Healthy Iraqi Research Articles

Evaluation of Plasma Cystatin C Depending on ‎Physiological Factors in Healthy Iraqi People

Background: Cystatin C is a small protein formed by nucleated cells and has gained significant attention as a potential test for various health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and impaired kidney functions. Although existing research on cystatin C levels in different populations, there remains a gap in understanding its variations in healthy Iraqi individuals, particularly concerning gender, age, and body mass index (BMI). Aim: This study addresses this gap by evaluating the evolution of plasma cystatin C levels in 180 healthy Iraqi volunteers. Methods: the samples were categorized based on age, gender, and obesity status. Results: showed no significant difference (p-value ≤ 0.05) according to gender with the mean value of Cystatin C as 0.8511 pg/ml and 0.7881 pg/ml in male and female groups, respectively. The result showed gradually elevated levels in Cystatin C according to age, when Cystatin C values were 0.6676 ± 0.1918 pg/ml, 0.8339 ± 0.3416 pg/ml, 0.8442 ± 0.3422 pg/ml, 0.8930 ± 0.3471 pg/ml, 1.103 ± 0.3356 pg/ml in 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s groups, respectively (p-value ≤ 0.05). Also, the result showed significant differences (p-value ≤ 0.05) in Cystatin C levels according to BMI with mean values of 0.7578 ± 0.1036 pg/ml, 0.7999 ± 0.3176 pg/ml, 0.9218 ± 0.2629 pg/ml, 1.0280 ± 0.4693 pg/ml in normal BMI, overweight, obese, and extremely obese, respectively. Conclusion: the study concludes that age and BMI significantly influence serum cystatin C levels in healthy people. These findings provide valuable insights into the physiological factors affecting cystatin C levels in the Iraqi population and underscore the need for finding reference values tailored to this specific demographic.

Prevalence of Subclinical Cases of HBsAg and IgM-HCV Positivity among Healthy Iraqi Individuals

Prevalence of Subclinical Cases of HBsAg and IgM-HCV Positivity among Healthy Iraqi Individuals

Determination of sex and age specific 99th percentile upper reference limit of high sensitivity cardiac Troponin I in a sample of apparently healthy Iraqi adults

Determination of sex and age specific 99th percentile upper reference limit of high sensitivity cardiac Troponin I in a sample of apparently healthy Iraqi adults

Serum Level Alteration of IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ in Groups of Healthy Adults with Oxidative DNA Damage in Najaf Governorate.

Najaf governorate was recorded as one of the most polluted Iraqi governorates with increased cancer, autoimmune, and abortion cases. Study Groups. A total of 88 adult volunteers from three test groups were divided based on their inhabitance in different geographical regions in Najaf governorate. Group 1 (G1; n, 29) inhabitants of Al-Ansar, Al-Abbaseyeh, and Al-Manathera districts, Group 2 (G2; n, 27) inhabitants of 22 different scattered districts of the governorate, Group 3 (G3; n, 32) inhabitants of Kufa city and center districts in the old Najaf city. According to previous authors' findings, all participants had uranium contamination in their urine and blood samples, and also, they had DNA damage according to the level of urinary 8-OHdG compound. The control group 4 (G4; n, 25) were adult healthy Iraqi volunteers who were residents of the Sulaimaniyah governorate, which has low-level uranium pollution. The present study aims to determine the effect of uranium pollution and DNA damage on the immune system function in terms of estimating the levels of serum interleukin (IL)-6, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and IL-1 beta (β). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Sandwich method technique) was used for estimating the serum cytokines levels in test and control groups. A significant elevation of cytokines levels was reported as compared with the control groups (p ≤ 0.01). The level of IL-6 was 764.64 ± 24.12 pg/ml, 768.87 ± 19.64 pg/ml, and 735.62 ± 18.47 in G1, G2, and G3, respectively. The level of IFN-γ was 264.55 ± 19.17 pg/ml, 259 ± 18.76 pg/ml, and 261.20 ± 12.99 pg/ml for G1, G2, and G3, respectively. The level of IL-1β was 99.85 ± 10.81 pg/ml, 116.8 ± 10.71 pg/ml, and 83 ± 19.24 pg/ml in G1, G2, and G3, respectively. The levels of IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-1β were 86.5 ± 22.9 pg/ml, 19.4 ± 2.8 pg/ml, and 16.1 ± 3.2 pg/ml in the sera of control (G4). The results showed significant statistical elevation with the corresponding p value cut-off p ≤ 0.01 in IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-1β in the sera of three test groups as compared with the results of the control group. The change in the proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-1β) levels indicates a persistent inflammatory response in the participants and may reflect immune system impairment as a consequence of exposure to long-term low-dose ionizing radiation.

