Iraqi Women Research Articles

Role of some Immunological and non-Immunological Parameters in Prognosis and diagnosis of Systemic lupus erythematosus in Iraqi women patients

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibody's presence in the circulation and involvement of many systems. The current study aims to study the role of some immunological and non-immunological parameters in SLE development and to illustrate the correlations between these parameters. The current study included 50 blood samples collected from SLE patients and apparently healthy control. The methods of work included Complete Blood Count (CBC) analysis to assess blood components, you mean to analyse Hb, WBC, ESR, ELISA technique to measure serum levels of TLR-7, IL-17, and TNF-γ, antinuclear antibody test (ANA) and double-strand DNA antibody (anti ds DNA). The study results showed a significant increase in serum levels of each WBC (p< 0.005), ESR (p< 0.001), IL17(p< 0.004), TLR7(p< 0.005), IFN-γ (p< 0.001), ANA (p< 0.001), and anti dsDNA (p< 0.001) in SLE patients compared to apparently healthy control but the Hb is decreasing level was low in the SLE patients compared with control. In conclusion, the low hemoglobin, WBC, and ESR are non-specific parameters associated with SLE pathogenesis. ANA, Anti-ds-DNA as excellent biomarkers for the diagnosis of SLE and serum level of TLR-7, TNF-γ, and IL-17 were evaluated in SLE patients compared to healthy people and they may be suggested as a prognostic tool in SLE patients.

Impact of CYP2D6 polymorphisms on the efficacy of tamoxifen in Iraqi women with breast cancer

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of the CYP2D6 genetic polymorphism on clinical outcome in Iraqi breast cancer patients who were candidates for Tamoxifen therapy. Methods: Comprehensive CYP2D6 genotyping was performed in 140 Iraqi women with breast cancer who were women on adjuvant treatment with tamoxifen. Breast cancer patients recruited into the study were divided into two groups: seventy breast cancer women who had no history of recurrence at the time of sampling and had a long time on tamoxifen without recurrence and seventy breast cancer women who had recurrence at the time of sampling after one year of treatment with tamoxifen therapy. Recurrence free survival (RFS) was determined in the recruited patients. Results: Multiple genetic variants of the gene encoding the CYP2D6 enzyme were detected with significant differences in their frequencies and percentages in both recurrent and non-recurrent groups of breast cancer patients. The findings of this study suggest that interindividual variation in clinical outcome may be related to genetic variation in CYP2D6 enzyme, which is characterized by variable RFS periods. Conclusions: This study revealed that the CYP2D6 enzyme of breast cancer patients who participated in this study is highly polymorphic. The CYP2D6 gene of study participants exhibited different allelic combinations with variable frequencies. The multiple genetic variants (alleles) of the gene encoding the CYP2D6 enzyme exhibited significant differences in their frequencies and percentages in both recurrent and non-recurrent groups of breast cancer patients. .The study revealed variable Recurrence free survival (RFS) with highly polymorphic gene. Our study quotes the presence of increased CYP2D6 enzyme polymorphism is associated with variable clinical response.

The Situation of Women in Iraq during the Mamluk Rule

This article discusses the situation of women in Iraq during the Mamluk rule (1749-1831) and their role in Pashaliq’s life both in the economic and cultural-educational spheres. Certainly, the social life of Iraqi women differed depending on where they lived - in cities, in rural areas, or in deserts, and to what social level they belonged. In rural areas, women, along with men, were actively involved in all kinds of agricultural activities. These were mainly wheat harvesting and cleaning, production of dairy products, care of domestic animals, harvesting and processing of agricultural crops, such as grinding wheat, and maintenance and operation of water mills. In rural areas, women were also actively involved in animal husbandry, taking care of cattle and poultry. At the same time, they performed quite heavy and labor-intensive work, which was expressed by drawing water from wells and rivers and using it for amelioration purposes. Such hard work often evoked compassion and sometimes outcry of foreign travelers towards the plight of rural women in Iraq.

