Iraqi Population Research Articles

Correlation between plasma homocysteine and ischemic heart disease in young Adults

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Ischemic heart disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Lack of blood supply to the brain can cause tissue death if any of the cerebral veins, carotid arteries, or vertebral arteries are blocked. An ischemic stroke describes this type of event. One of the byproducts of methionine metabolism, the demethylation of methionine, is homocysteine, an amino acid that contains sulfur. During myocardial ischemia, the plasma level of homocysteine (Hcy) increases and plays a role in many methylation processes. Hyperhomocysteinemia has only recently been recognized as a major contributor to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) owing to its effects on atherothrombosis and improvement of oxidative stress-induced endothelial dysfunction, joining the ranks of other known risk factors such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and advanced age. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between elevated serum total homocysteine (tHcy) levels and an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in an Iraqi population of patients with ischemic heart disease. Methods This study was conducted at Madinat al-Imamain Al Kadhmain Hospital’s Cardiology Department in Baghdad, Iraq. The study lasted for six months and was designed as an observational case-control study from November 1, 2023, to April 1, 2024. Results Cases and controls had similar characteristics but differed significantly in serum homocysteine concentration. The mean homocysteine level in case group was 40.21±14.47 mmol/L and 9.23±2.41 mmol/L in control group with p value <0.001. Conclusion In young individuals, hyperhomocysteinemia is positively associated with coronary artery, even when other traditional risk factors are not present.

Wilms’ Tumor 1 Gene Expression as a Predictive Marker for Clinical Outcome of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Iraqi Population: A Prospective Study

Background: Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1), a tumor-associated antigen (TAA), is expressed in many types of cancer. Most acute leukemia patients have a quantitatively detectable and strong expression of it. Objectives: To analyze WT1 expression levels as a predictor of clinical outcomes at the time of diagnosis of de novo leukemia and to monitor tumor progression during treatment. Methods: A total of 71 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) were separated into two groups: twenty-nine de novo AML patients upon presentation and 25 with AML at the time of initial induction. The second induction included 17 AML patients and ten healthy volunteers who served as controls in this study. The WT1 gene was tested using a real-time PCR with the Cyber Green assay. Results: Patients with acute myeloid leukemia had considerably greater levels of WT1 gene expression than controls (27.3 vs. 5.5). In terms of clinical outcomes, WT1 gene overexpression was substantially related to non-responsive AML patients compared to complete response at diagnosis (27.3 vs. 22.15). However, there is no substantial difference between instances following induction. Conclusions: The WT1 tumor antigen may serve as an early diagnostic for acute leukemia prognosis. Improved clinical outcomes have been linked to reduced WT1 levels. A high amount, on the other hand, was linked to a poor prognosis for people with AML, although more research is needed.

Investigating <i>HOTAIR</i> Polymorphisms as a Potential Diagnostic Marker for Type 2 Diabetes in an Iraqi Population

Background: Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) is a chronic condition characterized by insulin resistance, affecting approximately 530 million adults globally, with a prevalence of 10.5% among individuals aged 20 to 79. In Iraq, the prevalence is significantly higher at 13.9%. Objectives: This study examines the relationship between long noncoding RNA HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) polymorphisms and T2DM risk, investigating HOTAIR's potential as a diagnostic marker. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 28 T2DM patients and 20 healthy controls, with physiological parameters measured. HOTAIR plasma levels were assessed using quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms rs12826786 and rs1899663 were analyzed through amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)-PCR. Results: HOTAIR expression was found to be 6.6 times higher in T2DM patients compared to controls, suggesting its involvement in T2DM pathophysiology. Genotype distributions adhered to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, with the rs12826786 C allele appearing protective against T2DM, while rs1899663 showed no significant association. Statistical analysis identified a significant relationship between the rs12826786 genotype and body mass index (BMI), though other diabetes-related metrics did not show significant results. Conclusions: The findings suggest that elevated HOTAIR expression may play a role in T2DM, highlighting the need for further investigation into these associations and their potential implications for diagnosis and risk assessment.

