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Mititelu M, Popovici V, Neacșu SM, Musuc AM, Busnatu ȘS, Oprea E, Boroghină SC, Mihai A, Streba CT, Lupuliasa D, Gheorghe E, Kebbewar N, Lupu CE. Assessment of Dietary and Lifestyle Quality among the Romanian Population in the Post-Pandemic Period. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1006. [PMID: 38786417 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12101006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus demonstrated the importance of prevention through a healthy diet and lifestyle, the most vulnerable people being those with severe chronic conditions, those who are overweight, and those with an unbalanced immune system. This study aims to examine the nutritional status and lifestyle behaviors of the Romanian population. METHODS The evaluation of the eating habits and lifestyle of the Romanian population in the post-pandemic period was carried out based on a cross-sectional observational study with the help of a questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 4704 valid answers were registered (3136 female and 1568 male respondents). Among the respondents, most of them belong to the young population, 2892 between the ages of 18 and 40, i.e., 61.5%. Most male respondents are overweight (1400) and obese (780). Most respondents indicated a tendency to consume 1-2 meals per day irregularly (p = 0.617). Only 974 respondents adopted a healthy diet, and 578 a healthy lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS The present study reports low adherence to a healthy diet (20.7%) and healthy lifestyle (12.28%), especially among the young population (<30 years). In the current context, it reports a reduced tendency to consume vegetables and fruits among the population, below the daily average recommended by the nutrition guidelines, a tendency towards sedentary behavior, and even deficient hydration of some of the respondents; these negative aspects can create a long-term series of nutritional and psycho-emotional imbalances. Our results evidence that complex surveys among the population are regularly required to investigate nutritional or lifestyle deficiencies; moreover, it could be helpful in further educational measures in nutrition, food, and environmental safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Mititelu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Violeta Popovici
- Center for Mountain Economics, "Costin C. Kiriţescu" National Institute of Economic Research (INCE-CEMONT), Romanian Academy, 725700 Vatra-Dornei, Romania
| | - Sorinel Marius Neacșu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Bio-Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adina Magdalena Musuc
- Institute of Physical Chemistry-Ilie Murgulescu, Romanian Academy, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ștefan Sebastian Busnatu
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Eliza Oprea
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Steluța Constanța Boroghină
- Department of Complementary Sciences, History of Medicine and Medical Culture, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Mihai
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Costin Teodor Streba
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Dumitru Lupuliasa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Bio-Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Emma Gheorghe
- Department of Preclinical Sciences I-Histology, Faculty of Medicine, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania
| | - Nadin Kebbewar
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen Elena Lupu
- Department of Mathematics and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 900001 Constanta, Romania
