Al-Najaf Governorate Research Articles

Calculation of radiological risks for selected soil samples from the north of Kufa district in Najaf, Iraq.

To evaluate radioactivity levels in soil samples and their physical impact on the population. The experimental radiation study was conducted in northern Kufa, Al Najaf Governorate, Iraq, in March 2020 by researchers from the Kufa University, Iraq and comprised soil samples. A gamma spectrometer equipped with a sodium iodide detector activated with a trace amount of thallium was used to calculate the concentration of radium, thorium and potassium. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. There were 30 samples. The average concentration of Radium, Thorium and Potassium was (0.824± 0.392)ppm, (1.536± 0.645)ppm and( 0.597± 0.195)%, respectively, and the radiation hazards were lower than the permissible levels. The reported value of excess lifetime cancer risk was (1.2819 ±0.156)×10-3, and the annual gonadal equivalent dose (AGED) was 116.496± 41.255 (mSv. y-1), which was lower than the recommended limit. There was a positive, strong and significant relationship of radium with all the variables (p<0.05) studied except with potassium (p>0.05). Thorium was positively and significantly associated with all the variables (p<0.05). The study area was found to be safe and there was no relationship between the radiation levels of the studied nuclides and the risk of cancer.

Prevalence and Patterns of Drug Use Among People in Al-Najaf Governorate, Iraq

Background: After a series of instability Iraq confronted in the past decades, the drug abuse issue has grown and is now a complex national concern where the rise in drug transshipment through the country and neighbor countries accompanies noticeable increased consumption of drugs especially those associated with transnational criminal networks such as amphetamines. This is a descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted in Al-Najaf governorate from January to March 2024, qualitative data based on the correction institutions of the Ministry of the Interior using a non-probability sample since lack of precise sample frame or data about the real prevalence or rate of the problem. The study recruited 288 drug users all between 20-64 years, 31(10.8%) were females and 257(89.2%) were males (49%). 237 (82%) of the drug users of young adults between 20 to 40 years old. The objective was to investigate personal history and examine the extent and patterns of the abuse of drugs, using a structured questionnaire designed and modified after reviewing relevant studies. The study found that the majority of the participants smoked nicotine throughout their lifetime as 60.8% smoked hookah, 15% smoked e-cigarettes and 86% smoked cigarettes with about 75% current heavy smokers, 51% of participants used alcohol as lifetime prevalence with more than 32% used it weekly. A large percentage: 88% abused more than one type of illicit drug with amphetamine stimulants (methamphetamine and fenethylline) as the most commonly abused illicit drugs among the majority of the participants. The lifetime prevalence of prescription drug use was 86%. 60% used more than one method of administration, while 8% used drugs by injection. The study concluded that a large percentage of the study participants were polydrug abusers with extensive patterns of use which revealed the complex status of which stresses a holistic approach to managing the problem. Conclusion: The study concluded that a large percentage of the study participants were polydrug abusers with extensive patterns of use which revealed the complex status of which stresses a holistic approach to manage the problem.

Natural Radioactivity in some Local Food Samples Consumed by Children in Iraq

This work was directed towards studying the specific activity of natural radioactivity (40k, 238U, and 232Th) in 13 samples of foodstuff that are consumed by children in Iraq. The foodstuffs such as biscuit, cocoa powder, milk powder, indomie, and soup were collected from markets in the Al-Najaf governorate. This food was analyzed in the laboratory, which belongs to the University of Kufa, using a scintillation detector (NaI(Tl)) detector (gamma spectrometer systems) and provided with software MESTRO-32. The results found that, the specific activity for potassium-40 were ranged from 52.11 Bq/kg to 619.61 Bq/kg, while the specific activity for uranium-238 ranged between 4.11 Bq/kg to 18.9 Bq/kg, but for thorium-232 were ranged from 0.39 Bq/kg to 12.06 Bq/kg. The specific activity for 40K, 238U, and 232Th for all samples was found to be within the worldwide range for radioactivity in food 420, 30, and 45 Bq/kg, respectively, except for cocoa powder samples have specific activity for 40K higher than worldwide. This study has shown that the levels of radioactivity in most samples of children food were within the limit value of organization UNSCEAR. Finally, the present study will provide data about natural radioactivity in food used by children in all governorates of the country to protect all children.

