Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory dermatological condition, exhibits heterogeneous responses to anti-TNF therapies such as etanercept (ETN), underscoring the need for predictive biomarkers. This study investigated the association of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) gene promoter polymorphisms (rs1143623 C/G, rs752338864 C/G, and rs1143627 C/T) with ETN efficacy in 80 Iraqi patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Patients were categorized according to treatment response: responders achieved ≥ 75% reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), whereas non-responders demonstrated ≤ 50% reduction. Post-treatment serum IL-1β levels were significantly higher in non-responders (50.35 ± 15.81 pg/mL) compared to responders (35.38 ± 10.35 pg/mL; p = 0.001). Genotyping revealed that the rs752338864 CC genotype was exclusively present in responders (25% vs 0% in non-responders; p = 0.001) and showed a strong inverse correlation with non-responder status (ϕ = −0.342; p = 0.003), as well as a greater reduction in PASI score (p = 0.01). Logistic regression further identified serum IL-1β concentration as an independent predictor of non-response (OR = 1.11; p = 0.0115). In contrast, the other investigated SNPs (rs1143623 C/G and rs1143627 C/T) showed no significant association with treatment response. These findings suggest that the rs752338864 CC genotype may indicate a positive response, whereas increased IL-1β levels could reflect resistance to therapy. Overall, this study sheds new light on psoriasis pharmacogenetics and demonstrates the potential for incorporating genetic and biomarker assessments into individualized treatment strategies.
Acromegaly has been associated with several metabolic health conditions that can increase risks of death and illness. These include heart disease, diabetes, and problems with how the body regulates insulin levels. Multiple studies have found that people living with acromegaly are two to four times more likely to pass away than others of the same age and sex in the general population. Research also suggests a link between acromegaly and higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the body. MDA is a byproduct formed during natural processes like prostaglandin and lipid peroxidation production that is able to damage genes and has been connected to cancer development. The transmembrane protein known as soluble a-Klotho (SAKL) is
... Show MoreThis study aimed to estimate the serum levels of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) and interleukin-36 alpha (IL-36α) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to examine their relationship with age and body mass index (BMI). A total number of collected specimens are 75, which were 45 patients and 30 healthy control women participated in this study from different private clinics in Baghdad/ Iraq, for the period starting December 2023 to February 2024. The age ranges for both patients and controls was 18–40 years, with mean ages of 25.60 ± 6.38 years for patients and 29.44 ± 11.61 years for controls. BMI was determined for all participants, revealing a statistically highly
... Show MoreBackground: Immune thrombocytopenia is an immune-related disorder that causes an impairment in platelet production and stimulates platelet destruction, causing variable bleeding symptoms. Objective: This study focuses on refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura patients on romiplostim treatment and their level of illness perception related to treatment response. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1st, 2025, to August 1st, 2025. Brief Illness Perception Questionnaires were administered to 84 patients with ITP to collect the data. The study took place at the Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Center, Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq. Results: The romiplostim response rate is 21 (25.0%), while the partial response rate is 4
... Show MoreDuring infection, T. gondii disseminates by the circulatory system and establishes chronic infection in several organs. Almost third of humans, immunosuppressed individuals such as HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients, and organ transplant recipients are exposed to toxoplasmosis. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the possibility that Toxoplasma infection could be a risk factor for COVID-19 patients and its possible correlation with C-reactive protein and ferritin. Overall 220 patients referred to the Al Furat General Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq were enrolled from 2020–2021. All serum samples were tested for T. gondii immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) antibodies, C-reactive protein and ferritin levels. In patients with COVID-19, the results
... Show MoreThis study is the first investigation in Iraq dealing with genotyping of
Rheumatoid arthritis is a worldwide inflammatory chronic autoimmune disease with varying severity. Due to no definitive cure for this disease, current therapies aim to decrease the pain and slow further damage. The interleukin (IL)‐36 cytokine was little known for its role in rheumatoid arthritis; this research aimed to evaluate the serum IL36 levels in RA patients compared to healthy controls. This study included 80 patients with rheumatoid arthritis registered at the Rheumatology Clinic in Baghdad teaching hospital. The patients were divided into three groups based on the treatments received. Group 1 included patients treated with biological therapy (etanercept, adalimumab), Group2 patients with non-biological treatment (methotr
... Show MoreRA is a complex chronic disease, primarily affects the lining of the synovial joints and can cause progressive disability, premature death, and socioeconomic burdens. The clinical manifestations of symmetrical joint involvement include arthralgia, swelling, redness, and even limiting the range of motion. The pathogenesis is not known therefore the study included Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of systemic inflammatory diseases that characterized by a progressive disabling course. The study included patients suffering from RA and as healthy controls. immunological and genetic factor were evaluated in each subject by using serum level of cytokine and genetic factor. The etiopathology of the disease is not well known for this reason the study
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