The College of Science for Women at the University of Baghdad examined a master’s thesis entitled “Evaluation of Some Immunological and Hormonal Indicators in Iraqi Alopecia Patients”, presented by the postgraduate student Baneen Saadi Qasim, as a requirement for the degree of Master of Science in Biology/Microbiology. The study was supervised by Dr. Talib Abdullah Huessein and Dr. Hadeel Jawad Hasan.
The thesis/dissertation aims to evaluate the serum levels of IL-18 and TGF-β1 in alopecia areata patients and investigate their association with disease activity. It also explores hematological changes, thyroid hormone levels, and cortisol concentrations to better understand the immunological and hormonal contributions to the pathogenesis of alopecia.
The thesis also includes significant findings such as the elevated levels of IL-18, TGF-β1, WBCs, T3, and cortisol in patients compared to healthy controls. No significant changes were observed in T4, and TSH levels.
The thesis recommended assessing IL-18 and TGF-β1 levels at diagnosis and during treatment as potential biomarkers for disease monitoring, alongside further exploration of their therapeutic targeting. Additionally, the study emphasized the importance of investigating genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, as well as the role of microRNAs and other hormonal parameters in AA pathogenesis.
Final Grade: Excellent.