The Impact Of Ramadan Fasting On Adrenal Hormones And Cholesterol Among Healthy Iraqi Students

The Impact Of Ramadan Fasting On Adrenal Hormones And Cholesterol Among Healthy Iraqi Students

Computed tomographic assessment of renal length in correlation to anthropometric parameters: A cross-sectional hospital-based observational study from Iraq

Abstract Background: Measuring the renal size is an important parameter used in the assessment of patients with renal diseases. There is no conventional nomogram for kidney length in the Iraqi population. Objectives: The main objective of our study was to evaluate the ranges of normal renal length in our population. Material and Methods: The right and the left kidney lengths were measured by computed tomography (CT) scan in 100 adult individuals without apparent renal condition. Analysis for differences was conducted according to laterality, age, and sex. The correlation of renal length with anthropometrical indices like body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA) was also evaluated. Results: The mean length of the right kidney was 11.4 cm for males and 10.2 cm for females, and of the left kidney was 11.5 cm in males and 10.8 cm in females. The mean renal lengths in the Iraqi population were similar to Iranian and American populations. The left kidney was longer than the right. Age-group analysis exhibited a significant decline in renal length beyond the sixth decade. There was a modest positive correlation of renal length with height, weight, and BSA but no correlation with BMI. Conclusion: The research supports the knowledge of the standard renal length range in a study population of apparently healthy Iraqi individuals by using CT scan imaging and derives linear regression equations that can be simply used in clinical practice to estimate the renal length according to body indices such as height or weight.

Atherogenic Index of Plasma is a Novel Biomarker Associated with Obesity in the Adult Males

The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a vital parameter for dyslipidemia and its associated diseases and assessing cardiac risk. Several anthropometric parameters have been used to reflect obesity-associated risk, but body mass index (BMI) and waist/ hip (W/H) ratio are the most common. Our study aimed to evaluate the correlation between AIP and BMI, waist/ hip W/H ratio and its advantage in predicting dyslipidemia among obese males. The study includes 869 healthy Iraqi males, 415 obese and 454 non-obese males. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) body mass index was 33.00 ± 2.76 kg/m2 for the obese males and 22.49 ± 1.21kg/m2 for the non-obese males. AIP, BMI, W/H and lipid levels were estimated. The study demonstrated that AIP level was significantly correlated with both BMI, Pearson Correlation 0.295** and W/H ratio, Pearson Correlation 0.297**. The study revealed that AIP was significantly and positively associated with BMI and W/H ratio among the study population. Keywords: Obesity; Lipid; Atherogenic index of plasma; Males

Anti-microbial activity of Green Tea Extracts and Nicotine on the Growth, Biofilm Formation of Salivary Mutans Streptococci (In-vitro study)

