1.Results of a comparative study on the effects of a mixture of bacterial metabolites and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) on burn wound healing
Nyam-Erdene N ; Sevjidmaa B ; Manaljav B ; Munkhtushig O ; Barsbold M ; Otgonsuren B ; Arvinzaya B ; Uugangerel E ; ; Enkhmaa D ; ; Tsevelmaa N ; ; Nandin-Erdene M ; ; Suvdaa B ; Battogtokh Ch ; Khongorzul B ;
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;91(1):32-37
Background:
Skin wounds can occur for many reasons, including UV radiation, mechanical burns, trauma, and chronic
inflammation caused by metabolic factors. In Mongolia, as of 2022, household burns were the top 5 causes of injuries, the
leading cause of injuries in children aged 0-5, and accounted for 18.4% of all illnesses in children aged 0-5. Skin burns
and wounds take a long time to heal, which causes emotional, aesthetic, and economic stress for doctors. Developing in
novative, effective, and low-side effects therapeutic products to improve wound healing is of great clinical and economic
importance. The lack of research on the effects of bacterial metabolites and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) on burn
wounds was the basis for our research.
Aim:
To determine the effects of a mixture of bacterial metabolites and aloe vera on burn wounds in experimental animals.
Materials and Methods:
Eight-week-old BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: control group, bacterial metabo
lite group, and aloe vera group. The mice were anesthetized, and the dorsal hair was shaved over a 2×2 cm area using an
electric clipper. A second-degree burn wound model was created by exposing the shaved dorsal skin to hot air at 200°C for
10 seconds. A total of 100 μL of a bacterial metabolite suspension mixed with aloe vera at a 1:1 ratio was applied evenly
to the center of the wound. Wound images were captured daily, and wound areas were measured using ImageJ software.
Healing was evaluated on days 7, 14, and 21 of treatment and compared with the control group. The initial wound size was
defined as 100%, and wound closure percentages were calculated accordingly. Burn skin tissues from both experimen
tal and control groups were subjected to immunofluorescence staining for the vascular marker α-SMA (Thermo Fisher
Scientific). Statistical analysis: The differences between the control and experimental groups were analyzed using an
independent t-test using GraphPad Prism 10 software, and the mean, standard deviation, and statistical correlation were
calculated.
Results:
The effect of the mixture of bacterial metabolites and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) on the healing of burn
wounds in experimental mice was compared with the control group. The wound size at 7 days was 82.1% in the control
group and 83.7% in the experimental group (p<0.197), at 14 days was 62.6% in the control group and 58.1% in the exper
imental group (p<0.0001), at 21 days was 50.7% in the control group and 32.7% in the experimental group (p<0.0001).
No statistically significant difference in wound healing was observed between the groups at day 7; however, significant
differences were observed at days 14 and 21. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed uniform expression of α-SMA-pos
itive cells in the experimental group at 7, 14, and 21 days of treatment, whereas α-SMA expression was not detected in
the control group.
Conclusion
The combination of bacterial metabolites and aloe vera promotes wound healing in experimental mouse
burn wounds.
2.A comparative study of clinical characteristics and severity of hemophilia
Munkhuu A ; Munkhtsetseg M ; Battogtokh Ch ; Khongorzul B ; Odgerel Ts ;
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;91(1):49-53
Background:
Hemophilia is a congenital bleeding disorder caused by a lack of clotting factor in the blood. Hemophilia A, B, and C are caused by congenital deficiencies of clotting factors VIII, IX, and IX which are involved in thrombin generation of intrinsic coagulation pathway. Hemophilia A and B is a recessive X-linked congenital bleeding disorder but hemophilia C is typically inherited in an autosomal recessive, these are rare inherited coagulation disorders. This study was conducted based on the lack of database on the epidemiology, clinical type and severity in hemophilia in Mongolia.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between clotting factor levels and bleeding severity of hemophilia.
Materials and Methods:
A cross sectional study included a total of 30 patients with hemophilia who were registered from May to October 2025 at the Comprehensive Hemophilia Center, MNUMS. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of MNUMS.
