Background: Musculoskeletal disorders account for 23.1-47.1% of occupational diseases in several countries. Studies have shown that operators of heavy machinery, including tractors and dump trucks, are twice as likely to experience lower back pain compared to workers not exposed to whole-body vibration. Furthermore, research has indicated that acute exposure to vibration can cause vasoconstriction and vascular inflammation. However, limited research has explored the relationship between lower back pain and specific biomarkers, highlighting the need for this study. Aim: This study aimed to compare lower back pain prevalence and muscle inflammation biomarkers among heavy machinery operators. Materials and Methods: A purposive sampling method was used to recruit 15 male participants aged 25-35 years who had worked as heavy machinery drivers for no more than three years. Inclusion criteria were: no alcohol consumption within 24 hours prior to sampling, body mass index (BMI) between 18.5-28.9 kg/m², no prior diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders, and absence of infectious or non-infectious diseases during the study period. Blood samples were analyzed for Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The mean BMI of participants was 25.89±3.23 kg/m². Over half (53.3%, n=8) exceeded the exposure limit for whole-body vibration. Low back pain was reported by 13 participants (86.7%) over the past six months and by 12 participants (80%) over the past seven days. TNF-α levels did not differ significantly between groups based on low back pain status or vibration exposure. However, IL-6 levels showed a significant increase 24 hours after whole-body vibration exposure (p=0.027). Conclusion Lower back pain was highly prevalent among participants exposed to whole-body vibration. Furthermore, IL-6 levels were elevated among participants reporting lower back pain, regardless of vibration exposure levels.

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.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disorder involving many organs and can devastate the lives of affected individuals. It is characterized by chronic high blood glucose that could lead to morbidity and mortality. The number of people suffering from diabetes worldwide is increasing at an alarming rate. It is predicted that about 366 million people are likely to be diabetic by the year 2030. Since all of the previous studies have focused on the therapeutic role of (Allium polyrhizum Turcz. ex Regel) preparations in diabetes mellitus, we investigated the preventive effect of oral administration of (Allium polyrhizum Turcz. ex Regel) extract on the changes of biochemical factors and histopathology alterations in hepatic tissue caused by diabetes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of water extract (Allium polyrhizum Turcz. ex Regel) on the metabolism of rats with diabetes induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin. Aim: To investigate the antidiabetic properties of aqueous extract of (Allium polyrhizum Turcz. ex Regel) and its beneficial effect on hematological parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Experimental was performed at the Institute of Mongolian Medicine and Chemistry, Inner Mongolia University. Male Wistar rats weighing (180 g) were obtained from The Animal Experimental Unit of Mongolia Medicine and Chemistry Research Center, Inner Mongolia University. The rats were housed in well-aerated individual cages in an animal room and maintained in a temperature-controlled room (24±25°C) with a 12 h light/12 h dark cycle, 50-60 % humidity. They were fed with normal commercial chow and water ad libitum. Throughout the experiments, animals were processed according to the suggested international ethical guidelines for the care of laboratory animals, and all experimental procedures were approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of Inner Mongolia University. After 4 weeks, the rats were fasted for 8 h before blood sampling, water was not restricted. Blood samples were collected from the orbital venous plexus. Results: The blood glucose level was significantly increased in model group 24.14±2.28 mmol/L, to Control group 5.31±0.49 mmol/L. Oral administration of Allium polyrhizum Turcz.ex Regel treated group 10.5±4.05 mmol/L, Metformin treated group 9.05±2.71 mmol/L resulted in significantly decreased blood glucose levels less model group. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that Allium polyrhizum Turcz.ex Regel possesses hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats and therapy of diabetes and its complications especially when used for a longer period.

