Media University of Babylon | PhD Thesis at the University of Babylon on Acne Patients

Media University of Babylon - Faculty of Medicine

PhD Thesis at the University of Babylon on Acne Patients

By : Zaynab Kadhim Ameen Awadh

Date : 23/6/2025 18:37:10 AM

PhD Thesis at the University of Babylon on Acne Patients
The Department of Microbiology at the College of Medicine, University of Babylon, held a defense for the PhD thesis of student Inaam Ali Abd Abbas, titled:
“Evaluation of the Effect of Isotretinoin on the Gene Expression of P53 and FOXO Genes in Patients with Acne Vulgaris”,
under the supervision of Professor Dr. Mohammed Sabri Abdul-Razzaq and Professor Dr. Wissam Ali Ameen.
The defense session was attended by the Scientific Assistant, Assistant Professor Dr. Ashraf Mohammed Ali Hussein, the Director of Continuing Education, Professor Dr. Elham Abbas Banyan, as well as several faculty members, academics, and postgraduate students.
During her defense, the researcher explained that acne vulgaris is a complex skin disorder resulting from hormonal changes, bacterial infections, inflammatory responses, and genetic predisposition.
The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of isotretinoin treatment on the gene expression of p53 and FoxO1, as well as to assess its impact on the protein levels of p53, FoxO1, TRAIL, and interleukin (IL-35) in patients with acne vulgaris. The study also aimed to measure the concentration of free testosterone in the serum of acne patients and to investigate the bacterial characteristics of the affected skin areas.
The findings of the study indicate that isotretinoin modulates gene expression and cytokine profiles in acne patients, significantly activating p53 and FoxO1, which promotes adipocyte apoptosis and regulates inflammatory responses. Additionally, increased levels of IL-35 and TRAIL further support its anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic effects.
These results not only confirm the effectiveness of isotretinoin in treating acne vulgaris but also shed light on its molecular mechanisms of action, which could contribute to improved disease management in the future. However, the researcher emphasized the need for further studies involving larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods to confirm these findings and explore the molecular pathways in greater detail