The Department of Biology at the College of Science, University of Mosul, discussed a PhD dissertation entitled “The Effect of Ovariohysterectomy on Selected Physiological and Biochemical Parameters in Female White Rabbits,” presented by PhD candidate Hadeel Tariq Saadoun Ahmed Al Shalash from the Zoology Branch, on Monday, 15 June 2026.

Part of the dissertation defense was attended by the Dean of the College of Science, Prof. Dr. Hiyam Adel Ibrahim, along with the Assistant Deans for Scientific and Administrative Affairs, the Head of the Department of Biology, and a number of faculty members and postgraduate students.

The dissertation aimed to investigate the effects of acute estrogen deficiency resulting from ovariohysterectomy (OVH) on a range of metabolic, inflammatory, neurological, and neurodegenerative parameters using female white rabbits as an experimental model of early menopause in women. The study also evaluated the combined therapeutic effects of estradiol and probiotics.

The findings demonstrated that estrogen deprivation induced interconnected disturbances within the metabolic–inflammatory–neurological axis, including reduced levels of the gut incretin hormones CCK, GLP-1, and GIP, increased insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and body mass index (BMI), greater visceral fat accumulation, elevated inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP), decreased serotonin and dopamine levels, and disruption of β-amyloid protein balance between blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Conversely, combined treatment with estradiol and probiotics gradually improved these physiological and biochemical parameters throughout the treatment period.

The study is particularly significant in light of the growing global use of modern incretin-based therapies, including Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which activates GLP-1 and GIP pathways to improve weight management and glycemic control. The findings suggest that modulation of the gut microbiome through probiotics may physiologically enhance these vital pathways.

The originality of the study also lies in the researcher’s successful achievement—for the first time locally—of simultaneously comparing β-amyloid protein levels in both blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid. The results indicated that estrogen deficiency disrupts the balance of this protein between the circulatory system and the central nervous system, closely resembling the early pathological changes associated with neurodegeneration and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

The dissertation examination committee was chaired by Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Ismail Mohammed Hassan, with membership of:

• Assist. Prof. Dr. Waad Sabri Shahir Hussein
• Assist. Prof. Dr. Najah Subhi Nayef Khattab
• Assist. Prof. Dr. Inaam Ahmed Hamza Hussein
• Assist. Prof. Dr. Mohammed Fadhel Hameed Majeed

The dissertation was supervised by Prof. Dr. Muntaha Mahmoud Dawood Thanoon, who also served as a member of the examination committee.

At the conclusion of the defense, the Dean of the College of Science, Prof. Dr. Hiyam Adel Ibrahim, presented a Letter of Appreciation to Assist. Prof. Dr. Mohammed Fadhel Hameed Majeed from the Technical Medical Institute/Mosul, in recognition of his valuable contribution as a member of the examination committee.

The College of Science extends its sincere congratulations to the researcher, wishing her continued success and achievement, and wishes all faculty members and students further excellence in their academic and scientific endeavors.

Media and Government Communication Division

Monday, 15 June 2026