Background: In traditional medicine, the Shimshin-6 formulation, which consists of Rheum undulatum L., Hippophae rhamnoides L., Zingiber officinalie Roscoe, Saussurea Lappa C.B.Clark, Sal ammoniacum, Tronae veneni, is recommended for women experiencing menstrual retention disorders. In recent years, Shimshin-6 has been widely used to promote postpartum uterine involution for women and our study aimed to evaluate and determine the acute and chronic toxicity effects of Shimshin-6. Aim: To evaluate and substantiate the acute and chronic toxicity effects of Shimshin-6. Materials and Methods: The acute toxicity of Shimshin-6 was evaluated using the rapid method described by V.B. Prozorovsky (1978) by administering intraperitoneal injections of the medicinal extract in white mice to determine the lethal dose. The active dose was determined following the methodology of I.P. Zapadnyuk (1983). Chronic toxicity was evaluated in Wistar rats according to the OECD 407 (2008) guidelines. The test animals were administered Shimshin-6 in tablet form (90 mg/kg and 180 mg/kg) and decoction form (tang) (162 mg/kg) daily for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, biochemical and complete blood analyses were conducted, along with histopathological examination of major organs. The study was conducted with ethical approval granted by the Ethics Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS) on October 25, 2024. Results: The LD50 for Shimshin-6 tablets was 4.47 (3.39–5.1) g/kg, indicating low acute toxicity based on the K.K. Sidorov classification. The LD50 for the decoction form was 8.1 (7.1–9.4) g/kg, suggesting it is non-toxic. Regarding chronic toxicity, platelet count was significantly reduced compared to the healthy control group: Shimshin-6 tablet group: 46% reduction at 90 mg/kg and 29.7% reduction at 180 mg/kg. Shimshin-6 decoction group: 60.5% reduction at 162 mg/ kg. Additionally, hemoglobin levels in the decoction group (162 mg/kg) decreased by 15.7% (p<0.05). Biochemical analysis showed a 36.3% reduction in total cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the tablet group (180 mg/kg) and decoction group (162 mg/kg) compared to the control (p<0.05). Conclusion Shimshin-6 tablets showed low acute toxicity in experimental mice. However, long-term administration may lead to a reduction in platelet count.

Background: This study explores the potential of food industry by-products, such as plant peels, stems, and slags, as valuable sources of lignocellulosic material (LCM), which contains 25-40% xylan. These underutilized resources, often discarded as waste, hold the promise of sustainable applications in biotechnology. By safely extracting xylooligosaccharides (XOS) from LCM biomass, the value of these materials can be significantly enhanced, contributing to green production and supporting sustainable development. XOS, recognized for its prebiotic activity, has been shown to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, making it a vital research area in the fields of food science, medicine, and technology. Aim: To extract and characterize oligosaccharides derived from by-products of the food industry, evaluate their physicochemical properties, and investigate selected biological activities. Materials and Methods: This study utilized microwave pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis to isolate and purify XOS from wheat bran and brewers’ spent grains (BSG), provided by Altan Taria LLC and APU CoL, respectively. Microwave irradiation at 200°C for 5 minutes was employed as a pretreatment step, followed by hydrolysis using commercial xylanase (Thermomyces lanuginosus, recombinant Aspergillus oryzae, 2500 BXU/g) at 55°C for 24 hours. The resulting hydrolysate underwent filtration with activated carbon and ethanol precipitation to yield purified XOS. Analytical methods, including FTIR spectroscopy, TLC and HPLC, were used for structural and compositional analysis of the purified oligosaccharides. In vitro tests evaluated the ability of XOS to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, including Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus fermentum (ATCC 9338), and Lactobacillus casei (ATCC 344), using XOS-enriched media. Additionally, in vivo studies were conducted on rats to determine the biological effects of XOS on gut microbiota. Results: The results demonstrated that prolonged enzymatic hydrolysis for more than 10 hours, using 0.25 g of xylanase per 100 g of substrate, resulted in optimal yields. XOS purity was measured at 87.6% with an 8.1 g yield from wheat bran and 89% purity with a 7.2 g yield from brewers’ spent grains. Structural analysis confirmed the presence of xylobiose, xylotriose, and xylotetraose, with xylotetraose being the most abundant component in WBP-XOS (47.5%), and xylobiose dominating BGS’s derived XOS (47.8%). Biological effects revealed that wheat bran-derived XOS significantly supported the growth of Bifidobacterium spp. and L. fermentum (ATCC 9338) in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas no significant effect was observed on L. casei (ATCC 344). In vivo studies confirmed that XOS consumption increased populations of Bifidobacterium spp. and Akkermansia muciniphila spp. in gut microbiota (p<0.05). Furthermore, XOS consumption reduced plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C levels while increasing HDL-C levels, demonstrating metabolic benefits. Conclusion This research establishes that XOS with prebiotic activity can be efficiently extracted and purified from food industry by-products using microwave-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis. This approach highlights the potential of utilizing agricultural and industrial waste for producing functional prebiotics, contributing to sustainable practices and offering valuable applications in health and nutrition.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer originating from liver cells, classified as a chronic liver disease. This cancer ranks third in the world in terms of mortality rate. The MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) and Child-Pugh scoring systems are utilized to assess the prognosis of chronic liver diseases. Based on studies suggesting that certain blood test indicators, particularly red cell distribution width (RDW), could be used to predict the prognosis of liver cancer and other cancers, as well as serve as diagnostic markers, this topic was chosen to evaluate the clinical significance of RDW in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aim: The aim is to study some blood test indicators and compare them with the MELD score and Child-Pugh score systems in order to determine the prognosis of chronic liver diseases. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted at Mongolia-Japan Hospital. Among 322 patients diagnosed with HCC, 24 patients were selected for the case group, and 37 patients with liver cirrhosis were included in the control group. Results: According to the research criteria, 61 patients were selected and divided into 3 groups, and statistical analysis was performed. In the detailed blood test, platelet count and WBC count showed statistically significant differences among the 3 groups (p< 0.024). In the biochemical tests, C-reactive protein (CRP) was p< 0.018, total bilirubin p< 0.001, and the mean albumin level p< 0.015, all showing statistically significant differences among the 3 groups. A statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between RDW-CV and the clinical MELD score (r=-0.356). Conclusion Platelet count, RDW, CRP, total bilirubin, and average albumin levels are significantly different across the studied groups. RDW-CV shows a moderate inverse correlation with MELD scores, suggesting its potential as a prognostic marker in chronic liver diseases. Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended to confirm these findings.

