College of Science

The Department of Biology at the College of Science, University of Mosul, held a defense on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, for the PhD dissertation entitled “Physiological, Biochemical, and Histological Effects of Certain Dietary Supplements and Testosterone Used in Sports Training Centers on Male White Rats,” presented by PhD candidate Omar Najm Sultan Hassan from the Zoology branch.

The session was attended by the Dean of the College of Science, Prof. Dr. Hiyam Adel Ibrahim, and the Dean of the College of Dentistry, Asst. Prof. Dr. N’am Riyadh Saleem, along with the Associate Deans for Scientific and Administrative Affairs, the Head of the Department, several faculty members, and postgraduate students.

The study aimed to investigate the physiological, biochemical, and histological changes resulting from the intake of dietary supplements and testosterone among athletes, highlighting the potential harmful effects of misuse. The experiments were conducted on 80 adult white rats, divided into eight groups under standard laboratory conditions. A Sports Treadmill device was used to apply exercise training to the rats, in what is considered the first experiment of its kind in Iraq.

Findings revealed that the combined use of dietary supplements and testosterone led to adverse effects on physiological, biochemical, and histological parameters. However, regular physical exercise significantly reduced these effects, restoring them to near-normal levels—emphasizing the vital positive role of physical activity.

The examination committee was chaired by Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Ismail Mohammed Hassan and included Asst. Prof. Dr. Waad Sabri Shahir Hussein, Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohammed Fadel Hameed Haddad, Asst. Prof. Dr. Amal Abdul-Ilah Younis Khalil, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Thaer Mohammed Hassan Mar’i, under the supervision and membership of Prof. Dr. Muntaha Mahmoud Dawood Thanoon.

At the conclusion of the session, the Dean of the College of Science, Prof. Dr. Hiyam Adel Ibrahim, presented a letter of appreciation to the Dean of the Technical Medical Institute/Mosul, Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohammed Fadel Hameed Haddad / Northern Technical University, in recognition of his scientific contribution and valuable efforts during the defense.