The Prevalence of overweight and obesity is rising globally, accompanied by numerous health concerns throughout the population. Obesity is becoming a significant public health concern of the 21st century, impacting children, adolescents, and adults. This study aimed to determine the Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults and to identify the factors that may contribute to their Prevalence. A cross-sectional survey was executed, and 1,148 participants were selected randomly, comprising men and women aged 18 years and above, in Zakho City, northern Iraq, in 2024. A specifically crafted questionnaire was utilized to gather pertinent sociodemographic data from the participants. The height and weight of all participants were measured. The Prevalence of overweight/obesity was 52.4% (overweight=33% and obese = 19.4%). A statistically significant correlation was found between overweight/obesity and factors such as older age groups, marital status, female gender, physical inactivity, and medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease (p<0.05). A multivariate analysis identified several statistically significant factors associated with overweight/obesity: age groups (OR 4.93, 95% CI 3.32–7.3), marital status (OR 3.65, 95% CI 2.84–4.69), physical inactivity (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.77–3.01), and medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes (OR 3.58, 95% CI 2.24–5.72), hypertension (OR 5.47, 95% CI 3.21–9.32), and cardiovascular disease (OR 11.2, 95% CI 3.42–36.54). The Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults in Zakho City is significantly high. This matter requires prompt action by healthcare …

To investigate the regulatory role of serum hepcidin-25 on the iron metabolism, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and trace element concentrations in children aged 2–10 years with early iron deficiency (EID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA), and to evaluate its interface with iron profile, trace elements such as; zinc (Zn), cupper (Cu) and magnesium (Mg) along with antioxidant markers (catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)). Methods This study involved 90 children. Based on hemoglobin levels and iron status, they were categorized into control (n = 30), EID (n = 30), and IDA (n = 30). Blood samples were obtained to assess hematological parameters, iron profile, serum hepcidin-25, trace elements, and antioxidant markers. Results Serum hepcidin-25 levels were significantly lower in both IDA (3.73 [1.92–6.30] ng/mL) and EID (7.22 [4.32–9.08] ng/mL) groups compared to controls (10.62 [6.69–17.35] ng/mL) (p < 0.0001). Zn, CAT, and SOD levels were also significantly reduced in both EID (Zn: 55.86 ± 14.89 µg/dL; CAT: 10.55 ± 8.17 kU/L; SOD: 0.84[0.71–0.84] U/mL) and IDA (Zn: 55.33 ± 14.63 µg/dL; CAT: 7.68 ± 5.04 kU/L; SOD: 0.83[0.76–0.87]U/mL) groups compared to the control group (Zn: 92.46 ± 26.41 µg/dL; CAT: 15.78 ± 3.26 kU/L; SOD: 1.05[0 .83- 1.20] U/mL) (p < 0.05). Mg and GST levels were significantly decreased in the IDA group (p < 0.05). Serum hepcidin-25 showed significant positive correlations with serum iron (ρ = 0.45), transferrin saturation (ρ = 0.44), Zn (ρ = 0.32), Mg (ρ = 0.24), SOD (ρ = 0.37), and CAT (ρ = 0.28), p < 0.05. Conclusion These results support hepcidin-25 biomarker suppression as an indicator for iron deficits and systemic iron deficiency disturbances that affect trace elements and antioxidant activities.

This article focuses on Pelargonium graveolens, a fragrant medicinal plant from the Geraniaceae family. The study examines the plant's phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and mineral absorptivity, with the plant being grown indoors. The study also examined the plant's ash content and antioxidant activity using a variety of techniques, and the results demonstrated that P. graveolens is effective at absorbing lead. The plant contains eight different minerals, including Cu, Mn, Co, Ni, Pb, Mg, Fe, and Ca. Statistical analysis was used to determine the level of antioxidants present, using DPPH, reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity methods. The extraction process used a mixture of water, 70% ethanol and absolute ethanol solvents in varying ratios. To conclude, the study examines Pelargonium graveolens, a fragrant medicinal plant, for its antioxidant activity and mineral absorptivity.