Background: Down syndrome (DS) is a chromosomal disorder and a leading cause of intellectual and physical developmental delay in children. In Mongolia, there is no current national guideline recommending the use of the quadruple biomarker test for prenatal screening of DS. Instead, triple marker testing during the second trimester remains standard practice. However, the quadruple test offers higher specificity and sensitivity. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine gestational age specific normative values for the quadruple markers, adjusted for ethnic characteristics. Currently, multiple of the median (MoM) values for Mongolian women are calculated using reference medians derived from Caucasian populations. This study aims to establish population-specific reference values for Mongolian women. Objective: To determine the normative serum levels of second-trimester quadruple biomarkers — alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), free beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), unconjugated estriol (uE3), and inhibin A (Inh-A) — in Mongolian pregnant women. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted involving pregnant women between 14 and 21 weeks of gestation. The concentrations of each biomarker were analyzed using multivariable quantile regression models, adjusting for gestational age and maternal weight. Results: MoM values calculated using the Mongolian model differed significantly from those based on the Caucasian model (Wilcoxon signed-rank test; p < 0.001). Specifically, the concentrations and MoM values for AFP and uE3 were significantly lower, while those for β-hCG and Inh-A were notably higher in the Mongolian cohort. Conclusion The serum levels of β-hCG and Inh-A were significantly elevated in Mongolian pregnant women compared to the ethnicity-adjusted Caucasian reference model, highlighting the importance of using population-specific normative data for accurate prenatal screening.

