PhD Dissertation at Al-Nahrain College of Medicine Investigates Biomarkers for Assessing Asthma Severity and Level of Control

The College of Medicine at Al-Nahrain University held a dissertation defense for Ali Yahya Salem, a PhD researcher in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The dissertation was entitled:

Evaluation of the serum levels of Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin, Eosinophil Cationic Protein, 8-iso Prostaglandin F2α with Zinc and
Selenium as Biomarkers for Diagnosis, Control and Severity for Asthmatic Patients

The study aimed to evaluate the role of a panel of serum biomarkers, including thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and 8-isoprostaglandin F2α, in addition to the trace elements zinc and selenium, in assessing asthma severity and the level of disease control. The investigation focused on the inflammatory mechanisms and oxidative stress associated with asthma.

The dissertation explored the significance of these biomarkers in elucidating different pathophysiological aspects of asthma. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin is involved in type 2 inflammatory pathways, whereas eosinophil cationic protein reflects eosinophil activation. In addition, 8-isoprostaglandin F2α serves as a biomarker of oxidative stress, while zinc and selenium contribute to antioxidant defense mechanisms and help protect cells against oxidative damage.

The significance of the study lies in its integrated assessment of inflammatory biomarkers, oxidative stress markers, and trace elements, which may contribute to a deeper understanding of the biochemical mechanisms associated with asthma severity and disease control. Furthermore, the findings may support the potential clinical utility of these biomarkers in disease assessment and patient monitoring, paving the way for more comprehensive approaches to asthma evaluation.

This research is part of ongoing scientific efforts to utilize biochemical biomarkers to improve the assessment of chronic respiratory diseases and strengthen the role of scientific research in advancing evidence-based medical practice.

Dissertation Examination Committee

The examination committee consisted of the following members:

• Prof. Dr. Raya Sulaiman Baban — Clinical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University — Chairperson.

• Prof. Dr. Ali Salih Mahdi — Respiratory Medicine, College of Hamorabi Medicine, University of Babylon — Member.

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Hassan Hussein Taha — Clinical Biochemistry — Member.

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Zeina Abdul-Ilah Abdul Ali — Clinical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University — Member.

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Wasan Taha Saadoun — Medical Chemistry, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University — Member.

Dissertation Supervisors

• Prof. Dr. Raed Jassim Mohammed — Medical Chemistry, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University.

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Haider Abdul-Hameed Rashid — Internal Medicine, Respiratory Diseases, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University.

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