Background: Iron deficiency (ID), iron deficiency anemia (IDA), and anemia of inflammation without iron deficiency are widespread nutritional and hematological disorders affecting children globally. This study aimed to assess the impact of socioeconomic status, dietary habits, and physical activity on iron-related disorders among children aged 2–10 years in Zakho City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 171 children, categorized into four groups based on clinical and biochemical criteria: control (n = 68), ID (n = 50), IDA (n = 31), and anemia of inflammation without iron deficiency (n = 22), defined as chronic inflammation that traps iron within storage sites, resulting in low hemoglobin. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and laboratory assessments, including serum iron and complete blood count (CBC). Results: Statistically significant associations were found between iron-related disorders and several socioeconomic and nutritional factors (p < 0.0001). Children diagnosed with iron deficiency and anemia were more likely to come from households with low income and low parental educational levels, consume fewer daily meals, and have a reduced intake of iron-rich foods such as meat, vegetables, legumes, and fruits. Binary logistic regression analysis identified key predictors of iron-related disorders, including consumption of only one meal per day (OR = 5.73, 95% CI: 1.69–19.50), never consuming meat (OR = 28.8, 95% CI: 6.82–121.63), and spending less than 1 h per day on physical activity (OR = 18.13, 95% CI: 2.59–126.72). Conclusions: Socioeconomic status, dietary patterns, and physical activity levels significantly influence the risk of iron-related disorders in children. These findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional education and public health interventions to reduce childhood anemia and improve iron status in vulnerable populations.

Iron deficiency (ID) is a leading nutritional disorder in children, progressing from early iron deficiency (EID) to iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Hepcidin-25 is the key regulator of iron metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of hepcidin-25 and its association with hematological, biochemical, and antioxidant markers. Ninety children aged 2–10 years were enrolled and categorized into three groups: control, early iron deficiency (EID), and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) (n = 30 each). Blood samples were collected and analyzed for hematological parameters, iron profile, and C-reactive protein (CRP). In addition, catalase (CAT) activity was measured as an antioxidant marker, and serum hepcidin-25 levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hepcidin-25 concentrations and CAT activity were significantly reduced in both EID and IDA groups compared with controls (p < 0.05). Hepcidin-25 correlated positively with serum iron, transferrin saturation, ferritin, and CAT, and negatively with red cell distribution width (RDW), CRP, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that hepcidin-25 had a more favorable diagnostic performance compared to ferritin for detecting IDA (AUC = 0.82) and EID (AUC = 0.73). Serum hepcidin-25 appears to be a promising biomarker for the early detection of pediatric iron deficiency and may also reflect alterations related to oxidative stress.

The main aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of vitamin D, iron profile, and trace elements imbalances on cardiometabolic risk factors in newly diagnosed women with subclinical hypothyroid. Fifty newly diagnosed subclinical hypothyroid (SCHT) females, aged 18-50 years, and 40 healthy females matched in age with patients were enrolled in the present study. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Free thyroxin (FT4), Free triiodothyronine (FT3), vitamin D, and serum ferritin were measured using an electrochemiluminescence assay. Lipid profile, serum iron (Fe), and unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) were analyzed by a photometric measuring unit. Serum zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), and copper (Cu) were quantified using a colorimetric method. The current study indicated a significant increase in cardiometabolic risk factors such as fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profile, Triglyceride-glucose index (TyGi), and Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in SCHT, in contrast to the healthy group. Furthermore, a strong association was noted between elevated TSH and lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, AIP, and TyGi. Additionally, a substantial association was indicated between reduced vitamin D, ferritin, magnesium levels, and elevated copper levels with cardiometabolic risk factors. The current study concluded that low vitamin D, ferritin, magnesium levels, and elevated copper levels are linked with cardiometabolic risk factors in females diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism. Reduced vitamin D, magnesium levels, disrupted iron metabolism, and elevated serum copper were linked to heightened atherogenic risk and metabolic abnormalities

