1.Issue in late diagnosis of gastric cancer
Tulgaa L ; Ganchimeg D ; Chinzorig M ; Erkhembayar E ; Tegshjargal B ; Nasanjargal T ; Dashmaa A ; Bayar D ; Tsegmed S ; Bolor-Erdene T ; Otgonbayar I ; Batbold B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2019;187(1):42-47
Introduction:
Gastric cancer is still one of the most leading causes of mortality in the world. The highest mortality rate of gastric cancer is estimated in Mongolia. South Korea and Japan, where leading the incidence of gastric cancer, mortality rates are observed in 51th and 31nd rank respectively. In Mongolia, gastric cancer is the second leading site, after liver cancer.
Goal:
We aimed to determine the cause of late diagnosis of gastric cancer and to evaluate supply of upper endoscopy devices and human resource for gastric cancer in the general hospital of provinces and districts.
Materials and Methods:
In this study, 84 patients suffering from gastric cancer (42 patients in III, IV TNM stage; 42 patients in I, II TNM stage)were investigated in National Cancer Center, Mongolia. A survey questionnaire which included age, gender, education, income, risk factors and clinical questions was detected from all patients. And we conducted study of supply of upper endoscopy devices and human resource for gastric cancer in general hospitals of from 21 provinces and general hospitals of 6 districts by questionnaire.
Results:
Seventy three(86.9%) patients were over 50 years old and the highest rates of gastric cancer were in group of 61-70 years (40.5%). From the results, the reason to visiting hospital was significantly different between two groups. 55.1% of patients suffering from early-stage gastric cancer were voluntarily diagnosed by upper endoscopy. In contrary, 55.8% of patients suffering from late-stage gastric cancer have visited the hospital due to worsening symptoms or dysphagia and vomiting. Factors such as age, gender, education, employment status and income had no significant effect on late diagnosis of gastric cancer. In totally 24(89%)general hospitals out of 27 had upper endoscopy devices and 22 (81.5%) hospitals had endoscopist. Although 75% of total general hospitals conduct
annual cancer screening, 64% of them do not perform the endoscopy in annual screening.
Conclusion
In our country, late diagnosis of gastric cancer is related to the attitudes of patients for preventing and screening disease. Therefore, it is important to improve the health education of the population and to develop healthy, right attitudes and practices. And the study revealed that general hospitals have insufficient for upper endoscopy devices and human resource.
2.The Contribution of Academician Byambajav Ragchaa to the Development of Internal Medicine Diagnostics and Hepatology
Dolgion D ; Tulgaa L ; Bira N ; Badamjav S ; Enkh-Amar A
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):8-13
Background:
Academician Ragchaa B made a profound contribution to the foundation and development of internal
medicine in Mongolia. He was among the first graduates of the Faculty of Medicine at the National University of Mongolia,
becoming the country’s first internal medicine physician, educator, and researcher in the field of internal pathology.
Ragchaa B achieved numerous pioneering roles, including being, the first Mongolian head of the Department of Internal
Medicine, and the first professor in this specialty. His extensive contributions helped establish and advance internal medicine
and medical education in Mongolia.
Aim:
The aim of this study is to analyze the scholarly works of Academician Ragchaa Byambajav to explore and disseminate
his valuable contributions to the foundation and development of the science of “Internal Medicine Diagnostics” and
hepatology
Materials and Methods:
This study utilized a documentary research method to analyze the contributions of the distinguished
scholar, Academician Ragchaa B. The research involved a comprehensive review of his published books, textbooks,
scientific articles, presentations, and archival materials. Additionally, the study examined references to Ragchaa B
in books, newspapers, and collected written and oral recollections from his former students across different generations.
Through systematic analysis of these sources, the study aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of his academic and
professional legacy.
Results:
Academician Ragchaa B, during his teaching career, graduated approximately 4,000 medical professionals and
produced a total of 156 scholarly works. Drawing from his vast knowledge, skills, and experience, he became renowned
for writing the textbooks “Clinical Aspects of Botkin’s Disease” (1969) and “Diagnosis of Internal Diseases” (1970),
earning recognition as the first scholar to author a Mongolian medical textbook.
In 1977, Professor Ragchaa B consolidated his research on liver diseases and authored the monograph “Clinical Aspects
of Botkin’s Disease,” which led to him earning the Doctor of Medical Sciences (Sc.D.) degree.
Conclusion
1. Academician Ragchaa Byambajav was a distinguished scholar who made significant contributions to the science of
internal medicine diagnostics. He served as the first Mongolian head of the “Department of Internal Medicine Diagnostics”
in 1953, teaching for over 50 years and acting as a consultant in internal medicine for more than 40 years.
