1.The results of a comparative study on the bacterial activity of some honey trade in Mongolia
Gerelmaa E ; Nomin B ; Otgonjargal B ; Tsend-Ayush D ; Buyankhishig T ; Enkh-Amar B ; Oyunbaatar A ; Anuujin G
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;92(2):62-66
Background:
Numerous international studies have established that the antibacterial activity of honey is attributed to its key components, including hydrogen peroxide, methylglyoxal, peptides, polyphenolic compounds, high sugar content, and acidic pH. Despite the vast consumption of different types of honey in Mongolia, there is a lack of sufficient scientific evidence on their antibacterial properties, which served as the rationale for conducting this study.
Aim:
A study comparing the antibacterial activity of honey commonly traded in Mongolia.
Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted using an experimental research design. Eight standard pathogenic bacterial strains were utilized: Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 1706, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC 700699, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984, Salmonella enterica ATCC 13076, and Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606. A total of 14 honey samples were selected for the study, comprising 11 samples sourced from the Uvs, Tuv, Sukhbaatar, Khentii, Dornod, Darkhan, Selenge, and Khuvsgul provinces of Mongolia, and 3 Manuka-type honey samples from Australia. The samples were serially diluted in broth using a 96-well U-bottom microtiter plate. One microliter of each bacterial suspension was added, and the plates were incubated at 37°C for 18–24 hours. Subsequently, the cultures were spread onto Mueller-Hinton agar and incubated under the same conditions. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by evaluating bacterial growth inhibition and bactericidal activity, respectively.
Result:
Among the tested samples, the Manuka honey with MGO 570 and the honey collected from Tumentsogt soum in Sukhbaatar province exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity against MRSA, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5% (v/v) and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 25% (v/v). In contrast, the antibacterial activity of Manuka honey with UMF 5 and the honeys sourced from Tuv, Uvs, and Khalkhgol soum in Dornod province demonstrated MIC and MBC values of 25% (v/v) and 50% (v/v), respectively. The Manuka honey with MGO 30, as well as the honeys collected from Selenge, Darkhan, Sukhbaatar, Khentii, and Rashaant and Tarialan soums in Khuvsgul province, showed comparatively weaker activity against MRSA, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Conclusion
1. The antibacterial activity of natural and cultivated floral honeys was assessed by determining their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against eight standard bacterial strains.
2. All seven natural floral honey samples exhibited measurable antibacterial effects against the tested strains, whereas some of the cultivated floral honey samples showed no observable activity against certain bacterial strains.
2.Determination of serum IL-4 and IFN-γ levels in allergic model-induced C57BL/6 mice using in-house ELISA
Dulguunuu M ; Nyam-Ochir G ; Oyun-Erdene Ch ; Ariunzaya B ; Tsogtsaikhan S ; Enkhtushig G ; Khuselt-Od T ; Enkhtuya S ; Sarantuya L ; Suvd O ; Nyamdorj D ; Batbaatar G ; Gansukh Ch ; Enkhsaikhan L ; Enkh-Amar B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;92(2):134-138
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.
3. Impact of Individual Temperament on the Immune Response After COVID-19 Vaccination
Burenjargal B ; Dashpagam O ; Shatar Sh ; Khongorzul T ; Ariunzaya B ; Zolmunkh N ; Gansukh Ch ; Ulziisaikhan B ; Chimidtseren S ; Baasanjargal B ; Enkh-Amar B ; Nomin-Erdene Ts ; Davaalkham D ; Tsogtsaikhan S ; Batbaatar G
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):47-51
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.
4.Results of inflammatory cytokines after kidney transplantation
Ariunaa A ; Gansukh Ch ; Ulziikhuu T ; Enkh-Amar B ; Batbaatar G ; Tsogtsaikhan S ; Sarantsetseg J ; Khongorzul T
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):14-18
Background:
Organ transplantation has been rapidly advancing in Mongolia in recent years. The number of successful
kidney, liver, and bone marrow transplants performed in national central hospitals has been increasing annually. While the
number of successful kidney transplants is increasing, post-transplant immune monitoring remains insufficiently studied.
