Head of the Department of Chemical-Toxicological and Pharmacological Evaluation of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel
Healthcare worker views on antimicrobial resistance in chronic respiratory disease Sachin Ananth, Adekunle O. Adeoti, Animesh Ray, Peter G. Middleton, Miquel Ekkelenkamp, et al. Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control, 2025 Background and objective Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global crisis, however, relatively little is known regarding its impact in chronic respiratory disease and the specific challenges faced by healthcare workers across the world in this field. We aimed to assess global healthcare worker views on the challenges they face regarding AMR in chronic respiratory disease. Methods An online survey was sent to healthcare workers globally working in chronic respiratory disease through a European Respiratory Society clinical research collaboration (AMR-Lung) focussed on AMR in chronic lung disease. Responses from different geographic regions were analysed. Results 279 responses were received across 60 countries. 54.5% of respondents encountered AMR in chronic respiratory disease weekly. There were differences in perceived high-priority diseases and species with AMR burden between Europe, Asia and Africa. 76.4% of respondents thought that inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing in chronic respiratory disease was common. However, only 43.4% of respondents thought that there were adequate antimicrobial stewardship programmes in their area for chronic respiratory disease, with limited availability in outpatient (29.0%) and ambulatory settings (24.7%). Developing rapid diagnostics for antimicrobial susceptibility (59.5%) was perceived to be the most common challenge in implementing antimicrobial stewardship, with an improved understanding of regional epidemiology of AMR strains the most important factor to improve outcome (55.2%). Conclusions AMR has significant perceived burden in chronic respiratory disease by healthcare professionals globally. However, current implementation of antimicrobial stewardship is limited, with significant challenges related to the availability of rapid diagnostics and understanding of regional epidemiology of AMR strains.
Natural Compounds Targeting SIRT1 and Beyond: Promising Nutraceutical Strategies Against Atherosclerosis Elisa Domi, Malvina Hoxha Nutrients, 2025 Background/Objectives: Atherosclerosis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with an urgent need for novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an NAD+-dependent deacetylase, has emerged as a central regulator of vascular homeostasis, modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and endothelial function. Increasing evidence highlights that some natural activators of SIRT1 may be interesting in mitigating the development of cardiovascular diseases. Methods: Searching in the main databases PubMed and Scopus, we made a literature revision, including studies from January 2000 to June 2025, of the major natural SIRT1 activators involved in vascular impairment in order to investigate their potential therapeutic use in atherosclerosis. Results: Among them, resveratrol, quercetin, naringenin, and hydroxytyrosol show the strongest evidence in activating SIRT1 and modulating the essential molecular pathways involved in atherosclerotic disease. These findings span from preclinical to clinical studies, with limited randomized clinical trial data for hard cardiovascular outcomes. Conclusions: This review synthesizes current knowledge on natural SIRT1 activators in the context of atherosclerosis, emphasizing their molecular mechanisms and clinical perspectives. The concept of using nutraceuticals-based interventions targeting SIRT1 may pave the way for innovative strategies in cardiovascular diseases.
An Overview of the Role of Medicinal Plants in Parkinson’s Disease: A Semi-Systematic Review Hedie Haxhiu, Malvina Hoxha, Ina Zela, Bruno Zappacosta Biomedicines, 2025 Background/Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex nervous system disorder characterized by the gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons, leading to disturbances in movement, such as resting tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, or akinesia; postural issues; and freezing (motor block). Due to the limitations and side effects of current pharmacological treatments, there is a growing interest in investigating the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants. Methods: A semi-systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus as main databases, identifying original research articles, systematic reviews, and relevant preclinical or clinical studies published between January 2000 and December 2024. We selected seven plants primarily for their neuroprotective effects, supported by preclinical and animal data. Only articles in English were included in the study. Results: Seventeen articles were included in the study. The results showed that Curcuma longa, Gastrodia elata blume, Ginkgo biloba, Paeonia alba radix, Pueraria lobata, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Withania somnifera have a neuroprotective role, capable of slowing down the progression of PD with different mechanisms of action, ranging from restorative properties of neurons. Conclusions: Developing new drugs based on the respective herb compounds/extracts and herbal formulas is a promising avenue for complementary therapies for PD. However, further preclinical and clinical studies are required to confirm their safety, efficacy, bioavailability, and dosage.