Background: The green tea have antimicrobial activity against many types of bacteria It is considered a natural substance with few side effect. Aim of the Study: An in vitro study was carried out to investigate the ability of green tea extract and nicotine to inhibit growth, biofilm formation by salivary Mutans streptococci. Methods: This study included a convenient sample of 40 healthy Iraqi volunteers aged 18–23 years old from College of Dentistry / University of Baghdad. Green tea and nicotine aqueous extract were prepared in different concentration to use in agar diffusion method to detect the activity of extract, and ELISA reader in multi titer plate was used to determine the ability of salivary mutans Streptococci to form biofilm in the presence and absence of the extracts.to measure the biofilm inhibition rate. Results: Mutans Streptococci were sensitive to green tea and nicotine in different concentrations the diameters of the inhibition zone were effective in a dose dependent manner significantly. There was a significant difference between the concentrations of each extracts, antibacterial activity was in a dose dependent manner for the extracts. The minimum bactericidal concentration of green tea was (280 mg/ml) and minimum bactericidal concentration of nicotine was (45mg/ml). The study found that biofilm formation by Mutans Streptococci was markedly decreased in the presence of 1/2 minimum bactericidal concentration of both green tea and nicotine with mean of O.D 590 nm = 0.54 in comparison with green tea extracts and nicotine alone O.D 590 nm = 0.15, 0.68 respectively. Conclusions green tea and nicotine extracts in different concentration effectively reduced the biofilm formation of salivary Mutans streptococci. While the presence of nicotine has negatively impacted on the ability of green tea extracts in the inhibition of biofilm formation by Mutans Streptococci in vitro.

Morphometric Measurements of Carrying Angle of the Elbow among Sample of Iraqi Medical Students: An Observational, Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The carrying angle (CA) is an acute angle occurring between the longitudinal axis of the upper arm and that of the extended and supinated forearm. CA allows swinging of the upper limb without hitting the pelvis. It appears to be larger in females than in males and also shows some variation to anthropometric parameters. Knowledge of CAs is valuable for orthopedic surgeons and biomedical engineers as well as for forensic specialists and anthropologists. Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate the normal range of CA among Iraqi population. Materials and Methods: The CAs of the right and the left upper limbs was measured by a clinical goniometer in 200 medical students. Analysis for differences was performed according to gender, laterality, height, weight, and hip circumference (HC). Results: The mean right CA in men was 9° and in women was 10.75°, while the mean left CA was 8.76° in men and 10.51° in women. The mean CA in females is significantly larger than in males. The mean CA of the right elbow was greater than that of the left. The mean CA shows a positive correlation with the individual height, weight, and HC. Conclusion: The study fortifies the knowledge of the standard range of CA of the elbow in a study population of apparently healthy Iraqi medical students and tries to make a reference value to be used for orthopedic surgeons, biomedical engineers as well as for forensic specialists and anthropologists.

Quantitative myocardial perfusion during stress using CMR is impaired in healthy Middle Eastern immigrants without CV risk factors

Middle Eastern immigrants constitute a growing proportion of the European population and compared to native Swedes are more insulin resistant, which can contribute to atherosclerosis. Quantitative first pass perfusion (qFPP) using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can detect early signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim was to study if myocardial perfusion differs between healthy male Middle Eastern immigrants and native male Swedes. Eighteen Iraqi- and twelve Swedish born controls, all males, never smokers with no CVD risk factors were included. Global myocardial perfusion at rest and stress was assessed using qFPP and by phase-contrast CMR imaging of coronary sinus flow. Quantitative first pass perfusion analysis (mean ± SD) demonstrated no difference at rest between Iraqi and Swedish males (0.8 ± 0.2 vs 1.0 ± 0.4 ml/min/g, P = 0.38) but lower perfusion during adenosine in Iraqi males (2.9 ± 0.7 vs 3.5 ± 0.7 ml/min/g, P = 0.02). Myocardial perfusion assessed by coronary sinus flow demonstrated similar results with no difference in resting perfusion between groups (0.7 ± 0.2 vs 0.8 ± 0.2 ml/min/g, P = 0.21) but a lower perfusion during adenosine in the Iraqi group (3.0 ± 0.2 vs 3.7 ± 0.6 ml/min/g, P = 0.01. Myocardial perfusion during adenosine stress was lower in healthy Iraqi immigrants compared to Swedish controls suggesting impaired microvascular function and risk of underestimating CVD risk in healthy individuals of Middle Eastern origin.