Evaluation of Serum Level and Interleukin-4 Receptor (rs1805010) Gene Polymorphism in a Sample of Osteoporosis Women

Background: Osteoporosis is characterized by subtle skeletal degeneration and bone loss, generally defined as a systemic metabolic disease. Interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4) R has been associated with osteoimmune, the relationship between the immune system and the skeleton (osteoimmune system) is studied in osteoimmunology. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the serum level and polymorphisms to genotype IL-4R )rs1805010 ( and their effect on osteoporosis in Iraqi women. Methods: ELISA was used to determine the serum level of the IL-4R and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to genotype the IL4R gene in 90 Iraqi women (60 patients with osteoporosis and 30 control groups). Results: The main findings on the IL-4R polymorphism (rs1805010) indicated that there was no association for the prediction of osteoporosis in Iraqi women. Whereas, there was a significant increase in serum levels of interleukin-4 receptor in women with osteoporosis compared to healthy women, (P = 0.018). Conclusion: The study supposes that there is a link between the serum level of IL4R and how osteoporosis develops, but IL4R gene polymorphisms may not play a role in osteoporosis in women. Keywords: Osteoporosis, rs1805010, IL4R, Polymorphism.

Assessment of Breast Cancer Knowledge Among Iraqi Female University Students

The most common type of cancer is breast cancer, which is characterized by the unchecked proliferation of breast cells. Breast cancer can take many different forms, depending on which breast cells become malignant. It is believed to be the leading cause of cancer-related mortality for women in Iraq, regardless of their age or ethnicity. Objective: to determine how well-informed female university students are about the signs, causes, and screening methods of breast cancer in relation to their sociodemographic characteristics and attitude toward the disease. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on female students attending various universities in Iraq between December 2, 2021, and February 17, 2022. It was accomplished by distributing a validated pretested Arabic questionnaire. For the sake of secrecy and to encourage their candid responses, participants were asked to respond to 11 questions about their understanding of breast cancer and their opinions of its management and treatment results. No other personal information was asked. Results: female students 684 from a range of age groups (18–40) from various universities in Iraq responded to the questionnaire; nonetheless, the mean age of the respondents was 21 (about 22.6%). A 68.7% of participants understood lump or thickness in the breast may be a sign of breast cancer, according to 60.2% of respondents, though that breast bleeding or discharge may be breast cancer sign. Most of the participants are well-informed on the risk factors associated with breast cancer. 74.9% of respondents said they understood the basics of breast cancer screening procedures, Incorporating the clinical breast examination (CBE) and breast self-examination (BSE) as early detection techniques. The effectiveness of breast cancer treatments was likewise viewed favorably by the students. Conclusion: Each participant showed a sufficient level of understanding on the symptoms, risk factors and techniques for breast cancer screening. Nevertheless, it is critical to encourage self-screening public education and advise health authorities on how to set up efficient breast healthcare programs that cater to Iraq's whole female population.

Systemic Adverse Effects of Topical Clobetasol and Counterfeit Cosmetic Products on Iraqi Women

Systemic Adverse Effects of Topical Clobetasol and Counterfeit Cosmetic Products on Iraqi Women

Gene Polymorphism of Human Lymphotoxin Alpha in Iraqi Breast Cancer Women

The lymphotoxin alpha is a highly polymorphic gene and any genetic variation in it may lead to an increased production of cytokine LTA thus helping tumor development and progression. The aim of this work was to investigate the association of LTA polymorphism with the risk of breast cancer among Iraqi women. The findings of this study demonstrated that the age group > 50 years old formed 52% of the breast cancer patients (P <0.001). Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium analysis revealed that genotype frequencies of most SNPs in BC patients and HC were consistent with HWE. No association was found between LTA polymorphisms and BC. Moreover, seven haplotypes were detected in BC group. However, only one of them developed significant increase; T -A -C -C -G -C –G (0.20 vs. 0.04, OR: 5.931, P = 0.015). Markedly, some SNPs were in a strong LD, while others showed weak or no LD. We can conclude that an insignificant association was found between LTA polymorphisms and breast cancer in Iraqi women.