Isolation and Identification of Candida sp. from Cancer Patients in Al-Najaf Governorate

Abstract Background: The study of microbes and cancer is considered one of the challenges in sustainable development. Candida is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus that is inclined to infect the host with faulty immune function involving cancer patients. A growing amount of research has shown that Candida infection raises the host’s vulnerability to cancer, such as colorectal, gastric, and oral cancer. Objectives: This investigation demonstrates the isolation and identification of Candida spp. from cancer patients of the Middle Euphrates Cancer Center in Al-Najaf Governorate. Materials and Methods: Fifty-one blood samples were collected for the preparation of serum. The serum is cultured on SDA media, and the culture is examined for microbial growth, such as culture on SDA media, Chrom agar, microscopic examination, and then by VITEK 2 technique. Results: The current investigation showed that the infection percentage with opportunistic microorganisms was demonstrated as follows: 53% was Candida while 47% was bacteria and other types of yeast. The results demonstrate five different species of Candida sp., Candida species were (46%) C. parapsilosis (13.33%) for each of C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, and C. guillermondii. Conclusion: We concluded from our current study that some pathogenic microbes can be isolated from the sera of cancer patients, as some types of Candida were isolated, which include C. parapsilosis, C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C.dubliniensis, and C. guillermondii.

Study the Effect of Tobacco Smoking (Cigarette and Hookah) on Some Blood Parameters in the Samples of Iraqi People in Al-Najaf Governorate

Abstract Background: The study of effective smoking is considered one of the challenges in sustainable development, where tobacco smoking (cigarettes and hookah) is one of the main etiology of cardiovascular and cancer diseases causing millions of deaths annually. Objectives: The current study aims to identify the effect of cigarettes and hookah on blood parameters in the population of Al-Najaf Governorate. Materials and Methods: The present study included 120 males and they were divided into cigarette smokers (n = 30), hookah smokers (n = 30), cigarettes and hookah smokers (n = 30), and nonsmokers (n = 30). They were distributed according to their age categories ranging from 15 to 74 years. Specimens of blood from all groups were collected to identify the hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBCs) count, red blood cells (RBCs), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), and mean corpuscular Hb concentration (MCHC) in the blood. Results: The results revealed that the current study proved tobacco smoking has a significant effect on most blood parameters, as it had a significant effect on the level of Hb, WBCs, RBCs, MCH, and MCV (P &lt; 0.05) in tobacco smokers (15.2458 ± 1.5 g/dL, 12.35 × 103µL, 5.326 ± 0.775 × 106 µL, 29.721 ± 0.432 pg, 87.7312 ± 0.692 fL), respectively, compared with nonsmokers as a control group (13.5 ± 1 g/dL, 7.450 ± 0.398 × 103 µL, 4.847 ± 0.081 × 106 µL, 27.416 ± 0.915 pg, 79.6343 ± 3.623 fL). However, the effect was not significant on the level of MCHC (34.336 ± 0.599 g/dL) compared with a control group (33.99 ± 0.307 g/dL). Conclusion: The current study concludes that cigarettes and hookah smoking or both change the blood parameters, which are harmful to health. Therefore, smokers must be aware to measure their blood parameters continuously to keep their health healthy.

Findings of a Community Health Needs Assessment Survey in Al Najaf Governorate Iraq: A Snapshot of Al Marashda's Health Status.

Community health assessment (CHA) is a well-known method for identifying and analyzing community health needs. This CHA survey aimed to identify and analyze community health needs and assets to prioritize these needs and to plan and act upon significant unmet community health needs. The CHA was planned based on the suggested standard of the North Carolina Guide including eight phases from July to December 2023. The CHA survey was performed among Al-Marashda region residents in the Al-Manathera district. The sample size of our study was 184 interviews of 12536 population. The primary data, which included demographic information, quality of life statements, and community improvement, were collected from the community using a questionnaire through opinion surveys and focus groups, while the secondary data which included the social, health, and economic status of Al-Marashda region residents were obtained from district and governorate sources. Analysis of whole data sources allowed 10 areas of community concern to be identified. Findings from the CHA survey showed that diabetes and high blood pressure, poverty and unemployment, and air pollution were the most common public health problems as priorities. The high-priority problems of Al-Marashda are in common with the noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) priority in Al Najaf. However, poverty and air pollution are specific to the Al-Marashda region. Public health authorities and the city governorate are advised to consider, support, and develop community diagnosis documents to implement appropriate interventions.

