PhD Dissertation Defense on Genetic, Immunological, and Environmental Factors Associated with Celiac Disease

The Department of Microbiology at the College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, discussed the doctoral dissertation of the student Zainab Hassan Hadi entitled:

“Impact of CTLA4 gene polymorphism, serum sCTLA4,IL18 levels and Rotavirus IgG in patients with Celiac disease.”

The findings of this dissertation support the following:

• The relationship between CTLA4 gene polymorphisms and the severity and progression of celiac disease.

• The effect of CTLA4 gene polymorphisms on the production of sCTLA4 in celiac disease patients and its impact on disease severity.

• The potential use of IL18 as a novel biomarker within the supportive tests that confirm disease severity in celiac patients.

• A highly significant statistical association between environmental factors, such as prior rotavirus infection, and the susceptibility to celiac disease.

• The global trend toward personalized medicine through identifying different genetic polymorphisms, their role in disease development, and the potential of utilizing these mutations in gene therapy by replacing them with healthy genes.

Examination Committee:

• Prof. Asaad Fadel Hammoudi / Chair

• Prof. Asmaa Baqir Salem / Member

• Assist. Prof. Fadel Abdullah Abdul Ridha / Member

• Prof. Haider Faydhil Ghazi / Member

• Prof. Farah Thamer Abdullah / Member

• Prof. Ahmed Sahib Abdul Ameer / Member & Supervisor

• Assist. Prof. Ali Sameer Al-Shammaa / Member & Supervisor

The dissertation was accepted with a grade of Distinction.

Media and Government Communication Division
College of Medicine – Al-Nahrain University