B-lymphocyte-activating factor is a potential biomarker associated with susceptibility to Graves’ disease in Iraqi women

BackgroundB-lymphocyte-activating factor (BAFF) is a cytokine involved in regulating the development and maturation of B lymphocyte and has been shown to be up-regulated in patients with Graves’ disease (GD). However, the association of TNFSF13B variants (the gene that encodes BAFF) with the risk of GD has not been well explored. In this case–control study, the aim was to evaluate the role of BAFF, in terms of serum level and polymorphism, in the etio-pathogenesis of GD. Therefore, serum BAFF concentrations were analyzed in Iraqi women with GD and age-matched control women (n = 90 and 93, respectively) using an ELISA kit. In addition, two promoter variants of the TNFSF13B gene, rs9514827 (T > C) and rs9514828 (C > T), were genotyped using a PCR–RFLP-based assay.ResultsMedian BAFF concentrations (interquartile range) were significantly elevated in GD patients compared to controls (1525 [1327–1840] vs. 689 [585–807] pg/mL; probability [p] < 0.001). Elevated BAFF concentrations were a reliable predictor of GD as indicated by the area under the curve of 0.971. BAFF was positively correlated with triiodothyronine (correlation coefficient [rs] = 0.216; p = 0.041) and thyroxine (rs = 0.269; p = 0.01) in GD patients. Mutant alleles, rs9514827 C (odds ratio [OR] = 2.00; p = 0.008; corrected p [pc] = 0.048) and rs9514828 T (OR = 2.15; p = 0.002; pc = 0.012), as well as genotypes, rs9514827 CC (OR = 4.29; p = 0.032; pc = 0.192) and rs9514828 TT (OR = 4.57; p = 0.003; pc = 0.018), were associated with a greater risk of GD. Besides, the C-T haplotype (rs9514827-rs9514828) was also linked to an elevated risk of GD among Iraqi women (OR = 2.71; p = 0.006; pc = 0.024).ConclusionsBAFF showed up-regulated levels in the serum of women with GD. In light of this, BAFF has been proposed as a reliable prognostic biomarker for GD. Regarding its relationship to thyroid hormones, BAFF showed a positive correlation with triiodothyronine and thyroxine. Both variants (rs9514827 and rs9514828) of the TNFSF13B gene showed an association with susceptibility to GD, and rs9514828 may have up-regulatory effects on BAFF levels.

Estimation of Fibulin-1, Chemerin and Omentin-1 in Iraqi Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Associated Infertility

Background: Adipokines (fibulin-1, chemerin, and omentin-1) affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and ovarian steroidogenesis. Adipocyte-secreted adipokines are dysregulated in females with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Objective: To investigate the role of serum fibulin-1, chemerin, omentin-1, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), progesterone (PROG), and prolactin (PRL) in PCOS and the development of infertility. Methods: 150 PCOS, infertile PCOS women and control women aged 20–40 years were enrolled in this observational study and divided into three groups: 40 women who were control, 60 women who had PCOS only, and 50 women who had infertility and PCOS. Analyses of fibulin-1, chemerin, omentin-1, lipid profile, PROG, and PRL were performed for all participants. Results: The results showed elevated levels of fibulin-1, chemerin, and PRL in both PCOS and infertile PCOS when compared with control, while omentine-1 and PROG decreased in both PCOS and infertile PCOS when compared with control. The levels of TC, HDL, and TG weren’t affected in PCOS alone, but in cases of infertility, TC and TG increased while HDL decreased. Conclusions: The increased level of fibulin-1 may be a new marker for PCOS and infertility. Chemerin shows a high level in both infertile PCOS and PCOS women, while omentin-1 shows a low level in both infertile PCOS and PCOS women.

