Mlaak Rob

Ms. Mlaak Rob

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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12 September 2024 in Cells
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AMAnns Mahboob
Anns Mahboob
HAHasan Omar Ali
Hasan Omar Ali
AAAlJazi Al-Naimi
AlJazi Al-Naimi
MYMahmoud Yousef
Mahmoud Yousef
MRMlaak Rob
Mlaak Rob
ACAli CHAARI
Ali CHAARI
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are two neurodegenerative diseases posing a significant disease burden due to their increasing prevalence and socio-economic cost. Traditional therapeutic approaches for these diseases exist but provide limited symptomatic relief without addressing the underlying pathologies. This review examines the potential of immunotherapy, specifically monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), as disease-modifying treatments for AD and PD. We analyze the pathological mechanisms of AD and PD, focusing on the roles of amyloid-beta (Aβ), tau (τ), and alpha-synuclein (α-syn) proteins. We discuss the latest advancements in mAb therapies targeting these proteins, evaluating their efficacy in clinical trials and preclinical studies. We also explore the challenges faced in translating these therapies from bench to bedside, including issues related to safety, specificity, and clinical trial design. Additionally, we highlight future directions for research, emphasizing the need for combination therapies, improved biomarkers, and personalized treatment strategies. This review aims to provide insights into the current state and future potential of antibody-based immunotherapy in modifying the course of AD and PD, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

26 December 2025 in Microorganisms
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AAAlia Ashkanani
Alia Ashkanani
GAGhalya Ashkanani
Ghalya Ashkanani
MYMahmoud Yousef
Mahmoud Yousef
MRMlaak Rob
Mlaak Rob
MAMaha Al-Marri
Maha Al-Marri
ACAli CHAARI
Ali CHAARI
Skin disorders are a major global cause of morbidities, and increasing evidence links several to gut microbiome dysregulation. Because of this the bidirectional gut-skin axis, nutraceuticals have been proposed as therapeutic adjuncts, but their clinical effects across skin conditions remain unclear. To understand how pro/pre/synbiotics can affect health, we conducted a systematic review to investigate disease severity indices, inflammatory and immunological markers, quality of life, and changes in gut microbiota composition. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were utilized to identify relevant randomized clinical trials. Selected articles were pre-piloted for in-depth analysis and data extraction. We included 60 randomized controlled trials involving human participants with 5 dermatological conditions, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne vulgaris, chronic urticaria, and melasma, treated with probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics. Risk of bias was generally low across trials, with some having concerns. The SCORAD of the treated group was substantially lower than that of the placebo group in 30 of the 47 trials on atopic dermatitis. Inflammatory markers showed a range of results; some showed significant changes, while others produced contradictory results. Five trials that examined atopic dermatitis and psoriasis independently showed a significant improvement in Quality of Life. The PASI score was considerably lower in psoriasis in three of the five RCTs. Acne vulgaris, melasma, and chronic urticaria were not well documented. Major limitations included heterogeneity in interventions and outcomes, small sample sizes, and inconsistent reporting of microbiome analyses. Nutraceuticals show potential as additional treatments, but further, large scale studies are required.

8 February 2026 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GAGhalya Ashkanani
Ghalya Ashkanani
MRMlaak Rob
Mlaak Rob
MYMahmoud Yousef
Mahmoud Yousef
AAAlia Ashkanani
Alia Ashkanani
YAYousef Al-Najjar
Yousef Al-Najjar
ACAli CHAARI
Ali CHAARI
Background: Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are a growing global health burden, driven by chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation. The gut-immune axis plays a central role in their pathogenesis, with dysbiosis linked to several conditions. This has prompted investigation into nutraceuticals such as probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation as adjunctive therapies. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines, searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials evaluating these interventions in autoimmune diseases. Results: Twenty-eight randomized control trials (RCTs) involving 2002 patients across 11 countries met inclusion criteria. Across the included RCTs, pooled analyses demonstrated significant reductions in c-reactive protein (CRP) (SMD −0.67, 95% CI −1.00 to −0.33; I2 = 80.8%) and Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (SMD −1.81, 95% CI −2.67 to −0.94; I2 = 96%), a significant increase in Interleukin-10 (IL-10) (SMD 2.65, 95% CI 0.64 to 4.66; I2 = 98%), and no overall significant effect on Interleukin-6 (IL-6) (SMD −0.89, 95% CI −1.99 to 0.22; p = 0.12). The strongest evidence of benefit was observed in rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Pooled effects are limited by extreme between-study heterogeneity (I2 80–98%), leaving interpretation as exploratory rather than definitive. More limited or inconsistent findings were reported for systemic lupus erythematosus, hypothyroidism, axial spondylarthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Heterogeneity in study design, probiotic strain selection, dosage, and treatment duration limited comparability across trials. Conclusions: Overall, microbiome-targeted nutraceuticals appear promising for attenuating systemic inflammation in select autoimmune conditions, but results remain mixed. Larger, rigorously designed RCTs with standardized endpoints are needed to clarify efficacy, identify optimal formulations, and define patient populations most likely to benefit.