Investigation of the Microbial Content and Antimicrobial Activity of Isolates from the Vagina of Non-Pregnant Women in AL-Najaf Governorate

Introduction: Vaginal discharge is a common problem among many women and causes unpleasant odor and discomfort. Therefore, the study was conducted on a group of these women to find out the microbial content causing this problem and to conduct a drug sensitivity test. Methods and Materials: Specimens were collected from 92 non-pregnant women, aged (20-60) years, from the city of AL-Najaf in Iraq. 78 (84.78%). Results: Samples were positive, and the largest percentage of microbial content was for fungi represented by yeasts of Candida spp. in the rate of 54%. C. albicans was the most prevalent kind by 15%. The remainder is made up of non-Candida albicans kinds. Which is C. glabrata, C. Ciferrii, C. Guilliermondii, C. Tropicals, C. krusi . This was followed by gram-positive bacteria at a rate of 28%, This percentage was distributed between Streptococcus pyogenes by 15% and the rest for other types of bacteria Staphylococcus Spp. While Gram-negative bacteria accounted for the least percentage of the total positive specimens, at 18%, distributed between Klebsiella spp.13% and E. coli, 5%. As for the drug sensitivity test, C. glabrate, C. ciferrii and C. Krusi showed resistance to fluconazole (MIC= 8) and were sensitive to Voriconazole. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria showed various drug sensitivity. Conclusion: This study showed that there are two main causes of vaginal infections: first: an overgrowth of Candida yeasts, and second: some types of bacteria, which are similar to those that cause urinary tract infections, as these bacteria are transmitted between the vagina and the urinary canal due to the closeness of the two areas to each other in women.

MODELLING THE FACTORS AFFECTING CRASH OCCURRENCE AND FREQUENCY RESULTED FROM MOBILE PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING: EVIDENCE FROM AL-NAJAF, IRAQ

The recent reports of road traffic accident statistics in Iraq have disclosed a rise in the number of crash injuries resulted from the use of mobile phone while driving. This paper aims to explore the factors contributing to the occurrence and prevalence of such crashes and near crashes in Al-Najaf governorate, Iraq. A representative sample of 417 drivers were interviewed as part of a questionnaire driving survey. Several frequency and modelling analyses were conducted using the IBM SPSS software. The frequency analysis revealed a high use of mobile phones for calling and texting activities while driving. Almost 20% and 55% of the interviewed drivers reported their involvement in a crash or in a near crash because of such use, respectively. Regarding the developed logistic models, the crash involvement sequential regression analysis revealed that factors such gender, education, handheld phoning, calling-answering frequency, and inadequate driving can affect the likelihood of crash occurrence. In contrast, the ordinal logistic near miss models revealed that age, gender, high phone use rate, and improper driving due to such use are influential factors in rising the likelihood of being in multiple near crashes. The analysis results confirm the influence of using phones in distracting the attention of drivers and hence threating their lives; as a result, these findings would be enlightening for agencies and policy makers interested in highway safety.

Determination of long-lived gamma emitters in some vegetarian products in Al-Najaf governorate using NaI(Tl)

In this study, gamma emitters including potassium-40, thorium-232, and uranium-238 were found in samples of 10 types of vegetarian products that were taken from various locations of Al-Najaf governorate. The experimental study is done by NaI(Tl) detectors that are produced by the ORTIC Analysis System. Also, some radiological risks due to these emitters as radium equivalent activity and internal hazard index were calculated using different theoretical equations. Given that all samples from Iraqi vegetarian products in the current study that tested for long-lived gamma emitters and risk factors for hazard were found to be below the global limit suggested by numerous organizations and commissions, one may conclude that there is no risk to human health from radiological hazard caused by gamma emitters.

Optimal Design of Grid-Connected Hybrid Renewable Energy System Considering Electric Vehicle Station Using Improved Multi-Objective Optimization: Techno-Economic Perspectives

Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) and renewable energy sources (RESs) have been widely integrated into distribution systems. Electric vehicles (EVs) offer advantages for distribution systems, such as increasing reliability and efficiency, reducing pollutant emissions, and decreasing dependence on non-endogenous resources. In addition, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology has made EVs a potential form of portable energy storage, alleviating the random fluctuation of renewable energy power. This paper simulates the optimal design of a photovoltaic/wind/battery hybrid energy system as a power system combined with an electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) using V2G technology in a grid-connected system. The rule-based energy management strategy (RB-EMS) is used to control and observe the proposed system power flow. A multi-objective improved arithmetic optimization algorithm (MOIAOA) concept is proposed to analyze the optimal sizing of the proposed system components by calculating the optimal values of the three conflicting objectives: grid contribution factor (GCF), levelled cost of electricity (LCOE), and energy sold to the grid (ESOLD). This research uses a collection of meteorological data such as solar radiation, temperature, and wind speed captured every ten minutes for one year for a government building in Al-Najaf Governorate, Iraq. The results indicated that the optimal configuration of the proposed system using the MOIAOA method consists of eight photovoltaic modules, two wind turbines, and thirty-three storage batteries, while the fitness value is equal to 0.1522, the LCOE is equal to 2.66 × 10−2 USD/kWh, the GCF is equal to 7.34 × 10−5 kWh, and the ESOLD is equal to 0.8409 kWh. The integration of RESs with an EV-based grid-connected system is considered the best choice for real applications, owing to their remarkable performance and techno-economic development.

Detection of Epstein-Barr virus among chronic kidney disease patients in Najaf, Iraq

Abstract Many people across the world have been infected with Epstein Barr virus (EBV), a kind of a human herpes virus. Loss of kidney function happens progressively with time in those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Individuals with CKD may be more susceptible to viral infections such as EBV due to their compromised immune systems. The purpose of this research is to quantify the frequency with which EBV infection occurs in patients with CKD in the Al-Najaf governorate. Blood samples from 50 people with CKD and 50 healthy controls were collected for the study at the Specialized Centre for Diseases and Kidney Transplant at Al-Sadder Medical City in Al-Najaf city. Nineteen of the CKD patients were men, whereas 31 were women. The age range of individuals who took part in the research varied from 17 to 47. The time frame for this study’s data gathering was from January 2022 to December 2022. Fifty hemodialysis patients gave blood samples for analysis. Researchers measured anti-EBV IgG antibodies using the ELISA method to evaluate the efficacy of humoral immunity. Eleven (22% of all samples) were found to have positive results for Epstein Barr nuclear antigen2 (EBNA2) IgG. This number was 43.1% of all males and 38.4% of all females. However, the serum concentration was found to be statistically significantly higher in the age range of 17-26 years (p0.05) than in any other age group. The RT-qPCR method was also applied to detect EBV infection in the study. Only 18 (36% of the sample) of the 50 patients had positive RT-qPCR results for EBV. This number was 15.7% of all males and 48.4% of all females; however, the positivity rate increased to 71.4% in the (17-26) age group and decreased to 28.5% in those older than 57. Results from the control group were negative for EBNA2 IgG antibodies and EBV DNA. Findings of this research demonstrate that the prevalence of EBV antibodies is considerably higher among patients undergoing hemodialysis than in the group serving as a control, regardless of age. In addition, the results of the study support the use of real-time PCR for detecting EBV among patients with CKD, due to its high sensitivity and specificity.

INVESTIGATING THE RISK FACTORS AFFECTING THE OCCURRENCE, FREQUENCY, AND SEVERITY OF LARGE TRUCK ACCIDENTS IN AL-NAJAF GOVERNORATE, IRAQ

In spite of the established literature-based evidence regarding the consequences of large truck accidents, limited body of research has been done on the characteristics and risk factors of such road accidents in Iraqi cities and governorates. According to national statistics, there has been a steady increase in the number of trucks and truck-related crashes over the past ten years. This paper aims to investigate the characteristics and risk factors associated with accidents involving large trucks in Al-Najaf governorate. A sample of 400 truck drivers were randomly selected and interviewed to collect the needed accident data. Four generalized linear models have been built; ordinal regression model for total injuries, binary logistic model for fatal accident occurrence, multinomial logit model for accident frequency, and ordinal regression model for accident cost. The analysis results revealed several influential predictors including truck driver age, education level, type of collision, truck speed, truck type, and street lighting condition. The obtained findings should be enlightening and helpful for government organizations looking to promote safety measures for sustainable freight truck transport.

