Media University of Babylon | Master’s Thesis at the University of Babylon Discusses Pulmonary Function Testing

Media University of Babylon - Faculty of Medicine

Master’s Thesis at the University of Babylon Discusses Pulmonary Function Testing

By : Zaynab Kadhim Ameen Awadh

Date : 23/6/2025 18:05:10 AM

Master’s Thesis at the University of Babylon Discusses Pulmonary Function Testing
The Department of Physiology at the College of Medicine, University of Babylon, held a defense for the master’s thesis of student Zahraa Amer Hadi Abbas, titled:
“The Role of Pulmonary Function Test, Interleukin-17, and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in the Severity of Various Connective Tissue Diseases”,
supervised by Assistant Professor Dr. Basim Abdul-Ali Abed and Professor Dr. Ahmed Hussein Jasem.
The session was attended by the Scientific Assistant, Assistant Professor Dr. Ashraf Mohammed Ali Hussein, and the Director of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Dr. Lamees Abdul Razzaq, as well as a number of faculty members and postgraduate students.
During her thesis defense, the researcher explained that pulmonary function testing (PFT) is a widely used and valuable tool for assessing lung function by measuring the volume and flow rate of inhaled and exhaled air. This test helps in diagnosing respiratory diseases and monitoring response to treatment. It is particularly useful in connective tissue diseases, where lung involvement is common and potentially severe, often indicating a more aggressive disease course.
The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a commonly used marker of systemic inflammation. Elevated NLR has been associated with connective tissue disorders and may serve as an indicator of disease activity in autoimmune conditions.
Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine with a key role in the immune response to inflammation and infection. Its overproduction has been linked to connective tissue diseases and may contribute to chronic inflammation and disease progression.
The aim of this study was to evaluate pulmonary function tests, measure IL-17 levels, and assess the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, correlating all three with the severity of common connective tissue diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis.
In conclusion, pulmonary function tests and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio may be used to predict the severity of connective tissue diseases, whereas interleukin-17 levels did not show a significant predictive value.