Iron deficiency (ID) is a major nutritional problem in children, progressing from early iron deficiency (EID) to iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Hepcidin is a key regulator of iron metabolism. This study evaluated the diagnostic value of serum hepcidin-25 and its relationship with hematological parameters, iron status, and trace elements. Ninety children aged 2–10 years were classified into three groups: control (n = 30), EID (n = 30), and IDA (n = 30). Blood samples were analyzed for hematological parameters, iron profile, C-reactive protein (CRP), trace elements (Zn, Cu, Mg), and serum hepcidin-25 using ELISA. Hepcidin-25 levels were significantly lower in IDA (3.935 ng/mL) and EID (5.636ng/mL) than in controls (11.117 ng/mL) (p < 0.05). Serum iron, transferrin saturation, zinc, and magnesium were also significantly reduced in the IDA and EID groups (p < 0.0001). At the same time, total iron-binding …

Obesity is a major public health concern linked to metabolic disturbances and increased oxidative stress. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effect of obesity on oxidative–antioxidant balance in adult males. Comparative cross-sectional study was done at Zakho General Hospital, Iraq, from October 2024 to January 2025, involving 90 males aged 18–44 years, distributed into obese body mass index (BMI) ≥30 and non-obese body mass index (BMI) <25 groups. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters using Cobas auto-analyzers and spectrophotometric methods. Obese individuals exhibited significantly higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FI), lipid profile, Liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)), Kidney function parameters (urea, creatinine and uric acid), High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in comparison with controls. Concentrations of Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were elevated, whereas magnesium (Mg) was decreased in the obese group. Antioxidant markers (glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase) were significantly reduced in obese group. Strong negative correlations are observed between oxidative markers and most anthropometric and biochemical parameters. Obesity in adult males is associated with impaired antioxidant defense and alterations in …

Background and objective Omentin-1, a novel adipokine with anti-inflammatory properties, may have a role in the pathophysiology of Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCHT). However, its association with antioxidants, vitamin D, and trace elements imbalances in SCHT remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the association between low circulating Omentin-1 with vitamin D, antioxidants, and trace elements imbalances in women with newly diagnosed subclinical hypothyroidism. Method Fifty newly diagnosed subclinical hypothyroid females aged 18–50 years and 40 healthy females matched in age with cases are enrolled in the current study. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and Vitamin D were measured using electrochemiluminescence assay. Serum iron (Fe) is analyzed by a photometric measuring unit. Serum zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), and copper (Cu …

Background: Anemia can adversely affect cognitive development in infants and children, potentially leading to challenges in cognition, motor control, social interaction, and neurophysiological functioning. Full-term infants do not develop iron deficiency anemia within the first four months of life, as they are born with sufficient iron stores accumulated during their intrauterine life. These stores are usually adequate for four to six months of postnatal life. However, exclusive breastfeeding beyond six months without iron supplementation can increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia, as breast milk does not provide enough iron to meet the growing infant’s demand. The American Academy of Pediatrics, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO) all recommend that exclusive breastfeeding is the optimal method to feed a newborn during the first six months of life. The Aim of the Study: This study correlates the association between extended exclusive breastfeeding and anemia in infants under two years of age in Zakho, Iraq, and compares the findings with global studies. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to February 2024, involving 637 children aged 6 months to 2 years old in Zakho City. Data were obtained through interviews with parents using a validated questionnaire. Anemia was diagnosed based on hemoglobin levels. The study received ethical approval from the University of Zakho's ethical board. Data were analyzed using SPSS and chi-square tests. Results: The distribution of breastfeeding duration among male and female infants showed no statistically significant difference (P= 0.426). However, a …