Study of gene expression of Cytokine Genes (TLR-4, NOD-2) in patients with Otitis Media in Al-Najaf Governorate, Iraq

The study aimed to evaluate the gene expression of genes (TLR-4,NOD-2) in patients of Otitis media and healthy persons. This finding included 50 samples that collected from healthy subject and 100 samples from a patients suffering from otitis media who attended Al-Sadr Medical City (ENT Department) in Al-Najaf Governorate during the period from February 2022 to June 2022. The samples had an average age ranging from 5 to 70 years. The gene expression of these genes among those suffering from Otitis media and healthy individuals have been investigated in this case-control research. Using a PCR technology. polymerase chain reactions were carried out to amplify each sample for the patient and control groups. The results of the molecular study (gene expression) showed a high significant increase in the level of gene expression in patients for the two genes NOD-2, TLR-4 genes (14.78 ± 2.369, 16.42 ± 3.158), respectively, with a significant difference at P≤0.05. TLR-4, NOD-2 as used as a molecular diagnosis Otitis Media patients.

Bacteriological investigation of pyelonephritis in AL-Najaf Governorate, Iraq: a cross-Sectional study

Pyelonephritis is an inflammation caused by bacteria that primarily effects the interstitial area and the renal pelvis or, less often, the renal tubules. It is one of the most common renal diseases. The main objective of the study is to know and to compare the bacterial species that cause pyelonephritis in its three types, acute, chronic and emphysematous for patients in Iraq, specifically in the Al-Najaf Governorate. 663 (82.88%) samples gave a positive result for bacterial growth, and they belonged to patients with acute pyelonephritis 128 samples, chronic pyelonephritis patients had 288 samples and 247 samples for pyelonephritis emphysematous patients. The chronic pyelonephritis type had the most diverse bacterial species (11) bacterial species, the acute pyelonephritis (9) bacterial species, and the emphysematous pyelonephritis (6) species only. Escherichia coli bacteria was the most widespread of all types pyelonephritis, with a percentage of 34.41% (53/ 154) .For the acute type, percentage of 49.83% (152/305) was for the chronic type and a percentage of 56.07% (157/280) for the emphysematous type. 15 types of antibiotics were tested, and the antibiotics Imipenem and Amikacin were the best for most isolated bacterial species. In terms of gender, age and residence of the patients, females were the most susceptibility 341 (51.43%), and the age group (41-55) years is the most influential 211 (31.83%) and the percentage of residents of urban areas 379 (57.16%) gave the highest percentage of residents of rural areas.

PCR detection of spreading TEM and CTX-M gene in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from urinary tract infection

Mostly, urine is devoid of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it sterile. However, an infection may arise when minuscule organisms, mostly bacteria from the digestive system, attach to the urethral opening and proliferate, leading to infections. This research seeks to identify the B-lactam genes responsible for antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae linked with infections, as well as their resistance to treatments. This inquiry specifically focuses on this aspect. The primary focus of the study was identifying bacterial isolates by established diagnostic methods. The secondary objective was to assess the resistance and sensitivity of antibiotics. Lastly, the study used the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method to ascertain the presence of the blaCTX-M and blaTEM genes. Within the period from November 2022 to June 2023, a 540 clinical samples were gathered from patients with urinary tract infections at Al-Hakim General Hospital, Al-Sadr City Hospital, Al-Furate Al-Awsat Hospital, and Al-Zahra Maternity and Children in AL-Najaf governorate. A total of 120 samples were found to be tainted with Klebsiella pneumoniae. This study assessed the sensitivity of the test using the disk diffusion method. The findings indicated that Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibited high levels of resistance to a road scope of antibiotics, namely Ampicillin/sulbactam, Ampicillin, and Ticarcillin/Clavulanic acid. Additionally, some isolates showed resistance to Cefotaxime. The experiment yielded diverse outcomes for the quinolone, aminoglycoside, and macrolide groups. Among the 120 samples that were examined, 87 of them showed positive results for K. pneumoniae when the PCR technique was used to detect the presence of the blaCTX-M gene. On the other hand, 36 samples tested positive for K. pneumoniae when the blaTEM gene was used. The specimens were obtained from the urine of individuals diagnosed with urinary tract infections.

Thyroid function tests in type 1 diabetes mellitus in Al-Najaf governorate

Thyroid function tests in type 1 diabetes mellitus in Al-Najaf governorate

The role of filaggrin gene (FLG) in patients with atopic dermatitis in Al-Najaf Governorate, Iraq

This study sought to detect the role of filaggrin gene (FLG) in patients which play a role in the disease or development of atopic dermatitis. for a period of 16 months, from 1/5/2022 to 1/8/2023, the (100) samples in this study were divided into two groups: the patients (70), whose clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (AD) is confirmed by dermatologists, and the control groups (30), whose immunological and biochemical analyses confirmed their status. Patients and controls were arranged according to age and gender, with age groups further divided into five categories: 1-7, 7-16, 16-33, 33-45, and &gt;45 years. The samples were analyzed by DNA sequencing for filaggrin gene. The results showed the filaggrin gene there were no significant difference between ,patients and healthy groups at (Pvalue =0.081) and there were no significant difference between male and female (P-value =0.143) and Highly significant difference at (P-value ≤0.001) Genetic sequencing of the FLG gene was observed with three genotypes (CC, CT, and TT).