Prospective 5-Year Study of Chronic Uveitis in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in the Iraqi Population

Prospective 5-Year Study of Chronic Uveitis in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in the Iraqi Population

Genetic Association Between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the HLA-G Gene and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in Iraqi Patients

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between HLA-G gene SNPs in exons 2 and 8 and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Blood samples from 100 patients, categorized into pre- and post-radioactive therapy groups, and 50 healthy subjects were analyzed via PCR and direct sequencing for allele and genotype frequencies. PTC was eight times more prevalent in women. Thyroid assessment hormones exhibited reduced T3 levels pre- and post-radioactive iodine therapy and increased T4 levels post-therapy (49.80 ng/ml vs. control 16.84 ng/ml). Notably, TSH levels significantly decreased before and after therapy in PTC patients versus controls (P = 0.005). HLA-G gene SNPs were linked to PTC risk: in exon 2, genotype AA posed risk (OR = 16.10 and 10.58; P = 0.001) pre- and post-therapy, while homozygous TT in exon 8 increased risk (OR = 7.30; P = 0.001; OR = 4.41; P = 0.018), and heterozygous CT was protective (OR = 0.27; P = 0.016) before therapy. These findings suggest homozygous SNPs contribute to the genetic risk factors for PTC in the Iraqi population.

Investigation of the relationship between age and weight with Postoperative Myalgia Following Succinylcholine Administration: a cross sectional

One of the issues that is thought to occur frequently following surgery that uses succinylcholine as part of the anaesthesia protocol is post-operative myalgia. The patient may experience a somewhat unsatisfactory outcome following surgery as a result of this complication. In the meantime, studies on the incidence and avoidance of post-operative myalgia following succinylcholine administration were conducted. There was a dearth of information and research on this topic in Iraq. Our study's goal is to investigate the connection between weight and age and postoperative myalgia after succinylcholine administration.In the months of September and October of 2022, a sample of patients from two hospitals in the city of Karbala was collected. After collecting data on myalgia scores 6-, 12-, and 24-hours following surgery, the data was analysed, and the significant value was determined to be p<0.05. In our population, female patients made up the largest percentage (approximately 65.5%), while male patients made up only 34.5% of the sample. Less than 1% of patients reported being pain-free six hours after the procedure, whereas almost all patients had myalgia. The percentage of patients who had mild myalgia was 47.4%, or about half. Furthermore, moderate pain was reported by 43.3% of them. Just 8.2% of patients reported being in excruciating pain. Age and muscle pain have an inverse relationship, according to all time interval pain assessment (P<0.05). We found no evidence of a significant relationship between the patient's weight category increasing and muscle pain after six, twelve, or twenty-four hours.Lastly, we have determined that post-operative myalgia caused by succinylcholine is common in the Iraqi population and affects most patients across a range of age groups. Generally speaking, the severity of muscle pain decreases with age. Neither the patient's weight nor the amount of succinylcholine had an impact on the outcome of myalgia..

EPIGENETIC REGULATION OF ESTROGEN GENE EXPRESSION IN OVARY CANCER IN HUMAN

Objective: This study examines how epigenetic mechanisms control the expression of the estrogen receptor (ER) gene in ovarian cancer, concentrating on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs in Iraqi population samples. Method: Bisulfite sequencing was used to measure the DNA methylation levels of the ER gene in tissue samples from ovarian cancer patients and healthy controls, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) tests were used to examine histone alterations. Using RNA sequencing, important non-coding RNAs affecting ER pathways were found. The epigenetic variations between malignant and healthy tissues were assessed using comparative analysis. Results: The results showed that the ER gene was significantly more methylated in cancer tissues (67%) than in healthy samples (21%), which resulted in decreased cellular estrogen responses and increased proliferation. Oncogenes were activated by elevated histone H3K9 acetylation levels (1.7 AU vs. 0.8 AU), but tumor suppressor genes were inhibited by elevated H3K27 methylation (2.1 AU). These modifications draw attention to important epigenetic modifications that aid in the development of ovarian cancer. Novelty: By identifying region-specific epigenetic markers in ovarian cancer, this work highlights the significance of population-targeted research in enhancing cancer outcomes and provides insights into tailored therapy approaches.

