1.Respiratory Symptoms Associated with Household Indoor PM2.5 Exposure
Ulziimaa D ; ; Ulziikhutag B ; Ser-Od Kh ; Shatar Sh ; Myagmarchuluun S ; Enkhjargal G ; Gantuya D ; Munkh-Erdene L ; Khurelbaatar N ; Damdindorj B ; Davaalkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;91(1):116-123
Background:
Numerous studies have shown that air pollution is a serious public health threat and risk worldwide. Mongolia is the world leader in outdoor and indoor air pollution, and the morbidity and mortality caused by it are increasing every year. People spend most of their lives indoors, and it is necessary to regularly assess and study indoor air pollution.
Aim:
To study the concentration of PM2.5 particles in the indoor air of households in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan cities in relation to some symptoms of respiratory diseases.
Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted using an analytical cohort design from October 2023 to July 2025, and the 4 districts of the central Ulaanbaatar city and Darkhan cities were included in the study. A total of 240 households were included in the study, including 48 households living in ger and house, 24 households living in apartments, and 48 households living in ger and house, and 24 households living in apartments from Ulaanbaatar city. A direct measurement device (PurpleAir) was installed in the households for 3-4 weeks to measure PM2.5 particles in the indoor air for 24 hours. After measuring PM2.5 particles in the indoor air of the household, data were collected through questionnaires from the participants aged 18-60 who participated in the study and underwent health examinations. The results were processed using STATA-19.0 and R programs.
Result:
213-239 households were selected for the study, including households living in 17-26 apartments, 42-58 houses, and 38-50 houses. The 24-hour average concentration of PM2.5 particles in the ambient air of households in Ulaanbaatar city was measured relatively higher in winter and summer than in households in Darkhan city. Among the districts of Ulaanbaatar city, the highest concentration of PM2.5 particles was measured in Songinokhairkhan district, and the lowest concentration was measured in Bayanzurkh district. Considering the cities by heating type, households with stoves are more polluted than households with centralized heating. In Darkhan city, the lowest concentration was measured in apartments (22.78-31.53 μg/m³), houses (44.53-68.17 μg/m³), and the highest concentration was measured in traditional felt houses (houses) (63.20-68.25 μg/m³). In Ulaanbaatar, PM2.5 concentrations were relatively high in all types of housing, including apartments (41.61-58.37 μg/m³), houses (79.22-92.50 μg/m³), and traditional felt dwellings (76.69-86.31 μg/m³). In the summer, PM2.5 concentrations in Darkhan were 3.10-10.03 μg/m³ in apartments, 7.67-14.37 μg/m³ in houses, and 7.98-17.90 μg/m³ in traditional felt dwellings (houses). The concentration of PM2.5 particles in the ambient air of the settlement is statistically significantly associated with shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, nausea, palpitations, sneezing, runny nose, conjunctivitis, pain in the eye socket, tearing of the eyes, headache, fever, nasal congestion, cough, loss of appetite, sore throat, phlegm, wheezing, and chest pain.
Conclusion
The 24-hour average concentration of PM2.5 particles in indoor air in households in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan cities is higher than the Mongolian standard during winter and is statistically significantly associated with some symptoms of respiratory diseases.
2.Result of the effect of combined herbal extract on IL-6 and TNF-α cytokines
Enkhchimg G ; ; Azzaya N ; ; Khashchuluun S ; Erdenezaya O ; Khaliunsarnai B ; Badamtsetseg S ; Lkhaasuren R ; Khurelbaatar L ; Enkhsaikhan L ; Khandmaa D ; Chimidtseren S
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;96(6):80-85
Background:
Dysregulation of inflammation underpins chronic cardiovascular, metabolic, neurodegenerative, and neoplastic conditions. Traditional medicine has long utilized medicinal plants to alleviate and treat systemic inflammation. Specifically, Rhodiola rosea L. and Rhodiola quadrifida (Pall.) Fisch. & C.A.Mey. possess anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-angiogenic properties. Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk. has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects, support musculoskeletal function, and enhance tissue regeneration. Furthermore, Salsola laricifolia Litv. has been studied for its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities. Although the individual anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor activities of these plants are established, research evaluating the combined effect of their combined extract remains scarce, providing the rationale for this study.
