Deputy of the head of department of human anatomy at college of medicine - Mustansiriyah University - Baghdad - Iraq
Senior Lecturer in Medical Biology and Human Anatomy for 1st and 2nd year students at college of medicine - Mustansiriyah University - Baghdad - Iraq
Senior Researcher in tissue culture, stem cells and tissue engineering.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Medicine - University of Bristol - UK
M.Sc. in Anatomy, Histology & Embryology - Mustansiriyah University - IRAQ
M.B.Ch.B. - Medicine and General Surgery - Mustansiriyah University - IRAQ
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Cellular and Molecular Medicine
Stem cell Therapeutics
Tissue engineering
The Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 and Caspase-3 in Nontoxic Multinodular Goiter versus Normal Thyroid Tissue Cases from Baghdad, Iraq Khalida Ibrahim Noel, Nibras Hatim Khamees, Sameh Samir Akkila Al Rafidain Journal of Medical Sciences, 2026 Background: Nontoxic multinodular (MNG) disease is one of the most prevalent thyroid pathologies, especially in endemic areas like Baghdad, Iraq. Objective: To determine the prognostic values of FGF-2 and active CASP-3 expression in cases of MNG to predict the possibility of cancer development. Methods: Fifty patients were included in the study in a retrospective design and were obtained from Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. Paraffin blocks were obtained, and histological procedures for slide preparation for light microscopy were employed. Immunohistochemical procedures to detect the expression of FGF2 and active CASP-3 markers were applied. Statistical analysis to predict the extent, intensity, total score, and H-score of the immunohistochemical results was done. Results: Analysis of cases showed an overexpression of the FGF2 marker in cases of MNG, and that was statistically significant. On the other hand, CASP-3 was downregulated in MNG cases, with an intensity of 0 in most instances, while a few cases showed intensities of 1+ and 2+, which were statistically significant. The H-score, on the other hand, was highly raised in MNG expressing FGF2; in contrast to CASP-3, which appeared very low in MNG tissues, and both results were of statistical significance. Conclusions: Overexpression of FGF2 and low expression of active CASP-3 in cases of MNG confirm the benign behavior of the disease, but it does not exclude the possibility of cancer development. This expression can be regarded as prognostic for early detection of tumor transition in benign tissue.
Pluripotency Stem Cell Marker Expression and Apoptotic Changes in Placental Tissues of Normal and Intra-Uterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) Babies of Iraqi Mothers: A Comparative Study Khalida Ibrahim Noel, Hayder Hamed Abdulateef, Nibras Hatim Khamees Al Rafidain Journal of Medical Sciences, 2025 Background: The placenta is a vital organ for embryo development, providing nutrition, waste elimination, and communication with the mother. It also facilitates nutrient transfer and stem cell creation. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can impact the unborn child's growth during pregnancy. Objective: To examine the immunohistochemical expression of NANOG and CASP3 in both normal and IUGR placental tissues. Methods: The study involved 90 healthy mothers and their babies at 38-40 weeks of pregnancy. Doppler ultrasonography confirmed idiopathic fetal IUGR. Placentas were categorized into control and IUGR groups, with each tissue block immunohistochemically stained for NANOG and CASP3 markers. Results: Expression of the NANOG antibody in placental tissue of both normal and IUGR cases revealed a low intensity of expression in both normal and IUGR placentae and not significantly different. The expression of the CASP3 marker showed statistically significant results regarding staining intensity, percentage, and total score calculation between the normal and IUGR cases. It was of low intensity in most normal cases compared to the strong intensity of marker expression in most IUGR cases. Conclusions: Embryonic stem cells showed a diminished expression by NANOG in placentae of both normal and IUGR cases attributed to the trimester of pregnancy that decreased its expression in the third trimester generally as the stem cells become less evident as we go through the trimesters of pregnancy. On the other hand, apoptosis is one of the important changes associated with placental pathology like IUGR.
