Fatma Rahmouni | Biology | Best Paper Award

Dr. Fatma Rahmouni | Biology | Best Paper Award

Assistant at Faculty of Medicine of sfax, Tunisia

Author Profile

Scopus

Summary

Dr. Rahmouni Fatma is a Tunisian biological scientist and academic with a strong focus on toxicology, pharmacology, and the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants. Her research integrates in vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches to evaluate the biological impact of natural products, particularly in protecting organs from damage caused by oxidative stress and environmental toxicants. With over a decade of experience in academic and research roles, she has established herself as a recognized contributor in the field of experimental biology, specifically in the application of Teucrium polium for hepatoprotection and anticancer activity.

Educational Background

Dr. Fatma holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Tunisia, awarded in 2018–2019. Her doctoral thesis was titled “Evaluation of the protective effects of Teucrium polium on the lesional aspects of CCl₄ in rats and anti-tumor effects on malignant HeLa cells,” reflecting her deep engagement with experimental toxicology and cancer biology. She previously completed a Master’s degree in Biodiversity and Aquatic Resources at the same university in 2011–2012 and earned her Licence degree in 2009–2010. Her academic journey began with a high school diploma from Secondary School Mezzouna, Sidi Bouzid, in 2005–2006.

Professional Experience

Dr. Rahmouni has held several academic and research roles across multiple faculties in Tunisia. She currently serves as a Contractual Assistant at the Faculty of Sciences of Gabes (2024–2025). Prior to this, she held consecutive researcher contracts at the Faculty of Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, between 2019 and 2023. From 2015 to 2017, she also worked as an educational trainer for practical courses in histology and biochemistry. Her earlier teaching experience includes a teaching contract in 2015–2016 at the Faculty of Medicine, Sfax, where she mentored students in laboratory skills and applied biology.

Research Interests

Her primary research interests lie in evaluating the pharmacological and toxicological properties of natural compounds, especially Teucrium polium, for their protective roles against oxidative stress, liver and kidney damage, genotoxicity, and fertility impairment. She is equally interested in reproductive toxicology, histological analysis, environmental pollutants, and the biochemical mechanisms underlying tissue damage and recovery. She also explores cancer biology by studying the antiproliferative effects of plant extracts on HeLa and other cancer cell lines.

Author Metrics

Dr. Rahmouni has authored or co-authored over 19 scientific publications, many in high-impact peer-reviewed journals such as Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods, Life, BioFactors, Andrologia, and Frontiers in Physiology. As a first author, she has published studies with impact factors ranging between 2.1 and 6.1. Her collaborative research spans multiple disciplines, including molecular biology, environmental sciences, and pharmacognosy. Her growing citation record reflects her consistent contributions to biomedical science and experimental toxicology. (Note: Google Scholar, ORCID, or Scopus IDs can be added upon availability.)

Awards and Honors

Dr. Fatma has been an active participant and speaker in both national and international conferences, presenting her research through more than 18 oral and poster communications. She has been recognized for her work at events such as the International Symposium on Medicinal Plants and the Tunisian Society of Biological Sciences Congress. Her research was also featured prominently in toxicology and physiology forums. She has co-supervised Master’s-level research projects and continues to play an essential role in academic training, mentoring, and scientific dissemination.

Publication Top Notes

1. Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Effects of Urtica dioica Extract Against Chlorpyrifos-Induced Toxicity: An In Vivo Study

Journal: 3 Biotech
Year: 2025
Authors: (Names not displayed, assumed Dr. Rahmouni Fatma is one of the co-authors)
Summary:
This study investigates the protective effects of Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) extract in counteracting chlorpyrifos-induced neurotoxicity using a rodent model. The research assesses oxidative stress biomarkers, histopathological alterations in brain tissue, and behavioral changes, demonstrating significant neuroprotective and antioxidant activity of the extract. The findings support Urtica dioica as a promising natural remedy against pesticide-induced neurotoxicity.

2. Phytochemical Composition of Urtica dioica Essential Oil with Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Journal: Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Year: 2025
Authors: (Includes Dr. Rahmouni Fatma and others)
Citations: 4
Summary:
This article focuses on the phytochemical profiling of Urtica dioica essential oil, highlighting key active constituents through GC-MS analysis. Both in vitro (cell-based assays) and in vivo (animal models) experiments revealed notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting therapeutic applications of the essential oil in managing oxidative and inflammatory diseases. The study strengthens the pharmacological basis for Urtica dioica in traditional and modern medicine.

Conclusion

Dr. Rahmouni Fatma is an excellent candidate for the Best Paper Award in her domain. Her body of work reflects scientific rigor, innovation, and relevance to global health challenges. Her dual strength in phytochemical research and experimental toxicology places her among researchers making tangible contributions to biomedical science. Recognizing her with a Best Paper Award would be both well-deserved and motivational, encouraging further research in plant-based therapeutics and toxicological safety.

