Background: By supporting the production of domestic substitutes for essential medicines listed in Mongolia’s national drug policy, pharmaceutical companies are enabled to ensure product quality assurance, conduct safety monitoring and research, and carry out quality control and certification of medicines. Therefore, ongoing quality assessment is essential to ensure that domestically manufactured medicines meet established standards before they can replace imported alternatives. This study seeks to assess whether the quality parameters of both locally produced and imported 500 mg Chloramphenicol capsules available in the Mongolian pharmaceutical market conform to the requirements of the Mongolian National Pharmacopoeia. Aim: To compare and study the quality parameters of certain domestically manufactured and imported chloramphenicol capsule formulations in accordance with pharmacopoeial standards Materials and Methods: This study examined four types of 0.5 g Chloramphenicol capsules: three domestically produced (X1, X2, X4) and one imported (X3). The evaluation included tests for identification, average weight, weight variation, dissolution, disintegration, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), assay, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and microbiological analysis, following the standards outlined in the Mongolian National Pharmacopoeia 2011 (MNP 2011), United States Pharmacopeia 39 (USP 39), Japanese Pharmacopoeia 18 (JP 18), and Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 (ChP 2020). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0. Result: The purity analysis of samples X1, X2, X3, and X4 indicated that all met the applicable standards. Among them, X1 and X3 complied with pharmacopoeial requirements for identification, weight variation, dissolution, active ingredient assay, and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). In contrast, X4 failed the identification test and had a low active ingredient content, while both X2 and X4 exhibited inadequate dissolution, suggesting non-compliance with standard requirements. Furthermore, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis based on USP criteria revealed that neither X1 nor X3 met the specified limits. Conclusion Among the four Chloramphenicol capsule samples analyzed, only X1 and X3 met the pharmacopoeial standards. The non-compliance of X2 and X4 underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and quality assessment of domestically manufactured pharmaceuticals.

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: Allergic and atrophic forms of chronic rhinitis are common among the population, characterized by a chronic progressive course with a tendency toward increasing prevalence. Worldwide, allergic rhinitis affects approximately 10–40% of adults and 2–25% of children. According to a study conducted in Mongolia, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis among adults in Ulaanbaatar was reported to be 23.6%, with an increasing trend anticipated in the future. In allergic and atrophic rhinitis, structural alterations occur in the nasal mucosa, including disruption of the normal architecture of the pseudostratified epithelium and ciliated cells, accompanied by changes in goblet cell number and dysfunction of their activity, resulting in a complex pathological process. In otorhinolaryngology practice in Mongolia, there is a relative lack of studies investigating the ultrastructural changes of the nasal mucosa in allergic and atrophic rhinitis. Aim: To compare ultrastructural and histological changes of the nasal mucosa in allergic and atrophic rhinitis. Materials and Methods: Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Review Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences at the meeting held on April 24, 2020 (Protocol No. 2020/З-04). Appropriate ethical permission was also obtained from the EMJJ ENT Hospital. Nasal mucosal tissue samples were collected from surgically resected specimens of patients aged 20–45 years diagnosed with allergic and atrophic rhinitis. The mucosal specimens were processed at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. Samples were fixed and dehydrated according to the protocol, coated with 100 Å gold, and examined using a scanning electron microscope (FEI Quanta FEG 250, USA). In addition, paraffin blocks were prepared, sectioned at 4 μm thickness, stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, and analyzed histologically. Results: In allergic rhinitis, the pseudostratified epithelium was relatively preserved; however, disorganization of ciliated cells, partial loss of cilia, and goblet cell hyperplasia were observed. In contrast, atrophic rhinitis showed epithelial thinning, near-complete loss of ciliated structures, glandular atrophy, and submucosal fibrosis. Conclusion Allergic rhinitis is associated with relatively mild and predominantly functional mucosal alterations, whereas atrophic rhinitis demonstrates severe structural damage with irreversible impairment of mucosal protective function.

Background: Currently, colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. CRC frequently metastasizes to the liver (50%), lungs (10–15%), peritoneum (4%), bones (10.7%–23.7%), brain (0.3%–6%), and spinal cord. Approximately 35% of CRC cases are diagnosed before distant metastasis, 36% upon lymph node involvement, and 23% after distant organ metastasis. Although several studies have established primary tumor models in mice in our country, there are limited studies on experimental lung metastasis models, prompting the need for this research. Aim: To establish and evaluate a lung metastasis model of colorectal cancer in C57BL/6J mice using the MC38 cell line. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. Approval was obtained from the Ethics Review Board of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (2023/3-09) and all laboratory safety regulations and protocols were strictly followed. Male C57BL/6J mice bred at the Experimental Animal Center of Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences were used. MC38 murine colorectal carcinoma cells were cultured and injected intravenously (via the tail vein) at a concentration of 0.25×10⁶ cells per mouse (n=12) to induce lung metastasis. Histological analysis was subsequently performed. Results: Histological examination revealed significant alterations in lung tissue architecture, characterized by areas of dense infiltration by pleomorphic, hyperchromatic cells, disrupting the normal alveolar structure. No histological abnormalities were observed in other organs. Conclusion Intravenous injection of MC38 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells into the tail vein of C57BL/6J mice successfully induced lung metastases, characterized by hyperchromatic, pleomorphic cell infiltrates forming glandular structures within the lung parenchyma.