Petroselium crispum or parsley is a typical culinary vegetable that is used as a flavouring and aromatic food additive. The aim of this research was to purify a major flavonoid present in parsley leaves, apigenin and evaluate the polyphenol, mineral and vitamin C contents in parsley leaves extract (PLE); in addition, the study compared antioxidant activities of ethanolic PLE with purified apigenin (AP), applying different non-enzymatic strategies using ascorbic acid (AA) as a reference. A complete screening for bioactive compounds in the ethanolic PLE was performed by HPLC analysis. The research outcomes indicated that purification of apigenin was successfully achieved by column chromatography with a high yield and purity; a single peak in the HPLC chromatogram confirmed this. The analysis revealed that contents of total phenolic and flavonoid in the ethanolic PLE were 75.91 ± 3.33 mg. g–1 TA Eq and 15.61 ± 0.18 mg. g–1 respectively; vitamin C is found to be 4.01 mg. g–1. Our results indicated that among the trace minerals in parsley leaves, calcium and sodium documented the highest values; 14.13 mg. g–1 and 8.51 mg. g–1, while copper and manganese had the lowest values; 0.02 mg. g–1 and 0.012 mg. g–1 respectively. Finally, our findings demonstrated that purified AP had superior potential than ethanolic PLE for reducing power, total antioxidant, nitric oxide and superoxide scavenging activities. In contrast, the ethanolic PLE exhibited greater antioxidant activity than AP towards suppressing the DPPH and hydroxyl radicals.

THE primary aim of this investigation is to assess the effect on diabetes of U. dioica L. in rats with diabetes induced by alloxan. Male albino rats were assigned randomly to 3 groups: normal control rats; diabetic rats administered 500 mg/kg BW of U. dioica aqueous extract for 30 days, and diabetic rats induced by intraperitoneal alloxan injection (110 mg/ kg b. w). Serum fasting blood glucose level, lipid profile, liver and kidney parameters as well as body weight (BW) and relative weight of kidney, heart and liver were determined. The findings of this research conducted that when a diabetic group received 500 mg/kg BW of U. dioica leaves water extract., their BW and relative kidney to BW both increased significantly (P < 0.05), while their serum fasting glucose level (FBG) decreased significantly (p < 0.0001). Moreover, the extract had no statistically significant effects on triglycerides (TG), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) at (P > 0.05) in comparison to diabetic rats’ group, but significantly decreased serum cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) at (P < 0.05). Concentrations of S.GOT, S.GPT, and S. urea rose before returning to normal. Our results showed that water extract of U. dioica L. made improvements to hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, liver enzymes, and renal function.

Introduction: Neonatal jaundice is a prevalent physiologic issue in newborns, affecting 60% of full-term and 80% of preterm infants worldwide. It was linked to various factors like gestational age, male sex, birth weight, labor duration, multiple pregnancies, teenage pregnancy, diabetes, Rh and ABO incompatibility, breastfeeding, and vacuum extraction. The aim of the study was to determine the connection between maternal and neonatal variables and newborn jaundice. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 205 children admitted to Zakho General Hospital in Iraq, analyzing data from peripheral venous blood samples. The study involved hematological investigations, cell indices assessment, and a hybrid test. The ethics committee authorized the study and informed written agreements were obtained from participants. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS vs. 26, with frequencies and percentages used for descriptive statistics. The association between basic demographic characteristics variables and jaundice was studied using a Chi-Square and t-test test. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value of 0.05 or less. Results: A study found 205 newborns with jaundice, with 110 boys and 95 girls. Most were breastfeeding. The majority of mothers were between 20 and 29. The study found 122 cesarean births and 83 vaginal deliveries. Oxytocin was required in 47 cases of spontaneous births. The study found a significant difference in jaundice severity between children born by oxytocin induction and those born spontaneously. The severity of jaundice did not differ significantly between anesthesia techniques. Conclusion: Neonatal jaundice is a common cause of morbidity and death, with male children and oxytocin infusion being the main predictors. However, a causal link between feeding style and high bilirubin levels is not established.

