Discussion of the dissertation of doctoral student " Zaman Nizar Hamid"
The public discussion took place for the Doctoral student (Zaman Nizar Hamid) at Anbar University, College of Science, Department of Biology, on Sunday, 8/2/2026, in the Jaber Ibn Hayyan Hall, for his tagged thesis
" Investigating the Role of Some Physiological Variables and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Increasing the Risk of Developing PCOS in Women"
The discussion committee consisted of:
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University of Anbar – College of Sciences - President |
Prof. Dr. Mohammed Qais Abd |
|
University of Anbar - Basic Education / Haditha - member |
Prof. Dr. Khalid Ahmed Dufayk |
|
University of Anbar - College of Sciences - member |
Prof. Dr. Hamid Hussein Ali |
|
University of Baghdad – Institute of Genetic Engineering - member |
Assist. Prof. Dr. Mena Sabah Farman |
|
University of Anbar - College of Sciences - member |
Assist. Prof. Dr. Ashwaq Basim Jasim |
|
University of Anbar - College of Sciences - Member and Supervisor |
Assist. Prof. Dr. Rashid Mohammed Rashid |
|
Al-Mustansiriyah University - College of Sciences - Member and Supervisor |
Prof. Dr. Sawsan Mohammed Karim |
The present study aimed to evaluate the mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) in the blood of women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to investigate its relationship with hormonal changes, oxidative stress markers, and associated metabolic disturbances. The study included 90 women of reproductive age, who were divided into two groups: a patient group consisting of 60 women diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam 2003 criteria, and a control group comprising 30 apparently healthy women.
The results demonstrated a significant increase in body mass index, pronounced disturbances in reproductive hormones, and increased insulin resistance among women with PCOS. In addition, a highly significant reduction in nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) levels and relative mtDNA copy number was recorded, accompanied by a decrease in markers of mitochondrial function. Statistical analyses revealed significant associations between reduced mtDNA copy number and hormonal and metabolic imbalances, as well as an increased risk of developing PCOS.
These findings confirm the pivotal role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the initiation and progression of polycystic ovary syndrome. Moreover, they suggest that mtDNA copy number may serve as a valuable biomarker for diagnosis, assessment of disease severity, and potentially as a future therapeutic target.
