidiol: Bridge between Antioxidant Effect, Cellular Protection, and Cognitive and Physical Performance
Cannabidiol: Bridge between Antioxidant Effect, Cellular Protection, and Cognitive and Physical Performance Open
The literature provides scientific evidence for the beneficial effects of cannabidiol (CBD), and these effects extend beyond epilepsy treatment (e.g., Lennox–Gastaut and Dravet syndromes), notably the influence on oxidative status, neurode…
View article: Cannabidiol in the context of sleeping disorders-induced oxidative stress
Cannabidiol in the context of sleeping disorders-induced oxidative stress Open
Sleep disorders can be the result of psychiatric or neurological conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorders, depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease. At the same time, changes in sleep, known as sleep disorde…
View article: Caffeine and Its Antioxidant Properties—It Is All about Dose and Source
Caffeine and Its Antioxidant Properties—It Is All about Dose and Source Open
Caffeine is the most frequently used substance with a central nervous system stimulant effect, but its consumption is most often due to the intake of foods and drinks that contain it (coffee, tea, chocolate, food supplements with plant ext…
View article: Positive Aspects of Oxidative Stress at Different Levels of the Human Body: A Review
Positive Aspects of Oxidative Stress at Different Levels of the Human Body: A Review Open
Oxidative stress is the subject of numerous studies, most of them focusing on the negative effects exerted at both molecular and cellular levels, ignoring the possible benefits of free radicals. More and more people admit to having heard o…
View article: Profiling the Concentration of Reduced and Oxidized Glutathione in Rat Brain Using HPLC/DAD Chromatographic System
Profiling the Concentration of Reduced and Oxidized Glutathione in Rat Brain Using HPLC/DAD Chromatographic System Open
This study aimed to develop a HPLC/DAD method in order to determine and quantify the reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels in rat brain. Due to the presence of the thiol group (-SH), GSH can interact with the Ell…
View article: Off-Label Medication: From a Simple Concept to Complex Practical Aspects
Off-Label Medication: From a Simple Concept to Complex Practical Aspects Open
Off-label use of drugs is widely known as unapproved use of approved drugs, and it can be perceived as a relatively simple concept. Even though it has been in existence for many years, prescribing and dispensing of drugs in an off-label re…
View article: Current and novel pharmacological therapeutic approaches in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. A brief review
Current and novel pharmacological therapeutic approaches in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. A brief review Open
Objective : Although not highly prevalent among the general population, post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious psychiatric condition, associated with co-morbidities, mortality and high suicide rates. Currently, there are few approved …
View article: A Simple HPLC/DAD Method Validation for the Quantification of Malondialdehyde in Rodent’s Brain
A Simple HPLC/DAD Method Validation for the Quantification of Malondialdehyde in Rodent’s Brain Open
In the present study, a HPLC/DAD method was set up to allow for the determination and quantification of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain of rodents (rats). Chromatographic separation was achieved on Supelcosil LC-18 (3 μm) SUPELCO Column…
View article: Beneficial effects of metformin on haloperidol-induced motor deficits in rats. A behavioral assessment
Beneficial effects of metformin on haloperidol-induced motor deficits in rats. A behavioral assessment Open
Objective : One of the most common side effects of haloperidol is the extrapyramidal syndrome, resulting from inhibition of nigrostriatal dopaminergic circuits and mitochondrial dysfunction due to structural similarities to pyridinium deri…
View article: Medical Knowledge, Religious Beliefs, and Free Will: Attitudes and Opinions of Various Undergraduate Female Respondents Regarding Oral Contraception. A Questionnaire-Based Study
Medical Knowledge, Religious Beliefs, and Free Will: Attitudes and Opinions of Various Undergraduate Female Respondents Regarding Oral Contraception. A Questionnaire-Based Study Open
The decision to use oral contraception varies and is based on several considerations: Personal reasons, the evaluation of the benefit/ risk ratio, and religious beliefs. In this research, a questionnaire was distributed to 422 female stude…
View article: Psychoactive Drugs—From Chemical Structure to Oxidative Stress Related to Dopaminergic Neurotransmission. A Review
Psychoactive Drugs—From Chemical Structure to Oxidative Stress Related to Dopaminergic Neurotransmission. A Review Open
Nowadays, more and more young people want to experience illegal, psychoactive substances, without knowing the risks of exposure. Besides affecting social life, psychoactive substances also have an important effect on consumer health. We su…
View article: Phytochemical Characterization of Transilvanian <i>Prunella vulgaris</i>
Phytochemical Characterization of Transilvanian <i>Prunella vulgaris</i> Open
Prunella vulgaris L. grows in spontaneous flora of Romania in wet places, fields, meadows, unpopulated areas, both in the sun and in the shade. The plant is rich in phenolic acids (caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid), pentacyclic triterpenic co…
View article: LC-MS Method for Determining Amiodarone and Desethylaminodarone in Rat Plasma Used in Endogenous Overdosing Conditions Following Lipolysis
LC-MS Method for Determining Amiodarone and Desethylaminodarone in Rat Plasma Used in Endogenous Overdosing Conditions Following Lipolysis Open
Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a LC-MS method to determine amiodarone (AMI) and its major metabolite desethylamiodarone (DEA) from rat plasma released from the adipose tissue of AMI treated rats subjected to a weight g…