ABSTRACT Background: Neonatal jaundice, which affects 60% of full-term and 80% of preterm infants globally, is a common physiological problem in neonates. It was linked to various factors like gestational age, male sex, birth weight, labor duration, multiple pregnancies, teenage pregnancy, diabetes, Rh and ABO incompatibility, breast-feeding, and vacuum extraction. The current study was designed and carried out to examine the effects of the factors mentioned above, on neonatal jaundice in light of the disparity between the findings regarding factors influencing jaundice in newborns (such as mode of delivery and anesthesia) and the continuously increasing prevalence of cesarean sections. Methodology: Cross-sectional research was carried out on 205 children hospitalized at Iraq's Zakho General Hospital, analyzing data from peripheral venous blood samples. The study involved hematological investigations, cell indices assessment, and a hybrid test. The ethics committee gave its approval to the study, and participants completed informed consent forms. SPSS vs. 26 was used for statistical analysis, with frequencies and percentages employed for descriptive statistics. A Chi-Square and t-test test were used to investigate the relationship between essential demographic characteristics factors and jaundice. A p-value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant. Results: A study found 205 newborns with jaundice, with 110 boys and 95 girls. Most were breast-feeding. The majority of mothers were between 20 and 29. The study found 122 cesarean births and 83 vaginal deliveries. Oxytocin was required in 47 cases of spontaneous births. The study found a significant difference in jaundice severity between children born by oxytocin induction and those born spontaneously. The severity of jaundice did not differ significantly between anesthesia techniques. Conclusion: Neonatal jaundice is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with male children and oxytocin infusion being the main predictors. However, a causal link between feeding style and high bilirubin levels is not established.

Growing interest has been shown in hypoglycaemic medications made from natural substances, notably those produced from plants. Flavonoids are phenolic compounds that exist in nature and have a broad range of biological activities and beneficial effects in the therapy of metabolic disorders. The research aimed to purify apigenin (AP) from parsley leaves and study its effect on the levels of some important serum biomarkers (metabolic, oxidant and antioxidant) in rats induced diabetes in comparison with crude parsley leaves extract (PLE). The study's findings demonstrated that apigenin is successfully purified from parsley leaves with a high yield and purity. Based on the outcomes of the experiment, the levels of all blood biomarkers showed improvement in diabetic treated group with either PLE or AP. Notably, PLE was more effective than AP in the enhancement of metabolic parameters. Considering the oxidant biomarkers (xanthine oxidase, peroxynitrite anion radical and malondialdehyde), AP had a stronger ability to reduce these harmful oxidants than PLE. Furthermore, the data of antioxidant activity showed that both compounds were able to improve the antioxidant enzyme activity. Noteworthy, AP increases the activity of glutathion-S-transferase (GST) and aminoacylase-1 (ACY1) more than PLE. Besides, PLE displays more effective in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and paraxonase (PON1). In the manner of non-antioxidant activity AP enhanced the level of metallothionein (MT), overall antioxidant activity (AOA), copper (Cu) more than PLE while, PLE showed stronger ability to improve zinc (Zn) levels.

This article focuses on Pelargonium graveolens, a fragrant medicinal plant from the Geraniaceae family. The study examines the plant's phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and mineral absorptivity, with the plant being grown indoors. The study also examined the plant's ash content and antioxidant activity using a variety of techniques, and the results demonstrated that P. graveolens is effective at absorbing lead. The plant contains eight different minerals, including Cu, Mn, Co, Ni, Pb, Mg, Fe, and Ca. Statistical analysis was used to determine the level of antioxidants present, using DPPH, reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity methods. The extraction process used a mixture of water, 70% ethanol and absolute ethanol solvents in varying ratios. To conclude, the study examines Pelargonium graveolens, a fragrant medicinal plant, for its antioxidant activity and mineral absorptivity.