Result:
In this study 30 patients with hemophilia mean age was 18.4±15.7 years, and 96.7% were male. When categorized by age group, 13.4% (n=4) were under 4 years, 40% (n=12) were 5–13 years, 10% (n=3) were 14–18 years, 33.3% (n=10) were 19–44 years, and 3.3% (n=1) were over 45 years. Of the total cases, 83.3% (n=25) had Hemophilia A and 16.7% (n=5) had Hemophilia B. Of the total case, 80% of cases were classified as severe and 20% as moderate hemophilia. Additionally, 40% of cases had joint complications.
Conclusion
Joint bleeding was observed in 41.6% of patients with severe hemophilia and in 33.3% of those with moderate hemophilia. Target joint damage was found in 40% of the study population because 86.6% of patients were not able to receive prophylactic factor replacement therapy. Joint damage, joint deformities, reduced range of motion, and deterioration in quality of life were all adverse outcomes related to the early onset of joint bleeding.
3.Determination of the Non-Toxic Dose of Essential Oil from Juniperus sabina on Neural Cells
Naranbat B ; Mandakh-Erdene B ; Urangoo E ; Barsbold M ; Otgonsuren B ; Manaljav B ; Munkhtushig O ; Khashchuluun S ; Uugangerel E ; Enkhmaa D ; Khongorzul B ; Suvdaa B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;92(2):139-143
Background:
Plants rich in essential oils belong to more than 50 families, including Asteraceae, Rutaceae, and Lamiaceae. These plants are widely used in food, traditional and modern medicine, perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Approximately 3,000 types of essential oils have been identified, of which more than 300 are utilized for industrial and commercial purposes. Essential oils exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cytotoxic, and antioxidant activities and are therefore widely applied in medical research. In Mongolia, the extreme climate, distinct ecological regions, and the prevalence of pastoral livestock husbandry provide a scientific basis for investigating essential oil–containing plants, their chemical composition, and biological activities. Among them, Juniperus Sabina L. is of particular theoretical and practical interest.
Aim:
To determine the non-toxic dose of essential oil extracted from Juniper Sabina L. on neural cells.
Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted at the Institute of Bio-Medicine, MNUMS. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of MNUMS (Meeting date: November 21, 2025; Protocol No. 2025-26/0301). BV2 microglial and N2a neuronal cell lines were cultured under standard conditions at 37°C in a 5% CO₂ incubator. Cells were maintained in appropriate culture media, and their growth and morphology were monitored microscopically before experimentation. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. BV2 microglial cells were seeded into 96-well plates at a density of 2×10⁴ cells/well and incubated for 24 hours. Essential oil was added at concentrations ranging from 50–500 µg/mL and incubated for an additional 24 hours. After treatment, MTT reagent was added and incubated for 3 hours. The resulting formazan crystals were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and absorbance was measured at 630 nm. Cell viability was calculated based on absorbance values to determine the non-toxic concentration of the essential oil.
Result:
The cytotoxic effects of the essential oil were evaluated in BV2 microglial and N2a neuronal cells using the MTT assay. In N2a neuronal cells, concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 300 µg/mL did not significantly affect cell viability, whereas 400 and 500 µg/mL reduced cell viability, indicating cytotoxic effects.
Conclusion
According to MTT assay results, the essential oil of Juniperus sabina showed no cytotoxic effect on N2a neuronal cells at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 300 µg/mL, while cytotoxic effects were observed at 400 and 500 µg/mL. In BV2 microglial cells, concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL were non-toxic, whereas concentrations above 300 µg/mL exhibited cytotoxic effects.
4.Structural changes of the nasal mucosa in allergic and atrophic rhinitis
Byambadorj B ; Anujin D ; Nomiungerel R ; Maral T ; Dolgorsuren A ; Anujin Ts ; Badmaarag M ; Enkhsaikhan L ; Batbayar Kh ; Jargalkhuu E ; ; Khongorzul B ; Shine-Od D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):208-211
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.
5.Results of in vivo and in vitro studies on the essential oil of Schizonepeta multifida Briq.
