Codrina Ancuta

By Codrina Mihaela Ancuta, Eugen Ancuta and Rodica Marieta Chirieac

Part of the book: Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies

By Codrina Mihaela Ancuta, Eugen Ancuta and Rodica Marieta Chirieac

Part of the book: Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies

By Codrina Ancuta, Cristina Iordache, Eugen Ancuta and Claudia Mihailov

Recent advances in understanding the dynamic pathways involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis have emphasized the pivotal role of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory cells, endothelial cell activation and matrix degradation, acting in a genetically predisposed environment. On the other hand, there are significant amounts of data highlighting the potential role of bacteria (leading periodonthopatic pathogen Porfiromonas gingivalis) in promoting different types of arthritis, as well as the influence of periodontis (an infectious-inflammatory condition) as etiological or modulating factor in different pathologies, including cardio-vascular disorders, diabetes, respiratory disease and inflammatory rheumatic disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and lupus). The present chapter deals with the possible association between rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis as entities with common pathological events.

Part of the book: New Developments in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

By Codrina Ancuta, Cristina Pomirleanu, Claudia Mihailov, Eugen Ancuta and Daniela Opris

Recent advances in understanding the multifaceted pathobiology of rheumatoid arthritis have highlighted the pivotal role and continuing crosstalk between activated immune cells, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and matrix-degrading mediators, promoting chronic inflammation as well as irreversible tissue damage within an autoimmune background. B cells are widely recognized as leading players in immune-mediated pathology based on their ability to produce not only different patterns of autoantibodies and driving cytokine synthesis but also as independent antigen-presenting cells and by modulating the specific activation of T cells. Overwhelming evidence emphasized the role of BAFF, a B-cell-activating factor, and BAFF receptors (TACI, BCMA, BAFF-R) in promoting B-cell homeostasis, proliferation, and survival under normal and autoimmune systemic disorders. We systematically reviewed data from literature focusing on BAFF, its homolog molecule APRIL, and BAFF-binding receptors biology, dysregulation of BAFF/BAFF receptor signaling in autoimmune settings, and current status of targeting BAFF/BAFF receptor pathway for rheumatoid arthritis.

Part of the book: New Developments in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

By Eugen Ancuta, Dumitru Sofroni, Codrina Ancuta, Larisa Sofroni, Ion Mereuta and Lilian Gutu

A broad spectrum of conditions classically requires a colposcopic assessment for either diagnostic or treatment means, including atypical changes in the cervix-vagina and vulva, abnormal Pap tests, cervicitis, polyps, cervical warts, genital warts, and bleeding. Although the procedure is commonly considered as criteria for the management of cervical cancer, the sensitivity of colposcopy is quite limited as its ability to discriminate among dysplasia and microinvasive carcinoma is difficult. Most professional societies and international health organizations have already released guidelines and recommendation for the management for woman with abnormal cervical pathology (e.g., cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer); only women with positive human papillomavirus (HPV) tests, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), or severe cytology have clear indication for referral to a colposcopic evaluation. While most guidelines recommend colposcopy for any abnormal cytology or any positive HPV test, others apply only for woman with two consecutive unsatisfactory Pap tests or for those with some abnormalities. In conclusion, cervical cancer risk remains high; thus, the potential benefit of colposcopy examination should be balanced against the risk.

Part of the book: Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology

By Eugen Ancuta, Dumitru Sofroni, Codrina Ancuta, Larisa Sofroni, Ion Mereuta, Lilian Gutu and Emil Anton

The purpose of this work is to determine perspectives, misconceptions, psychology adjustments and useful strategies of women living with dilemmas about their malignant lesions which can be detected through the colposcopy. Colposcopic assessment following abnormal Pap test has resulted in a long list of concerns: fear of having cancer, periodic obligations related to follow-up, balancing treatment of premalignant disease with quality of life, pain or discomfort and long-term impact on their families or limited social support. How prepared are they to adapt to their diagnosis? New diagnosis results in patient not being able to listen well or to understand her medical situation. The success of the outcome and procedure takes time to deduce the concerns she has regarding her diagnosis, treatment and appropriate follow-up. Several physicians endorse a wide range of barriers with respect to diagnosis and management of the disease: organizational or patient issues. Furthermore, patient appears to be important for the effective treatment than to identify and assess psychosocial problems among women diagnosed with cancer. In conclusion, physician provides effective treatment, but fails to address psychosocial issues associated with the illness. It is necessary to define the condition more clearly by studying patients and their psychosocial problems.

Part of the book: Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology

By Codrina Ancuta, Claudia Mihailov and Eugen Ancuta

The association between cumulative inflammatory burden and increased cardiovascular (CV) risk in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory rheumatic disorders, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is widely recognized. Furthermore, the complex and dynamic interrelation between traditional cardiovascular risk factors, systemic inflammation, early accelerated atherosclerosis, and RA-related factors remains a challenge in routine practice. New European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 2016 recommendations have recently highlighted three key trends in cardiovascular risk assessment and management in patients with RA including optimal disease control (early diagnosis, treat-to-target strategy with the dynamic use of antirheumatic synthetic and biologic drugs) and non-pharmacological as well as pharmacological management of risk factors. The present chapter will emphasize excessive cardiovascular morbidity in RA, the optimal strategy to identify and stratify the cardiovascular risk profile, the prime selection of medication from the whole spectrum of non-biologic and biologic (TNF and non-TNF) drugs according to their cardiotoxicity.

Part of the book: Newest Updates in Rheumatology