A novel intergenic variant, rs2004339 A/G, of the gene encoding interleukin-40, C17orf99, is associated with risk of rheumatoid arthritis in Iraqi women

Interleukin-40 (IL-40) is a novel cytokine encoded by the chromosome 17 open reading frame 99 (C17orf99) gene. Recent studies have shown that IL-40 levels are significantly up-regulated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the association of genetic variants of the C17orf99 gene with the risk of RA has not been investigated. In this case-control study, two intergenic variants, rs2004339 A/G and rs2310998 G/A, were genotyped for the first time in 120 Iraqi women with RA (30 newly diagnosed [ND] and 90 medicated [MD; treated with the tumor necrosis inhibitor etanercept plus methotrexate]) and 110 control women using TaqMan 5′-allele discrimination method. Serum IL-40 levels were also determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to analyze rs2004339 and rs2310998 under five genetic models (allele, recessive, dominant, over-dominant, and co-dominant). Results revealed that the mutant A allele (allele model) and the homozygous AA genotype (co-dominant model) of rs2004339 were significantly associated with an increased risk of RA (odds ratio [OR] = 3.37 and 7.44, respectively; corrected probability [pc] < 0.001), while rs2310998 showed no association with RA risk. When comparing the allele and genotype frequencies of rs2004339 and rs2310998 between ND and MD patients, there were no statistically significant differences. Haplotype analysis of the two variants (in the order rs2004339-rs2310998) revealed that haplotypes A-A (OR = 1.72; pc = 0.024) and A-G (OR = 2.85; pc < 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of RA. IL-40 levels (median and interquartile range) were significantly elevated in RA patients compared to controls (29.3 [15.5–41.5] vs. 12.6 [7.4–18.8] pg/mL; p < 0.001). IL-40 levels were not influence by disease duration or disease activity, but the rs2310998 genotypes had an effect; IL-40 levels were significantly higher in women with the AA genotype than in women with the GG genotype (20.1 [12.9–37.1] vs. 15.8 [8.3–22.6] pg/mL; p = 0.006). Regarding medication, IL-40 tended to show elevated levels in ND cases compared to MD cases but without a significant difference. In conclusion, the mutant A allele and the mutant-type AA genotype of the intergenic variant rs2004339 were associated with an increased risk of RA among Iraqi women. Serum IL-40 levels were also elevated in patients, particularly ND patients, and were positively affected by the mutant-type AA genotype. Accordingly, the role of IL-40 in the pathogenesis of RA has been indicated.

Anti-Mullerian hormone and AMH gene (rs3741664) polymorphism analysis in Iraqi women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Introduction and Aim: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and heterogeneous endocrine disorder, with the underlying pathogenic mechanisms yet unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hormonal profile of women with PCOS, as well as their Anti-Mullerian hormonal (AMH) levels and the associated AMH gene (rs3741664) polymorphism. Materials and Methods: The current study included 60 polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOs) patients and 30 healthy women. Serum levels of LH, FSH, TSH, Estrogen and AMH were measured. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used to genotype the AMH gene (rs3741664). The statistical analysis was performed using GrapPad Prism 9. The rs3741664 genotypes and allele frequencies were calculated and the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was utilized to examine the outcomes. Results: There was a substantial rise in LH, TSH, Estrogen, and AMH blood levels in PCOS females as compared to the control female group (P value = 0.05). In contrast, the serum level of FSH was not significantly increased at p value = 0.05. Polymorphism rs3741664 was not significantly associated with serum AMH levels in the population study. Conclusion: LH, TSH, Estrogen, and AMH levels are elevated in PCOS women. As a result, these hormones are regarded as indicators for identifying PCOS in Iraqi females. Polymorphism rs3741664 was not significantly associated with serum AMH levels in the population study. AMH level not significantly associated with genotypes of AMH rs3741664 gene.

The Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis among Infertile Iraqi Women and Subsequent ICSI outcome

The vaginal microbial makeup has a substantial impact on women's health. The typical vaginal microbial profile in healthy women of reproductive age comprises aerobic, facultatively anaerobic, as well as obligately anaerobic organisms. However, the optimal vaginal microbiota is dominated by lactobacilli and is thought to defend against pathogenic microbial colonization and infection by producing lactic acid, antimicrobial metabolites, and lowering immune system activation. Recent research has come up with the term "molecular bacterial vaginosis (BV)" to describe non-optimal vaginal microbiota that is low in Lactobacillus species (spp.) and has a lot of facultative and absolute anaerobic bacteria specifically Gardnerella vaginalis. In the context of IVF, BV has been linked to infertility. The study comprised forty-six women to explore the vaginal and follicular microbiota of asymptomatic infertile Iraqi women starting an ICSI trial. At the time of ova pick-up, a high vaginal swab and follicular fluid were acquired from each instance for DNA extraction to test for the presence of microorganisms by the use of a real-time PCR special commercial kit. In conclusion, molecular technologies have offered a more thorough view into the vaginal microbiota, which may explain why vaginal dysbiosis shifts during the ICSI-ET treatment. Even though the majority of women have no clinically visible infection, the fact is that they have an aberrant vaginal micro-ecology profile. Nevertheless, isolating microorganisms from follicular fluid did not reduce the likelihood of fertilization or the pregnancy rate during ICSI cycles.

