Background: Skin wound healing, elasticity, and protective functions are closely associated with cellular regeneration and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). MXRA7 (Matrix Remodeling Associated Protein 7) is a protein involved in ECM regulation, tissue regeneration, and inflammatory processes, and recent studies suggest that it may play a supportive role in skin wound healing. However, systematic investigations on natural small molecules capable of modulating MXRA7 activity remain limited. Flavonoids, on the other hand, have been reported to promote wound healing and ECM regulation through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it is hypothesized that flavonoid compounds may act as potential modulators of MXRA7 protein activity. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the binding affinity, binding energy, and interaction characteristics of 14 naturally occurring flavonoid compounds with the active site of the MXRA7 protein using a molecular docking approach. Materials and Methods: The molecular structures of the flavonoids were obtained from the PubChem database, and their interactions with the MXRA7 protein were investigated using molecular docking with CB-Dock2 and SwissDock software. Docking results were visualized using PyMOL and evaluated based on root mean square deviation (RMSD), binding free energy (∆G), inhibition constant (Ki), pose ranking, and cluster analysis. An RMSD value of ≤ 2.0 Å was considered indicative of a stable binding pose. Result: The RMSD values of the MXRA7–flavonoid complexes ranged from 0.081 to 0.622 Å, indicating that all compounds stably occupied the binding cavity of the protein. Fisetin (0.081 Å), naringenin (0.107 Å), and hesperetin (0.107 Å) exhibited the lowest RMSD values, suggesting highly stable binding poses. The binding free energy (∆G) values ranged from −6.0 to −7.1 kcal/mol, with protopine showing the strongest binding affinity (∆G=−7.1 kcal/mol). Most flavonoids formed hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and π–π interactions with key amino acid residues of MXRA7. Cluster analysis revealed that the majority of flavonoids shared a common binding mode, while fisetin, naringenin, and hesperetin formed a distinct subcluster with more stable binding poses. Ligand efficiency (LE) analysis indicated that chrysin, apigenin, and naringenin exhibited higher LE values, reflecting greater binding efficiency of smaller molecules. Conclusion This study demonstrates, through molecular docking analysis, that flavonoid compounds can stably interact with the active site of the MXRA7 protein. Protopine showed the strongest binding energy, whereas fisetin, naringenin, and hesperetin exhibited superior binding pose stability. These compounds may serve as potential bioactive molecules targeting MXRA7; however, further validation through molecular dynamics simulations and experimental studies is required.

Background: Type I hypersensitivity, commonly known as an allergic reaction, is characterised by an IgE-mediated immune response triggered when foreign proteins enter the body. During allergic reactions, cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13, secreted by T-helper 2 (Th2) cells, play a crucial role in activating immune effector cells like eosinophils and mast cells, which contribute significantly to airway inflammation and obstruction. Conversely, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), produced by Th1 cells, suppresses Th2-mediated responses and plays an essential role in regulating allergic inflammation. Therefore, determining the balance of cytokines produced by Th1 and Th2 cells is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying allergic responses. Aim: We aimed to induce an allergic response in experimental animals using ovalbumin and to determine the levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines using an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Materials and Methods: A total of 20 female C57BL/6 mice aged 6–8 weeks were selected for the experiment and randomly divided into two groups: control and experimental groups. The concentrations of IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines in mouse serum were determined using an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Result: Compared to the control group, the levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines in the serum of allergic model-induced C57BL/6 mice were determined to be 513.7 pg/mL and 193.2 pg/mL, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed in IL-4 cytokine levels between the two groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion In the allergic model group, serum levels of IL-4 cytokine were elevated, while IFN-γ cytokine levels were decreased, suggesting a predominant Th2-type immune response.

Background: Gliomas are common primary brain tumors of glial origin in adults with a poor prognosis. Tumor-related inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and aquaporin-4 (AQP-4) water channel protein have been reported to be expressed in gliomas Aim: This study aimed to determine their serum levels in patients with primary brain tumors compared to healthy controls and to evaluate their potential diagnostic value. Materials and Methods: Serum AQP-4 levels were measured by ELISA in 28 patients with primary brain tumors (PBT) and 26 healthy controls. IL-6 and TNF-α were assessed by flow cytometry in 59 PBT patients and 52 controls. Results: Among the primary brain tumor cases, 45.61% were meningiomas, 26.32% anaplastic astrocytomas, 8.77% glioblastomas, and 12.28% other tumors (including chondroma, ependymoma, schwannoma, craniopharyngioma). Serum IL-6, TNF-α, and AQP-4 levels were significantly higher in the PBT group compared with healthy controls. Conclusion Elevated serum levels of AQP-4, IL-6, and TNF-α in patients with primary brain tumors suggest that these biomarkers molecules could represent valuable non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection of PBT.