Growing interest has been shown in hypoglycaemic medications made from natural substances, notably those produced from plants. Flavonoids are phenolic compounds that exist in nature and have a broad range of biological activities and beneficial effects in the therapy of metabolic disorders. The research aimed to purify apigenin (AP) from parsley leaves and study its effect on the levels of some important serum biomarkers (metabolic, oxidant and antioxidant) in rats induced diabetes in comparison with crude parsley leaves extract (PLE). The study's findings demonstrated that apigenin is successfully purified from parsley leaves with a high yield and purity. Based on the outcomes of the experiment, the levels of all blood biomarkers showed improvement in diabetic treated group with either PLE or AP. Notably, PLE was more effective than AP in the enhancement of metabolic parameters. Considering the oxidant biomarkers (xanthine oxidase, peroxynitrite anion radical and malondialdehyde), AP had a stronger ability to reduce these harmful oxidants than PLE. Furthermore, the data of antioxidant activity showed that both compounds were able to improve the antioxidant enzyme activity. Noteworthy, AP increases the activity of glutathion-S-transferase (GST) and aminoacylase-1 (ACY1) more than PLE. Besides, PLE displays more effective in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and paraxonase (PON1). In the manner of non-antioxidant activity AP enhanced the level of metallothionein (MT), overall antioxidant activity (AOA), copper (Cu) more than PLE while, PLE showed stronger ability to improve zinc (Zn) levels.

The aim of this work is to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles from Eurca Sativa water extract which is a medicinal plant cultivated in home gardens in Kurdistan Region-Iraq. The biosynthesis of nanoparticles has been extensively studied due to their numerous applications. Among them, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have gained significant attention for wide range of its applications. To investigate the optical, chemical, structural, and morphological properties, different techniques; UV-VIS spectrophotometer, Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used. The results revealed that typical ZnO absorption spectra exhibit a well-defined exciton band at 371.6 nm that is near the bulk exciton absorption of ZnO (373 nm) with an energy band gap of 3.029 eV, confirming the production of ZnO nanoparticles. FTIR study demonstrated the existence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and saponins that can function as reducing and capping agents of ZnO nanoparticles. FESEM picture revealed that ZnO NPs show spherical morphologies with an average diameter of 71.07 nm. The antioxidant activities of biosynthetic ZnO NPs were studied using non-enzymatic methods; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reducing power assay, and total antioxidant activities. The results showed that the biosynthesized ZnO-NPs nanoparticles had significant antioxidants compared with ascorbic acid as a reference. The obtained results showed that the present method is eco-friendly, less costeffective, and safe for human health and this method plays a vital role in the industrial and biomedicine fields.

The genus Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) is frequently grown in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and is used as a folk remedy by the locals to heal a variety of illnesses. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the total phenolic, flavonoid and vitamin C contents using spectrophotometric method with the determination of antioxidant activities for different solvents such as (aqueous, ethanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform and n-hexane) using different antioxidant methods namely (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, reducing power assay, total antioxidant capacity, nitric oxide scavenging, hydroxyl radical, β -carotene- Linoleic acid and iron chelating assays) and ascorbic acid as standard reference. Our results showed that polar solvent extracts exhibited a significant high phenolic and flavonoid contents while ethyl acetate extract had a high vitamin C content. In addition, the findings showed that the extracts had remarkable antioxidant effects compared with standard ascorbic acid. The ethanol extract of Urtica dioica L. leaves had stronger scavenging activities than other solvent extracts for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radicals. Water extract exhibited higher antioxidant effect than other extracts for reducing power and nitric oxide scavenging assays while lower antioxidant activity for β -carotene/Linoleic acid and total antioxidant capacity tests. In contrast, non-polar hexane had the highest antioxidant activity for the iron chelating assay. The present study shows that Urtica dioica L. leaf extracts are a viable natural source of antioxidants and may be used in food products as well as nutraceutical applications.

