1.The Relationship Between Metabolic Syndrome and Hyperferritinemia
Ankhbayar B ; Chuluunbileg B ; Amartaivan J ; Nyamdorj D ; Sarantuya E ; Uurtuya Sh
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):30-35
Background:
Hyperferritinemia, characterized by elevated serum ferritin levels, affects approximately 5–25% of the general
population. Given the frequent coexistence of liver iron overload syndrome and metabolic syndrome—both of which
significantly contribute to global morbidity and mortality—it is essential to investigate their interconnections. However,
there is a lack of sufficient evidence, both in Mongolia and internationally, regarding the relationship between iron storage
indicators, metabolic syndrome, and its components. A deeper understanding of iron’s role in disease progression is
needed.
Aim:
This study aims to assess the association between hyperferritinemia and metabolic syndrome parameters.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional analytical observational study was conducted on 159 male participants who
met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements
were taken. Blood samples were analyzed to determine glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein
(HDL) levels using an automated biochemical analyzer. Serum ferritin concentrations were measured via the ELISA
method (DRG Instruments GmbH, Germany), with hyperferritinemia defined as a serum ferritin level exceeding 400 ng/
ml. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed based on the Harmonized criteria. Statistical analyses included the chi-square
test and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables, the Mann-Whitney U test for non-normally distributed data, and
Spearman’s correlation test to assess relationships between glycemic levels, lipid parameters, and metabolic syndrome
components.
Results:
The findings indicate that 59 participants (37.1%) had metabolic syndrome, while 33 (20.8%) presented with
hyperferritinemia. The presence of metabolic syndrome and hyperglycemia increased the likelihood of developing hyperferritinemia
by 3.4 and 3.7 times, respectively, whereas abdominal obesity raised the risk by 2.2 times.
Conclusion
There was a significant correlation between serum ferritin levels and certain parameters of metabolic syndrome
among the male participants in this study.
2.Indoor Particulate Matter Concentration in Households of Darkhan City
Nyamdorj J ; Bolor M ; Maralmaa E ; Yerkyebulan M ; Ser-Od Kh ; Myagmarchuluun S ; Shatar Sh ; Gantuya D ; Gregory C. Gray ; Junfeng Zhang ; Ulziimaa D ; Damdindorj B ; Khurelbaatar N ; Davaalkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):25-29
Background:
A 2018 study on the global burden of disease, accidents, and risk factors reported that 1.6 million peo
ple died in 2017 due to household air pollution. Poor indoor air quality has been highlighted as a contributing factor to
respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and exacerbation of asthma and allergies. A 2019 study estimated that
long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less reduces average life
expectancy by 1.8 years, with more severe effects in highly polluted regions. Additionally, a study by Miller et al. (2007)
found that prolonged exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly among women. Direct
measurement devices are highly effective in determining indoor PM2.5 concentrations, identifying sources of pollution,
tracking pollutant dispersion, and monitoring temporal variations. Studies suggest that direct measurement is an accurate,
cost-effective method that provides detailed data suitable for local conditions.
Aim:
To investigate the indoor air quality of houses and apartments in Darkhan city during the winter season using the
Purple Air monitoring device.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted with a targeted sample of 128 households in Darkhan
city. The study examined factors such as stove type, type of coal used, annual and daily coal consumption, frequency of
heating, and chimney sealing conditions. To collect data, the Purple Air monitoring device was installed in each house
hold for a month, after which it was retrieved. During retrieval, participants completed a questionnaire. The questionnaire
consisted of 55 questions across 7 pages at the time of device installation and 25 questions across 3 pages at the time of
device retrieval. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 25.0.
Results:
A total of 128 households in Darkhan city participated in the study. The average duration of residence in the
current home was 9.5 years, with no statistically significant variation. The distribution of housing types was as follows:
traditional Mongolian gers (40.6%), houses (39.1%), and apartments (20.3%). The 24-hour average PM2.5 concentration
was highest in gers (70.9 μg/m³), followed by houses (46.8 μg/m³) and apartments (22.8 μg/m³), with a statistically significant difference (p=0.0001). PM2.5 levels were most variable in gers, followed by houses and then apartments. House
holds using central heating (apartments) had an average 24-hour PM2.5 concentration of 22.8 μg/m³, whereas households
using stoves (gers and houses) had a significantly higher concentration of 59.4 μg/m³ (p=0.0001). However, there was
no statistically significant difference between traditional and improved stoves. Among study participants, 21.4% reported
that someone in their household smoked indoors. Additionally, 86.5% regularly burned incense, candles, or herbs, while
99.2% did not use an air purifier.
Conclusion
The indoor particulate matter concentration in houses and gers in Darkhan was 59.4μг/m3. Variations in
stove types, poor chimney sealing limited space, and frequent gaps and cracks contribute to increased spread of indoor
air pollutants.
3.EFFECT OF TLR7 LIGAND ON SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION OF INTERFERON GAMMA
Baasansuren E ; Javkhlan B ; Baljinnyam T ; Erkhembayar Sh ; Batkhishig M ; Dolgorsuren S ; Enkhsaikhan L ; Ulziisaikhan J ; Khongorzul B ; Baigalmaa B ; Galindev B ; Sodnomtsogt L ; Nyambayar D ; Nyamdorj D ; Munkhtuvshin N ; Munkhbat B ; Bilegtsaikhan Ts
Innovation 2017;11(4):14-17
BACKGROUND: Toll like receptors (TLRs) are a class of proteins that key role in the innate immune system. TLR7 is expressed on monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells, T cell, B cell and eosinophiles. TLR7, originally identified as recognizing imidaquinoline, loxibrine, broprimine and ssRNA, ssRNA viruses such as vesicular stomatitis virus, influenza A virus and human immunodefiency virus. It is known that virus ssRNA affects signaling molecule of IFN-y. Objective: To determine gene and protein activation of IFN-y signal transduction by TLR7 ligand in the endothelial cells.
MATERIAL: In study we used mouse aortic linear endothelial cell which is cultured (END-D) in 5% heat- inactivated fetal calf serum (FCS), medium (DMEM) containing antibiotic mix(penicillin G, streptomycin, amphotericin B) at 37°C (5% CO2). Endothelial cells treated with synthetic IFN-γ and imiquimodligands, then the NO (nitric oxide) concentration in the supernatant is determined by Griess reagent. Endothelial cells are cultured in 6 well cell culture plate and in each well 2*104cells are expected to be grown for 24 hours of culture. Then, the cells are treated with synthetic IFN-γ and имиквимод ligand for 6 hours and the NO signaling gene activation iNOS mRNA expression which is induced by IFN-γ is determined by RT-qPCR. Endothelial cells are cultured in 12 well cell culture plate and in each well 2*104 cells are expected to be grown for 18 hours of culture. Then, the cells are treated with synthetic IFN-γ and imiquimodligands for 24 hours and the NO signaling protein iNOS expression which is induced by IFN-γ is determined by western blotting. The experiment was conducted as representation mean of at least three test results. The difference between statistical probabilities is determined by the “Students” t test. The p<0.01 value is assumed to be statistically different.
RESULTS: TLR7 ligand imiquimodaugmented interferon gamma induced nitric oxide production TLR7 ligand imiquimodincreased interferon gamma induced iNOS mRNA gene expression. TLR7 ilgand imiquimodup-regulated interferon gamma induced iNOS protein expression.
CONCLUSIONS: TLR7 ligand imiquimod augments IFN-γ signaling in the endothelial cells. This synergistic effect has revealed in the levels of gene and protein expression.