1.Associated factors to lower renal glomerular filtration rate in chronic hepatitis C patients
Gantogtokh D ; Batbold B ; Burmaajav B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2022;201(3):13-19
Introduction:
Studies have shown that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection not only causes hepatitis, but also pathological changes in other organ systems. Therefore, it is necessary to study the relationship between chronic HCV and chronic kidney disease.
Objective :
To determine the factors influencing renal glomerular function in chronic hepatitis C patients
Materials and methods:
Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus were referred to Third Central Hospital, Tegsh Huslen Medical Center, two regional 2020 from August to October. Data on morbidity of patients with chronic hepatitis C were analyzed. The results were processed using SPSS-23 software. Statistical probabilities were determined by checking whether there were statistically significant differences between the groups, using logistic regression analysis and chi-square methods.
Results :
There were 54 (46.9%) individuals whose renal glomerular filtration rate was reduced to less than 90 ml/min. In a linear regression analysis, a decrease in renal glomerular filtration rate with age was a significant correlation. Renal glomerular filtration rate is decreased in 37% patients by age-related manner (r2 = 0.37). To determine other causes, no significant correlations were observed when grouped by diabetes, cirrhosis, BMI, and hepatic steatosis (p>0.005). The older age of the patient and the high blood pressure were at 6.4 times higher risk to decrease the glomerular filtration rate in patients with chronic hepatitis C (OR 6.4 (95% CI 1.3-31.4), p=0.021) than the patients who have young age and normal blood pressure by multiple logistic regression analysis.
Conclusion
The age of the patient and high blood pressure are contributing factors to the decline in the incidence of low glomerular filtration rate in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
2.Assessment of renal function in chronic hepatitis C patients
Gantogtokh D ; Batsukh B ; Batbold B ; Burmaajav B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2023;204(2):3-13
Background:
The association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and chronic kidney disease (CKD) still
remains controversial. We aimed to investigate whether HCV really affects renal function, and to
analyze the association between clinical effects of CHC and decreased kidney function (assessed by
glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) level).
Aim:
Study of renal dysfunction in chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Materials and Methods:
An estimated 222 patients with HCV infection and 222 age- and sex-matched community-based
control individuals without HCV were enrolled (1:1, case and control ratio) in this study between from
June 2022 to March 2023. We used the modification of diet in renal diseases to calculate eGFR.
This study was approved by the review board of the Ethics Subcommittee of Ach Medical University
and followed the Declaration of Helsinki. All statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version
26.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), and a P value < 0.05 was considered statistically
significant. Continuous variebles were presented as mean ± standard deviation, while categorical
data was represented as numbers and percentages. Independent t-tests were used to compare the
differences in parametric variables. The Mann-Whitney U test was performed to compare the follow-up
period. Pearson’s chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare categorical variables.
Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors associated with recurrence.
Results:
The median age of the respondents was 40 (range 21-70). In the case group, the speed of hanging
judgment was 105.3±24.5, and in the control group, it was 118.7±18.5, which was a statistically
significant difference (p<0.05, p<0.05). It was observed that the rate of filtration of the renal is below
90 or the loss of renal function increases with age (47.50±9.3 vs 40.21±11.1; p<0.01). In order to
reduce the effect of age, when evaluating the renal function of participants over 45 years of age
in the case-control group, the HCV was 99.69 in the case group and 111.05 in the control group,
although there was an age effect on the decline in HCV in both groups, but it decreased more in the
HCV-infected group. When comparing two groups (<3.25, >3.25) with liver fibrosis degree above
and below 3.25, the higher degree of fibrosis affects the decrease in the rate of hepatic filtration (112.92±19.8 vs 105.23±27.1; p<0.01). The proportion of cryoglobulinemia was high when renal
dysfunction was beginning or when the GFR was below 90 (<90). Logistic regression analysis showed
that cryoglobulinemia had the greatest influence on the decrease in glomerular filtration rate (OR
4.22, 95% CI 1.97-9.00, p<0.05). The relationship between age and the decline in hanging judgment
speed was statistically significant and directly moderate (r=0.95, p=0.009). On the other hand, there
is a statistical relationship between gender and the decrease in the speed of hanging judgment, with
a probable and weak correlation (r=0.07, p=0.01).
Conclusion
Our study found that the patients with HCV infection are associated with a low
eGFR compared with non-HCV–infected patients. This association is consistent in age, gender,
cryoglobulinemia and liver fibrosis patients.