2. He directed research on viral hepatitis and authored the monograph “Clinical Aspects of Botkin’s Disease”, which
led to his achievement of a Doctor of Medical Sciences degree in 1977. This accomplishment established him as the
first specialized researcher and educator in hepatology in Mongolia.
3.Comparative study of subcutaneous fat area and visceral fat area among healthy and metabolic syndrome patients
Munkh-Erdene U ; Odmaa T ; Solongo Ts ; Ganchimeg S ; Egshiglen G ; Anir B ; Ariunaa A ; Navchaa G ; Tulgaa S ; Munkhtsetseg J
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):36-41
Background:
Obesity, especially central obesity, is a risk factor for non-communicable chronic diseases such as dyslipidemia,
type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and metabolic syndrome (MetS).
Aim:
Study the association between the subcutaneous fat area (SFA) and visceral fat area (VFA) with lipid metabolism
parameters in adults with MetS.
Materials and Methods:
Data from 1511 participants who visited the ‘NURA Mongolia’ Ai Health screening center
between September 2023 and February 2024, including general information, DEXA (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry), and
biochemical analysis results, were used. Metabolic syndrome (MeS) was assessed based on the harmonizing criteria 2009
(≥3 criteria). VFA and SFA were categorized into four groups using quartiles (Q1-Q4). Statistical analysis was performed
using SPSS v26, including T-tests, multiple logistic regression (OR, 95% CI), and ROC (AUC) analysis.
Results:
The average age of the participants was 30.5±3.9 years, with a BMI of 25.1 kg/m², and 49.5% were male. The
group with MetS (n=531) had significantly higher levels of VFA and SFA compared to the group that rated their health as
relatively healthy and had no clinical diagnosis (n=979) (control group) (p<0.0001), with males showing higher VFA and
females showing higher SFA (p<0.0001). The Q4 group for VFA had a significant association with MetS in males (4.611,
95% CI=2.394–9.591) and females (2.253, 95% CI=1.097-3.912) (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that increased
VFA was more strongly associated with MetS in males (β=0.325, p<0.0001) and females (β=0.338, p<0.003) than
BMI. The AUC for predicting MetS was 0.790 (95% CI=0.750-0.831) for VFA and 0.401 (95% CI=0.351-0.451) for SFA,
with all results being statistically significant (p<0.001). VFA had a higher predictive value compared to other markers.
Conclusion
In healthy men with metabolic syndrome, VFA is more prominently defined, while SFA is higher in healthy
women. Since VFA is a better predictor of metabolic syndrome than SFA, it increases the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular
diseases and type 2 diabetes in men, whereas SFA in women serves as a protective factor.
4.The incidence of stomach and esophageal cancer in Mongolia: a data from 2009-2018
Tulgaa L ; Nasanjargal T ; Ulziisaikhan B ; Ganchimeg D ; Tegshjargal B ; Tsegmed S ; Batbold B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2020;192(2):27-36
Introduction:
Cancer is a major public health issue both in Asia and in Mongolia. The most prevalent cancer related
deaths in Mongolia are registered for the stomach, esophagus and liver.
Purpose:
We aimed to investigate the incidence of stomach and esophageal cancer in Mongolian population.
Materials and Methods:
Epidemiologic data were collected from 2009 to 2018 through the oncology cabinet of all hospitals and
medical centers from all provinces, soums (the smallest unit of provinces) and major districts of the
capital city. The incidence of stomach and esophageal cancer was calculated by appropriate methods
and it was presented by ArcGIS Pro 9.2 software. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be
statistically significant and based on two side hypotheses. All calculations were performed in the IBM
SPSS Statistics software. The study design in concordance with ethical guidelines was approved
by the Ethics Committee of Ministry of Health Mongolia. All clinical investigations were conducted
according to the principles laid down in the Declaration of Helsinki.
Results:
The incidence of esophageal cancer in last ten years (2009-2018) was 10.09 in 100000 populations
and the highest incidence were registered in Uvs (38.13), Bayan-Ulgii (24.15) and Zavkhan (18.18)
provinces, respectively. The incidence of stomach cancer was 20.33 in 100000 populations and the
highest incidences were registered in Uvs (53.01), Khovd (46.02) and Darkhan-Uul (40.50) provinces,
respectively.
Conclusion
1. Incidence rates for esophageal and stomach cancer are high among the Mongolian population.
In the last decade, the incidence of esophageal cancer had not decreased significantly, but it’s
constant.
In our study, the esophageal cancer incidence was 10.09 per 100’000 people, which includes
one of the high incidence rate countries according to the WHO classification. More than 10
aimags incidence rate of esophageal cancer was higher than the National average. Most of them have occurred in the western region of the country. Most of the Western, some of Khangai and
Eastern soums have had the highest incidence of esophageal cancer what we have shown on
the mapping.