Aim:
To evaluate the in vitro effects of a combined extract derived from these medicinal plants on the expression of selected pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Materials and Methods:
A dry combined extract consisting of Rhodiola rosea, Rhodiola quadrifida, Salsola laricifolia, and Saposhnikovia divaricata was prepared at the Chemistry and Technology Sector of the Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Monos Group. An in vitro inflammation model was established using murine RAW264.7 macrophage-like cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 ng/mL). Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, while the output of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 was measured via Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA.
Result:
The combined plant extract demonstrated no cytotoxic effects on RAW264.7 cells across the tested concentration range. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, the composite extract dose-dependently and significantly suppressed the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (p<0.001) and IL-6 (p<0.0001).
Conclusion
1. The combined extract of Saposhnikovia divaricata, Rhodiola rosea, Rhodiola quadrifida, and Salsola laricifolia exhibited no cytotoxicity in vitro within the range of 50–400 µg/mL.
2. The combined herbal extract significantly suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (p<0.01) and IL-6 (p<0.001) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner.
3.Findings on the Incidence of Adverse Events in referral level hospitals
Lkhagvasuren B ; Enkh-Erdene E ; Myagmarsuren Sh ; Garamgai B ; Battur L ; Sarnai Ts ; Khurelbaatar N
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;90(6):94-99
Background:
Patient safety is a core dimension of healthcare quality and has become a global priority. According to the
report by the U.S. Institute of Medicine, between 44,000 and 98,000 deaths occur annually due to medical errors in hospitals.
One of the key indicators of patient safety is the Adverse Events (AE), defined as unintended harm to a patient that
results from medical care rather than from the underlying disease. The assessment of adverse events is not only a tool for
detecting errors but also an active strategy for improving system reliability and safety. Accurate identification of adverse
events is therefore essential for enhancing patient safety and serves as a critical performance indicator with financial
implications for hospitals.
Aim:
To determine the incidence of adverse events in referral hospitals and to analyze the relationship between triggers
and adverse events.
Material and Methods:
Data were collected during 2023–2024 from three referral hospitals, the First, Second, and
Third State Central Hospitals after obtaining institutional approval. The study was conducted within the framework of
the Whole System Measures methodology developed by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), which is internationally
used for system-wide performance assessment. Data extraction was performed from electronic health records
and inpatient departments, and statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25.
Results:
The study identified 8.3% adverse events per 1,000 patient-days, which is 1.66 times higher than the international
reference rate. A statistically significant association was observed between the number of triggers and the occurrence of
adverse events, indicating that the use of triggers facilitates the active detection of adverse events.
Conclusion
The incidence of adverse events in tertiary specialized hospitals was found to be higher than international
benchmarks. The application of trigger-based active surveillance proved to be an effective method for identifying adverse
events and enhancing patient safety monitoring systems.
4.Results of determining the content of some biologically active substances in compound herbal extract
Azzaya N ; Khandmaa D ; Naranchimeg E ; Batdorj D ; Khaliunsarnai B ; Badamtsetseg S ; Enkhsaikhan L ; Lkhaasuren R ; Khurelbaatar L ; Chimidtseren S
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):85-90
Background:
Medicinal herbs have been used in traditional medicine to treat systemic inflammatory disease for many
years. For instance, Rhodiola rosea L extracts were used to enhance behavioural stresses for improving fatigue and
depression. Gallic acid, found in Rhodiola rosea L and Rhodiola quidrifida is, a natural polyphenol, exhibits multiple
therapeutic activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-angiogenic effects. Saposhnikovia
divaricate (its ethanol extract mainly) notified to support function of musculoskeletal tissue and to enhance tissue regeneration by its anti-inflammatory effect. The Salsola laricifolia L has been studied for its strong antioxidant activity, improve
immune function, boost energy, and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. This study allowed us to screen anti-inflammatory
effects of medicinal plants and future therapeutic possibility.