Background: Anaemia is a lower concentration of haemoglobin and red blood cells. Nearly 1.62 billion individuals worldwide suffer from anaemia, of which approximately 47% are preschool-aged children. Anaemia due to iron deficiency can be prevented by breastfeeding, taking formula with iron, avoiding cow's milk till the child reaches the age of one year, and including iron-rich foods in the diet. Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anaemia and associated factors in children under the age of five who were admitted to Zakho General Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2022 to February 2023 among children under 5 years in Zakho city. 1404 children were recruited in this study, and the ages ranged from six months to five years. A spectrophotometric method is typically used to assess anaemia by measuring the haemoglobin (Hb) concentration. Results: The children that participated in this study were 1404, ages 6 months to 60 months (23.01± 14.77). Age and anaemia were significantly correlated (p-value <0.01), with a higher prevalence of anaemia in younger age groups. In children aged 6 months to less than 24 months, the history of breast-feeding was significantly correlated with anaemia; 164 (59%) of the 278 children with a history of breast-feeding had anaemia (p-value <0.0001). Anaemia and meat consumption were significantly correlated (p-value= 0.007). The frequency of egg intake, the size of the family, and the level of the mother's education had no effect on anaemia. Conclusion: Among children under the age of five, particularly those under two, anaemia is disturbingly widespread, according to our study. As a result, enhanced nutritional therapy and a robust public health education campaign may assist in reducing the prevalence of this hematologic health concern. Additionally, it was shown that a history of breast-feeding and a limited meat diet are the two most significant risk factors for anaemia.

Background and aims: Antiphospholipid antibodies are associated with miscarriage and abortion, and this association has been reported in different countries. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies IgM and IgG among pregnant women with previous history of miscarriage in Zakho City, Kurdistan region, Iraq. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Zakho city among women who had history of miscarriages from 1 st April 2019 to 31 st May 2021. A total of 460 women age ranged between 16-46 years (Average age 29.73±5.93 STDEV) were recruited in the study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure antiphospholipid IgM and IgG antibodies. The relationship between age and level of antiphospholipid antibodies was performed using the Chi-Square test (Fisher Exact Test). Results: The overall rate of antiphospholipid antibodies was 31 (6.74%) for IgM, 16 (3.48%) for IgG and 9 (1.96%) was seropositive for both IgM and IgG antibodies. The study found that the highest IgM was 18 (11.25%) and IgG 10 (6.2%) seropositivity among age group> 30 years old. There was a significant association between age groups and IgM seropositivity (P= 0.02; OR= 0.4; 95% CI 0.2-0.9) but statistically not significant between age groups and IgG seropositivity (P= 0.79; OR= 0.9; 95% CI 0.3-2). It was also found no significant differences between age groups and both IgM and IgG seropositivity (P= 0.28; OR= 0.4; 95% CI 0.1-1). Conclusion: The prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies among aborted women was relatively low compared to other study.

The research aims to assess different pharmacognostic standards on the Urtica dioica L. leaves with the determination of the total phenol and flavonoid contents using different extracts. U. dioica L. is a species grown commonly in Kurdistan region, Iraq used among the population as a folklore medicine treating different diseases. These standards include; percentage value of extracts using different solvents, phytochemical screening of bioactive compounds, fluorescence analysis using different chemicals under UV and visible light, and physiochemical properties were performed for moisture content, total solid, total ash, water soluble ash, acid insoluble ash, sulphated ash, crude fat and crude fibers. The percentage extracts yielded 22% and 20% of water and ethanol respectively while n- hexane had the lowest one (2%) using the Soxhlet extraction method. The screening of phytochemicals identified the presence of phenols, flavonoids, carbohydrates, proteins, tannins, alkaloids, saponins and terpenoids. The Kjeldahl method's protein assay revealed a high concentration of protein and the analysis of elements by atomic absorption spectroscopy shows the abundance of calcium, magnesium and iron among the six measured elements. Our findings revealed that U. dioica L. leaves are a good source of proteins, minerals, and exhibit a potential source of phytochemicals and these findings will be useful in the identification and development of pharmacopeial standards.

Background: Subclinical hyperthyroidism is a condition in which thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is mildly decreased with both free iodine thyroxine (free T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) within the normal range. The aim of this research is to determine the association between TSH with lipid profiles, age, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) and also to evaluate lipid profiles in subclinical hyperthyroid patients. Materials and Methods: Ninety patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism were chosen as the patient group and 50 healthy individuals age-matched were chosen as the control group. Thyroid function tests TSH, T4 and T3 were performed by VIDAS and on the same day lipid profiles were performed by (Biolis 24i Premium) in the laboratory of General Zakho Hospital, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Results: In subclinical hyperthyroidism the BMI and diastolic blood pressure values were non-significantly low (P= 0.13 and p= 0.27 respectively) whereas systolic blood pressure increased slightly but was still non-significant. TSH was significantly and negatively related to systolic blood pressure. Conclusion: Lipid profiles and systolic and diastolic blood pressure are not altered in subclinical hyperthyroidism. However, systolic blood pressure is related to the severity of the decrease in TSH levels.