Favorable fatty acid composition in adipose tissue in healthy Iraqi- compared to Swedish-born men — a pilot study using MRI assessment

ABSTRACT Middle Eastern immigrants are at high-risk for insulin resistance. Fatty acid composition (FAC) plays an important role in the development of insulin resistance but has not been investigated in people of Middle Eastern ancestry. Here, the aim was to assess the FAC in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT and SAT) in healthy Iraqi- and Swedish-born men using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method.This case-control study included 23 Iraqi- and 15 Swedish-born middle-aged men, without cardiometabolic disease. Using multi-echo MRI of the abdomen, the fractions of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (fSFA, fMUFA, and fPUFA) were estimated in VAT and SAT. SAT was further analyzed in deep and superficial compartments (dSAT and sSAT). In all depots, fPUFA was significantly higher and fSFA significantly lower in Iraqi men, independently of age and BMI. In both Iraqi- and Swedish-born men, higher fPUFA and lower fMUFA were found in sSAT vs. dSAT. Among Iraqi men only, higher fPUFA and lower fMUFA were found in SAT vs. VAT.Iraqi-born men presented a more favorable abdominal FAC compared to Swedish-born men. This MRI method also revealed different FACs in different abdominal depots. Our results may reflect a beneficial FAC in Middle Eastern immigrants.

Detection of Genetic Polymorphism of HER2 Gene in HER2 Positive Breast Cancer Women in Iraq

The human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) gene plays a critical role in breast cancer development and progression. HER2 overexpression characterizes a biologically and clinically aggressive breast cancer subtype. In this study, 60 samples from Iraqi women with breast cancer were collected and investigated for HER2 protein in the tissue by immunohistochemistry. Also, 20 samples from healthy Iraqi women were used as a control. The results showed that 18 (30 %) patients expressed the HER2 protein. A molecular study for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was conducted on samples metastasizing to lymph nodes. DNA was extracted and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify exon 17 and intron 17 of HER2 gene. Sequencing of PCR product was achieved and two SNPs of HER2 gene, one in exon 17 (Ile655Val) and another close to it in intron 17 (rs903506) were studied. In exon 17, SNP Ile655Val was found in 41% of patients, while in intron 17, the non-coding SNP rs903506 was found in 27% of patients. However, no polymorphism was found in the control group. The results may suggest that HER2 gene can be used as a molecular marker for breast cancer.

Salivary Alpha-Amylase and Calcium levels Evaluation as a Biomarker in Stress Patients Undergoing Surgical Wisdom Tooth Extraction

The salivary enzyme alpha-amylase has been proposed as a biomarker for stress-induced activity of the sympathetic nervous system. In the growing field of amylase research, recent studies have underscored the usefulness of salivary alpha-amylase in this regard. Calcium is the major component of bones and teeth, and it is not surprising that disturbances in calcium metabolism have been implicated in most of the major chronic diseases, including renal disease, osteoporosis; and periodontal tissues.Twenty healthy Iraqi male undergo wisdom tooth extraction from undergraduates dental students were considered in this study with age mean of 22 years old, 2 ml samples of stimulated saliva were collected prior ten mints of surgical wisdom tooth removal, and recollected after one week fromsurgery from these students, the samples were analyzed to assess changes in ∝-amylase and calcium ion concentration under controlled conditions. The collected data predicted elevation of amylase level from ((7652.965 ±34.0410) to (7674.710 ± 68.8958) IU/L) with a significant change. And also increase in the calcium ion concentration level from (0.1465 ± 0.048) to reach level (0.1975± 0.100) mmol/L. Positive correlation were recorded between alpha amylase and calcium concentration when plotted the correlations values of stress and no stress individual's. In a conclusion. Acute stresscaused by wisdom tooth removal will elevate level of amylase in saliva significantly, howeverSignificant increasing in calcium concentration was observed in the stimulated saliva in comparison with the non-stimulated saliva with significant mean changes. However, our result predicted elevated levels of calcium concentration of the stimulated saliva than the non-stimulated (after extraction).