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Ionus E, Schröder V, Chiţescu CL, Bucur LA, Lupu CE, Dumitrescu DE, Popescu L, Mihai DP, Olaru OT, Nițulescu GM, Boscencu R, Gîrd CE. Phytochemical, In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Research on the Extract of Ajuga chamaepitys (L.) Schreb. Plants (Basel) 2024; 13:1192. [PMID: 38732407 PMCID: PMC11085171 DOI: 10.3390/plants13091192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The present study focuses on the chemical characterization of a dry extract obtained from the species Ajuga chamaepitys (L.) Schreb, evaluating its antioxidant properties, toxicity, and in silico profile. Quantitative analysis of the dry extract revealed a notable amount of phytochemical compounds: 59.932 ± 21.167 mg rutin equivalents (mg REs)/g dry weight, 45.864 ± 4.434 mg chlorogenic acid equivalents (mg ChAEs)/g dry weight and, respectively, 83.307 ± 3.989 mg tannic acid equivalents (TAEs)/g dry weight. By UHPLC-HRMS/MS, the following were quantified as major compounds: caffeic acid (3253.8 μg/g extract) and kaempherol (3041.5 μg/g extract); more than 11 types of polyphenolic compounds were quantified (genistin 730.2 μg/g extract, naringenin 395 μg/g extract, apigenin 325.7 μg/g extract, galangin 283.3 μg/g extract, ferulic acid 254.3 μg/g extract, p-coumaric acid 198.2 μg/g extract, rutin 110.6 μg/g extract, chrysin 90.22 μg/g extract, syringic acid 84.2 μg/g extract, pinocembrin 32.7 μg/g extract, ellagic acid 18.2 μg/g extract). The antioxidant activity was in accordance with the amount of phytochemical compounds: IC50DPPH = 483.6 ± 41.4 µg/mL, IC50ABTS•+ = 127.4 ± 20.2 µg/mL, and EC50FRAP = 491.6 ± 2 µg/mL. On the larvae of Artemia sp., it was found that the extract has a low cytotoxic action. In silico studies have highlighted the possibility of inhibiting the activity of protein kinases CDK5 and GSK-3b for apigenin, galangin, and kaempferol, with possible utility for treating neurodegenerative pathologies and neuropathic pain. Further studies are warranted to confirm the predicted molecular mechanisms of action and to further investigate the therapeutic potential in animal models of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elis Ionus
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (E.I.); (L.P.); (O.T.O.); (G.M.N.); (R.B.); (C.E.G.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Constanţa “Ovidius”, 6 Căpitan Aviator Al. Șerbănescu Street, Campus C, 900001 Constanţa, Romania; (L.A.B.); (C.E.L.); (D.-E.D.)
| | - Verginica Schröder
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Constanţa “Ovidius”, 6 Căpitan Aviator Al. Șerbănescu Street, Campus C, 900001 Constanţa, Romania; (L.A.B.); (C.E.L.); (D.-E.D.)
| | - Carmen Lidia Chiţescu
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos”, University of Galaţi, 35 A.I. Cuza Street, 800010 Galați, Romania;
| | - Laura Adriana Bucur
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Constanţa “Ovidius”, 6 Căpitan Aviator Al. Șerbănescu Street, Campus C, 900001 Constanţa, Romania; (L.A.B.); (C.E.L.); (D.-E.D.)
| | - Carmen Elena Lupu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Constanţa “Ovidius”, 6 Căpitan Aviator Al. Șerbănescu Street, Campus C, 900001 Constanţa, Romania; (L.A.B.); (C.E.L.); (D.-E.D.)
| | - Denisa-Elena Dumitrescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Constanţa “Ovidius”, 6 Căpitan Aviator Al. Șerbănescu Street, Campus C, 900001 Constanţa, Romania; (L.A.B.); (C.E.L.); (D.-E.D.)
| | - Liliana Popescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (E.I.); (L.P.); (O.T.O.); (G.M.N.); (R.B.); (C.E.G.)
| | - Dragoș Paul Mihai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (E.I.); (L.P.); (O.T.O.); (G.M.N.); (R.B.); (C.E.G.)
| | - Octavian Tudorel Olaru
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (E.I.); (L.P.); (O.T.O.); (G.M.N.); (R.B.); (C.E.G.)
| | - George Mihai Nițulescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (E.I.); (L.P.); (O.T.O.); (G.M.N.); (R.B.); (C.E.G.)
| | - Rica Boscencu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (E.I.); (L.P.); (O.T.O.); (G.M.N.); (R.B.); (C.E.G.)
| | - Cerasela Elena Gîrd
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (E.I.); (L.P.); (O.T.O.); (G.M.N.); (R.B.); (C.E.G.)
