Within the framework of scientific and academic cooperation between Iraqi universities, Professor Dr. Zikra Ali Fathi, teaching at the Department of Chemistry at the Faculty of science – Mosul University, chaired the committee to discuss the doctoral thesis tagged ” the role of the enzyme myeloperoxidase and the formation of biomarkers of oxidative stress in the plasma of patients with complications of renal failure ” submitted by doctoral student muzahem Adnan Khalaf at the Department of Chemistry at the Faculty of Science – University of Kirkuk, on Thursday, August 27, 2026. The thesis aimed at studying the role of the enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) and oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease and its complications, evaluating a number of biochemical indicators that can be useful in diagnosing the disease and determining its severity, as well as investigating the possible therapeutic effects of star anise seed extracts in reducing kidney damage. The study included the analysis of a number of clinical, biochemical and oxidative stress indicators, as well as the purification and characterization of the MPO enzyme and the study of its properties, the analysis of active compounds in star anise seeds using HPLC technology, along with conducting animal and histological experiments to assess the protective effect of extracts in kidney tissues. The results showed obvious changes in kidney function and oxidative and inflammatory balance in patients, with high indicators of oxidative stress and low antioxidant levels, and the MPO enzyme showed an association with a number of biomarkers, supporting the possibility of adopting it as a promising biomarker to assess the activity of the disease and its complications. Star anise extracts, in particular flavonoids extract, also showed a noticeable protective effect in reducing oxidative and inflammatory renal damage, which was confirmed by histological results. This participation confirms the distinguished scientific presence of the teachers of the Faculty of Science – University of Mosul, and their active contributions in supporting the scientific research process, enhancing academic cooperation and exchanging experiences between Iraqi universities.

Government information and Communication Division

Friday, August 28, 2026