Thesis Discussion
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 Vitiligo Patients”, presented by the postgraduate student Fatima Hassan Mohsen, as a requirement for the degree of Master of Science in Biology/Microbiology. The study was supervised by Dr. Talib Abdullah Huessein and Dr. Ghassan Hassan Abdulqahar
The thesis aims to evaluate the serum levels of IL-18 and IL-35 in vitiligo 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 vitiligo.
The thesis also includes significant findings such as the elevated levels of IL-18, WBCs, T3, TSH and cortisol in patients compared to healthy controls and decreased levels of IL-35. No significant changes were observed in T4 levels.
The thesis recommended assessing IL-18 and IL-35 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 and other hormonal parameters in vitiligo pathogenesis.
Final Grade: Excellent.
