Analyze the relationship between genetic variations in the MTHFR gene at SNPs (rs1801131 and rs1801133) and the therapy outcomes for Iraqi patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study was conducted on a cohort of 95 RA Iraqi patients. Based on their treatment response, the cohort was divided into two groups: the responder (47 patients) and the nonresponder (48 patients), identified after at least three months of methotrexate (MTX) treatment. A polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) technique was employed to analyze the MTHFR variations, specifically at rs1801133 and rs1801131. Overall, rs1801131 followed both codominant and dominate models, in which in the codominant model, GG [OR (95% CI) 0.11 (0.022–0.553)] and TG [OR (95% CI) 0.106 (0.021–0.528)] predict responders compared to the TT genotype; meanwhile, for the dominate model, the presence of both GG and TG genotypes [OR (95% CI) 0.108 (0.023–0.507)] together predict responders compared to the TT genotype. The Ars1801133Grs1801131 haplotype was significantly associated with responders [OR (95% CI): 0.388 (0.208–0.723)], while the Grs1801133Trs1801131 haplotype was associated marginally with nonresponders [OR (95% CI) 1.980 (0.965–4.064)]. In the final multivariate analysis, GG/TGrs1801131 genotypes were independently related to responders after adjustment for patients, disease, and treatment characteristics, while TTrs1801131 genotypes were associated with nonresponders. The Iraqi RA patients showed genetic polymorphism in MTHFR gene rs1801131 with T carrier allele associated with nonresponders to MTX therapy. The rs1801131 followed both codominant and dominant models. The G-carried allele for rs1801131 showed an independent association with responder to MTX therapy after adjustment for patients, disease, and treatment characteristics.
Anemia of chronic disease (ACD) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are the two most important types of anemia in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Functional iron deficiency in ACD can be attributed to overexpression of the main iron regulatory hormone hepcidin leading to diversion of iron from the circulation into storage sites resulting in iron-restricted erythropoiesis. The aim is to investigate the role of circulating hepcidin and to uncover the frequency of IDA in RA. The study included 51 patients with RA. Complete blood counts, serum iron, total iron binding capacity, ferritin, and hepcidin- 25 were assessed. ACD was found in 37.3% of patients, IDA in 11.8%, and combined (ACD/IDA) in 17.6%. Serum hepcidin was higher in ACD than in con
... Show MoreCustomers' creditworthiness standards are the key means employed by private commercial banks in assigning a suitable credit assessment for each customer. Accordingly, it had an instrumental role in indicating the degree of solvency of the potential customer before granting the required credit. The research problem reveals the nature of the relationship between the criteria of customer’s creditworthiness and banking liquidity. The most critical objectives of the study shed light on the role of using creditworthiness criteria as a tool for credit analysis of customers by banks that help reducing credit risks and thus increase banking liquidity. The questionnaire that was distributed to bank employees, the research sample, which w
... Show MoreDue to technological developments in the Iraqi banking sector, which is the use of electronic payment systems within the banking infrastructure. This has led to speed and accuracy in the completion of transactions, reduced costs, increased revenues and efficiency. This research examines the challenges and risks facing the Iraqi banking sector as a result of its use of electronic payment systems. And show its impact on the profitability of commercial banks. The research was based on the main hypothesis that there is a statistically significant moral impact relationship between electronic payment systems and the profitability of banks. Iraqi commercial banks were chosen as a research community, All Iraqi commercial banks that parti
... Show MoreThe capital banking foundation stone upon which the bank in the practice of business activities, the more capital a good financial adequacy of the increased bank's ability to grant credit and expand the various activities and provide a safety element for depositors and other sources of funding to achieve profits and increase the trading volume of the shares, causing the rise the rate of return for the shares of banks and have the Central Bank as head of the banking system by issuing instructions capital increase banking, according to the requirements of economic development and increase gross domestic product by supporting investment projects that are financed through banks, the research aims to show the extent of the banks commitment to
... Show MoreChronic periodontitis (CP) is an inflammatory disease affecting tooth supporting structures in response to bacterial dental plaque causing irreversible tissue destruction. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an effective mediator in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Polymorphisms in the COX-2 gene may contribute to its overexpression and increased disease susceptibility. To evaluate the association between -1195 A/G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promotor area of the cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) gene and severity of chronic periodontitis in a sample of Iraqi population. -1195A/ G COX-2 SNP was investigated in 70 chronic periodontitis (CP) cases and 30 healthy controls. CP cases composed of 2 subgroups (35 moderate CP cases and 35 severe CP
... Show MoreAbstract [email protected] Background: Acute Traumatic Stress Disorder (ATSD) might be complicated by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Psychological First Aid (PFA) said to be helpful to reduce the possibility of reduction of ASD and PTSD symptoms. PFA is simple procedure to deliver help & support to victims, may be by some one close to him, quietly and professionally. Iraq has and is still experiencing, continuous traumatic stresses. ATSD is especially seen in war such as during the Gulf War, Embargo and nowadays under the current American occupation. With the extreme shortage of recourses and the given late priority to psychological problems and intervention have disastrous consequences on the psycho-social wellbeing of peop
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