The human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) gene plays a critical role in breast cancer development and progression. HER2 overexpression characterizes a biologically and clinically aggressive breast cancer subtype. In this study, 60 samples from Iraqi women with breast cancer were collected and investigated for HER2 protein in the tissue by immunohistochemistry. Also, 20 samples from healthy Iraqi women were used as a control. The results showed that 18 (30 %) patients expressed the HER2 protein. A molecular study for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was conducted on samples metastasizing to lymph nodes. DNA was extracted and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify exon 17 and intron 17 of HER2 gene. Sequencing of PCR product was achieved and  two SNPs of HER2 gene, one in exon 17 (Ile655Val) and another  close to it in intron 17 (rs903506) were studied.  In exon 17, SNP Ile655Val was found in 41% of patients, while in intron 17, the non-coding SNP rs903506 was found in 27% of patients. However, no polymorphism was found in the control group. The results may suggest that HER2 gene can be used as a molecular marker for breast cancer.

The aim of this study was to improve the growth and inhibitory activity of the selected Lactobacillus isolate. A total of twenty samples of dairy products (fresh yogurt) were collected. Seven isolates of Lactobacillus species . were obtained, and identified as three Lactobacillus fermentum, three Lactobacillus acidophilus and one of Lactobacillus brevis. The growth of lactobacillus acidophilus was counted , also inhibitory activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus against some pathogenic bacteria was tested) for two different incubation periods before the addition of Allium sativum(garlic extract) as prebiotic substances. three different concentrations of it were used by addition of it to De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe agar (MRS) medium as prebiotic substances , and two incubation periods (24, 48) hour. The effect of Allium sativum on the growth of probiotic bacteria was evaluated, measurement of Lactobacillus acidophilus growth curve was done after and before adding garlic extract. For analyzing inhibitory activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus with the Allium ,results showed that Lactobacillus acidophilus propagated in MRS fortified with 20% and 30% v/v garlic extract with incubation period 24 hr by giving the highest inhibition zone.It was concluded that Lactobacillus.acidophilus isolate can grow well and exhibit good effect against Gramnegative bacteria in a medium containing garlic extract (that is added as a substrate supporting probiotic growth and activity). also it was clear that filtrate of Lactobacillus .acidophilus isolate that propagating in spesific broth fortified with 20% garlic extract at 48 hr incubation period produce antibacterial effect better than 10% , it was concluded that prebiotic treatment enhance the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus especially at 24 hr. this may due to fructooligosaccharide content in garlic , also when propagated in MRS without prebiotic treatment, and which may due to highly decrease in pH which cause inhibition the growth of Lactobacillus acidophillus.