Association between the rs1800624 and rs80096349 SNPs and diabetic retinopathy: a pilot study

ABSTRACT Background One of the conditions that might harm your eyesight is diabetic retinopathy (DR), DR may set in slowly but surely for those with long-term diabetes and poor glucose control. ‎ Objective To establish a connection between the various genotypes of the rs1800624 SNP and the rs80096349 SNP located in the AGER gene and DR patients. ‎ Methods The current case-control research examined one hundred thirty-four individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and thirty-six healthy individuals who did not have DM. These samples were obtained from Amir Al-Muminin, a private hospital in Najaf, Iraq. The tetra primers ARMS-PCR method was utilized to determine the genotype of rs1800624 SNP of the AGER gene. Results A significant association was found between genotypes (AA, AG, and GG) and DR subgroups (NPDR & PDR) in patients (p = 0.001). The AG genotype of rs1800624 SNP is associated with a lowering the risk of developing NPDR (OR = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.12-0.74; p = 0.009 between controls and NPDR, OR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.14-0.90; p = 0.029 between NDR and NPDR). HRM analysis verified the presence of only two genotypes in the samples: wild type (GG) and a heterozygous mutant (GA). However, a significant association between genotypes was observed when comparing DR status with controls and NDR (p = 0.031). Conclusion The rs1800624 SNP of the AGER gene is associated with the risk of NPDR and PDR in T2DM, and the polymorphism of the rs80096349 may be associated with retinopathy in the Iraqi population.

Levels, distribution profiles and risk assessment of chlorinated organophosphate esters in car and road dust from Basrah, Iraq

The occurrence, concentrations, and distribution profiles of chlorinated organophosphate esters (Cl-OPEs) were investigated in seventy-one car and road dust samples collected from Basrah, southern Iraq. In addition, estimated daily intakes (EDIs) via dust ingestion were assessed for toddlers, regular adults, and taxi drivers. In car dust samples, the concentrations of Σ3Cl-OPEs ranged from 4120 to 73200 ng/g (median 11700 ng/g) with tris (1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) the predominant compound. In road dust samples, the concentrations of Σ3Cl-OPEs ranged from 269 to 3400 ng/g (median 373 ng/g) and 114–526 ng/g (median 222 ng/g) in urban and rural areas, respectively, with tris (2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), predominant. Concentrations of Cl-OPEs in urban road dust are significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those in rural road dust, suggesting commercial and industrial activity, population density, and heavy traffic may influence the concentrations. The different compositional profiles of Cl-OPEs in car and road dust may be attributed to the physicochemical properties of Cl-OPEs and the pathways through which they can be released into indoor and outdoor environments. EDI values of Cl-OPEs for the Iraqi population via car dust ingestion were in the order: toddlers > taxi drivers > regular adults, exceeding those via road dust by factors of 27 and 40 from urban and rural dust, respectively. For people who work as taxi drivers, EDIs were seven times higher than those of regular adults, implying that people - such as professional drivers - who spend a substantial amount of time in their vehicles may be exposed to hazardous levels of Cl-OPEs. Despite the study showing that the EDIs through dust ingestion for the three population groups were well below the reference dose (RfD) levels, further studies are recommended to assess other pathways, such as inhalation, dietary sources, and dermal absorption.

Suicide among post-Arabellion refugees in Germany.

Although immigrants are considered to be vulnerable to mental illness, there is limited knowledge regarding their suicide mortality. To investigate standardised mortality ratios (SMR) for suicide among the largest immigrant populations in Germany before and after the refugee movement of 2015. Data on immigrants and the general population in Germany between 2000 and 2020 were provided by the scientific section of the Federal Statistical Office. SMR with 95% confidence intervals were calculated by indirect standardisation for gender, age and calendar year for the pre-2015 and post-2015 time interval, first for all the immigrant populations studied and second for the Syrian, Afghan and Iraqi populations separately. Immigrants from the countries studied showed a lower suicide risk compared with the German reference population (SMR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.35-0.41). No differences in SMR were found between pre- and post-2015 time intervals, in either the aggregate data for all populations or the data for Syrian, Afghan and Iraqi populations. Post-2015, Afghan immigrants (SMR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.54-0.83) showed a higher SMR than Syrians (SMR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.25-0.36) or Iraqis (SMR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.26-0.48). Despite the many and varied stresses associated with flight, comparison of the pre- and post-2015 time intervals showed that the suicide risk of the populations studied did not change and was considerably lower than that of the German reference population. We attribute this to lower suicide rates in the countries of origin but also to flight-related selection processes that favour more resilient individuals.

