Hilla university college Journal For Medical Science

Background: Amebiasis can cause a number of symptoms, from infections that are passed on when someone touches
something infected to serious illness.
Objectives: role of DMF on reducing Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) infection.
Materials and Methods: The study involved patients supplying E. histolytica-related symptoms. Diagnoses were confirmed using stool samples, and 10 mL of venous blood was obtained for antioxidant and immunological investigation.
Groups: Control (uninfected patients), Normal medication (infected patients on normal medication), and Combination
(infected patients getting standard treatment with DMF).
Results: Group 2 and 3 had lower red blood cell and haemoglobin levels than group 1. Group 2 was different from
groups 1 and 3 (P < 0.05), which shows that DMF reduces red blood cell and haemoglobin loss. Group 1 had higher levels
of different types of white blood cells, including neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils. Group 1 had lower amounts of
lymphocytes compared to groups 2 and 3. Statistical analysis showed a significant decrease in SOD, GSH, and CAT levels
in patients receiving E. histolytica standard treatment compared to the healthy control group, while malondialdehyde
levels increased a lot (P ≤ 0.05) in the same group. Group 3 showed a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in SOD, GSH, and
CAT levels compared to the standard therapy group, while malondialdehyde levels increased significantly in patients
treated with E. histolytica standard therapy plus DMF.
Conclusion: E. histolytica infection has been found to generate leukocytosis, lower antioxidant levels, and boost MDA.
It is advised that a potent antioxidant be added to conventional treatment.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health concern that leads to illness and death. One of the primary
risk factors for CVD is dyslipidemia, which can cause an elevation of oxidized LDL. Recently, the lectin-like oxidized
low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1 receptor), a transmembrane protein found in endothelial cells, platelets,
cardiomyocytes, and other cells, has gained attention. LOX- 1 receptors are responsible for recognizing oxLDL, and
overactivation can trigger pathways that cause tissue damage, including endothelial dysfunction and apoptosis, process
under investigation involves the following: promotion of platelet activation and adhesion to endothelial cells; ADPmediated aggregation; and the development of cardiac fibrosis and myocyte apoptosis. Measuring soluble Lox1 (sLox1)
levels in the serum may be considered a potential CVD biomarker in all stages of CVD. Synthetic Lox1 inhibitors and
neutralizing antibodies have recently been developed, making Lox1 a target for drug development. This review examines
the main findings of LOX1’s role in development, diagnostic and treatment strategies to prevent and manage heart
disease. It emphasizes the contribution from LOX1 in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction
and inflammation, which is important factor in the progression of CVDs. In addition, the capacity of LOX1 is discussed
in the reviews, which is a biomarker for initial identity and promises it as a therapeutic goal in the innovative treatment
method aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk. The conclusion of the review is as such: that LOX-1 should be considered
a primary marker of CVSs, and that its inhibition should be a priority in order to reduce the risk of cardiac events.

Background: Congenital malformations are among the primary causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, imposing significant challenges in regions with limited healthcare resources and high birth rates. Objectives: The goal of this study is to find out how common and spread-out congenital malformations are among newborns in Al-Najaf, Iraq. The results could have a big effect on how healthcare is provided and improve the health of newborns. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study analyzed birth registry data from five major hospitals in Al-Najaf, Iraq, in 2022. We identified neonates diagnosed with congenital malformations from a total cohort of 37,904 live births. Using descriptive and inferential statistics, the study gathered information on the mothers’ demographics, the babies’ characteristics, and the types of birth defects found. Results: Prevalence of congenital malformations was 4.3 per 1,000 live births. The central nervous system (CNS) was the most affected, accounting for 32.5% of malformations, followed by cardiovascular anomalies at 28.2%. There was a strong link between birth defects and maternal factors, especially living in a rural area (86.5% of mothers) and being related to the mother (60.7%). Additionally, the majority of affected neonates were born to mothers aged 20 to 25 years. Low birth weight was prevalent among 43.5% of cases, suggesting a potential link with congenital anomalies. Conclusion: The substantial prevalence of congenital anomalies in Al-Najaf underscores critical public health concerns. The high rates of CNS and cardiovascular malformations, along with cultural practices like consanguinity, suggest a need for urgent, targeted interventions. Genetic counseling, more prenatal care, and public health education are all important ways to lower the risks of congenital malformations and possibly improve the health of newborns in this area.

Preeclampsia is a complex, pregnancy-related hypertension condition that significantly endangers mother and fetal
health. While its clinical diagnosis is based on hypertension and proteinuria, its origins lie in a cascade of biochemical
and molecular disturbances. This review highlights the central concept of preeclampsia from a biochemical perspective,
with emphasis on abnormal placental development, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. Placental hypoxia
and an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are caused by inadequate spiral artery remodeling, which also leads
to lipid peroxidation and systemic inflammation. A critical biochemical characteristic is the disparity between antiantigenic (sFlt-1, sENG) and pro-antigenic (PlGF, VEGF) molecules, which leads to vascular damage and hypertension.
The identification of novel biomarkers such as asymmetric dimethyl arginine, uric acid, and lipid peroxides holds
promise for early diagnosis and targeted therapy. Understanding these biochemical pathways provides a foundation for
developing personalized screening tools and improving therapeutic outcomes. This review integrates current advances
in biochemical markers with clinical manifestations, aiming to refine preeclampsia early detection and management
through a biomarker-driven approach.

