Background: Globally, 697.5 million people—9.1% of the world’s population—suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD). In Mongolia, diseases of the kidney and urinary tract rank third in overall morbidity and are a leading cause of hospital admissions. Due to the asymptomatic and progressive nature of these diseases, early diagnosis of CKD has become a critical issue in recent years. One such early diagnostic marker is KIM-1 (Kidney Injury Molecule-1). KIM-1 is synthesized in the epithelial cells of the proximal tubule during renal injury and serves as a receptor for the phagocytosis of apoptotic cell debris. It is considered a promising biomarker for the early detection of kidney damage. Aim: To evaluate the relationship between KIM-1 (Kidney Injury Molecule-1) and clinical biochemical parameters in patients with chronic kidney disease. Materials and Methods: An analytical case-control study was conducted. A total of 54 participants were involved: a case group of 26 and a control group of 28. The case group included 26 patients with chronic kidney disease who were being treated at the Emergency and Internal Medicine departments of the First Central Hospital of Mongolia (FCHM). Serum KIM-1 protein levels were determined using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (Human Kim-1 ELISA Kit, Cat: ELK2287). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-23.0, while text processing and data visualization were conducted using Microsoft Office. Result: KIM1 levels are positively correlated with creatinine, urea, uric acid, glucose, and potassium, and inversely correlated with calcium, total protein, and albumin, indicating a correlation with clinical biochemical parameters. The mean level of KIM-1 protein was 1379±208.3 pg/mL in the chronic kidney disease group and 91.19±22.09 pg/mL in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p<0.0001). ROC analysis for KIM-1 (pg/mL) showed an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.979 (95% CI: 0.951–1.000, p<0.001). The optimal diagnostic cut-off value was determined at KIM-1 236.17 pg/mL, where sensitivity reached 96.2% and specificity 92.9%, with the highest Youden index (0.89). Conclusion KIM1 levels were positively correlated with creatinine, urea, uric acid, glucose, and potassium, and inversely correlated with calcium, total protein, and albumin. KIM1 protein levels were significantly higher in patients with chronic kidney disease, suggesting that KIM1 is a highly sensitive and specific biomarker for the diagnosis of CKD.

Background: Sarcopenia is a multifactorial geriatric syndrome characterized by age-related loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance. In recent years, neurotrophic and neuromuscular biomarkers have been investigated as potential diagnostic indicators of sarcopenia; however, evidence regarding their sex-specific differences remains limited. Aim: To evaluate the sex-specific associations of serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels with sarcopenia and muscle-related parameters among older adults. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included adults aged 60 years and older. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS 2019) criteria. Serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels were measured using ELISA. Group differences were analyzed using independent t-tests, correlations were assessed using Pearson correlation analysis, and diagnostic performance for sarcopenia was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was also performed. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic participants in either the male or female groups (all p>0.05). ROC analysis demonstrated AUC values ranging from 0.540 to 0.542 in males and from 0.508 to 0.530 in females for BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age (OR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.04–1.21, p=0.003) and lower fat-free mass index (OR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.66–0.91, p=0.001) were significantly associated with sarcopenia, whereas BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 showed no independent association with sarcopenia. Conclusions 1. No statistically significant sex-specific differences were observed in serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults (all p>0.05). 2. CAF22 levels were weakly negatively correlated with muscle mass and fat-free mass index in males (p<0.05), whereas BDNF levels showed weak positive correlations with handgrip strength and fat-free mass index in females (p<0.05). CAF22 levels also demonstrated a weak positive correlation with age (p<0.05). 3. ROC and multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated limited diagnostic utility of BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 for sarcopenia (AUC=0.508–0.542), and none of these biomarkers showed an independent association with sarcopenia (all p>0.05). In contrast, older age (OR=1.12, p=0.003) and lower fat-free mass index (OR=0.78, p=0.001) were significantly associated with sarcopenia.

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: 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.

