Al-Nahrain University College of Medicine Discusses a Master’s Thesis on the Effects of Intermittent Water Restriction on Renal Nephrons in Male Mice

On Thursday, September 3, 2026, the Master’s thesis defense of Abdullah Miri Sahib, a postgraduate student in the Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, was held. His thesis was entitled:

“Study the Effect of Interrupted Water Restriction of Male Mice on the Histological, Histomorphometric and Immunohistochemical Expression of E-cadherin in the Nephrons of Renal Tissue .”

The study demonstrated that the renal tissues of the water-restricted groups exhibited a marked reduction in Bowman’s capsule space, with glomeruli appearing shrunken and distorted within the renal cortex, accompanied by signs of hyaline change resembling amyloid-like alterations and a significant decrease in glomerular diameter (P < 0.001). These findings indicate cellular stress, structural strain, and degenerative changes compared with the control group.

Abundant intratubular deposits, identified as nephrocalcinosis, were also observed. These deposits were attributed to the crystallization of highly concentrated glomerular filtrate. The crystals were widely distributed throughout the renal tubules, particularly the proximal and distal convoluted tubules, resulting in obstruction of normal tubular flow.

Vascular examination revealed severe congestion of the renal tissue due to the accumulation of red blood cells. This was evident in the afferent and efferent arterioles as well as the peritubular capillaries in the water-restricted groups compared with the control group. These findings reflect increased blood viscosity and significant impairment of renal perfusion.

No significant difference was observed in the diameter of the proximal tubules (P = 0.984). However, the tubular cells exhibited foamy cytoplasmic vacuolation, suggesting cellular stress.

In contrast, the distal tubules showed a significant reduction in diameter (P < 0.001), with increased tubular crowding and reduced intertubular spaces. Calcifications and marked capillary congestion were also evident in the renal medulla.

The collecting ducts demonstrated a significant increase in diameter (P < 0.001) and were filled with hyaline material and crystalline deposits, accompanied by severe capillary congestion, reflecting physiological stress on the renal tissue.

Immunohistochemical evaluation using DAB staining and image-analysis software revealed a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in the expression of E-cadherin in the water-restricted groups. This was manifested by a reduction in the dark-brown staining intensity compared with the control group, indicating impaired cellular adhesion and compromised epithelial tissue integrity.

Examination Committee

The thesis defense committee consisted of:

• Prof. Dr. May Fadel Habib — Chairperson

• Prof. Dr. Haider Jawad Kadhim — Member

• Prof. Dr. Malak Akram Taha — Member

• Prof. Dr. Haider Abdul-Rasoul Jaafar — Member and Supervisor

The thesis was successfully accepted with an Excellent grade.

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