Background: Hypothyroidism, both overt and subclinical, has emerged as a notable contributor to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This association is mediated by multifactorial mechanisms, including significant dyslipidemia,
heightened oxidative stress, and vascular endothelial dysfunction.
Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted at the Specialized Center for Diabetic Endocrinology,
Baghdad/Russafa, between October 2024 and January 2025. The study included 130 participants: 35 patients with overt
hypothyroidism, 35 with subclinical hypothyroidism, and 60 age-, sex-, and BMI-matched euthyroid controls. Blood
samples were collected and processed for analysis of serum GDF-15, and lipid profiles. CRI-I, CRII-I, AIP, and AC
were calculated. Statistical analyses included ANOVA with post hoc comparisons, Pearson’s correlation, and ROC curve
analysis to evaluate biomarker performance.
Results: GDF-15 levels were significantly elevated in these groups (p < 0.0001), indicating increased systemic stress.
CRI-I and AC values were also significantly higher in hypothyroid patients, confirming an aggravated atherogenic
lipid profile. ROC analysis revealed excellent diagnostic performance of GDF-15 (AUC = 0.862) in distinguishing overt
hypothyroidism from euthyroidism. Significant correlations were found between the biomarker and lipid-based indices,
suggesting a pathophysiological link between systemic stress responses, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular risk in
thyroid dysfunction.
Conclusion: GDF-15 is promising biomarkers for cardiovascular risk assessment in hypothyroid patients. Its diagnostic performance, particularly in overt disease, surpasses traditional lipid indices, offering a more comprehensive
understanding of cardiovascular compromise. Integration of this marker with established lipid-based indices could
enhance early detection, facilitate personalized risk stratification, and inform timely therapeutic interventions in
thyroid-associated cardiovascular risk.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (BC) is a complex disease that involves molecular and cellular alterations mediated
by endogenous and exogenous factors.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities at baseline and three months
after therapy in RA patients treated with methotrexate (MTX) and Etanercept (ETN).
Methods: investigated the relationship between Etanercept 1 (ETN1) and Methotrexate levels in Rheumatoid arthritis
patients positive for cancer antigen 15–3 (CA15-3). This study included 90 patients with stage II and III BC divided
into two age groups (25–44 and 45–60 years) and 90 age-matched healthy controls. Serum concentrations of ETN1 and
Methotrexate were determined using ELISA.
Results: The results revealed a significant decrease in ETN1 levels and a slight increase in Methotrexate levels in
BC patients compared with controls. A significant negative correlation was observed between ETN1 and Methotrexate
levels in the younger patient group (25–44 years), whereas no significant association was observed in the older group
(45–60 years). These findings suggest that decreased ETN1 levels, indicative of oxidative stress, may contribute to the
formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) such as Methotrexate in Rheumatoid arthritis patients. AGEs
have been implicated in cancer progression through their effects on DNA glycation, oxidative stress, and the activation
of cancer-associated cell signaling pathways.
Conclusion: The inverse correlation between ETN1 and Methotrexate levels in CA15-3 positive Rheumatoid arthritis
highlights the potential role of ETN1 deficiency in the inflammatory processes associated with the disease.

Background: Vaccines against COVID-19 have been instrumental in preventing the spread and severity of the disease
in the world. In Iraq, coverage and distribution of vaccines across regions have differed.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the coverage of three types of COVID-19 vaccines in Al-Qasim
District, Babil Governorate, Iraq, in the years 2021 and 2022.
Materials and Methods: In a retrospective observational study, local health authority vaccination data were utilized.
The study population was approximately 310,000 residents of three sub-districts. Monthly data for 2021 and 2022 were
included for the quantity of vaccine doses (first and second doses) administered and the types of vaccines received (Pfizer,
Sinopharm, and AstraZeneca). Statistical analysis with SPSS was carried out to determine trends and differences over
time in vaccination uptake.
Results: There were 33,108 individuals who received the COVID-19 vaccination in 2021, most of whom received the
initial dose. In comparison, 12,197 individuals were vaccinated in 2022, and more individuals received second doses than
in 2021. Based on evidence, a decline in the number of individuals who received the vaccination in 2021 versus 2022 was
noted, despite an increase in second dose completion in 2022.
Conclusion: The outcome reveals heightened early vaccine coverage in 2021, which is likely due to early public health
engagement and increased urgency in early vaccine rollout. The lower rates of 2022 reflect public interest waning or
logistical ineffectiveness. However, the greater percentage of completion of second doses in 2022 reveals improved
follow-through and may be increased trust in the vaccination process. Targeted interventions may be required to
maintain and enhance vaccine coverage, particularly among disadvantaged groups.