The Impact of Age and Gender on Periodontal Conditions in Iraqi People: A Retrospective Study

Background: Periodontal disease is initially associated with a bacterial infection, such as dental plaque. With aging, the prevalence of periodontal diseases increases, and periodontal destruction in older individuals is due to cumulative damage rather than cumulative rates of devastation. Objective: To assess the effect of gender and age on periodontal health in selected Iraqi populations. Methods: The cross-sectional retrospective study analyzed the periodontal records of patients from October 2021 to June 2023. The study was conducted at the Dentistry Department, Al-Rafidain University College, Baghdad, Iraq. The sample was taken from patients who visited the periodontal department. A total of 508 subjects, with an age range of 10-69 years (35.23±10.25), participated in this study, including 287 males and 221 females. The sample was classified based on age and sex into 5 groups. The clinical evaluation includes plaque index (PLI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Results: The overall percentage of chronic gingivitis was 53.94%, while the percentage of chronic periodontitis was 46.06%. The 60–69-year-old group reported the highest rate of patients with chronic periodontitis. Additionally, the 10–19-year group showed the highest percentage of patients with chronic gingivitis. Conclusions: The prevalence of chronic periodontitis increases with age, and it is higher among females than males. Clinical periodontal parameters such as plaque index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level are higher in older age groups than in younger age groups.

Polymorphism of ADAMTS-13 gene rs28503257 in Iraqipatients with Hypertension

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of polymorphism of ADAMTS-13 gene to the susceptibility of hypertension in patients with hypertension in an Iraqi population. Forty-five hypertensive patients (23 males and 22 females), their age 40-70 years and 35 healthy controls (18 males and 17 females), their age range between 40-70 years. were selected from Wasit Province using a convenient sampling method. Genetic polymorphism of ADAMTS13) rs28503257 A/G was carried out using TaqMan -PCR. In patients and controls, the genotypic and allelic distributions of adisentgrine and metallopeptedase with a thrombospondin type1 motife13(ADAMTS13) rs28503257 A/G of the study populations were consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The genotypes frequecies of ADAMTS-13 rs 28503257 A/G of patients with hypertension manifested non-significant differences when compared with healthy control group AA =40(89%), AG =5(11) in patients vs. 30(86), 5(14) P=0.67 in controls for each genotype respectively. There were no hypertensive patients or controls carrying the genotype GG in the study sample. The A and G allele frequencies in SNP rs28503257 A/G were not significantly different between the two groups (P&gt;0.05). The A allele was the major one in studied groups with a percent of (0.9286) and (0.9444) in control and patients groups respectively. Whereas the A allele was the minor one with a percent of (0.0714) and (0.0556) in these groups respectively. The association analysis revealed that individuals carrying the homozygous AA genotype were assocaited with hypertension OR=1.3333 (CI95% 0.3537 to 5.0259) and P= 0.6709 indicating that a positive association with the disease.However,the individuals with a hetrozygous AG genotype showed negative association with the disease OR= 0.7500 (CI95% 0.1990 to 2.8271) ,P=0.6709. Although no individuals carrying the genotype GG were observed in patients and controls, the odds ratio can be calculated in the presence of other genotypes OR= 0.7802 (CI95% 0.0151 to 40.2986), P= 0. 9019.These results suggest that the A allele may be considered as a risk allele in hypertension whereas the G allele is a protective allele agianst hypertension. The genetic model for ADAMTS-13 in comparison between hypertensive patients and controls .The dominant model indicated that patients of(AG+GG/AA) genotypes decreased the association with hypertension comparing with control with OR=1.333 CI95%0.3537 to 5.025: patients (40/5 and 0.00) in patients vs.(30/5 and 0.00) with OR== 0.7500(CI95%0.1990 to 2.8271) , P =0.6709,P=0.6709.The recessive model revealed that patients carrier the genotype(AA+AG/GG) increased the association with the disease (0.0/40 and 5) in patients compared with controls(0.00/30 and 5) with OR=1.2817(CI95% 0.0248 to 66.199), P=0. 9019.The Over dominant model revealed that patients carrier the genotype (AA+GG/AG) increased the association with the disease (0.040 and 5) in patients compared with controls (0.00/30 and 5) with OR=1.3333(CI95%0.3537 to5.0259),P=0.6709. In coclusion, the polymorphisms ADAMTS-13 rs28503257 variant A/G with are associated with the susceptibility of hypertension.

