College of Science

The Department of Biology at the College of Science, University of Mosul, held a Ph.D. dissertation defense on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, for the student Rana Suhail Abdullah Hassan. The dissertation is titled:
“Experimental Induction of Fatty Liver in Laboratory Animals and Its Potential Treatment Using Some Plant-Based Products.”

The defense was conducted in the presence of Prof. Dr. Amjad Abdul Hadi Mohammed, Head of the Department, along with faculty members and postgraduate students.

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of bioactive compounds extracted from strawberries (polyphenols), almonds (Omega-3), and a combined preparation of Omega-3 with Vitamin E in reducing or treating fatty liver experimentally induced in rabbits using Triton at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight.

The research involved 100 male New Zealand white rabbits (aged 10–12 months, weighing 1150–1350 g), divided into ten groups (10 rabbits per group) under standard housing conditions. Plant-based compounds were extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus with solvents of varying polarity. Six key polyphenols from strawberry extract (ethyl acetate) were identified using HPLC, with Quercetin being the most abundant, followed by Caffeic acid. The almond extract underwent saponification to measure its Omega-3 fatty acid content, which was found to be 40.34 mg/ml.

The study reported significant improvements in blood parameters (RBCs, Hb, PCV) and a reduction in PLT levels in treated groups, as well as reduced WBCs, glucose, and harmful lipids (LDL-c, VLDL-c, TG, TC), with an increase in beneficial HDL-c. Improvements were also noted in kidney and liver function indicators (urea, creatinine, total protein, calcium, and the enzymes ALT, AST, and ALP), along with better levels of hormones and enzymes related to oxidative stress (ANP, Apelin, Irisin, TAC, lipase, and paraoxonase).

The research concluded that strawberry and almond-derived compounds, along with the Omega-3 + Vitamin E combination, possess promising efficacy in reducing or preventing fatty liver disease.

Examination Committee Members:

• Prof. Dr. Owais Mowafaq Hamed Mohammed (Chair)

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Elham Abdullah Ali Al-Saleem (Member)

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Fatima Qasim Mohammed Hassan (Member)

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Buthaina Ghanem Mohammed Ibrahim (Member)

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Iman Sami Yassin Hussein (Member)

• Prof. Dr. Muntaha Mahmoud Dawood Thanoon (Member and Supervisor)

On behalf of the Dean of the College, Prof. Dr. Hiyam Adel Ibrahim, the Head of the Department extended a Certificate of Appreciation to Asst. Prof. Dr. Iman Sami Yassin Hussein from the College of Pharmacy – Al-Noor University for her valuable role as a member of the examination committee.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the student and wish continued success to all our faculty and postgraduate researchers.