On Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 9:00 AM, PhD candidate Hiba Qasim Mahmoud defended her dissertation in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry/Medical Biochemistry, titled: **"Evaluation of Dickkopf related protein-1, β-catenin, prostaglandin E2, and Cyclooxygenase-2 Concentration in serum and urine as new biomarkers in human breast cancer."** **Study Objective:** The objective of the study was to investigate the WNT signaling pathway and its associated proteins, including DKK-1 and β-catenin, along with the measurement of COX-2 and PGE2 concentrations. The study aimed to assess their impact on the WNT pathway in breast cancer patients, compared with first-degree relatives and healthy controls. Furthermore, the study explored the potential of using these proteins as new biomarkers for early detection of breast cancer and examined the role of lipids as a risk factor for breast cancer. **Results:** - **DKK-1** protein concentrations in urine and serum were significantly higher in breast cancer patients compared to first-degree relatives and healthy controls. - **β-catenin** levels in the blood showed notable differences between the groups, with healthy controls showing significantly higher levels compared to breast cancer patients and first-degree relatives. In urine, β-catenin also exhibited significant differences, with breast cancer patients showing the highest levels, followed by first-degree relatives and controls. - **COX-2** concentrations in the blood revealed significant differences, with breast cancer patients showing the highest levels. However, in urine, COX-2 levels exhibited an opposite trend, where the control group had significantly higher levels than the breast cancer patients. - **PGE2** levels in serum and urine did not show statistically significant differences between the three groups. - Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations in the breast cancer group were higher compared to the control group, while first-degree relatives had intermediate levels. Triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) concentrations did not differ significantly between the breast cancer group and the control group. - ROC curve analysis indicated high sensitivity and specificity in both serum and urine for DKK-1, β-catenin, COX-2, and PGE2. The results demonstrated that DKK-1 has a strong inhibitory effect on the WNT pathway, which may prevent cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic target for breast cancer. **Defense Committee Members:** - Prof. Istabrak Abdul Rasool Kuwairi – Chair - Assoc. Prof. Saba Zuhair Hussein – Member - Assoc. Prof. Hassan Hussein Taha – Member - Assoc. Prof. Khawla Abdul Karim Kassar – Member - Assoc. Prof. Qahtan Adnan Mahdi – Member - Prof. Muhammad Imran Hamza – Supervisor and Member - Assoc. Prof. Mazen Judi Ibrahim – Supervisor and Member The dissertation was accepted with distinction. 
|