Mandakh-Erdene B ; Otgonsuren B ; Barsbold M ; Munkhtushig O ; Manaljav B ; Arvinzaya B ; Hashchuluun S ; Naranbat B ; Tsevelmaa N ; Enkhmaa D ; Khongorzul B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):247-252
Background:
Of the 7,678 plant species growing in Mongolia, more than 1,230 are considered medicinal plants; however, around 900 of these remain unstudied, and only about 200 species are currently used in medical practice. In recent years, the use of natural products in therapy has increased, and research in this field has been rapidly developing. Schizonepeta multifida (L.) Briq., a plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is widely distributed in Mongolia, Siberia, and East Asia, and is traditionally used to treat colds, fever, and inflammatory diseases. Phytochemical studies have shown that its essential oil contains terpenoid compounds such as pulegone and limonene, as well as flavonoids. These compounds are known to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects; however, comprehensive studies on these activities of Schizonepeta multifida growing in Mongolia are limited.
Aim:
To determine the antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory effects of Schizonepeta multifita Briq. essential oil and to evaluate its anti-stress effects in an experimental chronic stress animal model.
Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted at the Institute of Bio-Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. The aerial parts of Schizonepeta multifida were subjected to hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus to obtain essential oil, and the yield was calculated. Antioxidant activity was measured at 517 nm using a spectrophotometer (Agilent BioTek Epoch 2). Cytotoxicity was assessed in BV2 and N2a cell lines using the MTT assay, after which inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α) were determined in cell cultures using ELISA. For the induction of chronic stress, C57/BL6 mice were divided into healthy control, negative control, and experimental groups. A total of 10 different chronic stress models were randomly applied twice daily for 28 days. Anti-stress effects were evaluated using the forced swim test. Data analysis was performed using Prism 10 software.
Results:
The yield of essential oil from Schizonepeta multifida was 0.3±0.03%. The antioxidant activity, assessed by the DPPH radical scavenging method, showed an IC₅₀ value of 262.7±2.95 µg/mL, indicating antioxidant potential. Cytotoxicity assays in BV2 and N2a cell lines showed toxic effects starting from a concentration of 200 µg/mL. The essential oil significantly reduced inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL (p<0.05). In the forced swim test, there was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the disease control group and the experimental group.
Conclusion
The essential oil of Schizonepeta multifida exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-chronic stress effects.
6.Job satisfaction among dentists in Mongolia and its associated factors
Battsetseg S ; Byambasoyol N ; Khongorzul Ts ; Enkhjargal M ; Urjinlham J
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):263-266
Background:
Occupational stress among dentists has both direct and indirect effects on individual mental health and work productivity. Furthermore, it is a critical factor influencing patient satisfaction, quality of care, human resource stability, and the sustainable development of healthcare organizations.
Aim:
To assess job satisfaction among dentists and to identify selected factors associated with it.
Materials and Methods:
This analytical cross-sectional study included a total of 98 dentists providing oral healthcare services in both public and private dental clinics in Mongolia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms. The questionnaire consisted of 30 items across three sections, covering general information, working conditions, and job satisfaction. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 31.0.
Results:
The overall job satisfaction score among participating dentists was above average (3.68±0.77). The findings revealed that workplace comfort (r=0.570), colleague relationships (r=0.560), salary (r=0.501), managerial professional competence (r=0.484), and opportunities for professional advancement (r=0.482) were significantly and positively correlated with job satisfaction (p<0.001). Workload did not show a statistically significant association with job satisfaction (p>0.05). Notably, the level of satisfaction regarding institutional support for professional skill development was relatively low (1.87±0.86).
Conclusions
1. Factors such as workplace comfort, colleague relationships, salary, managerial competence and opportunities for professional advancement showed a statistically significant positive correlation with job satisfaction among dentists (p < 0.001). 2. The level of job satisfaction among dentists was assessed as above average (3.68±0.77).
7.Calcium levels in 6-7-year-old children with electrocardiographic changes and their association with physical growth
Uurtsaikh M ; Khongorzul Ts ; Enkhtsolmon S ; Munkh-Erdene U ; Oyun-Erdene R ; Munkhtsetseg Sh ; Amraa G ; Odgerel Ch ; Munkhtsetseg J ; Tulgaa S
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;97(7):60-65
Background:
A child’s physical growth is fundamentally dependent on hormonal regulation, metabolism, and oxygen supply, within which bone mineralization specifically calcium (Ca²⁺) levels acts as a primary factor determining bone mineral density (BMD), muscle function, and hormonal activity. In cardiovascular disease (CVD), multiple physiological processes are disrupted at various levels, including decreased blood circulation and oxygen supply, increased energy expenditure, and reduced absorption of nutrients and micronutrients. In this context, research linking calcium levels in 6–7-year-old children with electrocardiographic (ECG) changes to physical growth has been scarce, which provided the rationale for conducting this study.