Background: Identifying reliable biomarkers for early detection, risk stratification, and prognosis of CVD in the context of CKD is, therefore, of critical importance. Cystatin C has emerged as a potential biomarker capable of reflecting both cardiac injury and renal impairment, particularly in patients with arterial hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum cystatin C levels, left ventricular hypertrophy, and chronic kidney disease in individuals with hypertension. Objective: To assess serum cystatin C concentrations in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy and chronic kidney disease secondary to arterial hypertension. Materials and Methods: A case-control analytical study was conducted, enrolling 44 patients aged 45 years or older with both left ventricular hypertrophy and chronic kidney disease due to arterial hypertension alongside a control group of apparently healthy individuals. Serum cystatin C levels were measured using immunoturbidimetric assay. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Group comparisons were made using independent-sample t-tests, while multivariate regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were employed to explore associations and the predictive value of cystatin C. Results: The mean serum cystatin C concentration in the case group was 1.6±0.1 mg/L, significantly higher than in the control group (0.88±0.03 mg/L, p<0.05). Similarly, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was markedly reduced in the case group (44.88±6.8 mL/min/1.73 m²) compared to the controls (92.88±3.4 mL/ min/1.73 m², p<0.05). In the case group, a statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between serum cystatin C levels and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), with a regression coefficient of β=−0.028 (p<0.006). Conclusion The elevated serum cystatin C levels (1.6±0.1 mg/L) and decreased eGFR (38.99±12.7 mL/min/1.73 m²) observed in the case group suggest that cystatin C may serve as a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy due to arterial hypertension and chronic kidney disease, as well as for predicting related complications.

Background: Regularly participate international High-level in sports athletes national and competitions and engage in intense training, developing endurance and resilience. Measuring blood lactate levels is crucial for improving an athlete’s performance, assessing sports performance, and enhancing the effectiveness of future training. Aim: To study the relationship between lactate levels in the blood plasma and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity in Mongolian National Team athletes. Materials and Methods: The study involved 51 athletes from the Mongolian National Team. Anaerobic capacity was assessed using a Monark 894E Ergomedic Peak Bike, designed to apply exercise load. Blood serum lactate level and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity were determined using a Biobase BK-280 fully automated biochemical analyzer. Heart rate, peripheral blood oxygen levels, and oxygen saturation were measured using a pulse oximeter. Results: The average age of the participants was 24.04 ± 4.15 years, with an average height of 168 ± 8.78 cm and an average weight of 71.01 ± 7.69 kg. The average BMI was 24.82 ± 4.12 kg/m². Pre exercise lactate levels averaged 3.84 ± 0.75 mmol/L, while post-exercise lactate levels averaged 9.67±3.52 mmol/L. The average heart rate before exercise was 66.04±8.9 bpm, while post-exercise heart rate was 123.6±16.06 bpm. The average VO₂ max was 95.18±2.48. Conclusion The lactate levels before and after exercise among the athletes participating in the study showed significant differences in the age groups 20-29 (p<0.0001). When comparing lactate levels before and after exercise by sport, statistically significant increases were observed in freestyle wrestling and judo athletes (p<0.0001)