Role of miRNA 199a-5p Expression in Iraqi Women with Breast Cancer

Background: Elevated levels of microRNAs have been linked to breast cancer and other types of cancer. It has been discovered that miRNA-199a-5p overexpression contributes to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer. Objective: To examine the expression of microRNA 199a-5p in tissues from both benign and malignant breast cancers. Methods: We use 50 FFPE tissue samples divided into two groups based on their histology and cytological characteristics. The first group comprised 25 samples classified as benign, while the second group comprised 25 samples classified as malignant. To calculate the expression levels of miRNA-199a-5p, we use a real-time RT-PCR method based on SYBR green. Results: It was found that the folding value of miRNA-199a-5p in malignant tumors was 2.908 compared to benign tumors (2.027). However, the statistical significance of these differences was not significant. Conclusion: Depending on the specific context and molecular targets, miRNA-199a-5p plays a dual role in breast cancer development, acting as both an oncogene and a tumor suppressor.

Initiatives to Involve Women in Environmentally Friendly Economic Projects that Promote Sustainable Development in Iraq

Women have an important role in developing the economic sector around the world in general and Iraq in particular. Women have an important role in promoting the path of sustainable development and in building a next generation capable of creating decent work and developing other economic sectors. The research problem was crystallized by asking: What are the most important initiatives for economic projects that have participated? Where is the woman? To what extent are women empowered and what is their role in promoting sustainable development goals? The aim of the research was to know the extent of women’s empowerment and their role in environmentally friendly economic projects that enhance the path of sustainable development in Iraq, and to highlight the most important initiatives undertaken by the Central Bank of Iraq, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, and the national strategy, and to update the weaknesses and strengths in economic projects that diminished the status of women. As for the research hypothesis, women play an important role in achieving the dimensions of sustainable development through financing and opportunities, while the most important conclusions were the weakness of the role of Iraqi women in the field of environmentally friendly economic projects, and if they exist, they are not at the level of ambition. The most important recommendations were to contain unemployment rates amongWomen in the government sector and the private sector through enhanced job opportunities for production and productivity and environmental, social and legal protection systems for women.

Clinical and Biochemical Evaluation of Hirsutism in Young, Lean Girls from Kirkuk City, Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: An increase in terminal hair in androgen-dependent regions is known as hirsutism. It is not solely caused by hyperandrogenemia; idiopathic forms are also frequently seen. Objective: To examine the modified Ferriman Gallwey (mFG) cut-off score in female Iraqis as well as the etiological, biochemical, and clinical characteristics of hirsutism. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included one thousand young girls with a normal BMI. The features associated with clinical hirsutism were identified using the mFG scoring system. We eliminated eighty-eight young girls who were diagnosed with PCOS. Samples of blood were drawn for biochemical analyses. Results: 53.1%, 19.6%, and 1.2% of females had mild, moderate, or severe hirsutism, respectively. For the young females who participated in the study, their mean mFG scores were 7.07, 11.26, 16.26, and 29, respectively. Only 5% of girls with mild hirsutism had high serum free testosterone levels, despite a considerable difference in free testosterone levels between them and the normal girls. The chin, upper lip, and lower abdomen were the sites that contributed the most to mFGs. Of the girls who were moderately hirsute, 55% had a positive family history of hirsutism. Conclusion: Iraqi women do not need to consider the mFG score system's cut-off number of 8. The endocrine society's guidelines for hirsutism estimation should be adhered to by the examiner.