Aim:
To investigate the association between calcium levels and physical growth among 6–7-year-old children with electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities detected through early screening.
Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted using a case-control design. The case group included 143 children aged 6–7 with ECG changes, and the control group included 153 children without ECG changes, totaling 296 voluntary participants. Serum total calcium and albumin levels in both groups were measured using a fully automated biochemical analyzer. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSSv27, applying independent samples t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation analysis to compare means between the two groups.
Results:
The control group’s serum total calcium was 2.65±0.15 mmol/L, corrected calcium was 2.58±0.13 mmol/L, and the case group’s serum total calcium was 2.64±0.18 mmol/L, corrected calcium was 2.59±0.17 mmol/L, with no statistically significant difference observed between the study groups (p>0.05). When comparing total calcium in case-group children with normal height (2.66±0.20) versus those with stunted growth (2.61±0.13), a statistically significant difference was found (p<0.05). Correlation analysis between total and corrected calcium levels and physical growth indicators across study groups showed no statistically significant association. When height measurements were divided into four quartiles (Q1–Q4) and compared against total and corrected serum calcium, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups.
Conclusions
Comparison of physical growth and development Z-scores between children with and without ECG abnormalities revealed no statistically significant differences. However, total calcium levels tended to be lower among children with normal growth compared with those with growth retardation in the case group (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in serum total or albumin-corrected calcium levels between the study groups (p > 0.05). When height measurements in the study groups were categorized into quartiles, no statistically significant differences in total or albumin-corrected calcium levels were observed between the groups. This suggests that calcium levels alone may not be a decisive determinant of physical growth in children of the same age.
8. Results of a comparative study on Non-alcoholic fatty liver induced and microstructural fibrotic changes
Suvd M ; Badrakh M ; Enkhee O ; Onon B ; Gan-Erdene B ; Nomiungerel R ; Avirmed A ; Khongorzul B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):188-192
Background:
In recent years, the incidence of liver diseases due to complications of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
(NAFLD) has shown a significant upward trend in Southeast Asian countries. NAFLD is a hepatic disorder characterized
by lipid accumulation in the microstructure of the liver in individuals who consume little to no alcohol. It is often associated with insulin resistance and is diagnosed when steatosis affects more than 5% of hepatocytes histologically, or when
the fat signal intensity on MRI exceeds 5.6%, based on fat-to-water ratio measurements. In Mongolia, histological studies
using frozen liver sections with routine and special staining techniques are limited, highlighting the necessity of this study.
Aim:
To determine and compare the degree of steatosis and fibrosis in frozen liver tissue samples of patients with NAFLD
through histological analysis.
Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted at the the Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedicine and Bio
medical Research Institute of MNUMS in collaboration with the Second State Central Hospital. Ethical approval was
obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of MNUMS (Protocol No. 2024/3-06). All procedures adhered strictly to
laboratory biosafety protocols. Participants were selected among patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, from whom informed consent was obtained. Based on inclusion criteria, five participants were grouped as follows:
healthy control (n=1), NAFLD without fibrosis (n=2), and NAFLD with fibrosis (n=2). Liver biopsies (approx. 1 cm in
size) were obtained intraoperatively, immediately deep-frozen in liquid nitrogen, and prepared for histological evaluation.
Results:
In patients with NAFLD compared to the healthy liver group, disruption of hepatocyte columnar architecture and
mild periportal lymphocytic infiltration were observed. Oil Red O staining revealed 34–66% micro- and macrovesicular
steatosis, corresponding to grade 2 steatosis. Masson’s trichrome staining showed no fibrotic changes in perivenular or
periportal areas (Ishak grade 0/4) at this stage. However, upon progression to grade 3 steatosis, early-stage fibrosis was
observed in both perivenular and periportal regions (Ishak grade 1/4). Further progression to stage 4 fibrosis was characterized by the development of connective tissue septa, although no significant changes in droplet size were observed.
