Master's thesis defense by Hadir Hamed Jasim

On Monday, March 18, 2024, student Hadir Hamed Jasim from the Department of Microbiology successfully defended her Master's thesis entitled:

**Serum Calprotectin Level and miRNA-5196 Expression as Biomarkers of Infliximab Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis**

This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of serum calprotectin levels as a target for monitoring the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and response to infliximab treatment. Additionally, it investigated the correlation between miRNA-5196 expression and infliximab response and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Results: The average age of the control group was 46.82 ± 12.01 years, while it was 46.40 ± 11.32 years in rheumatoid arthritis patients; for non-responders, it was 45.99 ± 11.08 years, and for responders, it was 45.58 ± 10.94 years. The highest age group for rheumatoid arthritis incidence was 36-55 years. There was a significant correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and body mass index (p < 0.001). Females were more affected than males at a ratio of 3.5:1. Current results showed that the number of smokers was 28 (10 responders, 12 non-responders, and 6 from the control group), while the number of non-smokers was 122 (38 responders, 37 non-responders, 47 from the control group). Regarding rheumatoid arthritis medications, 70 patients (37 responders and 33 non-responders) were taking methotrexate (MTX), while 30 patients (13 responders and 17 non-responders) were not taking MTX. The study found that 68% of responders had a positive RF, while 88% of non-responders were seropositive. Additionally, current results showed that non-responders had more positive cases of ACPA than responders, suggesting they might have a stronger immune response against citrullinated proteins. According to the current study, rheumatoid arthritis patients with positive ACPA had a lower response to anti-TNF-alpha therapy. Serum MRP 8/14 levels were significantly higher in non-responders compared to responders and the control group (p < 0.001). The relative expression of miRNA-5196 was significantly higher in non-responding rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Serum calprotectin levels and miRNA-5196 may be considered targets for monitoring disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients and their response to anti-TNF-alpha therapy.

The defense committee consisted of:

- Prof. Dr. Haider Faisal Ghazi (Chairman)

- Prof. Dr. Faek Esho Korial (Member)

- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ghasaq Tariq Sadiq (Member)

- Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdul Hassan Abbas (Supervisor)

The thesis was successfully accepted with a grade of (Excellent).