Background: Approximately 30–50% of cases of severe oligozoospermia and non-obstructive azoospermia are attributed to genetic factors, as determined through semen analysis. Microdeletions in the AZF (Azoospermic Factor) region of the Y chromosome represent one of the genetic causes of male infertility. The European Academy of Andrology (EAA) recommends screening for AZF microdeletions in men diagnosed with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia. Folate metabolism plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis and germ cell development. Polymorphisms in genes involved in this metabolic pathway such as MTHFR, MTR, and MTRR have been implicated in the pathogenesis of oligozoospermia and azoospermia. The reason for conducting this research was lack of studies investigating the in Mongolia have concurrently investigated the association between AZF microdeletions on the Y chromosome and the presence of MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C, MTR 2756A>G, and MTRR 66A>G polymorphisms in men with severe oligozoospermia or non-obstructive azoospermia. Aim: To determine the presence of Y chromosome AZF microdeletions, as well as the MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C, MTR 2756A>G, and MTRR 66A>G polymorphisms in men with severe oligozoospermia and non-obstructive azoospermia Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the Clinical Molecular Diagnostics Center of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS). Peripheral blood samples were collected from all study participants, and genomic DNA was extracted using the “PROBA-RAPID Genetika” DNA extraction kit manufactured by DNA-Technology LLC (Russian Federation). Thirteen AZF microdeletions (sY84, sY86, sY127, sY134, sY142, sY242, sY254, sY255, sY615, sY1125, sY1197, sY1206, sY1291) were detected using the “AZF Microdeletions REAL-TIME PCR Genotyping Kit.” Polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene (677C>T and 1298A>C), the MTR gene (2756A>G), and the MTRR gene (66A>G) were identified using the “Folate Metabolism REAL-TIME PCR Genotyping Kit.” Results: A total of 11 men aged between 18 and 44 years who had been diagnosed with severe oligozoospermia or non-obstructive azoospermia based on repeated semen analyses (two or more times) were included in this study. Among participants with severe oligozoospermia or non-obstructive azoospermia, AZF microdeletion analysis of the Y chromosome revealed one case with an sY1291 (AZFc) microdeletion and another case with an sY1197 (AZFc) microdeletion. No AZF microdeletions were detected in the remaining participants. Regarding the MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism, the homozygous wild-type CC genotype was observed in 55% (6), the heterozygous CT genotype in 18% (2), and the homozygous mutant TT genotype in 27% (3). The frequency of the C allele was 64% (14), while the risk-associated T allele was 36% (8). For the MTHFR 1298A>C polymorphism, the homozygous AA genotype was found in 64% (7), the heterozygous AC genotype in 27% (3), and the homozygous CC genotype in 9% (1). The A allele frequency was 81% (17), and the risk-associated C allele frequency was 19% (4). In the case of the MTR 2756A>G polymorphism, 64% (7) of participants had the AA genotype, and 36% (4) had the AG genotype. The GG genotype was not detected. The A allele frequency was 82% (18), and the risk-associated G allele frequency was 18% (4). For the MTRR A66G polymorphism, the AA genotype was observed in 36% (4), and the AG genotype in 64% (7). The GG genotype was not detected. The A allele frequency was 68% (15), and the risk-associated G allele frequency was 32% (7). Conclusion In this study, Y chromosome AZF microdeletions were detected in 18% of participants with severe oligozoospermia or non-obstructive azoospermia, which is considered relatively low. In such cases, identifying polymorphisms in the MTHFR, MTR, and MTRR genes becomes important. Disruptions in folate metabolism caused by these polymorphisms can lead to elevated homocysteine levels. Supplementation with activated folate (5-MTHF) has been shown to help maintain normal plasma homocysteine concentrations, which may be beneficial in individuals with impaired folate metabolism.

Background. A large number of longitudinal studies indicate significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events and death in people with the MetSyn and high plasma levels of triglycerides are an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. Apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) gene, a new member of the APOA1/C3/A4 gene cluster, was identified by comparative sequencing of human and mice DNA by Pennacchio and co-workers in 2001. Since this discovery, variants of ApoA5 gene have been independently assiociated with level of plasma triglyceride in many countries. Human ApoA5 is expressed in the liver then appears in plasma in association with VLDL and HDL and plays a major role in TG catabolism. Variant at ApoA5 gene locus, 1177C>T is located in 3’ UTR which often contains regulatory regions that influence post-transcriptional gene expression. One alteration can be responsible for the altered expression of many genes. Materials and Methods. 152 people with MS for case group and 152 people for control group were selected in this study. MS was diagnosed according to IDF criteria and serum triglyceride levels were determined. DNA from both case and control subjects were extracted from blood samples (200 ml) using “G-spin™ Total DNA Extraction Kit”(iNtRON Biotechnology, Inc). To detect the 1177C>T variation of ApoA5 gene, using High Pure PCR Template Preparation Kits, a forward primer 5’-CTCTGAGCCTCTAGCATGGTTGAGT- 3’ and the mismatch reverse primer 5’-GAGCATTCCCAAATGAGCAC-3’ were used to create the HinfI restriction site. Results. There were 304 total subjects included males 50.3% (153) and female 49.7% (151) in our study. Incident of CC genotype was 71.1% (216), CT genotype was 25% (76) and TT genotype was 3.9%, TAG level was higher in males than females in both groups (p=0.016, ð=0.001) for CC genotype and also, higher with MS in males for CT genotype (p=). But, TAG level was no significant difference among three genotypes in group with MS subjects (male p=0.236, female p=0.881). Conclusion: The TT genotype of the ApoA5 gene 1177C>T polymorphism frequency was 2.9% in control subjects and 4.9% in subjects with MS. However, TG level was not differ in both groups for TT genotype, TAG level in males was higher compared with females (p=0.016 in control, p=0.001 in group with MS).