3.Association between rs738409 and rs2896019 polymorphisms of PNPLA3 and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Dolgion D ; Yumchinsuren Ts ; Yesukhei E ; Baljinnyam T ; Enkhmend Kh ; Otgongerel N ; Gantogtokh D ; Ganchimeg D ; Batbold B ; Davaadorj D ; Khurelbaatar N ; Tulgaa L
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2024;209(3):3-11
Introduction:
The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
has increased significantly over the last three decades worldwide, from 17.6% in
1990 to 23.4% in 2019. The development of this disease depends on many risk
factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environment. The PNPLA3 (patatin-like
phospholipase domain-containing protein 3) gene is the most relevant genetic factor
influencing the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.
The PNPLA3 rs738409 GG genotype impairs adiponutrin function, accumulating
triglyceride in liver cells and forming small fat droplets within the liver.
Aim:
To determine rs738409 and rs2896019 single nucleotide polymorphisms of the
PNPLA3 gene in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and their
correlation with some parameters of anthropometric and laboratory tests.
Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted with a case-control design in 2023–2024. There were 150
participants in the study, 50 in the control group without MASLD, and 100 in the case group with MASLD. The PNPLA3 (rs738409, rs2896019) gene’s single nucleotide
polymorphism was identified by the RFLP-PCR technique. All statistical analysis
was performed using SPSS 23 software. Categorical variables were described by
numbers and percentages, and the numerical variables were characterized by the
median (min and max) for the normal distribution, and mean± standard deviation for
the non-normal distribution. The statistical tests utilized were the Chi-square test,
Fisher’s exact test, student t-test, and Mann–Whitney test. Ethical approval for the
survey was obtained from the Medical Ethics Committee under the Ministry of Health
Of Mongolia in January 2023.
Results:
The participants’ average age was 46.73±11.45, with 60% being women (90) and
40% being men (60). Among all patients, the PNPLA3 gene’s single nucleotide
polymorphism rs738409 revealed 44.7% (67) CC, 54.7% (82) GC, and 0.7% (1) GG
(OR-CG+GG genotype- 2.9, p=0.003). In addition, as a result of determining the
PNPLA3 gene rs2896019 single nucleotide polymorphism, the frequency of the TT
genotype was significantly higher in the control group than in the case group (48%,
31%, p = 0.042).
Conclusion
The frequency of CG/GG genotypes rs738409, and rs2896019 of the PNPLA3 gene
is higher in the case group, suggesting that they may be more susceptible to MASLD.
4.Metabolic changes of overweight and obese adults
Yumchinsuren Ts ; Dolgion D ; Ganchimeg D ; Enkhmend Kh ; Otgongerel N ; Gantogtokh D ; Amin-Erdene G ; Bolor U ; Tegshjargal S ; Batbold B ; Shiirevnyamba A ; Tulgaa L
Diagnosis 2024;111(4):97-104
Introduction:
The worldwide prevalence of obesity and its metabolic complications have increased substantially in recent decades. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that in 2016, over 1.9 billion
adults were overweight and, of these, over 650 million were obese. Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, steatotic liver, chronic liver disease, stroke, and some cancers. The global prevalence of obesity and its associated comorbidities continue to increase on a pandemic scale.
Aim:
To determine metabolic changes in overweight and obese adults and their related diseases based on some parameters of anthropometric and laboratory tests.
Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted with a case-control design in 2023–2024. There were 150 participants in
the study, 50 in the control group with normal weight, 50 in the overweight (BMI<29.9kg/m2)
case group, and 50 in the obesity (BMI>30kg/m2) case group. Subjects of three groups were matched by age (±1) and sex. We estimated anthropometric parameters and biochemical
laboratory analysis including glucose, lipid, ferrum, and liver parameters. CBC All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23 software. Categorical variables were described by numbers and percentages, and the numerical variables were characterized by the median (min and max) for the normal distribution, and mean± standard deviation for the non-normal distribution. The statistical
tests utilized were the Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, student t-test, and Mann–Whitney tests. Ethical approval for the survey was obtained from the Medical Ethics Committee under the Ministry of Health Of Mongolia in January 2023.