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Mititelu M, Olteanu G, Neacșu SM, Stoicescu I, Dumitrescu DE, Gheorghe E, Tarcea M, Busnatu ȘS, Ioniță-Mîndrican CB, Tafuni O, Belu I, Popescu A, Lupu S, Lupu CE. Incidence of Urinary Infections and Behavioral Risk Factors. Nutrients 2024; 16:446. [PMID: 38337730 PMCID: PMC10856807 DOI: 10.3390/nu16030446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This evaluation of the impact of behavioral risk factors on the incidence of urinary infections was based on a questionnaire in which 1103 respondents, predominantly women (883), participated. From the statistical processing of the data, it was observed that 598 of the respondents were of normal weight; the rest, more than half, were underweight or overweight (χ2 = 32.46, p < 0.001), with male respondents being predominantly overweight or obese (169 out of a total of 220). Most of the respondents were young (χ2 = 15.45, p < 0.001), under the age of 45 (840). According to the processed data, it was found that respondents in the age group of 26-35 years showed the greatest vulnerability to recurrent urinary infections, while the age group of 18-25 years recorded the highest number of responses related to the rare presence or even absence of episodes of urinary infections. A body weight-related vulnerability was also noted among the respondents; the majority of obese people declared that they face frequent episodes of urinary infections. Regarding diet quality, 210 respondents reported an adherence to an unhealthy diet, 620 to a moderately healthy diet, and 273 to a healthy diet. Of the respondents who adhered to a healthy diet, 223 were women (χ2 = 2.55, p = 0.279). There was a close connection between diet quality and the frequency of urinary infections: from the statistical processing of the data, it was observed that the highest percentage of respondents who rarely (57.14%) or never got urinary infections (29.30%) were among those who adhered to a healthy diet, and the highest percentage of those who declared that they often got urinary infections were among those with increased adherence to an unhealthy diet (χ2 = 13.46, p = 0.036). The results of this study highlight a strong impact of obesity, reduced consumption of fruit and vegetables, and sedentary lifestyle on the risk of recurring urinary infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Mititelu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.M.); (G.O.)
| | - Gabriel Olteanu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.M.); (G.O.)
| | - Sorinel Marius Neacșu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Bio-Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Iuliana Stoicescu
- Department of Chemistry and Quality Control of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ovidius University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Denisa-Elena Dumitrescu
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ovidius University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Emma Gheorghe
- Department of Preclinical Sciences I—Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania
| | - Monica Tarcea
- Department of Community Nutrition and Food Safety, G.E. Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Mures, Romania;
| | - Ștefan Sebastian Busnatu
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Corina-Bianca Ioniță-Mîndrican
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu Tafuni
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy from the Republic of Moldova, MD-2004 Chisinau, Moldova;
| | - Ionela Belu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200638 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Antoanela Popescu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ovidius University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Sergiu Lupu
- Department of Navigation and Naval Transport, Faculty of Navigation and Naval Management, Mircea cel Batran Naval Academy, 900218 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Carmen Elena Lupu
- Department of Mathematics and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ovidius University of Constanta, 900001 Constanta, Romania;
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Craciunescu O, Seciu-Grama AM, Mihai E, Utoiu E, Negreanu-Pirjol T, Lupu CE, Artem V, Ranca A, Negreanu-Pirjol BS. The Chemical Profile, Antioxidant, and Anti-Lipid Droplet Activity of Fluid Extracts from Romanian Cultivars of Haskap Berries, Bitter Cherries, and Red Grape Pomace for the Management of Liver Steatosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16849. [PMID: 38069172 PMCID: PMC10706173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of fluid extracts obtained from three Romanian cultivars of haskap berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) var. Loni, bitter cherries (Prunus avium var. sylvestris Ser.) var. Silva, and pomace from red grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) var. Mamaia, and their capacity to modulate in vitro steatosis, in view of developing novel anti-obesity products. Total phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and ascorbic acid content of fluid extracts was spectrophotometrically assessed and their free radical scavenging capacity was evaluated using Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) and free 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical inhibition assays. The Pearson coefficients showed a moderate correlation between the antioxidant activity of fluid extracts and their phenolic content, but a strong correlation between anthocyanin and ascorbic acid content. HPLC analysis identified and quantified the main phenolic compounds of chlorogenic and syringic acid, catechin, and glycosylated kaempferol, apigenin, and quercetin, in variable proportions. An in vitro experimental model of steatosis was developed in HepG2 hepatocytes treated with a mixture of free fatty acids. Cell culture analyses showed that cytocompatible concentrations of fluid extracts could significantly reduce the lipid accumulation and inhibit the reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide secretion in stressed hepatocytes. In conclusion, these results put an emphasis on the chemical compounds' high antioxidant and liver protection capacity of unstudied fluid extracts obtained from Romanian cultivars of bitter cherries var. Silva and pomace of red grapes var. Mamaia, similar to the fluid extract of haskap berries var. Loni, in particular, the positive modulation of fat deposition next to oxidative stress and the lipid peroxidation process triggered by fatty acids in HepG2 hepatocytes. Consequently, this study indicated that these fluid extracts could be further exploited as hepatoprotective agents in liver steatosis, which provides a basis for the further development of novel extract mixtures with synergistic activity as anti-obesity products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Craciunescu
- National Institute of R&D for Biological Sciences, 060031 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-M.S.-G.); (E.M.); (E.U.)
