PhD Dissertation at the University of Babylon on Endometriosis Patients
As part of the activities of the Department of Clinical Biochemistry, a PhD dissertation defense was held at the College of Medicine, University of Babylon, for candidate Taha Hussein Farhoud entitled:
“Study of CA19-9, Interleukin-6, C-Reactive Protein, Estrogen Receptor Gene Polymorphisms, and Progesterone Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Patients with Endometriosis”
The defense was supervised by Prof. Maha Fadel Sameesem and Prof. Nadia Mudher Al-Hilli.
The session was attended by the head of the department, Prof. Tariq Hussein Mughair, along with several faculty members, researchers, academics, and postgraduate students.
During his defense, the researcher explained that endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterine cavity, often leading to pelvic pain, infertility, and reduced quality of life. The disease has multifactorial causes, including genetic, hormonal, and immune factors. Early diagnosis remains challenging due to nonspecific symptoms and the reliance of definitive diagnosis on invasive surgical procedures.
The study aimed to evaluate the association between genetic polymorphisms in estrogen receptor (ESR1) and progesterone receptor (PGR) genes, along with several serum biomarkers—estradiol, progesterone, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and CA19-9—in women with endometriosis compared to a healthy control group.
The results showed a significant statistical association between ESR1 gene polymorphisms and endometriosis, with variant alleles being more prevalent among patients. In contrast, the PROGINS polymorphism in the PGR gene was more common in the control group, suggesting a possible protective role.
Biochemically, patients demonstrated elevated levels of estradiol and CRP, while progesterone and IL-6 levels were significantly reduced. CA19-9 showed a moderate increase. ROC curve analysis indicated that combining these biomarkers enhanced diagnostic accuracy in terms of sensitivity and specificity.
In conclusion, genetic polymorphisms in ESR1 and PGR, along with alterations in serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, IL-6, CRP, and CA19-9, are significantly associated with endometriosis.