The Impact of IL-4 on Abortion Rates in Iraqi Women's Last Trimester Pregnancies

The term "abortion" is used to describe the termination of a pregnancy through the surgical expulsion of a developing embryo or fetus. Whole samples were collected from Al-Zahraa Teaching Hospital in Wasit city From mid-October 2022 until mid-October 2023. The total number of samples was 100 divided into two groups: the first group is women who suffer from a miscarriage in the third trimester and the control group .Result: This table shows the interpretation of the results between patients and healthy people, where the homozygous CC genotype significantly decreased comparing with control (64 versus 86%, OR=0.18; p-value =0.03 ), while the CT heterozygous genotype was significantly high with risk in comparison with control (32 versus 8%; OR= 7.3; p-value 0.005). The study of polymorphism of the IL-4 gene and its association with abortion had limited available data. This study is the second to report on the association between polymorphism of IL-4 and abortion. showed a clear difference of the parameter’s levels in abortion study group. Based on the mutant homozygous CC genotype. In the present study, the significant change in IL-4 concentration was observed due to the effect of the polymorphism in cases of abortion. These findings were consistent with a previous study that reported higher concentrations of IL-4 in women with abortion compared to normal women (P-value of 0.001). (Association between maternal circulating IL-4 levels and preeclampsia).

Prospective study on biochemical markers causing recurrent miscarriages in Iraqi women of reproductive age

Objective: To compare the levels of elemental calcium, vitamin D3, malondialdehyde and super oxide dismutaseenzymes in serum of women having recurrent miscarriages with normal healthy pregnant women.Method: The prospective study was conducted at Al-Karkh Maternity Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, and Al-Alawia MaternityHospital, Baghdad, Iraq, from February to August 2022, and comprised adult pregnant women having recurrentmiscarriages without being hypertensive or diabetic in group A and normal healthy pregnant women in control groupB. Blood samples were obtained from all the subjects. Besides, placental tissues were obtained from some membersfrom both the groups. Levels of elemental calcium, vitamin D3, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase enzymesin serum were evaluated and compared between the groups. Malondialdehyde and super oxide dismutase enzymesin the placental tissues were also compared. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.Results: Of the 140 women, 70(50%) were in each of the 2 groups. The overall age range of the sample was 18-43years. Placental tissues were obtained from 40(57.14%) in group A and 30(42.85%) in group B. In group A, miscarriagewas reported in the first trimester in 45(62.3%) cases, 21(30%) in the second trimester and 4(5.7%) in the third trimester.Mean level of serum elemental calcium, vitamin D3, malondialdehyde and super oxide dismutase were significantlydifferent between the groups (p&lt;0.05), and the same was the case with the placental tissues (p&lt;0.05).Conclusion: The causes of recurrent miscarriage in women could be attributed to changes in the levels of elementalcalcium, vitamin D3, super oxide dismutase and malondialdehyde in serum and placental tissues.Keywords: Pregnancy, Abortion, Spontaneous, Malondialdehyde, Cholecalciferol, Placenta, Vitamins, Oxides.

Assessment of chemokines MIP-1α and MIP-1 βin Iraqi women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic disorder affecting females. The pathology of PCOS is complicated and associated to chronic low-grade inflammation, this includes a disruption in pro-inflammatory factor production, leukocytosis, and endothelial cell dysfunction, also associated with high level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and leukocyte count. In addition, PCOS is characterized by hormonal and immunological dysfunction. Inflammation of the ovary affects ovulation and induces or aggravates systemic inflammation. Macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (MIP-1), a pro-inflammatory chemokine, is crucial in the recruitment of inflammatory and immunological cells to the place of inflammation or infection, T- and B-lymphocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, mast cells, dendritic cells and natural killer cells are all capable of producing large amounts of MIP-1. The current study aimed to investigate the role of MIP-1α and MIP-1β in Iraqi patients with PCOS and their correlation with obesity and other demographic parameters. This study included two groups, 60 women with PCOS and 30 control women, conducted during the period from October 2022 to January 2023. The diagnosis of PCOS women was based on two out of three of the following diagnostic criteria (hyperandrogenism – oligo or anovulation – polycystic ovaries). MIP-1 alpha and Beta levels were determined by ELISA. The outcomes revealed that the group with PCOS showed significant increase in the level of MIP-1α (635.28 ±20.58) than in the control women, (571.20 ±25.92), (p&lt;0.05). Although there was an increase the level of MIP-1β in women with PCOS (191.85 ±17.54) than in the control group (165.31 ±11.01), the difference did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, based on our findings, that MIP-1α and MIP-1β increased in PCOS cases, this may indicate that PCOS is low grade chronic inflammation.