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) is a biological messenger molecule that plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of inflammation. It has anti-inflammatory effects under physiological conditions but can act as a pro-inflammatory mediator when produced excessively under abnormal conditions. NO is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases affecting the joints, intestines, and lungs. Therefore, compounds that inhibit NO production are considered important for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and are used clinically. The RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage-like cell line is a widely used model for inflammation studies. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, is used to activate RAW 264.7 cells and create an inflammation model. Glycyrrhiza uralensis, also known as licorice, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Fabaceae family. It has been widely used in traditional medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective properties. Recent studies have shown that licorice contains bioactive compounds such as glycyrrhizin, liquiritigenin, and isoliquiritigenin, which play an important role in inhibiting the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages induced by LPS. Inula helenium L., also known as elecampane, is a perennial herbaceous plant used as an expectorant, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-helminthic agent in various respiratory diseases. Licorice and Inula helenium are included in Mongolian traditional medicine prescriptions, but their anti-inflammatory effects have not been fully determined, which forms the basis for this research. Aim: To study the effect of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Inula helenium extracts on the production of NO, the end product of inflammation, in RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Materials and Methods: The non-toxic dose of the plant extracts was determined in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage-like cell line cultures using the MTT assay. Nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cell line cultures stimulated with lipopolysaccharide was assessed using the Griess method. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using SPSS 25.0 software, with the p-value calculated by one-way ANOVA, and the differences between groups were evaluated. Results: In RAW 264.7 cell cultures, Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Inula helenium extracts were non-toxic and promoted cell growth at doses ranging from 1 to 25 μg/ml, while a dose of 50 μg/ml was toxic and inhibited cell growth (p<0.01). When the combined plant extracts were applied to cells at doses ranging from 1 to 100 μg/ml, they were also non-toxic and enhanced cell growth, while a dose of 500 μg/ml was toxic and inhibited growth (p<0.001). In terms of nitric oxide production, Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract increased NO production in a dose- and time-dependent manner compared to the control or PBS-treated group. However, Inula helenium extract did not show a dose- or time-dependent effect on NO production. In the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation model, licorice extract inhibited NO production at a dose of 30 μg/ml after 12 hours, and further reduced NO production in a dose- and time-dependent manner after 48 hours. Conversely, no significant changes were observed in the Inula helenium extract group at a dose of 25 μg/ml after 48 hours, but a reduction in LPS-induced NO production was observed at a dose of 25 μg/ml after 48 hours. Conclusion Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract alone increased NO production in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It also reduced LPS-induced NO production in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In contrast, Inula helenium extract inhibited LPS-induced NO production at a dose of 25 μg/ml after 48 hours.

Introduction: Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, which is used in traditional medicine, has the ability to remove blood-drying heat. Chiazospermum erectum Bernh. has the ability to relieve typhoid fever and poison fever. Carthamus tinctorius L. has antiseptic, analgesic and anti-toxic properties. Saussurea amara L. has bactericidal, anti-infective, and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers found that the Hepaclin-4 recipe has antioxidant, membrane-strengthening, liver-protective, necrosis-preventing, detoxification, and peroxidation product accumulation-reducing properties. Therefore, extracting the granular medicine form from the concentrated extract containing the Hepaclin-4 formulation is the basis of our research work. Goal: To obtain the granular medicine form from the concentrated extract containing ingredients of the Hepaclin-4 recipe. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out with the support of the Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and the University of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The raw materials for the Hepaclin-4 formula were extracted by remaceration with water, 40% ethanol, and 70% ethanol (1:10 ratio). Six types of granules were extracted from the concentrated extract using several excipients by the wet granulation method, and the pouring weight and flowability were determined. Results: The quality index of the concentrated extract of the Hepaclin-4 recipe complies with the standards outlined in the 11th Pharmacopoeia of the National Pharmacopoeia of Mongolia. In qualitative analysis of total flavonoid, spots were detected at the same level as standard quercetin (Rf=0.88) and rutin (Rf=0.4), indicating the presence of flavonoids. According to the results of the above research, lactose was found to be the suitable filler for extracting granules, and starch at 8% was identified as the appropriate binding agent from the concentrated extract of the Hepaclin-4 formula. Conclusion It was found suitable to select 8% lactose as a filler and starch as a binding agent from the concentrated extract of the Hepaclin-4 formula and obtain a granule drug form using the wet granulation method.

