Master's thesis defense by student Zahraa Yahya Hanoun

On Sunday, March 17, 2024, student Zahraa Yahya Hanoun from the Department of Human Anatomy successfully defended her Master's thesis entitled:

**E-cadherin Level and Immunohistochemical Expression for Assessment of Ovarian Reserve in Rabbits**

The study aimed to evaluate the level of E-cadherin and its immunohistochemical expression as a predictor of ovarian reserve.

The results of the current study showed significant differences between the right ovaries of group B (younger age) and group C (older age), with elevated levels of plasma E-cadherin and immunohistochemical expression, and a higher number of primordial follicles in group B compared to group C. The number of antral follicles in group C was higher than in group B. However, there was no significant difference in ovarian weight. Comparisons between the left ovaries of group B and group C also showed significant differences, with elevated plasma E-cadherin levels, higher immunohistochemical expression, and a greater number of primordial follicles in group B compared to group C. The number of antral follicles was higher in group C compared to group B, along with ovarian weight.

The results also indicated that the number of primordial and primary follicles in group B was higher than in group C, while the number of secondary and antral follicles in group C was higher than in group B. In group B, there were no statistically significant differences between the right and left ovaries in plasma E-cadherin level, immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin, and the number of primordial follicles. In group C, there was also no significant difference between the right and left ovaries in plasma E-cadherin level, immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin, and the number of primordial follicles.

Significant differences were found in plasma E-cadherin levels among rabbits in group A (males), group B (young females), and group C (older females). Additionally, significant differences in plasma E-cadherin levels were observed between rabbits in group A and group B, and between group A and group C.

The study concluded that higher levels and immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin correlate with an increased number of primordial follicles and that E-cadherin levels decrease with advancing age.

The defense committee was composed of:

- Prof. Dr. Haider Abdul Rasul Jafar (Chairman)

- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Ibrahim Rahim (Member)

- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huda Rashid Karim (Member)

- Prof. Dr. Thair Mahmood Farhan (Supervisor)

The thesis was successfully accepted with a grade of Excellent.