Results:
The participants' average age was 46.73±11.45, with 60% being women (90) and 40% being men (60). The prevalence of central obesity and fat % were 52.3% and 37.2%, respectively. Between study
groups, there were significant differences in fat% (p=0.004), central obesity (p<0.001), FBG (p=0.024), cholesterin (p=0.017), LDL (p=0.018), HDL (p=0.003), ferrum (p=0.010), АЛАТ (p=0.020), and GGT (p<0.001).
Conclusion
In overweight and obesity groups, the body fat, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, LDL, and ALT levels are
increased. These changes often lead to conditions like type 2 diabetes, arterial hypertension, steatotic liver disease, and liver fibrosis. Therefore, it is important to develop plans for prevention, early detection,
public awareness, and intervention programs targeting obesity in the general population.
5.Results of determination of salidroside content in roots and rhizomes of cultivated and natural Rhodiola rosea L
Khishigjargal B ; Lkhaasuren R ; Batdorj D ; Suvdaa T ; Gantogtokh G ; Orkhon N ; Tsetsegmaa S ; Khurelbaatar L
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2021;195(1):51-55
Introduction:
Rhodiola rosea L. (R.rosea) is a popular plant in traditional medicine of the Nordic countries, Eastern
Europe, and Asia. R.rosea plants are successfully cultivated in Mongolia. The Botanical Garden of
Medicinal Plants under the “Monos” Group started to cultivate R. rosea since May 2015.
Objective:
The aim of this research was to study the salidroside contents of R.rosea collected from Zavkhan
and Khuvsgul province, Mongolia, and cultivated in the Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Drug
research Institute, Monos group.
Material and Methods:
The underground parts of wild roseroot plants were collected from April to May 2020 from Jargalant
soum, Khuvsgul province, and Nomrog soum, Zavkhan province, 3-years and 4-years-old cultivated
R.rosea gathered from the Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants in April 2020. For comparison,
4-year-old Rhodiola grenulata (R. grenulata) was ordered from Shanxi Zhendong Genuine Medicinal
Materials Development Co., Ltd, China, and used for the study. The quantity of the salidroside
constituents of the underground parts were compared and the sourcing of roseroot raw material was
evaluated. Chemical analysis of roots and rhizome of R. Rosea namely the appearance, identification,
moisture, organic impurities, mineral impurities, residue on ignition, water-soluble extractives, fresh
weight of roots, and salidroside content were determined according to the National Pharmacopoeia of
Mongolia (NPhM) 2011. Microbiological analysis was performed in accordance with the requirements
of grade 3b specified in Annex 1 of the Order No. A / 219 of the Minister of Health dated May 30,
2017 to determine the degree of microbiological purity in medicinal products of roots and rhizome
raw materials.
Result:
The content of salidroside, the main biologically active substance of R.rosea plant, was 1.57% in
samples collected from Zavkhan province, 1.45% in samples collected from Khuvsgul province, 1.7%
in samples grown in China and 0.25% for 3-years-old samples and 1.89% for 4-years-old samples grown in the Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Monos group, Mongolia. In addition, these raw
materials meet the general requirements for plant raw materials and microbiological parameters.
Conclusion
Samples of underground parts of R.rosea cultivated for 4 years in the Botanical Garden of Medicinal
Plants have the highest content (1.89%) of the salidrosde. Therefore, it is suggested that the roots
and rhizomes of R.rosea planted in the future can be standardized and used as a raw materials for
medicines.
6.Association between serum cryoglobulinemia and clinical manifestation in chronic hepatitis C patients
Amin-Erdene G ; Gantogtokh D ; Yumchinsuren Ts ; Dolgion D ; Bolor U ; Otgongerel N ; Enkhmend Kh ; Ganchimeg D ; Tulgaa L ; Sarnai Ts ; Batbold B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):92-99
Background:
The most common clinical manifestation of HCV infection, which includes both hepatic and extrahepatic
manifestations, is mixed cryoglobulinemia, which is characterized by the precipitation of certain proteins in the blood at
temperatures below 37°C (in vitro), aggregation, and deposition in the walls of small and medium-sized vessels, causing
vasculitis, which is clinically manifested by a triad of joint pain, fatigue, and rash on the soles of the feet. Cryoglobulinemia is commonly diagnosed in people with HCV infection, with a prevalence ranging from 10% to 70%. Vasculitis that
occurs when cryoglobulinemia is detected mainly affects the small vessels of the skin, kidneys, and peripheral nerves,
causing complications in other organ systems.