Analysis of evidence on nutraceutical interventions for Peyronie’s disease: a guideline-based critical review Daniele Tienforti, Malvina Hoxha, Alfonso Boris Di Pasquale, Vinicio Rizza, Arcangelo Barbonetti Sexual Medicine Reviews, 2024 Introduction The management of Peyronie's disease (PD) is a challenge for the clinician. Despite the lack of etiologic therapy, different nonsurgical approaches have often been empirically proposed. The most used treatment is based on nutraceutical drugs with antioxidant activity, although such an intervention remains controversial. Objectives We reviewed the evidence from the randomized controlled trials included in the recommendations of the American Urological Association (AUA), Canadian Urological Association (CUA), European Association of Urology, and International Society for Sexual Medicine. Methods We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials, reviews, and guidelines on nutraceutical interventions for PD. Results Our analysis provides detailed information on potential interventions, underlying the inconsistent evidence. Acetyl esters of carnitine, although not recommended by any of the available guidelines, showed potential benefit in some selected studies. Omega-3 fatty acids are not recommended due to withdrawn study evidence. The CUA and AUA were the only societies to consider the use of coenzyme Q10. While the CUA suggested that it might be offered as a treatment option, the AUA refrained from taking a definitive stance due to insufficient evidence. Similarly, conflicting recommendations have been produced on potassium para-aminobenzoate. While the CUA considers potassium para-aminobenzoate potentially useful in slowing PD progression, the AUA deems the evidence insufficient. Conversely, both the International Society for Sexual Medicine and European Association of Urology do not recommend its use. Conclusion This critical comparative analysis of the most recent guidelines produced by the leading scientific societies highlights some inconsistencies in the recommendations on nutraceutical intervention for PD, even within a background of overall ineffectiveness of this treatment approach.
Estimating the Prevalence of Cognitive Impairment and Its Associated Factors in Albania: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study Malvina Hoxha, Simonetta Galgani, Jera Kruja, Ilir Alimehmeti, Viktor Rapo, et al. Brain Sciences, 2024 Background/Objectives: Cognitive impairment is an intermediate state between normal aging and dementia, and its detection in the early stages is essential to prevent dementia, an incurable pathology. The aim of this study is to screen and estimate the prevalence of cognitive impairment, including dementia, and its correlated factors in a community-based sample of the Albanian population over 50 years old. Methods: We carried out a door-to-door neuropsychological screening of Albanian residents older than 50 years from November 2023 to June 2024 in 12 Albanian districts. Participants completed the Early Dementia Questionnaire (EDQ) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results: The overall estimating prevalence of cognitive impairment and early dementia among the Albanian population over 50 years old was 14.04% using the MMSE, with 2.31% for MMSE ≤18 (serious cognitive impairment), 5.51% for MMSE 19–22 (mild cognitive impairment (MCI)), and 6.22 for MMSE 23–24 (suspected cognitive impairment or dementia),respectively. The prevalence of early dementia using the EDQ was significantly higher (53.99%).The number of male participants with MMSE scores of 23–24 (suspected cognitive impairment or early dementia) was 2.5 times higher with respect to female participants. Smoking and alcohol consumption decreased the MMSE scores. The number of participants with normal cognitive function (MMSE scores 25–30) was lower among participants with hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cerebral ischemia. Conclusions: A diagnostic evaluation, including a clinical examination, neuroimaging, and laboratory studies, is further required for a diagnosis. Despite limitations, the data provided in this study are the only ones reported for a large community-based sample of the older adult Albanian population, which can help health care providers to diagnose cognitive impairment.
The Current State of Knowledge on Osteoporosis in Holocaust Survivors and Their Descendants Malvina Hoxha, Visar Malalj, and Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal, 2024 Objective: Starvation in early life can cause poor bone health and metabolic aberrations in bone minerals, leading to abnormal bone development. Holocaust survivors have been exposed to starvation and malnutrition before and during World War II. This paper aims to provide the current state of knowledge on the osteoporosis risk in Holocaust survivors and their descendants. Methods: The PubMed and Scopus databases were searched. Papers that reported original data on the risk of osteoporosis in Holocaust survivors and in their offspring were included in the study. Results: Ten studies were included in this review. The majority of studies were case-control ones (n=7) versus two self-reported and one longitudinal study. Despite the limited cohort numbers and the small number of studies in the literature, the data showed a potential increased risk of osteoporosis in Holocaust survivors and especially in their descendants. Conclusions: The review of these studies showed a higher prevalence of osteoporosis among Holocaust survivors and their offspring. Knowledge of the trans-generational inheritance of osteoporosis in the descendants of Holocaust survivors should increase the awareness of primary care health workers on osteoporosis screening and early diagnosis and implementation of preventive measures, including adequate vitamin D and calcium supplementation, and pharmacological treatment.