Conclusions
1. Increasing stages of fibrosis are not directly influenced by the severity of hepatic steatosis in NAFLD.
2. Although the degree of steatosis increases, the absence of corresponding fibrotic changes in early stages indicates a
complex progression pattern of NAFLD requiring further investigation.
9.Clinical outcome of non-surgical orthopedic treatment using fixed for skeletal class III malocclusion following surgical repair of congenital cleft lip and palate
Khongorzul M ; Burenjargal O ; Gannaran N ; Bolormaa S
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;87(3):97-102
Background:
Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a congenital anomaly that accounts
for approximately 65% of all craniofacial malformations. In Mongolia, the prevalence
of CLP is estimated at 0.93 to 1 per 1,000 live births, which is comparable
to the global average but slightly higher than the average reported among
Asian countries. The incidence is observed to be twice as common in males
compared to females.
Diagnosis:
The patient is a 15-year-old male with a
history of congenital unilateral cleft lip and palate. He underwent primary surgical
repair of the cleft at the age of 9. As of May 2022, clinical examination revealed
maxillary hypoplasia, anterior crowding, and a combination of bilateral
posterior and anterior crossbite. Cephalometric analysis demonstrated a skeletal
Class III malocclusion with midfacial deficiency.
Treatment:
Orthodontic
treatment was initiated in October 2022 using a non-removable, self-ligating
bracket system (MBT 0.022” slot, stainless steel). In the first month, CuNiTi
0.014 archwires were placed, and cross elastics were applied from the maxillary
to mandibular canines on the left side for two months. On December 10,
2022, CuNiTi 0.014×0.025 archwires were placed in both arches, accompanied
by coil springs to open space. Subsequent phases involved transitioning
to stainless steel (SS) and titanium-molybdenum alloy (TMA) archwires for
alignment and leveling.
Treatment Outcome:
At the end of treatment, a Class
I molar and canine relationship was achieved. The axial inclinations of the
upper and lower incisors reached normative values based on lateral cephalometric
analysis. The maxillary arch form was expanded and improved to a
more ideal rounded contour. Dental crowding was resolved without extraction,
and both transverse and sagittal occlusal relationships were significantly improved.
Conclusion
This clinical case demonstrates that fixed orthodontic
treatment in a patient with unilateral cleft lip and palate can effectively correct
dental crowding, normalize occlusal relationships, and significantly improve
facial esthetics, phonetics, and overall quality of life. Orthodontic intervention
played a vital role in restoring function and supporting psychosocial and physical
development.
10.The effectiveness of occupational therapy for Children with Developmental Disabilities: A case study
Bulganchimeg S ; Myendigul B ; Tuyajargal T ; Tungalag G ; Khongorzul Ts ; Erdenetsetseg M
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;87(3):116-122
Background:
Children with developmental disabilities benefit from
support in motor skills, sensory processing, cognitive development, and
social skills. Mongolia has trained occupational therapists for a decade,
with 37% specializing in pediatrics, but long-term therapy facilities remain
limited.
Aim:
This study provides a case report on a child with
developmental disabilities who received occupational therapy to evaluate
improvements in sensory processing, social communication, and
daily living skills.
Materials and Methods:
The study participants were
purposively selected from children undergoing occupational therapy at
the “Enerel” Child Development Center. Participant A is a 16-year-old
male with hearing and speech impairments, as well as an intellectual
disability. The initial assessment showed poor sensory processing and
behavioral problems and communication difficulties. A tailored program
incorporating sensory-based therapies, communication cards, and sign
language was developed with caregiver collaboration. Occupational
therapy was conducted five times weekly for 11 weeks. Pre and post
test assessments included goal attainment scaling (GAS) and Sensory
profile 2 (Child).
Results:
The participant showed improved communication
using cards and sign language, better emotional regulation,
enhanced sensory processing, and reduced hyperactivity to external
stimuli. Goal Achievement (GAS) +2, meaning the goal was achieved
better than expected and positive changes were found on the Sensory
profile 2, with large effect sizes.
Conclusion
The study found that sensory-
based occupational therapy and sign language training improved
occupational performance and goal achievement in children with sensory,
behavioral, and communication difficulties.
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