Background and objectives: Subclinical thyroid disorder is a most common subclinical disease among many medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease and subclinical Lyme disease. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between lipid profile results, lipid ratios, and anthropometric parameters and thyroid hormones. Methods: One hundred patients (ages 20 to 50 years) with subclinical hypothyroidism (SHT group) and 50 healthy subjects (control group), who are age-matched with patients, were included in the current study. Thyroid function tests (TSH, T3 and T4) were determined by immunodiagnostic assay system (VIDAS) for all participants. The serum glucose and lipid profile tests parameters were evaluated by Biolis 24i Premium chemistry analyser. In addition, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured for each individual in the study using mercury sphygmomanometer. Results: The levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) were significantly lower in the SHT group when compared with control group. Whereas, the level of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), the ratios total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-c and LDL-c/HDL-c were significantly higher in SHT group than in controls. Moreover, TSH was negatively correlated with diastolic blood pressure. Conclusions: Both LDL-c and HDL-c are altered in subclinical hypothyroidism patients. And, there is a negative association between TSH and diastolic blood pressure.

Polyketides are a large class of bioactive natural products with a wide range of structures and functions. Polyketides are biosynthesized by large, multidomain enzyme complexes termed polyketide synthases (PKSs). One of the primary challenges when studying PKSs is the high reactivity of their poly-β-ketone substrates. This has hampered structural and mechanistic characterization of PKS–polyketide complexes, and, as a result, little is known about how PKSs position the unstable substrates for proper catalysis while displaying high levels of regio- and stereospecificity. As a first step toward a general plan to use oxetanes as carbonyl isosteres to broadly interrogate PKS chemistry, we describe the development and application of an oxetane-based PKS substrate mimic. This enabled the first structural determination of the acyl-enzyme intermediate of a ketosynthase (KS) in complex with an inert extender unit mimic. The crystal structure, in combination with molecular dynamics simulations, led to a proposed mechanism for the unique activity of DpsC, the priming ketosynthase for daunorubicin biosynthesis. The successful application of an oxetane-based polyketide mimic suggests that this novel class of probes could have wide-ranging applications to the greater biosynthetic community interested in the mechanistic enzymology of iterative PKSs

Daunorubicin is a type II polyketide, one of a large class of polyaromatic natural products with anticancer, antibiotic, and antiviral activity. Type II polyketides are formed by the assembly of malonyl-CoA building blocks, though in rare cases, biosynthesis is initiated by the incorporation of a nonmalonyl derived starter unit, which adds molecular diversity to the poly-β-ketone backbone. Priming mechanisms for the transfer of novel starter units onto polyketide synthases (PKS) are still poorly understood. Daunorubicin biosynthesis incorporates a unique propionyl starter unit thought to be selected for by a subclass (“DpsC type”) of priming ketosynthases (KS III). To date, however, no structural information exists for this subclass of KS III enzymes. Although selectivity for self-acylation with propionyl-CoA has previously been implied, we demonstrate that DpsC shows no discrimination for self-acylation or acyl-transfer to the cognate acyl carrier protein, DpsG with short acyl-CoAs. We present five crystal structures of DpsC, including apo-DpsC, acetyl-DpsC, propionyl-DpsC, butyryl-DpsC, and a cocrystal of DpsC with a nonhydrolyzable phosphopantetheine (PPant) analogue. The DpsC crystal structures reveal the architecture of the active site, the molecular determinants for catalytic activity and homology to O-malonyl transferases, but also indicate distinct differences. These results provide a structural basis for rational engineering of starter unit selection in type II polyketide synthases.