Comparative Evaluation of the Immunophenotypic Profile of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in Adult and Paediatric Age Groups in Iraq

Background: Immunophenotyping is a primary tool for investigating acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Acute lymphoblastic leukemia accounts for 75 - 80% of pediatric leukemia cases and 14% of adult leukemia cases. However, the prognostic factors, treatment strategies, and pathogenic pathways differ between these groups. Objectives: This study aims to compare the pattern of antigen expression between adult and pediatric ALL patients in the Iraqi population and to evaluate the frequency of aberrant myeloid antigen expression in both groups. Methods: A total of 131 patients with de-novo ALL were studied from May 2014 to May 2015. The diagnosis of ALL was confirmed by morphology and immunophenotyping of peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirate specimens using a panel of fluorochrome-labeled antibodies in 6 - colored flow cytometry. Results: The B-ALL phenotype was prevalent in 44 (68.7%) of adult patients compared to 51 (76.1%) in the pediatric group. CD10 expression was present in 49 (76.6%) of adults, mostly with B-ALL. The pediatric group had lower CD10 expression in T-ALL (P = 0.039). CD20 expression was significantly lower in adults compared to children. In T-ALL, significant differences between adult and pediatric groups were observed in CD1a and CD2 expression. Aberrant myeloid antigen expression was present in 29 (45.3%) adults and 30 (44.8%) pediatric patients, with CD33 and CD13 being the most prevalent in both groups. Conclusions: There was an increased T-cell lineage and aberrant antigen expression in both adult and pediatric ALL cases in this Iraqi sample. Adults with ALL tend to display higher levels of CD20 and lower levels of CD1a and CD2 compared to children, markers associated with poorer prognoses.

Investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms of ACE and ACE-2 with some biomarkers in Iraqi patients with COVID-19.

BackgroundThe angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor plays a critical role in mediating SARS-CoV-2 infection. Understanding the genetic factors influencing COVID-19 severity is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies. This study aimed to investigate the association between genetic polymorphism of the ACE gene, specifically the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the promoter region, and clinical parameters in COVID-19 patients. MethodsA case-control study was conducted with 225 participants from an Iraqi population. Blood samples were collected for hematological analysis and ACE genotyping. The association between ACE genotypes (DD, ID, II), demographic factors, and clinical parameters, including D-dimer, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocyte count, packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (HB), and platelet count, was assessed. ResultsCOVID-19 patients exhibited significant differences compared to controls regarding D-dimer, ferritin, LDH, CRP, WBC, lymphocytes, PCV, and RBC (P < 0.05), while no significant differences were found for HB and platelet counts. The DD genotype was predominant (43.11 %), followed by ID (39.56 %) and II (17.33 %). Notably, a significant association was observed between D-dimer levels and ACE genotype (P < 0.0001), with higher levels observed in individuals with the DD genotype. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between ACE genotype and sex (P = 0.0163). No significant association was observed between genotype and ICU admission or lung CT severity. ConclusionOur findings suggest a potential link between the ACE D/D genotype and elevated D-dimer levels in COVID-19 patients, indicating a potential role for ACE gene polymorphism in influencing disease severity. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore the potential for personalized treatment approaches based on ACE genotype.