Agro-Industrial Side Streams in Cosmetics: From Raw Materials to Scale-Up and Life Cycle Assessment Within a Circular Economy Framework M Hoxha, V Malaj, M Manconi, ML Manca Cosmetics 13 (3), 109 , 2026 2026
Arachidonic Acid Mediators and Nrf2 in Neurodegenerative Diseases M Hoxha, D Tricarico, L Capobianco BIOCELL , 2026 2026
Heavy metals contamination in Albanian Origanum vulgare L. and Salvia officinalis L. A Hodaj, E Domi, G Puleri, E Bej, R Cascella, M Hoxha, J Shehu, A Shehu Journal of Ecological Engineering 27 (8) , 2026 2026
Health economic evaluations of myasthenia gravis: a systematic review F Çipi, C Koloneci, A Marku, K Domi, X Tahiraj, V Malaj, M Hoxha Croatian Medical Journal 66 (6), 436 , 2025 2025
Natural Compounds Targeting SIRT1 and Beyond: Promising Nutraceutical Strategies Against Atherosclerosis E Domi, M Hoxha Nutrients 17 (21), 3316 , 2025 2025 Citations: 7
An Overview of the Role of Medicinal Plants in Parkinson’s Disease: A Semi-Systematic Review H Haxhiu, M Hoxha, I Zela, B Zappacosta Biomedicines 13 (8), 2008 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Mycotoxins and neuropsychiatric symptoms: possible role in special refugee populations M Hoxha, M Abbasciano, G Avantaggiato, B Zappacosta, D Tricarico Frontiers in Pharmacology 16, 1524152 , 2025 2025 Citations: 7
A Questionnaire-based Survey of the Suspected Adverse Reactions Reporting Associated with Dietary and Herbal Supplements by Pharmacists and Patients in Albania H Haxhiu, M Hoxha, B Zappacosta, V Malaj, N Firza UNIVERSAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 13 (1), 1-10 , 2025 2025
Pharmacoeconomic Evaluation of Costs of Myelomeningocele and Meningocele Treatment and Screening M Hoxha, V Malaj, B Zappacosta, N Firza ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research, 69-80 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Analysis of evidence on nutraceutical interventions for Peyronie’s disease: a guideline-based critical review D Tienforti, M Hoxha, AB Di Pasquale, V Rizza, A Barbonetti Sexual Medicine Reviews 12 (4), 747-753 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
Estimating the prevalence of cognitive impairment and its associated factors in Albania: a nationwide cross-sectional study M Hoxha, S Galgani, J Kruja, I Alimehmeti, V Rapo, F Çipi, D Tricarico, ... Brain Sciences 14 (10), 955 , 2024 2024 Citations: 4
Aflatoxins cardiotoxicity and ways to mitigation in humans M Hoxha, M Abbasciano, B Zappacosta, G Avantaggiato, D Tricarico Atherosclerosis 395 , 2024 2024
The Current State of Knowledge on Osteoporosis in Holocaust Survivors and Their Descendants M Hoxha, V Malaj Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal 15 (2), e0009 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Reporting of adverse drug reactions by dentists and dental patients in Albania M Hoxha, E Spahiu, M Spahiu, B Zappacosta international dental journal 74 (2), 242-245 , 2024 2024 Citations: 4
Health economic evaluations of hemochromatosis screening and treatment: a systematic review M Hoxha, V Malaj, B Zappacosta PharmacoEconomics-Open 8 (2), 147-170 , 2024 2024 Citations: 5
An overview of Albanian Pharmacovigilance System and its harmonization with the European Pharmacovigilance Legislation M Hoxha, B Zappacosta, M Franco Biomedicine & Prevention Issues, 1 (249), 1-8 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Anxiety and depression in geriatric hemodialysis patients: factors that influence the border of diseases B Elezi, E Abazaj, B Zappacosta, M Hoxha Frontiers in Psychology 14, 1281878 , 2023 2023 Citations: 32
Respiratory symptoms and access to physiotherapy in children with cerebral palsy in Albania M Hoxha, V Malaj, E Prendi, B Zappacosta European Respiratory Journal 62 (suppl 67) , 2023 2023
Meteoropathy: a review on the current state of knowledge M Hoxha, B Zappacosta Journal of medicine and life 16 (6), 837 , 2023 2023 Citations: 16
Arachidonic acid pathways and male fertility: a systematic review M Hoxha, A Barbonetti, B Zappacosta International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24 (9), 8207 , 2023 2023 Citations: 36
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