Background: The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Mongolia was reported on November 11, 2020. In response, the government imposed a nationwide lockdown, which significantly impacted the population’s mental health. Heightened levels of stress, anxiety, loneliness, and depression during the pandemic altered individuals’ psychological stability and behavior. Personality traits—defined as relatively stable patterns of emotion, cognition, and behavior—play a key role in stress responses and emotional regulation under pressure. Emerging evidence suggests that these psychological factors may influence the immune system’s responsiveness, including vaccine-induced antibody production. Aim: To evaluate the association between post-vaccination antibody responses and personality types following two doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Materials and Methods: A total of 738 participants who received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines (AstraZeneca ChAdOx1, n=29; Pfizer-BioNTech, n=119; Sinopharm BBIBP, n=590) and had no prior SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled. Serum samples were collected 21–28 days after the second dose, and SARS-CoV-2 RBD (S) IgG antibodies were measured using ELISA (Proteintech Inc., USA). Personality types were assessed using a 56-item temperament questionnaire developed by A. Belov, categorizing individuals into classical temperament types (choleric, phlegmatic, sanguine, melancholic). Logistic regression and ROC analysis were used to examine associations between personality types and antibody response. Results: The presence of an antibody response was significantly higher among individuals with a melancholic temperament, and significantly lower among those with a phlegmatic temperament. Furthermore, antibody titers were higher in participants with melancholic and sanguine temperaments and lower in those with a phlegmatic type. Conclusions 1. During the early period following the second dose of COVID-19 vaccination, the antibody response was higher in individuals with a pure melancholic temperament, while it was lower in those with a phlegmatic temperament. 2. After the second dose of the Sinopharm BBIBP COVID-19 vaccine, antibody titers were higher in individuals with pure melancholic and sanguine temperaments, and lower in those with a phlegmatic temperament.

Background: Osteoporotic fractures remain a major concern for public health and the economy. Osteoporosis is a chronic disease characterized by reduced bone density due to genetic, hormonal, mineral, and lifestyle factors. Although often asymptomatic, its primary complication is fractures, which lead to disability and loss of work capacity, impacting individuals, families, and society. In Mongolia, no long-term study has examined bone density changes and fracture risk factors, which forms the basis of this research. Aim: To assess 10-year changes in bone density and identify risk factors for fractures. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Department of Pathophysiology, School of Biomedicine, MNUMS. We have re-enrolled 133 adults from Ulaanbaatar between November 2023 and January 2024, originally part of the ‘Study of some risk and pathophysiological factors of osteoporosis in the Mongolian population’ funded by the Ministry of Health and the Science and Technology Fund of Mongolia. Data collection included questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, bone mineral density assessments using the ‘Sunlight Mini-Omni’ bone sonometer (Beammed, USA) Results: The mean age of participants was 54.4±9.6 years (N=133), with 33.1% (n=44) male and 66.9% (n=89) female. Among the participants, 51.1% had a history of bone fractures, with forearm fractures comprising 10.5% and other types of fractures accounting for 40.7%. The bone fractures was significantly higher among elderly individuals and those diagnosed with osteoporosis (p<0.05). The T-score was significantly lower in the fracture group than in the non-fracture group (p<0.05). Vitamin D deficiency was identified as a significant risk factor for fractures (p<0.05). Conclusion All participants’ bone density has decreased over the decade. Bone fractures are more common in elderly and people with osteoporosis. Inadequate vitamin D intake is a significant risk factor for bone fractures.

Introduction: In 2020, about 3% of children and 5% of adolescents had metabolic syndrome, with some variation across countries and regions. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents aged 5-19 years has increased sharply from only 8% in 1990 to 20% in 2022. 3-5% of children and adolescents have hypertension, 10% 14% have changes in arterial pressure, and the prevalence has increased from 1.3% -6.0% These risk factors can lead to MetS, and although there are several studies by national researchers in adults, research on risk factors for MetS in childhood is rare. Aim: To evaluate the physical growth of children aged 6-17 and study the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among them. Materials and methods: A family health center-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted in the apartment district and ger district of Ulaanbaatar, using standardised measurement tools. A total of 622 participants aged 6-17 years were included in this study. Body weight, height, waist circumference, arterial blood pressure, and blood glucose of the participants were measured and the results of body measurements were estimated using the growth chart. Results and conclusions Among the participants, 48.2% (n=300) were male, 51.8% (n=322) were female. The rate of overweight and obesity among the study population is 20.26%, and male children are 2 times more obese than female children. 7.23% of the study participants. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 1% with 3 risk criteria according to the IDF 78.93% (n=491) have no risk, 19.33% (n=121) have 1 risk, and 0.48% (n=4) have 2 risks. Among the studied risk factors for metabolic syndrome, overweight, obesity, and central obesity were the predominant risk factors among children. One in five children is either overweight or obese, with boys being twice as likely to experience these conditions (p<0.001). In 1% of the study participants, metabolic syndrome with three risk factors was identified. Overweight, obesity, and metabolic syndrome were more prevalent among the 15-17 age group compared to other age groups (p<0.001).