Background: Saliva as a non-invasive biological sample can be a game-changer in early disease detection and health risk assessment. Objective: To examine the association between participants' dietary patterns and the activity of salivary amylase, along with serum amylase levels in humans. Materials and methods: This study was conducted at the research laboratory of the Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedicine, MNUMS. A total of 30 students aged 19–22 years participated in the study. Saliva samples were collected three times at one-week intervals, and one blood sample was collected from each participant, alongside a dietary questionnaire. The activity of the amylase enzyme in both saliva and serum samples was determined using the iodine-starch method. Results: When evaluating the amylase enzyme activity based on participants' carbohydrate intake, the result was p > 0.05, indicating no statistically significant difference. Similarly, statistical analysis of the use of mouthwash and vitamin supplements also showed p > 0.05, which means these variables had no statistically significant effect on amylase activity. The correlation between salivary and serum amylase activity was found to be r = 0.365, indicating a weak positive correlation, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion The intake of carbohydrates, vitamins, and mouthwash does not significantly affect the activity level of the salivary amylase enzyme, according to research findings. However, external factors such as stress and air pollution have been shown to exert a measurable influence on its activity. A comparative analysis of enzyme levels in saliva and blood using amylase as a representative marker revealed similar activity levels in both fluids. This suggests that saliva may serve as a viable non invasive sample for detecting various biomarkers and diagnosing diseases. The results underscore the potential of salivary components, particularly amylase, as valuable indicators in diagnostic applications.

Background: Due to Mongolia’s harsh climate and seasonal limitations in fresh food supply, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants are often consumed in preserved forms. However, the preservation methods and storage conditions may significantly alter their antioxidant activity, which is crucial for mitigating oxidative stress and preventing chronic diseases. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of 19 commonly consumed vegetables, berries, and dried medicinal plants under different storage conditions including fresh, cold storage (cellar), and frozen (-20°C). Methods: Samples were extracted in 80% methanol and tested using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Absorbance was measured at 517 nm using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. IC⁻⁻ values were calculated to compare antioxidant potency. Statistical differences were assessed using paired and unpaired t-tests with SPSS v27 (p<0.05) Results: Cold storage significantly reduced antioxidant activity in root vegetables, with IC⁻⁻ values increasing by 2.4 to 13.5 times (p<0.01), indicating diminished radical scavenging potencial. In contrast, frozen samples showed minimal change (p>0.05). Dried medicinal plants such as Rosa canina and Thymus serpyllum maintained strong activity, with IC⁻⁻<50 μg/mL. Conclusion Cellar storage leads to a notable decline in antioxidant capacity of common vegetables, while freezing is a more effective method for preservation. Dried medicinal herbs remain potent sources of antioxidants and may be recommended for year-round use in Mongolian diets.

Background: The synthesis of multifunctional nanoparticles by integrating the bioactive properties of the ethanol extract of Urtica dioica L. a medicinal plant widely distributed in Mongolia, with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) serves as the foundation of the present study. The aim is to produce nanoparticles with synergistic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. Objective: To synthesise dual-action nanoparticles (NPs) by integrating ZnO with the extract of Urtica dioica L. and to characterise their properties. Materials and Methods: The Control group, as ZnO-NPs, and the study group, as medicinal plant ethanol extraction loaded nanoparticles (UD-ZnO-NPs), were synthesised using green synthesis techniques. The morphology and particle size were characterised by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), chemical bonding was analysed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and crystalline structure was examined by X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Hemolytic activity assays were conducted to assess cytotoxicity. Results: The Control and study group’s morphology and size distribution were uniform and spherical. The average particle size of the study group (UD-ZnO NPs) was 63 nm, while the control group (ZnO-NPs) was 77 nm. FTIR analysis showed that the basic chemical bonds in both types of nanoparticles were similar; however, additional peaks corresponding to the bioactive compounds from the Urtica dioica extract were detected in the UD ZnO-NPs. XRD analysis revealed that both types of ZnO-NPs investigated the same crystalline structure, consistent with the standard reference data (JCPDS No. 36 1451). Hemolysis assays showed that at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 mg/ mL, the hemolytic activity was below 5%, indicating low cytotoxicity. Conclusion ZnO-NPs with and without Urtica dioica extract were successfully synthesized via a green method, yielding spherical, uniformly dispersed particles ranging from 63 to 77 nm in size. While the structural and crystalline characteristics of the NPs remained consistent, the presence of bioactive compounds was confirmed in the UD-ZnO-NPs. Hemolytic assays indicated dose-dependent cytotoxicity, highlighting the importance of concentration in biomedical applications.