Hayder Giha | Medical biochemistry

Prof. Hayder Giha: Leading Researcher in Medical biochemistry

🎉 Congratulations Prof. Hayder Giha on Winning the Best Paper Award! 🏆 Your dedication to research, mentorship, and collaboration with international teams is truly commendable. This award is a testament to your outstanding work and the impact it has on the broader community.

Professional Profile:

🩺🧬 Summary: He is a Medical Doctor (MD), Ph.D., and Professor of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Currently teaching Medical Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Genetics to undergraduate medical students and postgraduates. In my research career, He published approximately 77 articles in peer-reviewed international journals with good impact factors (IF between 0.00 to 47).

He is research journey began with a focus on malaria, particularly simple and severe P. falciparum malaria. He delved into clinical epidemiology, antigenic variation, and natural immunity against vaccine candidate antigens. He later shifted my focus to metabolic disorders, specifically type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and obesity, exploring the roles of vitamin D and gut hormones. My current research plan emphasizes biomarkers as diagnostic tools and pathophysiological markers, with a keen interest in inborn errors of metabolism and T2D. T2D studies include diabetes pathophysiology, insulin resistance, and mitochondrial dysfunction, considering factors like oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and chronic metabolic acidosis.

🎓 Education and Qualifications:

  • MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine), University of Khartoum, Sudan, Oct 1988.
  • Ph.D., University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Jul 1999. Thesis title: “Antigenic variation in Plasmodium falciparum malaria: studies from an area of seasonal and unstable transmission.”
  • Other overseas training: Molecular Biology Applications, Edinburgh University, UK, June-July 1996.
  • Post-doctoral training: Application of molecular techniques in prediction of drug resistance in malaria infections, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Edinburgh University, 2002 (3 months).

📚 Publications Top Noted:

  1. Giha HA. Hidden chronic metabolic acidosis of diabetes type 2 (CMAD): Clues, causes and consequences. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2023 Aug;24(4):735-750.
  2. Alamin OASO, Elgalil FMA, Giha HA. Warfarin prophylaxis for arterial thromboembolism: Age is the prime dose determinant and atrial fibrillation is the main indication in an Afro-Arab Ethinic community. Open J Clin Med Case Rep. 2023.
  3. Giha HA, Abdulwahab RA, Abbas J, Shinwari Z, Alaiya A. Sex-Biased Expression of Genes Allocated in the Autosomal Chromosomes: Blood LC-MS/MS Protein Profiling in Healthy Subjects. Genet Res (Camb). 2023 Mar 11;2023:8822205.
  4. Sater MS, AlDehaini DMB, Malalla ZHA, Ali ME, Giha HA. Plasma IL-6, TREM1, uPAR, and IL6/IL8 biomarkers increment further witnessing the chronic inflammation in type 2 diabetes. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig. 2023 Feb 28.
  5. Alamin OAO, Amir O, Giha HA. Correlates and Severity of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Type 2 Diabetes Patients in an Afro-Arab-cross Ethnic Community. Cardiology Research and Reports. 2022, 4(4); DOI: 10.31579/2692-9759/054.

🔬 Research Projects:

  • Malaria
  • Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity
  • Vitamin D and Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphism
  • Inborn Errors of Metabolism
  • Virtual Biochemistry Lab Project
  • Traffic Road Accidents

Research Focus:

Hayder Giha’s research focus spans several areas in the fields of medical biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. Below are the key areas of research that he has been involved in:

  1. Malaria Research:
    • Initially, he conducted research in the field of malaria, specifically focusing on simple and severe P. falciparum malaria.
    • Areas of interest included clinical epidemiology, antigenic variation, and natural immunity against vaccine candidate antigens.
    • Molecular characterization of malaria parasites, drug resistance, and the relationship between parasite virulence and resistance.
  2. Metabolic Disorders Research:
    • Transitioned to studying metabolic disorders, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and obesity.
    • Investigated the role of vitamin D and gut hormones in metabolic disorders.
  3. Biomarkers and Pathophysiological Markers:
    • His current research plan emphasizes the use of biomarkers as diagnostic tools and novel pathophysiological markers for diseases.
    • Special interest in inborn errors of metabolism and T2D.
    • Focus on diabetes pathophysiology, insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and chronic metabolic acidosis.
  4. Publication Highlights:
    • Published approximately 77 articles in peer-reviewed international journals with varying impact factors.
    • Papers cover a range of topics from malaria to metabolic disorders.
  5. Research Projects:
    • Involved in various research projects related to malaria, metabolic syndrome, obesity, vitamin D, vitamin D receptor polymorphism, inborn errors of metabolism, and a Virtual Biochemistry Lab Project.
    • Contributed to the study of traffic road accidents.

Overall, Dr. Hayder Giha has made significant contributions to understanding diseases at the molecular level, with a focus on infectious diseases like malaria and metabolic disorders such as diabetes. His work includes both basic research and contributions to clinical understanding, emphasizing the development of diagnostic tools and markers for diseases.