Interleukin-35 (IL-35) is a new member of IL-12 family of cytokines, and its role in pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been recently suggested. Accordingly, a case-control study was conducted during June - October 2018 to determine IL-35 serum level in Iraqi patients with chronic HBV infection. The results revealed that IL-35 level was significantly decreased in patients as compared to control (163 vs. 301 pg/ml; p < 0.001). However, such decreased level was more pronounced in patients at the age groups < 40 and 40 – 50 years (165 and 145 pg/ml, respectively) as compared to the corresponding age groups in control (482 and 234 pg/ml, respectively). In the case of gender groups, both male

Blastocystis is a ubiquitous human and animal protozoa that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. Metronidazole is considered the standard drug for the treatment of Blastocystis infection; however, there is growing evidence of treatment failure, hazardous side effects, and appearance of strains resistant to metronidazole. In the last era, many studies have been implicated in the quest for new treatments for Blastocystis infection, especially natural products. Attention has been focused on the effect of Amygdalin (B17) and pumpkin seed on eradicating parasitic infections. The current work was built up to explore the in vitro efficacy of two natural compounds, Amygdalin (B17) and pumpkin seeds against

Background: Infertility is recognized as the incapability of infertile couples to become pregnant following one year of unsafe intercourse, with male factors accounting for roughly half of the documented instances. Several reasons for male infertility factors have been reported; however, the actual cause in the majority of cases remains unknown.

Objective: To study prospectively the outcome of N-acetylcysteine on semen parameters in males with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

Patient and methods: A total 45 patients with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia have received N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) for 12 weeks, their seminal fluid parameters were measured at the baseline and a

The present study aims to evaluate levels of calcium regulating hormones and some biochemical parameters in a sample of growth hormone (GH) deficient patients. Seventy five GH deficient patients and twenty healthy subjects used as a control group have been involved in this study during their attendance at the National Diabetic Centerfor Treatment and Research /Al-Mustansiriya University. The studied subjects were in an age range of 3-15 years. Blood samples were collected from the studied subjects to determine levels of basal GH,GH2. and GH3 after 60 mins. and 90mins. of provocation with clonidine. The study also included the measurement of the levels of insulin like growth factor (IGF-1); calcium regulating hormones [parathyroid hormone

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity plays a central role in causing disability both directly and via indirect effects mediated through joint damage. Evaluation of RA disease activity is therefore important to predict the outcome and effectiveness of therapeutic interventions during follow-up. Clinical disease activity index (CDAI) is new simple tool for measurement of disease activity.
Objectives: To assess validity and reliability of CDAI in comparison to disease activity score-28 joints (DAS28) in Iraqi patients with active RA.
Patients and Methods: Sixty nine Iraqi RA patients were included in this study. All patients were fulfilling the ACR classification criteria and active. Full history was taken and comple

Background: Although uncommon, diseases of the male breast engender a tremendous emotional response. Fortunately, most diseases present with a mass and are easily detected. Unlike the female breast, only ducts but no lobules are present.
Objectives: The aim of this descriptive study is to present the clinical, pathological and ultrasonographic features of different breast lesions amongst males.
Patients & methods: Data obtained from 93 male patients with breast disorders collected between the first of January 2008 to the end of December 2009 and based on clinical examination were done in surgical wards in Baghdad teaching hospital and the main referral training centre for early detection of breast tumors.
Results: Gynecomast

Background: Patients with chronic renal failure undergoing longterm hemodialysis (HD) are prone to atherosclerosis and at increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Objective: The objective of this study is to compare atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) on regular hemodialysis, when associated with other chronic diseases.
Patients and methods: A total of forty male patients with CRF on hemodialysis, matched in, age, body mass index BMI, and duration of hemodialysis were enrolled. They were grouped as group 1 (G1) includes eleven subjects with CRF without (hypertension and / or diabetes) groups 2 (G2) fourteen CRF subjects wi

Back ground: Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) are important devices used in treatment of asthma. It has got lots of benefits and some drawbacks depending on usage technique, with proper technique and training the drawbacks can be minimized.

Objectives:  Estimate the percentage of asthmatic patients using the metered dose inhalers improperly both in technique and dose, and detect the main factors associated with its improper use.

Background:Gastrointestinal cancers (GITc) is a worldwide problem. In Iraq , Gastric cancer is the 9th commonest of the top cancers while colorectal cancers it is considered as the 7th commonest ten cancers.IL-10 appears to be more of a pro-tumor than anti-tumor properties in both colorectal and gastric cancers.
Objective:is to estimate the serum level of IL-10 in the Iraqi colorectal and gastric cancer Patientsand its relation to the progress of disease.
Patients and Methods:In ourstudy ,54 serum samples werecollected starting from the 1st of January to mid of March 2011, to investigate the IL-10 serum level by using ELISA kit. 38colorectal and gastric cancer patients (H.Pylori +ve) and 16 of healthy control group.
Results: The

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an adult leukemia characterized by rapid proliferation of undifferentiated myeloid precursors, leading to bone marrow (BM) failure and impaired erythropoiesis. The p53 tumor suppressor protein regulates cell division and inhibits tumor development by preventing cell proliferation of altered or damaged DNA. It orchestrates various cellular reactions, including cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, and antioxidant properties. Objectives: To investigate the relationship of P53 serum level with hematological findings, remission, and survival status in de novo AML patients. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that enrolled 63 newly diagnosed de novo AML patients, and 15 sex- and age-matched healt