Razvan Stefan Boiangiu

    My research is primarily focused on experimental neuroscience, with an emphasis on investigating the functional effects of natural and semi-synthetic compounds in models relevant to neurodegenerative conditions. A central direction of my work involves the study of nicotine derivatives, aiming to understand how these compounds modulate cognitive function, oxidative stress, and key enzymatic activities involved in cholinergic neurotransmission.

    I have employed animal models such as zebrafish (Danio rerio) and rodents (rats and transgenic mice) to pharmacologically induce cognitive deficits resembling those seen in Alzheimer’s disease. In this context, I have tested various nicotine-related compounds, including 6-hydroxy-L-nicotine and cotinine, and assessed their effects on behavior, oxidative stress parameters, and acetylcholinesterase activity. The findings suggest a neuromodulatory role, and under specific experimental conditions, a potential neuroprotective effect.

    In a separate exploratory study, I evaluated the effects of 6-hydroxy-L-nicotine on the viability of tumor cell lines and observed significant cytotoxic activity. While this line of investigation does not represent a main research focus, it highlights the broader biological potential of nicotine derivatives beyond the central nervous system.

    In addition to nicotine-based compounds, I have also studied the effects of bioactive substances of plant origin, including essential oils and extracts from various plants used in traditional mecidicne. These were tested in pharmacologically induced cognitive impairment models to explore their antioxidant, cholinomimetic, or neuroprotective effects.

    I have also been involved in the genome sequencing projects of the Paenarthrobacter nicotinovorans, a bacterium capable of metabolizing nicotine, contributing to the understanding of enzymatic pathways relevant for applied biotechnology.

    My research adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating neurobiology, biochemistry, and experimental pharmacology. The overarching goal is to advance our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction and to identify potential therapeutic targets. The results of my work have been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international scientific events.

1. Brinza I; Boiangiu RS, Honceriu I, Abd-Alkhalek AM, Osman SM, Eldahshan OA, Todirascu-Ciornea E, Dumitru G, Hritcu L, 2025 – Neuroprotective Potential of Origanum majorana L. Essential Oil Against Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficits and Oxidative Stress in a Zebrafish Model. Biomolecules, 15, 138.

1. Cimpanu AM, Tanas M, Hritcu L, Boiangiu RS – The impact of 6-hydroxy-L-nicotine on inflammation and oxidative stress in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease – 6^th International Conference on Natural Products Utilization: from Plants to Pharmacy Shelf (ICNPU 2025), Bansko, Bulgaria, 26-30 May 2025.
2. Basu L, Boiangiu RS – In silico molecular docking of nicotine and nicotinic derivatives to β-amyloid peptide – 6^th International Conference on Natural Products Utilization: from Plants to Pharmacy Shelf (ICNPU 2025), Bansko, Bulgaria, 26-30 May 2025.