Favorable Fatty Acid Composition in Adipose Tissue in Healthy Iraqi- Compared to Swedish-Born Men Assessed by MRI

Background: Middle Eastern immigrants are at high-risk for insulin resistance. Fatty acid composition (FAC) plays an important role in the development of insulin resistance but has not been investigated in people of Middle Eastern ancestry. Here, the aim was to assess the FAC in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT and SAT) in healthy Iraqi- and Swedish-born men using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method. Methods: This case-control study included 23 Iraqi- and 15 Swedish-born middle-aged men, without cardiometabolic disease. Using multi-echo MRI of the abdomen, the fractions of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (fSFA,f MUFA , and fPUFA , respectively) were estimated in VAT and SAT. SAT was further analyzed in deep and superficial compartments (dSAT and sSAT). Findings: In all investigated adipose tissue depots, fPUFA was significantly higher (p <0.001) and f significantly lower (p <0.001) in Iraqi men, independently of age and BMI. In both Iraqi- and Swedish-born men, higher fPUFA and lower fMUFA were found in sSAT vs. dSAT. Among Iraqi men only, higher f PUFA and lower f MUFA were found in SAT vs. VAT (p <0.001). Interpretations: Iraqi-born men presented a more favorable abdominal adipose tissue FAC compared to Swedish-born men. This MRI method also revealed differences in FAC comparing different abdominal adipose tissue depots. Our results may reflect a beneficial FAC in Middle Eastern immigrants which needs to be further investigated. Funding: Lund University; the Swedish Research Council; the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research; MAS Foundation for Fighting Cancer; the Cancer Research Foundation, Oncology Department, SUS Malmo. Declaration of Interest: None to declare. Ethical Approval: Approval for the study was granted from the Ethical Review Board of Lund University (2015/507).

Morphological, histochemical and histological study of the ileum in the Iraqi Black Partridge (Francolinus francolinus)

Objective: This project aimed to study the morphological description and histological structure of ileum in Iraqi black partridge (Francolinus francolinus). Methods: To conduct this investigation, 20 healthy Iraqi black partridge were collected from local suppliers. Birds were euthanized, dissected and then specimens were processed for histological and histochemical staining techniques. Results: A morphological study showed that the ileum appears as a short narrow tubular structure. It extends from the wide end of the jejunum and ends in the Ileo-caecal junction region. Histologically, the wall ileum consists of four tunica mucosa, submucosa, muscularis and serosa. The mucosa was lined by simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells. The muscularis mucosa is arranged in two thick layers of smooth muscle fibers, outer longitudinal and inner circular bundles. The tunica submucosa was a thin layer of fibrous connective tissue. Tunica serosa was loose connective tissue covered by mesothelium. The goblet cells gave a positive reaction with PAS stain. Conclusion: Goblet cells neutral mucopolysaccharide secretions; in fact, the latter stain is an indicator mucin substance which are very important in digestion and absorption and subsequent body growth of the bird.

Frequencies of Apolipoprotein E polymorphism in Iraqi Kurdish population

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a circulating lipoprotein that contributed to lipid metabolism in the body. APOE is a polymorphic gene with three different alleles, APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4. Studies have found that APOE polymorphism is associated with cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The frequency of these alleles varies among different populations. This study aims to find the frequency of APOE variants in healthy Iraqi Kurdish subjects to establish a basic background for future disease association studies.The frequency of APOE variants in one-hundred fourteen healthy Kurdish subjects was determined using a polymerase chain reaction based technique called allele-specific sequence-specific-primers.The frequency of the alleles was 0.061, 0.904, and 0.035 for APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4, respectively. The APOE3 allele frequency in the Kurdish population was among the highest in the world whereas APOE4 frequency was among the lowest. These results were similar to those reported from other neighboring countries like Turkey and Iran, and other middle-eastern countries like Lebanon, but were different from Caucasians, Native Americans, and most African populations. This study provides a baseline for future studies on APOE association with neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases in the Kurdish ethnic group.