Effect of diode pumping solid state laser with wavelength 589 nm on gene expression of interlukine-2 and interferon-γ in human T-lymphocytes Marwa Akram Nafe'a, Nibras Hatim Khamees, Mustafa Salih Ali Almusawi Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 2024 Objective: To evaluate the impact of laser irradiation of human T-cell lymphocyte in culture to determine thephotobiomodulatory effects of such irradiation on gene expression, and the release of growth factors and cytokines.Method: The experimental study was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022 at the Postgraduate Anatomy Laboratory, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised human blood samples T-cell lymphocytes were extracted and irradiated, followed by the extraction of ribonucleic acid to assess the effect of laser on gene expression of cytokines, interlukine-2 and interferon-gamma. A 589nm yellow light low-level laser beam from a diode pumping solid state laser was used at doses 30J/cm2, 50J/cm2 and 70J/cm2 for an exposure time of 15 minutes. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to measure gene expression. Data was analysed using GraphPad Prism 9.Result: Cellular gene expression of the mediators changed significantly in response to laser irradiation at a variety of dosage parameters, and these effects depended on the wavelength and radiation exposure (p<0.05).Conclusion: The laser light may photobiomodulate the production of cytokines by human cells in vitro.Key Words: Interferon, Lasers, Lymphocytes, Gene, Polymerase, Radiation
The effect of a diode-pumped solid-state laser with a wavelength of 589 nm on T-lymphocyte proliferation Marwa Akram Nafe'a, Nibras Hatim. Khamees, Mustafa Salih. Al Musawi Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 2024 Objective: To assess how low-level laser irradiation affects T cells.Method: The case-control interventional study was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022 after approval bythe ethics review committee of the College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprisedhealthy individuals. Phlebotomy was used to collect 4ml of blood. A portion of each sample was exposed to 589nmlaser radiation, while the other portion was used as a control. The irradiated sample was divided into whole bloodand in-plate subgroups. Phytohemagglutinin was used for mitotic stimulation of T-lymphocytes, and cellproliferation assay was used to stimulate T lymphocytes measured using MTS assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium). Optical density was measured using enzyme-linkedimmunosorbent assay. Data was analysed using GraphPad prism software.Results: There were 35 subjects, 17(49%) males and 18 (51%) females, with an age range between 19-25 years, allwithout any disease or medication. Laser irradiation stimulated T-lymphocyte proliferation to levels that dependedon the dose of laser used. At energy 30J/cm2 there was a significant increase in the in-plate subgroup of irradiatedsamples compared to controls and between the two irradiated subgroups (p<0.05). At 50J/cm2 dose, there was asignificant increase in the whole blood subgroup compared to the controls (p<0.05). At 70J/cm2 dose, there was asignificant difference in the whole blood subgroup compared to the controls, and between the two irradiatedsubgroups (p<0.05).Conclusion: The stimulation of T lymphocyte proliferation by the application of a 589nm laser could have medicalapplications in the field of immune system enhancement.Key Words: Phytohemagglutinins, Phlebotomy, Lasers, Lymphocytes, Proliferation,Immunosorbent
Rare Cesarean Section Scar Ectopic Pregnancy Successfully Treated by Methotrexate: A Case Report Wassan Nori, Ali Muhammad Murad, Nibras Hatim Khamees, Alexandru Cosmin Pantazi, Mustafa Ali Kassim Kassim Al Rafidain Journal of Medical Sciences, 2023 An ectopic pregnancy embedded in a C-section scar is considered an uncommon and complex sub-type of ectopic pregnancy. This particular condition requires an increased level of clinical suspicion, the use of specific diagnostic tools, and the implementation of customized care measures. Here we present a case of a 37-year-old lady with a history of 3 C-sections presented to the ER department with an acute attack of pain and vaginal bleeding for 1 hour before admission on day 19 of a regular cycle. She gave a six-month history of intermenstrual bleeding and chronic pelvic pain. Her previous bacteriological and pap smears were normal. An earlier pelvic scan showed an Rt ovarian case, a thickened endometrium, and a small mural fibroid. Upon admission, B-HCG was positive; transvaginal ultrasound was negative. B-HCG titers confirmed the EP, and an MRI scan confirmed CsEP. She was managed medically with methotrexate and showed a good response. Clinicians must exercise diligence in evaluating patients with a prior history of cesarean sections and who are currently experiencing symptoms of pelvic pain and irregular uterine bleeding. The timely identification and intervention of this complex ailment are crucial to minimize the potential hazards involved and optimize the patient's overall prognosis.