Background: Worldwide, the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 50 is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a complication of the exudative “wet” and dry type. AMD is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease relating with a combination of environmental and genetic factors, and a contribution of age effect and smoking also, obesity was investigated to be associated with the disease. Number of previous studies have shown that the polymorphisms in the ARMS2, CFH and VEGF-A genes are associated with AMD. Therefore, we investigated the associations between the five common vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphisms and AMD with its therapeutic results. Materials and Methods: Totally 161 AMD patients and 223 controls were enrolled in this case-control study. A prospective analysis of 66 eyes of 34 patients with neovascular AMD evaluated intravitreal bevacizumab injections. The polymorphisms in CFH, ARMS2 and VEGF-А were detected by using the methods of allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (ASPCR) and PCR based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Statistical analyses were performed by SNPalyze software. Results: Results of the study showed that rs1061170, rs1065489, and rs800292 polymorphisms are associated with arterial hypertension. Anti-coagulant intake rs1061170 polymorphism T/C, C/C/C/C risk genotype (OR=5.04, 95% CI, 1.81-14.09, p=0.002, RERI=2.568, AP=0.509, S=2.7302) , combined effect of G/C/C/C/ /G, G/A risk genotype (OR=6.52, 95% CI, 2.88 14.79, p<0.001, RERI=4.187, AP=0.642, S=4.136) are associated with increased risk of AMD. In the study, in 66 eyes of a total of 34 people who received intravitreous injection treatment, the central retinal thickness before and after treatment was 294.59±83.52 before treatment, 262.74±87.02 on the first day after treatment, 259.5±111.83 after one month, 248.98±84.96 after 3 months, and 262.69 after 6 months. ±110.59, after 1 year it decreased to 259.19±112.29 (95% CI, 226.74-291.65), which is a statistically significant difference. A comparative study of polymorphisms in therapeutic and non-therapeutic groups revealed statistically significant differences in the G/G groups of rs2010963 polymorphisms. Also, people with G/G genotype of rs2010963 polymorphism are more effective in treatment than people with other genotypes. Conclusion Individual factors such as not wearing sunglasses and arterial hypertension and using anti coagulant medication have been identified as risk factors for AMD. The result showed that polymorphisms of ARMS2, CFH, VEGF genes can be a genetic risk factor for AMD. The decreased in central retinal thickness and improving VA after anti-VEGF treatment confirm the effectiveness of the treatment. Also, people with G/G genotype of rs2010963 polymorphism are more effective in treatment than people with other genotypes. Identification of genetic markers that affect clinical response may result in optimization of anti-VEGF therapy.

Introduction: According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020, brain and central nervous system (CNS) cancers account for 2% of all newly diagnosed cancers in the world and 1.5% in Mongolia. Approximately 85-90% of all brain and other CNS tumors were diagnosed primary brain tumor. In 2019, the average 5 year survival probability was 50% for other cancers and 11% for the primary brain tumors. There were 28 patients with primary brain tumor and 33 relatively healthy individuals in our study. Goal: To study the diagnostic value of serum aquaporin-4 and glial fibrous acidic protein in the diagnosis of primary brain cancer Material and Methods: The Department of Neurosurgery at Third central hospital included 28 patients with primary brain cancer and 33 relatively healthy people. The study was conducted under the permission of the Medical Ethics Review Committee of the Ministry of Health on June 19, 2019 №119. Serum aquaporin-4 and glial fibrous acidic protein content was determined by the ELISA kits method using the human aquaporin-4 and glial fibrous acid protein test kit of the Chinese company “Sanlong”. The level is assumed to be true if the p value is less than 0.05. Results Mean age of the all participants was 42.9±16.5, 64% female and 36% male. Serum aquaporin-4 protein levels were 175.71±13.3 pg/ml and serum glial fibrilliary acidic protein levels were 2.682±0.218 ng/ml in patient with primary brain tumor. Serum aquaporin-4 protein and glial fibrilliary acidic protein levels were statistically significant high (p<0.001) in patient with primary brain tumor. Serum aquaporin-4 protein and glial fibrilliary acidic protein level differences were statistically significant (p<0.05) in benign and malignant tumor. There was no statistically significant correlation between serum aquaporin-4 and glial fibrillary acidic protein level and primary brain tumor grade.