| | - Ana-Maria Seciu-Grama
- National Institute of R&D for Biological Sciences, 060031 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-M.S.-G.); (E.M.); (E.U.)
| | - Elena Mihai
- National Institute of R&D for Biological Sciences, 060031 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-M.S.-G.); (E.M.); (E.U.)
| | - Elena Utoiu
- National Institute of R&D for Biological Sciences, 060031 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-M.S.-G.); (E.M.); (E.U.)
| | - Ticuta Negreanu-Pirjol
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University Ovidius of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (C.E.L.); (B.-S.N.-P.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov Street, No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen Elena Lupu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University Ovidius of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (C.E.L.); (B.-S.N.-P.)
| | - Victoria Artem
- Research-Development Station for Viticulture and Winemaking of Murfatlar, 905100 Murfatlar, Romania; (V.A.); (A.R.)
| | - Aurora Ranca
- Research-Development Station for Viticulture and Winemaking of Murfatlar, 905100 Murfatlar, Romania; (V.A.); (A.R.)
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Mititelu M, Oancea CN, Neacșu SM, Olteanu G, Cîrțu AT, Hîncu L, Gheonea TC, Stanciu TI, Rogoveanu I, Hashemi F, Stanciu G, Ioniță-Mîndrican CB, Angelica C, Măru N, Lupu S, Lupu CE. Evaluation of Non-Alcoholic Beverages and the Risk Related to Consumer Health among the Romanian Population. Nutrients 2023; 15:3841. [PMID: 37686874 PMCID: PMC10489972 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The range of non-alcoholic drinks is very varied both from a compositional point of view and from a caloric and nutritional point of view. The excessive consumption of sweetened non-alcoholic beverages represents an important risk factor for health, especially when it is accompanied by an unbalanced diet and a disordered lifestyle. In order to evaluate the consumption of non-alcoholic beverages correlated with the evaluation of the main lifestyle factors that can affect the state of health among Romanians, a cross-sectional observational study was carried out based on a questionnaire. The results of the study indicate that among the most consumed non-alcoholic drinks are coffee and sweetened carbonated and non-carbonated drinks, which are indicated as being responsible for the development of consumption addictions: 44% for coffee, 16.5% for sweetened or tonic carbonated drinks and 12% for sweetened non-carbonated drinks. Considering that the consumption of coffee is usually associated with sweeteners, there is a risk of excessive caffeine and caloric intake in a context where a lack of exercise predominates (59.98%) among respondents declaring that they do sports rarely or not at all, which can lead, in the long term, to the appearance of imbalances either of a psycho-emotional nature or of a metabolic nature. A significant link was found between sports activity and the environment in which they work (χ2 = 51.33, p = 0.05). Respondents with a daily activity that involves movement (working outdoors, working on a construction site) are also those who usually do sports, while 60.67% of the respondents who work a lot in front of the computer declared that they do sports very rarely or not at all. Reducing the excessive consumption of sweetened drinks can be achieved through an appropriate consumption of water and fruits and by intensifying physical activity as a way of counterbalancing the excess caloric intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Mititelu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila”, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.M.); (G.O.); (A.-T.C.)