Association between gene polymorphism of TLR2 and serum level of it in atopic dermatitis in Al-Najaf Governorate, Iraq

The purpose of this study was to investigate the polymorphism of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in patients with atopic dermatitis using the T-ARMS-PCR technology. The levels of TLR2 in the serum of these patients were then determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent test (ELISA). For a period of 16 months, from 1/5/2022 to 1/8/2023, The 100 samples in this study were divided into two groups: the patients (70), whose clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (AD) is confirmed by dermatologists, and the control groups (30), whose immunological and biochemical analyses confirmed their status. Patients and controls were arranged according to age and gender, with age groups further divided into five categories: 1-7, 7-16, 16-33, 33-45, and &gt;45 years, about 70 out of 100 AD samples have TLR2 gene polymorphisms in CC, TT, and TC, and serum TLR2 levels were greater in patients than in controls (p-value=0.029*). In conclusion, atopi dermatitis may be caused by a gene polymorphism in TLR2 in (CC, TT, and TC). Additionally, immunological analysis revealed that AD patients had higher serum levels of TLR2 than did healthy individuals.

Radiation dangers in Iranian ceramic samples in local markets

This research aims to determine the exact levels of activity for Uranium-238, Thorium-232, and Potassium-40 in Iranian pottery samples acquired from the marketplaces of Al-Najaf governorate. The study also seeks to evaluate possible radiological dangers, such as absorbed dose rate, yearly effective dose (indoors), and the related cancer risk from these samples. The current work used NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectroscopy with a “3× 3” dimension. The mean specific activity levels of Uranium-238, Thorium-232, and Potassium-40 were 30.44±5.22 Bq/kg, 6.35±1.11 Bq/kg, and 278.42±51.83 Bq/kg, respectively. The absorbed radiation rate, yearly effective dose (indoor), and cancer risk×10-3 were measured to be 29.51±4.86 nGy/h, 0.14±0.02 mSv/y, and 0.50±0.08, respectively. The activity levels of Uranium-238, Thorium-232, and Potassium-40 are generally lower than the global average, as reported by UNSCEAR 2008. However, there are a few samples where Uranium-238 activity exceeds the global average. All samples have radiological dangers below acceptable levels, as stated in the radiation protection publications UNSCEAR2000 and ICRP1994. Hence, the research findings are within the internationally accepted permitted limits, ensuring safety.

Evaluation of some biomarkers of osteoporosis in women with breast cancer in Al-Najaf Governorate

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a systemic disease that affects the mineral density of bones and their structure, which leads to an increase in the softness of the bones. One in three women after the age of fifty worldwide is affected. Both breast cancer and osteoporosis are common diseases in women. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, with one in eight women developing breast cancer in their lifetime.Aim of the study Evaluation of some biomarkers of osteoporosis in women with breast cancer represented by cathepsin K, parathyroid hormone, calcium and vitamin D.&#x0D; methods: The current study was conducted at the National Cancer Center in Al-Najaf province for the period from 8/15/2022 to 1/20/2023. The study included 60 women with breast cancer and 30 healthy women free of diseases, and it was considered a control group. The ages of patients and healthy people ranged between (30-68) years old, vitamin D, calcium, parathyroid hormone, and cathepsin K were evaluated.&#x0D; Results: For the indicators of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH), the results of the statistical analysis did not record any significant difference (p&gt;0.05) between the two groups under study. The results of the statistical analysis showed a significant increase (p&lt;0.0001) in the levels of calcium (Ca) and cathepsin K in infected women compared with healthy women. Likelihood (p &lt; 0.005) and calcium with a probability level (p &lt; 0.0001).&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; Depending on the results reached through the current study, we conclude that there is a high rate of osteoporosis in women with breast cancer. prevalent. Also, an increase in the level of calcium in women with breast cancer, with no difference in parathyroid hormone, which is the most important biomarker for breast cancer diagnosis. An increase in the level of cathepsin K and its negative effect on the level of calcium in women with breast cancer.