Polymorphism of 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase -1(OGG1)in Iraqi Patients with Type2 Diabetes Mellitus

Chronic hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus leads to elevated oxidative stress. As a consequence , the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)may cause additional damage to various biological macromolecules, including DNA. Several studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of type2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of polymorphisms of 8- oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1(OGG1) repair gene polymorphism to the susceptibility of type 2 DM in an Iraqi population with T2DM patients from Wasit Province. All samples were collected from the local community of Wasit province, Iraq. Forty five type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (22 males and 23 females) and 35 healthy controls (17 males and 18 females) were genotyped for 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1(OGG1) using PCR- RFLP technique. In both patients and control groups, the distribution frequencies of genotypes and alleles of 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1(OGG1) A/G was inconsistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in T2DM patients(χ2=49.542,P=(0.00001); χ2=82.0185,P=(0.0001) respectively. The Cys/Cys(mt/mt) OGG1 genotype was significantly higher in patients than controls(mt/mt;33(37%)vs,0.00 in controls. The Ser/Cys (wt/mt) was 7(16%) and 6(17%) in patients and controls respectively and Ser/Ser genotypes wt/wt; decreased significantly in patients 5(11%) vs,29(83%) in controls. The wt and mt allele frequencies of OGG1were highly significant between the two groups P=0.00001. The wt allele was the major one in control group with a percent of (90.28) vs. (18.89) in patients group. Whereas the mt the frequent allele in patients with a percent of (81.11) vs. (18.89).This further analysis showed that the individuals carrying the homozygous Cys/Cys(mt/mt) genotype were more likely to have increased the risk of T2DM very significantly with OR= 190.02800 (CI95% 10.8329 to 3342.2603) ,P=0.0003. The genotypes Ser/Ser( wt/wt) and Ser/Cys(wt/mt) decrease the association with T2DM with OR=0.0259 (CI95% 0.0072 to 0.0930), and 0.8904 (CI95% 0.2701 to 2.9347 )respectively, P= 0.0001 and 0.08486 for each genotype respectively, These results suggest that mt allele may be considered as risk allele of T2DM whereas the wt allele is protective agent T2DM.Association analysis showed that the type2 diabetes mellitus risk of females with OGG1 gene Cys/Cys( mt/mt) genotype was highly significant 81.4000 fold higher than that in controls OR= 81.4000 (CI 95% 4.3089 to 1537.7322), P= 0.0033.Ser/Cys( wt/mt) genotype increase the probability of the disease with OR = 1.7647 (CI 95% 0.3745 to 8.3154), P = 0.4727.Similary,Ser/Ser(wt/wt) genotype decrease the association with T2DM with OR= 0.0091 (CI95% 0.0009 to 0.0959), P = 0.0001.Type2 diabetes mellitus patients particularly with Cys/Cys(mt/mt) genotype increases the association about more than 111 times in males patients than that in controls OR= 111.3636 ( CI95% 5.7135 to2170.6226), P = 0.0019 While, genotypes Ser/Cys(wt/mt) and Ser/Ser (wt/wt) reduce the likelihood of T2DM with OR= 0.2222 ( CI95% 0.0209 to 2.3585),P = 0.2120 and 0.0476( CI95% 0.0091 to 0.2484), P= 0.0003 respectively. the genetic model for OGG1 in comparison between T2DM patients and controls . The dominant model indicated that patients and controls of (wt/mt+mt/mt) genotype increased significantly the association with T2DM in patients: (5/7 and 33) comparing with control (29/6 and 0.00) with OR (38.666),P=0.0001.The recessive model revealed that patients carrier the genotype (wt/wt+wt/mt) declined significantly the association with the disease :(33/5 and 7) in patients versus (0.00/29 and 6) in controls,OR=0.0053,P=0.0003.The Over-dominant model showed that patients with the genotype (wt/wt+mt/mt) in creased non-significantly the association with the disease when compare patients (7/5 and 33) with controls(6/29 and 0.00) ,OR=1.123,P=0.848

Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Multiple Sclerosis in the Iraqi Population: A Study of 600 Cases

Background: These are two diseases of the central nervous system which are associated with demyelization of nerves and which has caused neurological disease and disability all over the world. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) are chronic diseases exhibiting features of an autoimmune affection mainly affecting the central nervous system. To date, no study or report has looked at the epidemiology and clinical profile of these disorders in Middle Eastern countries, Iraq included, even though there is bibliographic evidence of the existence of these conditions in Western peoples. This project aims at encompassing this gap by carrying out a descriptive epidemiological analysis study of multiple sclerosis (MS)and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) in the Iraqi population. In this case, the research is going to be aimed at the demographic characteristics of patients, their clinical presentation and outcomes of their treatment. Methodology: A post hoc comparative cross-sectional examination of the medical records of 600 patients in Iraq was performed as part of the present investigation. For this study, data was gathered and analyzed. An additional 150 individuals with neuromyelitis optica and 450 patients with multiple sclerosis were recalled from the sample. The information was collected from Baghdad Teaching hospital in Medical City complex. The records of the patients were combed through for the previous 10 years in a row in order to determine the demographic and clinical features of the patients, as well as information on the relapses, treatment, and rehabilitation processes. In order to examine the prevalence and incidence of the two illnesses, the research used comparisons based on frequency and percentage analysis, as well as the t-test and the Chi square statistic. Results Although there were some similarities between NMO and MS, the relapse rate was notably higher in NMO patients (3. 4, compared with 2. 8 in patients with MS), and severe relapses were more frequent in the NMO group (38. ∗%, compared with 29. ∗% in the MS group; p = 0. 041). This means that NMO is much more aggressive than MS. Moreover, the NMO patients experienced more severe and longer lasting relapses than the Ms patients (median relapse duration 4. 1 weeks, p = 0. 008 compared to the 3. 2 weeks of Ms patients; 34. 7% degree of impairment in NMO patients, p = 0. 007 compared to the 21. 8% degree of impairment in Ms patients). The first notitur is that more patients with NMO received immunosuppressants (86. 7% versus 46. 7% of patients with multiple sclerosis who received immunosuppressive drugs; p = 0. 001) Thus, it is necessary to use other approaches with this group of patients. Despite this, the results showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in relation to the time it took to resume work and/or a normal lifestyle. Thus, out of the sample, 28% showed complete recovery with the remainder 56%. Regarding the recoveries made, majority stated they had full recovery at 92 percent, 8 percent had partial recovery. Conclusion: The current study focuses on this problem in the Iraqi population and also acknowledge that NMO seems to be worse and more progressive than MS. It also puts much stress on the early diagnose of such cases as well as the use of treatment techniques that are both wide and intense especially with those who have other related complications of NMO. Each of the result supports the argument of the need to establish new treatment procedures that are relative to the area with the intention of enhancing the living standards of the patients. These results are a significant addendum to the overall shortage of knowledge of multiple sclerosis and neuromuscular disorder in the regarding of patients who belong to the developing world. In addition, they form a basis for future research that will help in the discovery of methods that can be utilised in enhancing disease treatment in the developing countries.

The Role of CD279 and CD274 Gene Polymorphisms in Iraqi Patients with Multiple Sclerosis by using Real-time qPCR HRM Technique

Multiple sclerosis continues to be a major cause of neurological dysfunction, especially in young adults, due to the disease's extremely varied course and the development of persistent impairment in many patients. According to previous studies the PD-1 (CD279) and PD-L1 (CD274) genes play a crucial role in autoimmune diseases, so the genetic variations in these genes may be one of the factors affecting the occurrence of autoimmune diseases. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the role of some genetic variations of PD-1 and PD-L1 in Iraqi MS patients. The number of samples for the current case-control study was 120. Blood samples were collected for the period November 2021 to February 2022 from the Medical City Hospital in Baghdad, DNA was extracted and the High-resolution melting (HRM) technique was used to determine the genetic variation. The genotype of CD279 (rs2227982) located in the 2KB upstream variant of the gene revealed that the heterozygous genotype and the mutant genotype were linked to an increased susceptibility to the disease whereas the T allele of CD274 SNP (rs1411262) and the mutant genotype (TT) were risk factors that increased the chance of susceptibility to the disease with a probability of predicting its occurrence. In conclusion, polymorphisms of both CD279 and CD274 genes were associated with increased risk and may act as predicting factors for MS in the Iraqi population.