Aim :
To determine the prevalence of cryoglobulinemia in people with HCV infection, study it in relation to the stage of
liver fibrosis, and determine its clinical relevance.
Materials and Methods :
200 chronic HCV infected individuals were included in the study according to the inclusion
and exclusion criteria. After obtaining informed consent from each participant, a questionnaire was used to collect information, perform physical measurements, and collect peripheral blood samples. Complete blood count and biochemical
tests (liver and kidney function) were performed. The degree of liver fibrosis was assessed non-invasively (APRI, FIB4). The glomerular filtration rate was calculated electronically using the MDRD GFR Equation. Skin examination was
performed to assess the presence of rash, ulcers, and scarring on the shins and ankles of cryoglobulinemia. To determine
cryoglobulinemia, 8 ml of blood was collected in a tube without anticoagulant, and the sample was kept motionless for
1 hour at room temperature until clotting was complete. After centrifugation, the samples were separated and stored in a
refrigerator at +4°C for 7 days, and then at room temperature for 30 minutes, the precipitate was detected.
Results :
A total of 200 people participated in the study, of which 71 were men (35.5%), the average age was 53.39±13.0.
Cryoglobulinemia protein precipitates were determined in a total of 148 people, of which 50 were men (33.8%), the
average age was 52.95±13.0. Cryoglobulinemia protein precipitates were detected in 89 people, or 60.1% of the study
participants. Of the total study participants, 176 (88.0%) had chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Of these, 57 people had CHC
with cryoglobulinemia. Comparing laboratory parameters, the mean GGT level in the cryoglobulinemia group was statistically significantly higher than in the non-cryoglobulinemia group (p=0.039). However, when laboratory parameters
were grouped by increasing or decreasing, AST and ALT levels were significantly higher in the cryoglobulinemia group,
indicating more hepatocellular damage (p<0.000). Increased creatinine levels may be associated with the risk of renal
dysfunction. The FIB-4 index and APRI index showed a more severe degree of fibrosis in the cryoglobulinemia group
(p<0.005; p<0.000). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age was associated with the occurrence of cryoglobulinemia (OR=2.48; 95% CI:1.31–4.70; p=0.005). Platelet count had a statistically significant positive effect in multivariate analysis (OR=14.38; 95% CI:1.26–163.89; p=0.032).
Conclusion
The prevalence of cryoglobulinemia among HCV-infected patients was 60.1%, and older age and decreased
platelet count among infected individuals were associated with the occurrence of cryoglobulinemia.
7.Correlation between FTO gene rs9939609, rs17817449 polymorphisms and, obesity
Yumchinsuren Ts ; Dolgion D ; Yesukhei E ; Baljinnyam T ; Enkhmend Kh ; Ganchimeg D ; Gantogtokh D ; Otgongerel N ; Batbold B ; Shiirevnyamba A ; Tulgaa L
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):136-141
Background:
In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that globally, 2.5 billion (43%) of adults aged
18 and older were overweight, with 890 million (16%) of these individuals classified as living with obesity. Some genes
such as the FTO gene are strongly associated with obesity and overweigh. The FTO protein is crucial in regulating food
consumption, appetite, energy equilibrium, and expenditure.
Aim:
The identify single nucleotide polymorphisms rs9939609 and rs17817449 of the FTO gene, which are associated
with obesity, and to study their correlation with antropometric measurements and some laboratory test parameters.
Materials and Methods:
According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 50 obese (BMI >30 kg/m²) were included in
the case group, and 50 relatively healthy and normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²) were enrolled in the control group,
for a total of 100 people matched for age and gender (1:1). We took physical measurements and collected peripheral blood
samples after obtaining informed consent from each participant. Laboratory analyses assessed some parameters of lipid
and glucose metabolism. We used the PCR-RFLP technique on two genotype SNPs. A p-value below 0.05 was considered
a statistically significant result.
Results:
In this study, including 100 people aged 23 to 75, the mean age was 46.81±11.54 years, with 60% being female.
In terms of antropometric measurements, body mass index, waist circumference, and arterial pressure were markedly
elevated in the case group compared to the control group (p<0.001). In laboratory measures, fasting blood glucose,
cholesterol, and mean LDL mean levels were statistically significantly higher in the case group compared to the control
group. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol levels were lower in the case group compared to the control group. The FTO
gene rs9939609 single nucleotide polymorphism was identified in 62% of the total study individuals as TT, 35% as AT,
and 3% as AA genotypes. Also, FTO gene rs17817449 single nucleotide polymorphism was identified in 62% of the total
study individuals as TT, 33% as AT, and 5% as AA genotypes.