Short-Term effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on anatomical and biochemical parameters in morbidly obese iraqi patients Ahmed Riyad Laibee, Sameh S. Akkila, Nibras Khamees, Samia A. Eleiwe Bali Medical Journal, 2021 Background: Osteoporosis Background: With the worldwide and national increased prevalence of obesity and high failure rates of conventional methods of treatment, bariatric surgeries (especially laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy) offer a safe and rapid therapeutic way for correction of obesity and its numerous related clinical complications. Aim: The current study examined the short-term effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on anatomical & biochemical markers in morbidly obese patients and investigated whether or not there was gender difference in the changes of these markers.Patients and methods: 65 morbidly obese (BMI≥40) patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were enrolled. Pre-operative & 4-week-post-operative assessment of anatomical parameters included body weight, height & calculation of body mass index (BMI). Similar biochemical assessment included lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS), Hemoglobin, renal function tests and liver enzymes. Results: Patients of both sexes showed statistically significant reduction of body weight, BMI, FBS and improved serum levels of lipid profiles, renal function tests and liver enzymes. Many pre-operative abnormally high-level percentages were normalized or markedly decreased, with no statistically significant difference between males and females except for ALT changes. Discussion: Sleeve gastrectomy is very effective in improving body weight, BMI and lipid profiles by altering the anatomy and physiology of the stomach towards less food consumption, and also damping the secretion of hunger-stimulating hormones. The BMI reduction improves insulin sensitivity and FBS levels. Better glycemic & blood pressure control improve renal function, while improving HDL levels reduces liver steatosis and improves serum liver enzyme levels. The main disadvantage is reduced hemoglobin level due to macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies. Conclusion: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy provides a permanent safe therapeutic choice for morbid obesity. The presence of vitamin and nutritional deficiencies after surgery is a common disadvantage mandating adequate pre-operative correction of the deficiencies, adequate post-operative supplementation and regular long follow-up.
COMPARISON OF BIPARIETAL DIAMETER (BPD) AND ESTIMATED FETAL WEIGHT (EFW) IN SINGLE AND MULTIPLE PREGNANCIES DURING THIRD TRIMESTER OF GESTATION IN A SAMPLE OF IRAQI WOMEN Biochemical and Cellular Archives, 2020
Allocation of stem cell alterations in spermatogenesis of male rats affected by zymafluor and detection of reverse effect of vitamin E on testis histology using … KI Noel, MZ Al-Hamdany, SS Akkila, NH Khamees Scripta Medica 57 (2), 277-285 , 2026 2026
Recent Advances in Obesity Biology: From Genetics to Transgenerational Effects: Updates in Obesity Biology KI Noel, SS Akkila, NH Khamees 2026
Alteration in Gene Expression in Response to Sequential Red and Near-Violet Light in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells MSAM Dania Akram Ali Al-Dulaimi, Nibras Hatim Khamees European Journal of Clinical Pharmacy 8 (1), 2331-2336 , 2026 2026
The Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 and Caspase-3 in Nontoxic Multinodular Goiter versus Normal Thyroid Tissue Cases from Baghdad, Iraq KI Noel, NH Khamees, SS Akkila Al-Rafidain Journal of Medical Sciences (ISSN 2789-3219) 10 (1), 247-253 , 2026 2026
Cellular Response of Thymic Macrophages to Exogenous Specific Pineal Hormone NH Khamees, KI Noel, SA Eleiwe Medical Journal of Babylon 22 (3), 735-739 , 2025 2025
Pluripotency Stem Cell Marker Expression and Apoptotic Changes in Placental Tissues of Normal and Intra-Uterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) Babies of Iraqi Mothers: A Comparative … KI Noel, HH Abdulateef, NH Khamees Al-Rafidain Journal of Medical Sciences (ISSN 2789-3219) 8 (1), 71-77 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Relation of smoking behaviour with severity of COVID-19 infections in a sample of Iraqi patients KI Noel, NH Khamees, ME Shukri, RH Ghanim Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal 18 (1), e77865-e77865 , 2025 2025