A systematic review on the role of eicosanoid pathways in rheumatoid arthritis M Hoxha Advances in medical sciences 63 (1), 22-29 , 2018 2018 Citations: 109
Folic acid and autism: a systematic review of the current state of knowledge B Hoxha, M Hoxha, E Domi, J Gervasoni, S Persichilli, V Malaj, ... Cells 10 (8), 1976 , 2021 2021 Citations: 103
What about COVID-19 and arachidonic acid pathway? M Hoxha European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology , 2020 2020 Citations: 102
The leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast and its possible role in the cardiovascular field M Hoxha, GE Rovati, AB Cavanillas European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 73 (7), 799-809 , 2017 2017 Citations: 66
ATP-sensitive potassium channel subunits in neuroinflammation: novel drug targets in neurodegenerative disorders F Maqoud, R Scala, M Hoxha, B Zappacosta, D Tricarico CNS & Neurological Disorders-Drug Targets-CNS & Neurological Disorders) 21 … , 2022 2022 Citations: 42
CYP-derived eicosanoids: Implications for rheumatoid arthritis M Hoxha, B Zappacosta Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators 146, 106405 , 2020 2020 Citations: 38
Arachidonic acid pathways and male fertility: a systematic review M Hoxha, A Barbonetti, B Zappacosta International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24 (9), 8207 , 2023 2023 Citations: 36
Designing multitarget anti‐inflammatory agents: chemical modulation of the lumiracoxib structure toward dual thromboxane antagonists–COX‐2 inhibitors M Bertinaria, MAAG Shaikh, C Buccellati, C Cena, B Rolando, ... ChemMedChem 7 (9), 1647-1660 , 2012 2012 Citations: 36
Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Focus on arachidonic acid metabolites M Hoxha Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy 110, 796-802 , 2019 2019 Citations: 33
Anxiety and depression in geriatric hemodialysis patients: factors that influence the border of diseases B Elezi, E Abazaj, B Zappacosta, M Hoxha Frontiers in Psychology 14, 1281878 , 2023 2023 Citations: 32
The Importance of Nutraceuticals in COVID-19: What’s the Role of Resveratrol? E Domi, M Hoxha, E Kolovani, D Tricarico, B Zappacosta Molecules 27 (8), 2376 , 2022 2022 Citations: 32
A review on the role of fatty acids in colorectal cancer progression M Hoxha, B Zappacosta Frontiers in pharmacology 13, 1032806 , 2022 2022 Citations: 30
Montelukast Use Decreases Cardiovascular Events in Asthmatics GE Hoxha, M., Tedesco, C. C., Quaglin, S., Malaj, V., Pustina, L., Capra, V ... Frontiers in Pharmacology 11 (611561), doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.611561 , 2021 2021 Citations: 25
Potential role of leukotriene receptor antagonists in reducing cardiovascular and cerbrovascular risk: a systematic review of human clinical trials and in vivo animal studies M Hoxha, AM Lewis-Mikhael, A Bueno-Cavanillas Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 106, 956-965 , 2018 2018 Citations: 25
A potential role of PUFAs and COXIBs in cancer chemoprevention M Vara-Messler, C Buccellati, L Pustina, G Folco, GE Rovati, M Hoxha Prostaglandins & other lipid mediators 120, 97-102 , 2015 2015 Citations: 25
Dentists knowledge about over the counter-NSAIDs: An emerging need for NSAID-avoidance education M Hoxha, V Malaj, E Spahiu, M Spahiu Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 10 (1), 070-076 , 2020 2020 Citations: 19
A Systematic Review on the Role of Arachidonic Acid Pathway in Multiple Sclerosis Malvina Hoxha et al. CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets , 2020 2020 Citations: 18
In vitro pharmacological evaluation of multitarget agents for thromboxane prostanoid receptor antagonism and COX-2 inhibition M Hoxha, C Buccellati, V Capra, D Garella, C Cena, B Rolando, ... Pharmacological Research 103, 132-143 , 2016 2016 Citations: 18
Meteoropathy: a review on the current state of knowledge M Hoxha, B Zappacosta Journal of medicine and life 16 (6), 837 , 2023 2023 Citations: 16
Compatibility of prolonged infusion antibiotics during Y‐site administration M Nunez‐Nunez, M Murillo‐Izquierdo, M Moya‐Martin, M Hoxha, ... Nursing in critical care 27 (6), 849-858 , 2022 2022 Citations: 12