1.Study on the anticancer effect of apigenin on leukemia cells
Erdenezaya O ; Enkhkhishig O ; Egshiglen A ; Ulziisaikhan B ; Nomiungerel R ; Enkhmaa D ; Uugangerel E
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):52-55
Background:
The study of small-molecule compounds with antitumor activity involves several crucial steps. These
include determining their selective effects on cancer cells, understanding the type of cell death they induce, identifying
the activated signaling pathways, pinpointing the target molecules, and elucidating the mechanisms of action. Among the
plant-derived compounds with anticancer properties, flavonoids are notable for their ease of isolation and their abundance
in food. Apigetrin, a representative flavonoid, is a secondary metabolite found in plants, and our previous study indicated
that its anticancer selectivity index was 13.1. However, the specific mechanism by which apigetrin inhibits leukemia cell
growth remains unclear.
Aim:
To study of the inhibitory action of apigenin on leukemia cell culture
Materials and Methods:
In this study, we evaluated the apoptosis of cells using flow cytometry and investigated the in
volvement of the caspase pathway through the use of pancaspase inhibitors to explore the effects of apigetrin on leukemia
cell growth.
Results:
After incubating leukemia RAW264.7 cells with 30 μM apigetrin for 24 and 48 hours, we did not detect any apoptosis through Annexin V and PI staining by flow cytometry. We compared the number of viable cells using the MTT
assay after 24-hour treatment of apigetrin with or without pretreatment of Z-VAD, a pancaspase inhibitor, for 30 minutes. The results indicated that the pancaspase inhibitor did not reduce the inhibitory effect of apigetrin on the growth of
RAW264.7 cells. In contrast, the positive control group, treated with doxorubicin—which induces apoptosis—showed
not only significant apoptosis but also a reduction of the pancaspase inhibitor on the cell growth inhibition. Therefore,
these data suggested that apigetrin likely has a cytostatic effect or inhibits the cell cycle rather than being cytotoxic. Future
research should focus on determining which stage of the cell cycle RAW264.7 cells treated with apigetrin are in, as well
as studying the signaling pathways involved in the cell cycle.
Conclusions
Apigetrin inhibits the proliferation of RAW264.7 leukemia cells in a caspase-independent and non-apoptotic
manner.
2. Result of antimicrobial activity of antibiotic encapsulated in liposomes
Enkhtaivan E ; Enkhmaa O ; Nyam-Ochir E ; Bayasgalan B ; Odonchimeg M ; Lodoidanzan A ; Unursaikhan S ; Enkhjargal D ; Baatarkhuu O ; Ariunsanaa B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2023;205(4):3-8
Introduction:
The treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections has become a pressing problem for humanity
worldwide, and antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections are likely to be the leading cause of death
by 2050.Due to the mutation of infectious disease-causing bacteria and the emergence of bacterial
resistance due to the improper use of antibiotics, the time and cost of infectious disease treatment
increases, and in some cases, it leads to an increase in mortality, so it is the focus of the health sector
in every country, regardless of the income level of the population. In addition, bacterial resistance has
a negative impact on public health, food safety, the environment, and the economy.
As of 2015, Mongolia ranks among the countries with the highest consumption of antibiotics in the
world, with 64.41 units of antibiotics prescribed per 1,000 people per day. Bacteria resistant to broad
spectrum antibiotics have increased dramatically, and among Gram-positive bacteria, drug-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become one of the most common and dangerous cause
Purpose:
Determine the external structure of liposome-encapsulated antibiotics and evaluate their antibacterial
activity.
Materials and Methods:
We conducted this study using an experimental research design. Phospholipids were isolated by
intermittent evaporation, antibiotic encapsulation by freeze-thaw method, and antibiotic sensitivity was
determined using standard strains by disc diffusion andmicro dilution method.
Research ethics:
Permission to submit the survey was granted by the Ethics Review Committee of the MNUMS. The
survey was granted in accordance with the rules and regulations.
Results:
In liposome-encapsulated antibiotic sensitivity assays, azithromycin and clarithromycin did not form
sacred circles, whereas doxycycline hyclate was sensitive by forming a 16 mm circle. Doxycycline
hyclate encapsulated in liposomes formed a 16 mm circle with sensitive results, whereas blank liposomes were inactive. When the rabbits were infected with a standard strain of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus, the infected area was purulent 24 hours later. A cream containing antibiotics
was started at this time. A deep wound was recovered after 12 days after the pus was removed.
Nevertheless, after 24 days, the wound on the rabbit’s infected part healed and the hair on the scraped
part grew back.
Conclusion
According to the dilution method, liposome-encapsulated doxycycline hyclate inhibited bacterial
growth at 2-fold lower doses than pure doxycycline hyclate. In experimental animal models,
liposome-based antibiotic ointment has shown antibacterial activity.
3.Effects of flavanone on cancer cells viability
Jadamba Ch ; Erdenezaya O ; Iderjavkhlan S ; Burnee M ; Gurbadam A ; Temuulen D ; Darambazar G ; Oldokh O ; Enkhmaa D ; Giimaa N
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):28-32
Background:
In recent years, scientists have found that certain natural compounds have significant potential in cancer
prevention and early-stage cancer treatment. Flavanones, a class of polyphenolic compounds found in plants, vegetables,
seeds, fruit peels, and flowers, have been identified to possess anticancer, antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, and antibacterial bioactivities. Cancer has become a major global challenge in terms of both economic and public health concerns.