Assessment of the Effect of Glucocorticoid Injections on the Expression of Apoptotic Active CASP3 and ALDH1A1 Renal Cell Markers in New Zealand Rabbits KI Noel, NH Khamees, HH Abdulateef Eastern Journal Of Medicine 29 (4), 397-405 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
The effect of a diode-pumped solid-state laser with a wavelength of 589 nm on T-lymphocyte proliferation MA Nafe'a, NH Khamees, MS Al Musawi Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association 74 (10), S352-S355 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Effect of diode pumping solid state laser with wavelength 589 nm on gene expression of interlukine-2 and interferon-γ in human T-lymphocytes MA Nafe'a, NH Khamees, MSA Almusawi Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association 74 (10), S352-S355 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Rare Cesarean Section Scar Ectopic Pregnancy Successfully Treated by Methotrexate: A Case Report W Nori, AM Murad, NH Khamees, AC Pantazi, MAK Kassim Al-Rafidain Journal of Medical Sciences (ISSN 2789-3219) 5, 242-246 , 2023 2023
The impact of media supplement on the viability, proliferation, and differentiation potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells NH Khamees Mustansiriya Medical Journal 21 (2), 145 - 150 , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
Short-term effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on anatomical and biochemical parameters in morbidly obese Iraqi patients AR Laibee, SS Akkila, N Khamees, SA Eleiwe, YG Salem Bali Med J 10 (3), 1045-1049 , 2021 2021 Citations: 3
Cancer stem cells and their detection using specific cancer stem cell markers- a new strategy for cancer therapies KI Noel, RM Raoof, NH Khamees GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences 17 (3), 094–099 , 2021 2021 Citations: 1
COMPARISON OF BIPARIETAL DIAMETER (BPD) AND ESTIMATED FETAL WEIGHT (EFW) IN SINGLE AND MULTIPLE PREGNANCIES DURING THIRD TRIMESTER OF GESTATION IN A SAMPLE OF IRAQI WOMEN KI Noel, ZO Ahmed, NH Khamees Biochemical and cellular archives 20 (2), 4549-4554 , 2020 2020 Citations: 1
Expression of OCT4 stem cell marker in benign prostatic hyperplasia and normal tissue around the prostatic carcinoma in a sample of Iraqi patients K Noel, MM Ibraheem, BS Ahmed, AF Hameed, NH Khamees, SS Akkila Egyptian Journal of Histology 43 (1), 245-254 , 2020 2020 Citations: 13
Mechanisms of Interaction of Staphylococcus Aureus With Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Differentiated Phenotypes N Khamees, DJ Hill, W Kafienah bioRxiv, 2020.01. 09.900373 , 2020 2020 Citations: 2
CD133 and CD166 expression predicting the possibility of prostatic cancer development in cases of BPH KI Noel, MM Ibraheem, BS Ahmed, AF Hameed, NH Khamees, SS Akkila Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal 12 (3), 1403-1416 , 2019 2019 Citations: 7
The role of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in osteomyelitis N Khamees University of Bristol , 2018 2018
Continuous darkness induces structural changes in thyroid gland of adult male rats SA Eleiwe, NH Khamees, SH Karim metabolism 2 (5), 6&-7 , 2014 2014 Citations: 1
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Expression of OCT4 stem cell marker in benign prostatic hyperplasia and normal tissue around the prostatic carcinoma in a sample of Iraqi patients K Noel, MM Ibraheem, BS Ahmed, AF Hameed, NH Khamees, SS Akkila Egyptian Journal of Histology 43 (1), 245-254 , 2020 2020 Citations: 13
CD133 and CD166 expression predicting the possibility of prostatic cancer development in cases of BPH KI Noel, MM Ibraheem, BS Ahmed, AF Hameed, NH Khamees, SS Akkila Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal 12 (3), 1403-1416 , 2019 2019 Citations: 7