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition, that occurs people aged above 50, leads to gradual loss of the vision because of a damage in the macula, which is located in the center of the retina. Several polymorphisms in different genes have been proposed as factors that increase the disease susceptibility. Therefore, we investigated the association between rs833061 polymorphism of VEGF-A gene and rs10490924 polymorphism of ARMS2 gene and AMD in order to analyze with other similar studies by meta analysis. Purpose: To investigate the polymorphisms of VEGF-A gene and ARMS2 gene on AMD susceptibility Methods: is case-control study was conducted on 74 AMD patients and 32 unaffected age-and gender-matched control individuals. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral venous blood. The single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method and results confirmed by gel electrophoresis. The REVIEW MANAGER 5.2 software and MetaXL was used for meta-analysis Results: We did not find statistically significant differences in С allele and СС genotype frequency of rs833061 polymorphism of VEGF-A gene between patients and controls. However, analysis of rs10490924 polymorphism of ARMS2 gene shows that T allele (OR=2.72, 95% CI, 1.47 – 5.02, p=0.001), TT genotype (OR=4.54, 95% CI, 1.49 – 13.87,p=0.019) were significantly associated with AMD risk. Haplotype analysis of these SNPs showed that C+T haplotype was statistically significantly different (OR=5.23, 95% CI, 1.76-15.54, p=0.002) between patients and controls. Conclusion As shown by results, rs10490924 polymorphism of ARMS2 gene show that T allele, TT genotype and C+T haplotype were significantly associated with AMD risk In meta-analysis, T allele of rs10490924 polymorphism of ARMS2 gene was significantly associated with AMD risk in all ethnicity that include Asian and Caucasian. However, T allele prevalence was higher in Asians.

BACKGROUND. HCV-infected and obesity related liver diseases are leading to increases in the prevalence of advanced liver disease. So, studying liver disease, especially liver fibrosis is crucial issue of today. In Mongolia digestive system disease is second causation of non-communicable disease. Therefrom in last years hepatocellular carcinoma is most common malignancy, first of all cancers in Mongolia. In response to acute or chronic liver injury, hepatic fibrosis is the accumulation of extracellular matrix and ultimately leads to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is the end-stage of fibrosis, resulting in nodule formation that may lead to altered hepatic function and blood flow. Defining the phase of liver fibrosis is crucial for therapeutic choice prognosis, important role in monitoring treatment. At the present time, use of direct and undirect biomarkers methods could be recommended for liver fibrosis stage. The aim of this study is to determine liver fibrosis stage and to compare undirect biomarkers in chronic viral hepatitis, cirrhosis. METHODS: 630 cases by chronic viral hepatitis and cirrhosis at third central hospital in Mongolia from retrospectively reviewed and analysed. The clinical data including AST, ALT, platelet count and INR were recorded. APRI, FIB-4, AAR and FibroQ were calculated. RESULT: From all, males 42.06% and females 57.94%, with mean age of 55.35±24.0, in 130 cases with chronic viral hepatitis and 500 cases with cirrhosis. In cases of cirrhosis, mean value of platelet count, ALT, AST, INR was 120.54±73.53, 104.55±500.22, 111.68±279.97, 2.19±10.45, respectively. And in cases of chronic viral hepatitis platelet count mean value was 211.18±6.42. APRI was detected <0.5 cutoff value (F0-F1) 11.7% non-fibrosis, 0.5-1.5 score (F2-F3) 27.5% fibrosis, >1.5 cutoff value (F4) 60.8% cirrhosis. FIB-4 was determined <1.45 cutoff value (F0-F1) 14.8% non-fibrosis, 1.45-3.25 score (F2-F3) 15.7% fibrosis, >3.25 cutoff value (F4) 69.5%, AAR was showed <0.4 cutoff value (F0-F1) 2.3% non-fibrosis, 0.4-1 score (F2-F3) 30.2% fibrosis, >1 cutoff value (F4) 67.5%. And FibroQ was detected <0.6 cutoff value (F0- F1) 0.5% non-fibrosis, 0.6-2.6 score (F2-F3) 6% fibrosis, cutoff value 2.6< (F4) 93.5 cirrhosis. In study liver fibrosis staging by APRI, AAR, FIB-4 and FibroQ score system, AAR was determined fibrosis in 190 cases. CONCLUSION: Recorded data ALT, AST, INR in cases of cirrhosis were detected 104.55±500.22, 111.68±279.97, 2.19±10.45, respectively. And in cases of chronic hepatitis platelet count mean value was 211.18±6.42. APRI, AAR, FIB-4, FibroQ was determined fibrosis 27.5%,30.16%,15.71% and 6.03%, respectively.