2. The incidence rates of stomach cancer were registered as 20.33 per 100’000 people in the last
10 years at the national level. It has shown that according to the WHO classification, our country
is also one of the countries with the highest incidence of stomach cancer. The stomach cancer
incidence trend was increased in the last 10 decades. Therefore, some of aimag’s soums has
included the highest rate classification. In addition, some soums in the Western, Khangai, and
Eastern aimags had have a very high incidence of stomach cancer.
According to results in the above, the nationwide targeted prevention program is needed
especially where the highest incidence rates. Also there is a lack of cooperation between national
organizations to accurate registration of gastrointestinal cancer and to fight against these harmful
cancers.
5.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.
6.The effect of nutrition risk factors for esophageal and gastric cancer
Enkhmyagmar D ; Tulgaa L ; Nasanjargal T ; Batbold B ; Ganchimeg D ; Tegshjargal B ; Bolor-Erdene T ; Bayar D ; Erkhembayar E ; Chinzorig M ; Dashmaa A ; Tsegmed S
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2019;187(1):80-86
Gastric and esophageal cancer is a significant global health issue. The epidemiology of these tumors has significantly increased over the past several years especially in developing and developed countries. Many dietary exposures have been proposed to protect against or increase risk for esophageal and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including poor diets, foods, individual nutrients, methods of food preparation, and habits of consumption. Overweight/obese status is associated with an increased risk for many cancer types such as esophageal, gallbladder, kidney, pancreatic and
gastric cancer. The association between obesity and cancer is strong. Nowadays there is a recognized decrease in incidence and mortality of distal gastric cancer and an increase in incidence and mortality of proximal esophageal cancer. In Mongolia, gastric cancer is the second most common cancer in males and the third most common in females. It is very important to understand how diet and nutrition affect to gastric and esophageal cancers. In this review we will discuss the effect of diet in locally advanced gastro-esophageal cancer. Although we tried to conclude all published articles about gastric and esophageal cancers in Mongolia.
In this survey, is considered dietary risks into 5 groups as following;
• Insufficient nutrition education(don’t know food and nutrients significance and food hygiene, don’t know right consumption of food)
• Bad habits (hot tea and meals, salty tea and food, low consumption of fruits and vegetables, sometimes eating breakfast, most of daily energy of food in the night, high amount of sugar, a drink of caffeine, overweight and etc.)
• Food processing technology (such as overcooking, pickling, preserving, frying, excessive salt in tea fried and etc).
• Chemical contaminants in food products (various inorganic fertilizers, heavy metals and etc.)
• Household economic capacity is influencing
Diet can be used as a tool to evoke the positive/desirable biological responses of an organism aiming to maximize health and protection against diseases (chronic/non-communicable diseasesparticularly cancer) by mostly means of prevention.
7.Involvement of Vitamin D in Immune system
Baljinnyam T ; Batchimeg B ; Zolzaya D ; Ganchimeg D ; Lkhaasuren N ; Oyungerel G ; Munkhtsetseg B ; Khaliun M ; Khulan U ; Bilguun E ; Batkhishig M ; Tulgaa L ; Bilegtsaikhan Ts ; Munkhbayar S ; Munkhtuvshin N ; Munkhbat B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2020;192(2):51-59
Research of function of vitamin D on immune system has been studying since the study revealed
that vitamin D receptor is expressed on the surface of the immune cells. 1,2-dihydroxyvitamin
D3 [1,25(OH)2D], physiologically active form, can be generated through hydroxylation of
25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D], inactive form of vitamin D, in a liver, connecting with specific VDR
make biological action. Vitamin D make different biological actions depends on connecting with
different immunological cells. Some studies indicated that Vitamin D plays pivotal role in antibacterial
innate immune responses through regulating reaction of the main cells as macrophages and dendritic
cells. Moreover, calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, is connected with VDRE, modulates the innate
immune response through directly inducing expression of catelicithin and β-defensin as antimicrobial
peptides, reducing secretion of IL-1b, IL-6, TNF-a, RANKL, COX-2 as proinflammatory cytokines and
increasing production of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Vitamin D plays in proliferation and
differentiation of T and B cells and regulates the activities of over 500 genes. Vitamin D differently
impacts on per se stages of T cells’ proliferation. Vitamin D indirectly mitigates the differentiation from
immature B cells to plasma B cells while it directly impacts on regulation of overloaded production of
antibodies in plasma B cells. In conclusion, vitamin D modulates the innate- and adaptive immune
response through regulation on activation of APCells, proliferation and differentiation of immune cells,
secretion of some antibacterial peptides.