| | - Carmen-Nicoleta Oancea
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Craiova, 200345 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Sorinel Marius Neacșu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Bio-Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Gabriel Olteanu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila”, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.M.); (G.O.); (A.-T.C.)
| | - Alexandru-Tiberiu Cîrțu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila”, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.M.); (G.O.); (A.-T.C.)
| | - Lucian Hîncu
- Department of Drug Industry and Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Theodora Claudia Gheonea
- Center for IBD Patients, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Craiova, 200345 Craiova, Romania;
| | | | - Ion Rogoveanu
- Center for IBD Patients, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Craiova, 200345 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Fallah Hashemi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran;
| | - Gabriela Stanciu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ovidius University of Constanta, 900527 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Corina-Bianca Ioniță-Mîndrican
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Caunii Angelica
- Department of Drug Analysis and Chemistry of Environmental Factors, Hygiene, Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Nicoleta Măru
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Sergiu Lupu
- Department of Navigation and Naval Transport, Faculty of Navigation and Naval Management, “Mircea cel Batran” Naval Academy, 900218 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Carmen Elena Lupu
- Department of Mathematics and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Ovidius” University of Constanta, 900001 Constanta, Romania;
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Mititelu M, Oancea CN, Neacșu SM, Musuc AM, Gheonea TC, Stanciu TI, Rogoveanu I, Hashemi F, Stanciu G, Ioniță-Mîndrican CB, Belu I, Măru N, Olteanu G, Cîrțu AT, Stoicescu I, Lupu CE. Evaluation of Junk Food Consumption and the Risk Related to Consumer Health among the Romanian Population. Nutrients 2023; 15:3591. [PMID: 37630781 PMCID: PMC10459196 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Premature aging and degradative processes are mainly generated by unhealthy habits and an unbalanced diet. Quality of food and lifestyle are important factors in sano-genesis. Many imbalances and ailments have their origin in the adoption of an unbalanced diet and a disordered lifestyle. With the help of a transversal study carried out on the basis of a questionnaire, the consumption of junk food products among the population of Romania was evaluated; at the same time, an evaluation of the characteristics of the associated diet, as well as a series of lifestyle components (quality of rest, physical activity, evaluation of the state of health) was carried out. The data collected and processed indicate an increased tendency to consume junk food products in the 18-23 age group, and especially among obese respondents. Female respondents show a lower tendency toward an increased consumption of junk food products (OR = 0.703, 95% CI)-0.19-0.95, p = 0.011) compared to male respondents. The most consumed junk food products are fried potatoes (46.2%) and pastries (41.4%). Junk food products that show an increased tendency toward consumption addiction are fried potatoes (13.8%), sweets (12.4%), pastry products (11.1%), and sweetened drinks (11.2%). The poor quality of food from a nutritional point of view, and reduced physical activity, are reflected in the varied range of problems faced by the respondents: states of fatigue (62.4%), nervousness (37.5%), depression, anxiety, emotional eating, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Mititelu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 3-6, Traian Vuia Street, Sector 2, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.M.); (G.O.); (A.-T.C.)
| | - Carmen-Nicoleta Oancea
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Craiova, 200345 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Sorinel Marius Neacșu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Bio-Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania;
| | | | - Theodora Claudia Gheonea
- Center for IBD Patients, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Craiova, 200345 Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Ion Rogoveanu
- Center for IBD Patients, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Craiova, 200345 Craiova, Romania
| | - Fallah Hashemi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71468-64685, Iran;
| | - Gabriela Stanciu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ovidius University of Constanta, 900527 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Corina-Bianca Ioniță-Mîndrican
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ionela Belu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200638 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Nicoleta Măru
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 3-6, Traian Vuia Street, Sector 2, 020945 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Gabriel Olteanu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 3-6, Traian Vuia Street, Sector 2, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.M.); (G.O.); (A.-T.C.)