Effect of hypothyroidism on ovarian reserve status in Iraqi women: hormonal study

Background: Hypothyroidism is a clinical syndrome prevalent in women, even those of reproductive age. Ovarian reserve can be defined as the number and quality of follicles in the ovary at any given time. Evaluation of ovarian reserve is recommended for patients at risk of decreased ovarian reserve. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of hypothyroidism on ovarian reserve in Iraqi women by hormonal measurements of serum anti-mullerian hormones AMH, FSH, and LH. Subjects and methods: This case–control study was carried out at the Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, in collaboration with Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic, Baghdad Teaching Hospital, and National Center for Teaching Laboratories, Medical City, during the period from November 2021 to March 2022. This study involved 88 women, age range (20-40 years). Fifty-one of them [Group I (GI)] had primary hypothyroidism and were diagnosed by an endocrinologist based on clinical analysis and thyroid function tests, including serum TSH, T4 and T3. Patients with symptoms and signs suggestive of hypothyroidism and elevated TSH with T4 less than the reference level were considered overt hypothyroidism. While patients with elevated TSH with standard T4 and T3 were considered subclinical hypothyroidism 1 , serum thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) was used to differentiate hypothyroidism patients with Hashimoto`s disease 2 . Thirty-seven of the included women were healthy and served as a control group and referred to group II (GII). Results: The mean (±SD) value of serum AMH of hypothyroidism women was significantly lower than that of controls (p &lt; 0.0001). However, the mean value of AMH did not differ significantly between women who had overt and subclinical hypothyroidism, regular and irregular menstrual cycle, well and poorly controlled thyroid status, and who had positive and negative anti-TPO. The mean (±SD) value of serum LH of hypothyroidism women was significantly higher than that of the control group (p &lt; 0.004), while that of FSH did not differ significantly. Serum TSH levels positively correlated with LH levels (r=0.3, p 0.03). In addition, BMI values were significantly positively correlated with FSH levels (r= 0.3, p 0.04). Conclusions: This study suggested the need for serum measurement of AMH in women suffering from hypothyroidism. Keywords: hypothyroidism, ovarian reserve, AMH.

Pregnant Iraqi women's exposure to certain efflux pump genes of highly pathogenic uropathogenic Escherichia coli was studied molecularly.

One hundred midstream urine samples were collected from pregnant women aged less than 20 to over 36 years suffering symptoms referred to as urinary tract infections (UTIs) from a private laboratory in Baghdad city. 90 of the urine samples gave a positive culture, and 10 gave a hostile culture. According to microscopic examination, cultural characteristics and biochemical tests, Escherichia coli was identified as the most causative agent 53(58.9%) that causing UTIs among all bacterial isolates, which confirmed the diagnosis by Vital Index of Traditional Environmental Knowledge (VITEK 2) systems and at final genetically by diagnostic gene( UidA ) gene. Genetic study including extraction of chromosomal DNA from 25 E.coli isolates which have multidrug resistance (MDR) against different antibiotics classes, then identification by UidA gene and detection of acrA,acrB genes that encoding for efflux pump proteins to all 25 E.coli isolates by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification technique with specific primer for each gene. The results showed the UidA gene identification found in all E.coli isolates, and the result of detection efflux pump genes showed that acrA and acrB genes were present together in all E.coli isolates. The results of DNA sequence analysis of E3 bacterial isolate showed that the diagnostic genes UidA and, acrA, acrB gene were 99% belonging to E. coli as found in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Keywords: Pregnant women, Urinary tract infection, E. coli,