Study the C/T Single Nucleotide Polymorphism at Tyrosine Kinase Domain of Insulin Receptor Gene in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Babylon Province

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest gynecological endocrinopathy, is characterizedby chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism and is also associated with increase insulin secretion andmetabolic disease and insulin resistance. Present study aims to examine the association between the singlenucleotide polymorphism (rs1799817) of exon 17 of the insulin receptor (INSR) gene and polycystic ovarysyndrome (PCOS) in a Babylon women. Fifty women with PCOS and fifty healthy Iraqi women, age andBMI matching were achieved between study groups. Biochemical parameters that estimated were fastingglucose, fasting insulin, luteinizing hormone, testosterone. His 1058 C/T polymorphism at the tyrosinekinase domain in the INSR gene was analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLPPCR). Significant increase in the levels of fasting glucose fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, LH, testosteronewere noticed in patient when compared with control. TT genotype frequency was higher in PCOS patientswhereas CC genotype was higher in control women. All parameters that estimate in this study were higherin TT genotype of patient group. In conclusion there are an association of C/T polymorphism at His1058 ofINSR in patients women with PCOS in Babylon Province. Insulin resistance in PCOS patients might differfrom these that result from obesity.

Macular Thickness and Its relation with Age and Gender in Healthy Eyes Using Cirrus-HD Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose of the Study: To provide a normative data for macular thickness in healthy Iraqi eyes using Zeiss cirrus HD-OCT and to determine the effects of age and gender on their measurements. Materials and Methods: Two hundred healthy adult volunteers (?20 years), four hundred eyes underwent macular cube scanning using Zeiss cirrus-HD OCT. Macular thickness from all 9 regions of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study map was documented for each subject. Variations in macular thickness by age and gender were determined. Results: The mean age of volunteers was 37±10.4 (range 21-67)years. The mean of central foveal thickness was 254.6±17.3Mm, the mean macular thickness was 279.0 ± 10.7 Mm, and the macular volume was 10.0 ± 0.4 mm3.Females were found to have a significantly thinner macula (P&lt; 0.001) than males in all 9 ETDRS regions except outer inferior quadrant. Central foveal thickness was found to have very weak correlation with age which was not statistically significant. All other macular regions, mean macular thickness and volume showed statistically significant nonlinear reduction with age(p value&lt;0.001).

Comparative Study of the Main Pharmacokinetic Parameters of a Newly Developed Fluconazole Formulationin Healthy Iraqi Volunteers

Comparative Study of the Main Pharmacokinetic Parameters of a Newly Developed Fluconazole Formulationin Healthy Iraqi Volunteers

THE PREVALENCE OF SEN VIRUS GENOTYPES IN BAGHDAD CITY

SEN virus (SEN V) is one of worldwide incidence of blood borne pathogen. The most dominant genotypes among the nine genotypes of the SEN virus are SENV-D and H. The objective of this research was to determine the frequency of SENV genotypes particularly SENV- D and H genotypes in healthy Iraqi participant’s sera. Totally, 200 serum samples from healthy voluntaries were collected from both gender as well as subjected to nested PCR. SENV-D was detected in 30% healthy individuals and more frequent in tested male 51.25 than in female individuals 48.75%. The frequency of SENV-H was found in 5% of participants. SENV-D is the dominant strain in the Iraqi studied group followed by genotypes H. phylogenetic tree analysis of virus near-complete open-reading frame 1(ORF1), was performed, and the evolutionary relationship indicated that local isolates were very close to the group that included the Asian isolates.