Conclusion
The rs9939609 AT/AA genotype of the FTO gene elevates the risk of obesity and is associated with increased body weight, waist circumference, and BMI.
8.Studying the relationship between Cryoglobulinemia and liver fibrosis in patients with chronic Hepatitis C virus infection
Amin-Erdene G ; Gantogtokh D ; Turmanduul Ch ; Yumchinsuren Ts ; Dolgion D ; Enkhmend Kh ; Bolor U ; Otgongerel N ; Ganchimeg D ; Tegshjargal B ; Tulgaa L ; Batbold B
Diagnosis 2024;111(4):10-19
Introduction:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has both hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations, and it is one of the leading cause of liver transplantation. There’s limited research on extrahepatic symptoms of chronic HCV in Mongolia, thus we aimed to investigate the relationship between cryoglobulinemia and it’s related factors.
Methods:
The study included 200 participants with active HCV, collecting blood samples for various tests (biochemical analysis, kidney function, and cryoglobulinemia detection). The degree of liver fibrosis was assessed using APRI and FIB4 scores, and the study evaluated other health conditions through a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-26.
Results:
Out of 200 participants, 148 checked for cryoglobulin precipitation and 89 (60.1%) were positive. There
was a statistically significant age difference between those with and without cryoglobulinemia (54.62 vs. 50.44 years). A higher percentage of participants with cryoglobulinemia had significant liver fibrosis (10.8% vs. 4.7% without). Liver fibrosis scores tended to increase with age, especially in men.
Conclusion
Liver fibrosis scores above 3.25 are associated with older age, lower platelet counts, elevated AST and ALT levels, and the presence of cryoglobulinemia. FIB4 scores were higher in men with active HCV and cryoglobulinemia.
9.Chronic kidney disease and serum NT-proBNP level
Sodgerel B ; Anudari I ; Buyandelger J ; Pilmaa Yo ; Gantogtokh D ; Yesukhei E ; Bilguun E ; Nyam-Erdene N ; Yundendash D ; Munkhbayar S ; Bolormaa Do ; Sarangerel Ga ; Munkhzul D ; Batbold B ; Sodnomtsogt L
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2024;210(4):9-17
Background:
Serum natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a critical biomarker for diagnosing left ventricular
dysfunction. Heart failure is the leading cause of mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD),
emphasizing the need for its early detection and prognosis.
Objective:
This study aimed to determine the serum NT-proBNP levels in participants with CKD and
establish a cut-off value for predicting heart failure.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to July 1,2024. This study
received approval from the Ethics Committee of the Institute of Medical Sciences (Approval
No.24/01). A total of 117 CKD patients hospitalized in the Nephrology and Endocrinology
Department of the third state hospital were enrolled based on predefined inclusion and
exclusion criteria. Data were collected using questionnaires, laboratory and heart ultrasound
test results. Serum NT-proBNP levels were measured using a rapid immunofluorescence
quantitative analyzer. Data were analyzed with SPSS 26.0.
Results:
The mean age of the 117 participants was 57.9 ± 14.7 years, with 51.3% being male. The
mean serum NT-proBNP level was 7686 ± 12149 pg/mL. Statistically significant differences
were observed in serum creatinine, sodium, calcium, CKD stage, and arterial hypertension
between genders (p<0.05). NT-proBNP levels in hemodialysis patients differed significantly
between heart failure and non-heart failure groups (p<0.05). Significant differences were
also found in hemoglobin, serum albumin, NT-proBNP levels, and CKD stages (p<0.05).
NT-proBNP correlated significantly with risk factors such as hemodialysis, diabetes, and decreased systolic blood pressure (p<0.0001). A weak inverse relationship was noted
between systolic blood pressure and NT-proBNP (R² = 0.16). The NT-proBNP cut-off value
for predicting heart failure was 3027 pg/mL, with an AUC of 61.7% (sensitivity: 74.5%,
specificity: 55%).
Conclusion
Serum NT-proBNP levels are elevated in CKD patients regardless of heart
failure. The established cut-off value for NT-proBNP in CKD patients to detect heart failure
was 3027 pg/mL, with moderate diagnostic utility (AUC = 61.7%).