Pluripotency Stem Cell Marker Expression and Apoptotic Changes in Placental Tissues of Normal and Intra-Uterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) Babies of Iraqi Mothers: A Comparative … KI Noel, HH Abdulateef, NH Khamees Al-Rafidain Journal of Medical Sciences (ISSN 2789-3219) 8 (1), 71-77 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Short-term effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on anatomical and biochemical parameters in morbidly obese Iraqi patients AR Laibee, SS Akkila, N Khamees, SA Eleiwe, YG Salem Bali Med J 10 (3), 1045-1049 , 2021 2021 Citations: 3
The effect of a diode-pumped solid-state laser with a wavelength of 589 nm on T-lymphocyte proliferation MA Nafe'a, NH Khamees, MS Al Musawi Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association 74 (10), S352-S355 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Mechanisms of Interaction of Staphylococcus Aureus With Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Differentiated Phenotypes N Khamees, DJ Hill, W Kafienah bioRxiv, 2020.01. 09.900373 , 2020 2020 Citations: 2
Effects of combined oral contraceptives on the skin of mice NH Khamees, IJ Mahmoud, AAL KHATEEB Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences 42 (8), 1528-1537 , 2012 2012 Citations: 2
Assessment of the Effect of Glucocorticoid Injections on the Expression of Apoptotic Active CASP3 and ALDH1A1 Renal Cell Markers in New Zealand Rabbits KI Noel, NH Khamees, HH Abdulateef Eastern Journal Of Medicine 29 (4), 397-405 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Effect of diode pumping solid state laser with wavelength 589 nm on gene expression of interlukine-2 and interferon-γ in human T-lymphocytes MA Nafe'a, NH Khamees, MSA Almusawi Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association 74 (10), S352-S355 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
The impact of media supplement on the viability, proliferation, and differentiation potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells NH Khamees Mustansiriya Medical Journal 21 (2), 145 - 150 , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
Cancer stem cells and their detection using specific cancer stem cell markers- a new strategy for cancer therapies KI Noel, RM Raoof, NH Khamees GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences 17 (3), 094–099 , 2021 2021 Citations: 1
COMPARISON OF BIPARIETAL DIAMETER (BPD) AND ESTIMATED FETAL WEIGHT (EFW) IN SINGLE AND MULTIPLE PREGNANCIES DURING THIRD TRIMESTER OF GESTATION IN A SAMPLE OF IRAQI WOMEN KI Noel, ZO Ahmed, NH Khamees Biochemical and cellular archives 20 (2), 4549-4554 , 2020 2020 Citations: 1
Continuous darkness induces structural changes in thyroid gland of adult male rats SA Eleiwe, NH Khamees, SH Karim metabolism 2 (5), 6&-7 , 2014 2014 Citations: 1
Allocation of stem cell alterations in spermatogenesis of male rats affected by zymafluor and detection of reverse effect of vitamin E on testis histology using … KI Noel, MZ Al-Hamdany, SS Akkila, NH Khamees Scripta Medica 57 (2), 277-285 , 2026 2026
Recent Advances in Obesity Biology: From Genetics to Transgenerational Effects: Updates in Obesity Biology KI Noel, SS Akkila, NH Khamees 2026
Alteration in Gene Expression in Response to Sequential Red and Near-Violet Light in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells MSAM Dania Akram Ali Al-Dulaimi, Nibras Hatim Khamees European Journal of Clinical Pharmacy 8 (1), 2331-2336 , 2026 2026
The Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 and Caspase-3 in Nontoxic Multinodular Goiter versus Normal Thyroid Tissue Cases from Baghdad, Iraq KI Noel, NH Khamees, SS Akkila Al-Rafidain Journal of Medical Sciences (ISSN 2789-3219) 10 (1), 247-253 , 2026 2026
Cellular Response of Thymic Macrophages to Exogenous Specific Pineal Hormone NH Khamees, KI Noel, SA Eleiwe Medical Journal of Babylon 22 (3), 735-739 , 2025 2025
Relation of smoking behaviour with severity of COVID-19 infections in a sample of Iraqi patients KI Noel, NH Khamees, ME Shukri, RH Ghanim Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal 18 (1), e77865-e77865 , 2025 2025
Rare Cesarean Section Scar Ectopic Pregnancy Successfully Treated by Methotrexate: A Case Report W Nori, AM Murad, NH Khamees, AC Pantazi, MAK Kassim Al-Rafidain Journal of Medical Sciences (ISSN 2789-3219) 5, 242-246 , 2023 2023