Aim:
To assess post-transplant immune status by analyzing inflammatory cytokine levels in kidney transplant recipients
Materials and Methods:
A prospective cohort study was conducted at the First Central Hospital of Mongolia. Serum
samples from kidney transplant recipients were analyzed using flow cytometry to measure the levels of 13 inflammatory
cytokines, including TGF-β1, PAI-1, sTREM-1, PTX3, sCD40L, sCD25 (IL-2Ra), CXCL12 (SDF-1), sST2, sTNF-RI,
sTNF-RII, sRAGE, CX3CL1 (Fractalkine), and sCD130 (gp130). Statistical analysis was performed to assess the results.
Results:
The mean creatinine level significantly decreased on post-transplant days 7 and 30 compared to pre-transplant
levels (p<0.001, ANOVA). No statistically significant difference was found in the 13 cytokine levels between the high
risk and low-risk groups based on creatinine levels on post-transplant day 30 (p>0.05). However, the levels of TGF-β1,
CX3CL1, sTREM-1, and sTNF-RI showed statistically significant differences between post-transplant days 7 and 30
(p<0.05). No significant correlation was found between the measured cytokine levels and CRP (p > 0.05). On post-transplant day 7, sTREM-1 had a weak correlation with TGF-β1 (r=0.40, p=0.02) and sTNF-RI (r=0.36, p=0.05) but showed a
strong correlation with CX3CL1 (r=0.65, p=0.0001). On post-transplant day 30, sTREM-1 remained strongly correlated
with CX3CL1 (r=0.73, p=0.0001) and moderately correlated with sTNF-RI and TGF-β1 (r=0.45, p=0.01).
Conclusions
1. The levels of TGF-β1, CX3CL1, sTREM-1, and sTNF-RI significantly varied between post-transplant days 7 and
30 (p< 0.05, T-test).
2. On post-transplant day 30, these cytokines were not correlated with CRP but were interrelated among themselves.
5.The study of the intestinal microbiota among Mongolian Adults, it related some factors
Saruuljavkhlan B ; Battogtokh Ch ; Enkh-Amar A ; Otgonjargal B ; Otgonbileg J ; Anuujin G ; Gerelmaa E ; Bira N
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2019;188(2):3-11
Background:
The intestinal microbiota of Mongolians and its composition is of great interest of researchers, a few studies
have did in this fields. Maybe Mongolian encompass a uniquely wide range of environmental conditions, ethno
geographical cohorts and traditional nomadic lifestyles.
Goal:
We aimed to determine the amount of gut microbiota, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the fecal
samples of relative healthy Mongolian adults residing in various regions of Mongolia by conventional culture
method and PCR.
Material and Methods:
The study was performed population based cross sectional study in healthy volunteers. In this study, 256
relative healthy Mongolian adults with no history of gastrointestinal associated diseases were enrolled
between July 2018 and April 2019. Each participants was asked to complete a questionnaire containing 164
questions about demographics, physical activity, dietary habits. Fecal samples were collected for Lactobacillus
and Bifidobacterium analysis using culture method and determination of genus of Bifidobacterium sрp and
Lactobacillus spp by PCR.
ResultsParticipants had a mean age of 38.9±12.8 years. The mean values of Lactobacillus
by culture method were 5.9±1.28 and 6.24±0.94 log10 CFU/ml (4.67х106
, 4.66х106 CFU/ml), respectively. The
abundance of Lactobacillus had a positive correlation with grams for fiber and amount of bifidobacterium ((r=
0.495, р<0.001, r=0.288, p<0.05), respectively). Significant difference were observed between groups of milk
frequency per day for amounts of lactobacillus. In adult intestinal tracts, B.Bifidum was the most common taxon
31 (29%) followed by B. angulatum 14 (13.1%), B. adolescentis 10 (9.3%), B. catenulatum group 10 (9.3%), B.
longum 9 (8.4%). B. lactis, B. breve, B. dentium and B. gallicum were subdominant species.
Conclusion:
The mean amount of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus of all participants were 6.24±0.94 and 5.9±1.28 log10
CFU/ml (4.66*106
, 4.67*106
CFU/ml) respectively. The Lactobacillus abundance of healthy adults was higher in
region of Khangai, East and West of Mongolian than other regions. The composition of lactobacillus altered with
ageing. Significant correlations were found between fiber, fats, potato and amount of Lactobacillus.
Keywords: Bifidobacterium, Colony forming unit, Gut microbiota, Lactobacillus
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