Background: In 2021, 5981 of cancer new cases was registered in Mongolian population. Among those cases, liver cancer was commonly registered with a prevalence of 32.7%. Studies on anticancer agents with no-adverse effects and good-preventive efficacy against cancer have been attracted more attention from the researchers in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Saussurrea amara.L, Chiazospermum erectum Berh, and Carthamus tinctorius.L are well recognized as effective agent against liver diseases. Using these raw materials, researchers have been invented a traditional prescription and named as Hepaclin-4. In this study, we aimed to investigate the qualitative study of raw materials and some biologically active sub- stances in the compounds. Purpose: To study the qualitative study of raw materials for Hepaclin-4 prescription Materials and methods: Some qualitative properties of raw materials for Hepaclin-4 prescription, including appearance, minerals, some organic compounds, total ash, water-soluble substances and fungi, were investigated according to Mongolian pharmacopeia and total flavonoid was detected by thin layer chromatography. Results: No changes were observed on the appearance of raw materials, and minerals and organic compounds weren’t detected in the prescription. No contamination with fungi and insects were identified. The moist in the raw materials were 5.9 to 8.1%, total ash was 4.7 to 13.3% and the water-soluble substances were detected 33.8 to 42.9%. Number of aerobic bacteria, fungi and E.coli, Salmonella species were detected in normal range, indicating that the prescription was matched with the requirement of pharmacopeia. According to the thin layer chromatography study of the raw materials, a yellow spot on the chromatogram were identified and same as quercetin (Rf=0.9-0.98) and rutin ((Rf=0.18-0.23)) as standard compounds, which indicated that the spot which indicated that the spot was flavonoids in the prescription. Conclusions These results showed that the appearance, moist, minerals, organic compound, water-soluble substances, ash and biologically active substances of the raw materials for Hepaclin-4 prescription was corresponded with the requirements of pharmacopeia, and flavonoid was detected in raw materials of Hepaclin-4.

Introduction: Toll like receptors (TLRs) are a class of proteins that key role in the innate immune system. The SOCS1 and SHP2 proteins are negative-feed loop inhibitors of signaling of JAK/STAT and TLRs pathways. Purpose: To determine negative regulator protein activation which is activated through TLR7 ligand/IFN-γ signal transduction in endothelial cells. Methods: We used mouse aortic linear endothelial cell (END-D); protein expressio was detected by western blotting Results: We analyzed a time dependent stimulation effects of negative regulator proteins stimulated by TLR7 ligand/IFN-γ in endothelial cell cultures. Imiquimod of 10 μg/ml treatment of 1 hr was followed by 100 ng/ml IFN-γ stimulation for 1-8hr to analysis of negative regulator SOCS1 and SHP2 protein expression.
In untreated cells, there was low activations of negative regulator SOCS1 and SHP2 proteins. IFN-γ stimulation alone had increased SOCS1 and SHP2 protein expressions, also imiquimod treatment highly elevated SOCS1 and SHP2 expressions. However imiquimod and IFN-γ doubled treatment have decreased activation of negative regulator SOCS1 and SHP2 proteins. These findings suggest SOCS1 and SHP2 proteins are inhibitors in the TLR7 ligand/IFN-γ signaling. Conclusion Negative regulators, SOCS1 and SHP2 strongly suppressed activations of TLR7 ligand/IFN-γ signaling

Introduction: When human body encounters external pathogens primary/innate immunity cells are activated by recognizing them and secondary/adaptive immunity is activated consecutively. In our previous study, we revealed that there is a synergistic action between TLR9 and IFN-γ signaling in the endothelial cells. Purpose: To determine the role of negative and positive regulator proteins on the IFN-γ/TLR9 signaling pathway. Methods: In this study, murine endothelial cell (END-D) culture was used. END-D cells pre-treated with TLR9 ligand CpG DNA and then stimulated with IFN-γ. The negative (SHP-2, SOCS1, PIAS1) and positive (p38) regulator protein expression was detected by Western blotting. Results and Conclusion Treatment by TLR9 ligand CpG DNA and IFN-γ increased positive regulator p38 phosphorylation in 0.5 hour. CpG DNA inhibited IFN-γ negative regulator PIAS1 protein expression in 6 hour and SOCS1 and SHP-2 expression could not affect in 4 hour.

Introduction: Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) belongs to the family of Urticaceae. Three species of Urticaceae (Urtica cannabina, Urtica angustifolia, Urtica dioica L) was grown in Mongolia. U. dioica has recently been shown to have antibacterial, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-colitis, anticancer and antiAlzheimer activities. Flavonoids, tannins, scopoletin, sterols, fatty acids, polysaccharides, isolectins and sterols are phytochemicals which are reported from this plant. But effect of hair growth is unclear yet. Goal: We investigated the effect of Urtica dioica L extracts on hair growth by using in-vitro and ex-vivo study methods. Materials and Methods: Human single hair follicle and dermal papilla cells obtained from scalp skin samples of healthy volunteers. We evaluated the effect of Urtica Dioica L on hDPCs and on ex-vivo hair follicle organ culture. Hair follicle matrix cell’s proliferation marker Ki-67 identified by immunoflurescence staining. Result: Urtica Dioica L ethanol extracts promoted elongation of the hair shaft and reduced catagen transition of human hair follicles in organ culture model. E.extract of Urtica Dioica L increased Ki-67 positive matrix keratinocytes. Conclusion Urtica Dioica L ethanol extract enhanced human hair growth in ex-vivo organ culture model. Needed future study to investigate the related mechanism of hair growth.