IL-17F gene polymorphism in pulmonary tuberculosis

This study was investigated tuberculosis (TB) patients in an Iraqi population to look at the association between TB development and polymorphisms in the interleukin-17F gene. From January 2017 to April 2017, the study's population included 40 controls and 80 patients with tuberculosis. The IL-17F serum level was assayed using the ELISA technique. Genotyping analyses of IL-17F rs763780 gene were analysed using QRT-PCR for polymorphism. Males outnumbered females (58% vs. 42%) in TB cases. Serum levels of the IL-17F old cases (OC) group have decreased significantly (85.2±109.2pg/ml vs. 194.5±160.0pg/ml), than recently diagnosed (RD) group. The distribution of IL-17F rs76380 genotype was found to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in OC group and control. The result showed that T allele was more frequent (93.75%, 92.5%, 95% vs. 6.25%, 7.5%, 5% respectively), insignificantly (P&gt;0.05) than C allele in all groups. In addition, TT genotype was more frequent (90%) insignificantly (P&gt;0.05), than genotype TC (7.5%, 5%, 10%) and CC (2.5%, 5%, 0%) among groups of the study. There were insignificant associations between the IL-17F rs763780 gene polymorphism and risk of tuberculosis.

Evaluation of Root Canal Morphology of the Maxillary Permanent First Molar among Iraqi Population: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study (Retrospective Study)

Purpose: Endodontic success mainly depends on the complete root canal system debridement, both mechanically and chemically. The maxillary first molar possesses one of the most complex root canal anatomy. The purpose of this study was to map the maxillary first molar's root canal anatomy and its variations. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was used to determine the prevalence of the Second Mesiobuccal Canal (MB2) and its possible relation to the gender of the patient in the Iraqi population. Materials and Methods: Images from documented archives of CBCT scans for 415 patients who had maxillofacial diagnosis or root canal treatment were used in this study. Totally 656 maxillary first molars (336 females and 320 males) were included. The root canal configuration, frequency of MB2, and its two-sided symmetry were observed. The (chi-square test) was used to calculate the gender correlation. The P-value of less than 0.05 (p &lt; 0.05) was considered significant. Results: In 61.1% of the cases, the MB2 canal was discovered with high bilateral symmetry (73.6%). Genders did not show any statistically significant differences. Conclusion: The existence of MB2 canal in the maxillary first molars is high and approximately more than half of the cases. No relation was found between the existence of the MB2 canal and the gender of the patient. CBCT is a clinically efficient method for the diagnosis and improvement of root canal therapy.

Revealing the Obscurity of Attitudes Towards Mental Health Conditions: A Cross-Sectional Study of Attitudes Among the General Population of Iraq.

Mental health conditions cause a huge burden on individuals and healthcare systems. According to the World Health Organization, around 970 million individuals worldwide had a mental disorder in 2019. To explore the attitudes towards mental health conditions among the Iraqi community and determine factors influencing such attitudes. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1394 individuals of the Iraqi general population between December 2022 and February 2023 using a self-administered online questionnaire in Arabic, utilising convenience and snowball sampling. The data were analysed using R Statistical Software. In total, 763 (54.73%) individuals had positive attitudes towards mental health conditions. The multivariate regression analysis revealed the males and age group of 46 years, and more were significantly associated with negative attitudes (p = 0.001, p = 0.045 respectively). Individuals with mental health conditions experience stigmatising attitudes as in the Middle East jeopardising their treatment and recovery. This is the first study to address the Iraqi population's attitudes towards mental health conditions indicating overall positive attitudes. Health promotions must be conducted by educators, healthcare workers and universities to dispel the myths. Future studies with extensive sampling will help clarify the obscurity of mental health conditions in Iraq.