A Faculty Member from the College of Pharmacy at the University of Nineveh Earns a Ph.D. Degree from the College of Science at the University of Mosul
On Sunday, 23 November 2025, Assistant Lecturer Khalid Mohammed Khudhr from the College of Pharmacy at the University of Nineveh earned his Ph.D. degree from the College of Science at the University of Mosul for his dissertation titled:
“Evaluation of Sirtuin 3 and Tyrosine Hydroxylase and Their Association with Certain Biochemical Parameters in the Serum of Parkinson’s Disease Patients and Studying the Effect of Some Naturally Isolated Products.”
The defense was attended by several faculty members from the College of Science and postgraduate students.
The dissertation focused on assessing the role of Sirtuin 3 in Parkinson’s disease by measuring its levels, along with several other biochemical markers, in 180 participants. The findings showed reduced levels of Sirtuin 3, tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine, and glutathione in patients, accompanied by elevated levels of alpha-synuclein, tau protein, beta-amyloid, TNF-α, IL-6, iron, zinc, copper, and malondialdehyde, with no significant differences in electrolytes or uric acid. The study also found higher levels of tau protein and iron among male patients, and identified the 71–85 years age group as the most affected.
The study included the isolation and purification of Sirtuin 3, revealing a difference in molecular weight (62.5 kDa in patients vs. 65.1 kDa in healthy individuals). Additionally, RT-PCR gene expression analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in gene expression, supporting its protective role against oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
The examination committee consisted of:
- Prof. Nadia Ahmed Salih Mohammed (Chair)
- Prof. Zahraa Mohammed Ali Hammoudat (Member)
- Prof. Lama Abdul-Munaim Bakr Al-Dabbagh (Member)
- Asst. Prof. Mohammed Fadhel Hameed (Member)
- Asst. Prof. Safaa Abdulaziz Taha (Member)
Supervised by Asst. Prof. Mohammed Bahri.
We extend our best wishes to our esteemed faculty members for continued excellence and success.