| | - Alexandru-Tiberiu Cîrțu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 3-6, Traian Vuia Street, Sector 2, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.M.); (G.O.); (A.-T.C.)
| | - Iuliana Stoicescu
- Department of Chemistry and Quality Control of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Ovidius” University of Constanta, 900001 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Carmen Elena Lupu
- Department of Mathematics and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Ovidius” University of Constanta, 900001 Constanta, Romania;
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7
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Mititelu M, Licu M, Lupu CE, Neacșu SM, Olteanu G, Gabriela S, Drăgănescu D, Oancea CN, Busnatu ȘS, Hîncu L, Ciocîlteu MV, Lupuleasa D. Characterization of Some Dermato-Cosmetic Preparations with Marine Lipids from Black Sea Wild Stingray. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:408. [PMID: 37504939 PMCID: PMC10381174 DOI: 10.3390/md21070408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The traditional knowledge about the therapeutic and nutritional value of fish has been unanimously recognized among the population since ancient times. So, thanks to the therapeutic virtues of these marine animals, it was possible to develop therapies for certain pathologies as well as the use of bioactive compounds as adjunctive therapies incorporated into the treatment regimen of patients. In the present study, stingray liver oil from wild species collected from the Romanian coast of the Black Sea was isolated and analyzed. Fatty acid analysis was performed by gas chromatography. The analysis of the distribution of fatty acids in the composition of stingray liver oil indicates a ratio of 2.83 of omega 3 fatty acids to omega 6, a ratio of 1.33 of polyunsaturated fatty acids to monounsaturated fatty acids, an iodine index of 111.85, and a total percentage of 68.98% of unsaturated fatty acids. Stingray liver oil was used to evaluate the healing action after preparing a fatty ointment. According to the experimental data, a complete regeneration capacity of the wounds was noted in 12 days without visible signs. Four emulgels with stingray liver oil were formulated and analyzed from a rheological and structural point of view in order to select the optimal composition, after which the anti-inflammatory effect on inflammation caused in laboratory rats was studied and an anti-inflammatory effect was found significant (a maximum inhibitory effect of 66.47% on the edemas induced by the 10% kaolin suspension and 65.64% on the edemas induced by the 6% dextran solution).
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Mititelu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Licu
- Department of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen Elena Lupu
- Department of Mathematics and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 6 Capitan Aviator Al. Serbanescu Street, Campus, C Block, 900001 Constanta, Romania
| | - Sorinel Marius Neacșu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Bio-pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriel Olteanu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Stanciu Gabriela
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ovidius University of Constanta, 900527 Constanta, Romania
| | - Doina Drăgănescu
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Computer Physics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen-Nicoleta Oancea
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Craiova, 200345 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ștefan Sebastian Busnatu
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lucian Hîncu
- Department of Drug Industry and Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Viorica Ciocîlteu
- Department of Analytical and Instrumental Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Petru Rares Street, no. 2-4, 200638 Craiova, Romania
| | - Dumitru Lupuleasa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Bio-pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania
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Abstract
The valorification of the marine biomass is an important resource for many industries like pharmaceutical, supplying raw material for the extraction of bioactive substances (vitamins, sterols and collagen), cosmetics, biofertilizers and wastewater treatment. In the last years a special attention has been given to the use of macroalgae. The aim of this study was to emphasize the capacity of two representative green algae species frequent presents on the Romanian shore, Ulva lactuca (L.) and Cladophora vagabunda (L.) Hoek, to remove two usual detergents from wastewater. The green algae washed, dried at room temperature, macerated to powder were introduced into different filter paper for comparison, then immersed in waste water treated with different concentrations of detergents. Tap water was used for the experiment. The results show that Ulva lactuca (L.) species is suitable than Cladophora vagabunda (L.) Hoek species, for wastewater treatment.
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