Global statistics indicate that 22.8% of deaths are attributed to non-communicable diseases, and 16.8% are caused by
cancer, accounting for one in four and one in six deaths, respectively.
Aim :
To investigate anticancer effects of Iris Tenuifolia-derived flavanone on cancer cell lines.
Materials and Methods :
The study was conducted at the Bio-Medical Research Institute of the Mongolian National Uni
versity of Medical Sciences, investigating the effect of flavanones on cancer cell viability under in vitro conditions using
the MTT assay. In the study, colon, liver, and lung cancer cells were cultured, stabilized, and used for the experiments.
Colorectal cancer cells (MC38), liver cancer cells (HepG2), and lung cancer cells (A549) were revived, cultured, and
stabilized for use in the experimental procedures. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using Microsoft Excel
2010, and graphs were generated using GraphPad Prism 8. Differences between groups were analyzed using Student’s
t-test, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results :
We treated MC38, HepG2, and A549 cancer cells with different concentrations of flavanone (2.5 µM, 5 µM, and
10 µM) for 24 to 48 hours to evaluate cell viability. Flavanone inhibited A549 cell viability by 2.5 μM-10%, 5 μM-25%,
and 10 μM-38%, respectively. For HepG2 cells, flavanone treatment at concentrations of 5-10 µM reduced cell viability by 28–58%. No statistically significant effect on the viability of MC38 cells was observed following treatment with flavanone at concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 10 µM. Additionally, although MC38 inhibited cell viability in a dose-de
pendent manner in cell cultures, it had a statistically significant effect at higher concentrations of 30-200 μM (p<0.01).
Conclusion
Flavanone inhibits the cancer cell viability in a dose and time dependent manner
4.The Effect of “Hot Natured 3 Herbs” in a Tumor-Induced Model in C57BL/6 Mice
Narankhuu R ; Gansukh Ch ; Enkhsaikhan L ; Uranbileg B ; Enkhmaa D ; Odontuya G ; Chimgee Ts ; Ulziisaikhan B ; Enkhtushig G ; Sarantuya L ; Suvd O ; Amgalan B ; Sanjpurev D ; Tserendagva D ; Tsend-Ayush D ; Tserentsoo B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;87(3):44-53
Background:
Cancer incidence and mortality are steadily increasing both
globally and in Mongolia. As these rates rise, traditional Mongolian medicine
has long utilized herbal formulas for the treatment of gastric and esophageal
cancers and precancerous conditions. One such formulation—Hot Natured
3 Herbs (HN3H)—comprises three species from the Ranunculaceae family:
Atragene sibirica L., Ranunculus repens L., and Pulsatilla bungeana L.. However,
scientific validation of its anti-tumor effects is essential. This study aimed
to investigate the effect of HN3H in a tumor-induced animal model.
Aim:
To identify the biologically active compounds of HN3H and evaluate their
effect in an experimentally induced tumor model in animals.
Materials and Methods:
The three herbs comprising HN3H—Atragene sibirica
L., Ranunculus repens L., and Pulsatilla bungeana L.—were collected
during their flowering stage (May–June) in Khishig-Undur, Bulgan province,
and dried according to official procedures. Extraction was carried out by maceration
in 96% ethanol at a 1:10 ratio. The concentrated extract was suspended
in water (1:1) and successively fractionated with dichloromethane, ethyl
acetate, butanol, chloroform, and n-hexane. The study was approved by the
Research Ethics Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical
Sciences (Protocol №2020/03-04). A colorectal cancer model was established
by subcutaneous injection of MC-38 cells (Kerafast, USA) into C57BL/6 mice.
Immunohistochemistry was performed using CK20, CDX2, Ki67, and p53 antibodies
at 1:100 and 1:200 dilutions.
Results:
The ethanol extract of HN3H contained 2.98±0.04% total phenolics
and 2.16±0.05% total flavonoids. Body weight and tumor volume were
measured daily with three repetitions. All groups showed a time-dependent
increase in body weight. Mice in groups 1A and 1B received ethanol extract at
50 and 100 mg/kg doses; groups 2A and 2B received dichloromethane extract
at the same doses. The negative control group was administered 0.5 mg/kg
PBS orally, while the positive control group received intraperitoneal injections
of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) at 10 mg/kg twice a week. Tumor growth increased in a
time-dependent manner across groups. Compared to the negative control, tumor
volumes in four treatment groups showed statistically significant reduction
(p˂0.05), while no significant difference was observed when compared to the
positive control (p=0.08). Histological analysis revealed necrosis in all groups,
with variation in extent.
Conclusion
The ethanol extract of HN3H exhibited moderate levels of phenolic
compounds and a high concentration of flavonoids. HN3H extract inhibited
tumor progression and activated lymphocyte-predominant inflammation in
tumor tissues, indicating potential anti-tumor activity (p˂0.05).