27 February 2026 in Microorganisms
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
LHLuai Amer Hommos
Luai Amer Hommos
HGHarsh Gohil
Harsh Gohil
MRMlaak Rob
Mlaak Rob
JMJane Manyama
Jane Manyama
HRHaneen Ramy
Haneen Ramy
DZDalia Zakaria
Dalia Zakaria
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is increasingly shown to be a multisystem disorder with long-term complications, including endocrine system complications. The thyroid gland is also susceptible, as it contains ACE2 receptors, making it exposed to both direct viral damage and autoimmune-mediated dysfunction. Recent reports document the various thyroid complications that persist well after the acute infection phase. This systematic review investigates the long-term thyroid complications in individuals with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A comprehensive literature search across several databases was conducted. Eligible studies reported new onset long-term thyroid complications occurring post-COVID-19 infection. Abstract and full-text screening as well as data extraction and quality assessment was performed by two independent reviewers. Only 28 studies met our inclusion criteria, reporting 419 patients from 18 countries. These studies included case reports, case series, cohort, and cross-sectional studies. Reported thyroid disorders included subacute thyroiditis, thyrotoxicosis, hyperthyroidism (including Graves’ disease), isolated high T3/T4, hypothyroidism, central hypothyroidism, and non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS). While many of these eventually resolved, a significant portion persisted or recurred, especially autoimmune thyroiditis. COVID-19 is associated with a range of long-term thyroid complications. Although some cases are temporary, others last, especially autoimmune thyroid disorders. Proposed mechanisms include direct viral cytotoxicity, cytokine-mediated Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Thyroid (HPT) axis suppression, post-viral autoimmunity, vascular injury, and neuroendocrine disruption. Routine thyroid function monitoring in COVID-19 survivors, particularly those with severe disease or persistent symptoms is recommended, and larger prospective studies are needed to better understand incidence and outcomes.

26 July 2024 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
AMAnns Mahboob
Anns Mahboob
HAHasan Omar Ali
Hasan Omar Ali
AAAlJazi Al-Naimi
AlJazi Al-Naimi
MYMahmoud Yousef
Mahmoud Yousef
MRMlaak Rob
Mlaak Rob
ACAli CHAARI
Ali CHAARI
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD) are two neurodegenerative diseases posing a significant disease burden due to their increasing prevalence and socio-economic cost. Traditional therapeutic approaches for these diseases exist but provide limited symptomatic relief without addressing the underlying pathologies. This review examines the potential of immunotherapy, specifically monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), as disease-modifying treatments for AD and PD. We analyze the pathological mechanisms of AD and PD, focusing on the roles of amyloid-beta (Aβ), tau (τ), and alpha-synuclein (α-syn) proteins. We discuss the latest advancements in mAbs therapies targeting these proteins, evaluating their efficacy in clinical trials and preclinical studies. We also explore the challenges faced in translating these therapies from bench to bedside, including issues related to safety, specificity, and clinical trial design. Additionally, we highlight future directions for research, emphasizing the need for combination therapies, improved biomarkers, and personalized treatment strategies. This review aims to provide insights into the current state and future potential of antibody-based immunotherapy in modifying the course of AD and PD, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.