Aim:
To study the content of phenolic compounds (gallic acid) in the composition of complex products of plants widely
used in Mongolian traditional medicine, which have been found to have biological activity of the extracts
Materials and Methods:
The herbal extract was extracted from Rhodiola rosea L, Saposhnikovia divaricata (Tuscz)
Schischk, Rhodiola quidrifida Pall.Fisch, Salsola laricifolia Turcz.ex Litv in laboratory of the Drug Research Institute of
Monos Group, Mongolia.
We used solvents for HPLC grade was used to identify the bioactive components that Gallic acid in the compound plant
extract.
:
Results: The bioactive compounds in each of the Rhodiola rosea L, Rhodiola quadrifida Pall.Fisch and four medicinal
plant extracts were identified using HPLC, confirming the presence of Gallic acid.
Conclusion
Our research results showed that the quantitative content of Gallic acid in the composite plant extract was
high, at 1.02%.
5.From the results of the research on preparing microencapsuled cholecalcipherol
Nomin Kh ; Odchimeg B ; Khurelbaatar L ; Davaadavga D ; Jambaninj D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):171-176
Background:
In Mongolia, 80.1% of women of reproductive age suffer from vitamin D deficiency. This deficiency is
associated with an increased risk of rickets, osteomalacia, weakened immunity, hypertension, diabetes, and infectious
diseases.Currently, Mongolia imports vitamin D-containing pharmaceutical products, and no research has been conducted
on the pharmaceutical formulation technology of orally administered vitamin D3 products. Vitamin D3 is highly sensitive
to environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) light, oxidation, and temperature changes, leading to its degradation.
Therefore, improving its stability in pharmaceutical formulations is essential. The need for a stable vitamin D3-containing
pharmaceutical product serves as the basis for this study.
Aim:
To develop a tablet formulation containing cholecalciferol.
Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology
at the School of Pharmacy, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, and the drug development laboratory of
“Monos Pharm” LLC. To enhance the stability and technological properties of cholecalciferol, a spray-drying technique
was used to prepare five different emulsions containing various excipients. Microencapsulation was performed to improve
stability, and the most suitable formulation and technological parameters were selected. From the microencapsulated
cholecalciferol, tablet formulations were developed using both direct compression and wet granulation techniques. The
quality parameters of the tablets were assessed according to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), and the optimal technological
process for tablet production was determined.
Results:
A stable microencapsulated cholecalciferol formulation was successfully developed, and suitable excipients
were selected. The quantitative content of cholecalciferol was determined to be 1791 IU, with variations ranging from
-8.38% to -11.38%.
Conclusion
The study identified appropriate excipients and technological parameters for obtaining microencapsulated
cholecalciferol. Additionally, the optimal formulation and processing parameters for developing a tablet dosage form
containing microencapsulated cholecalciferol were established.
6.Study results of PM1 and PM10 particulate matter concentrations in Ulaanbaatar city’s household environments using low-cost sensors.
Ulziimaa D ; Jargalsaikhan G ; Ser-Od Kh ; Enkhjargal G ; Myagmarchuluun S ; Gantuya D ; Munkh-Erdene L ; Damdindorj B ; Khurelbaatar N ; Davaalkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):88-91
Background:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99 percent of the world’s population is exposed to air
that exceeds WHO recommendations, with low- and middle-income countries being the most affected. The main causes
of indoor air pollution include human activities such as fuel burning, cooking, cleaning, and smoking; housing characteristics such as walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture; ventilation; and outdoor air pollution.
Aim :
To assess PM1 and PM10 concentrations in 120 selected households in Ulaanbaatar.
Materials and Methods :
Indoor PM1 and PM10 concentrations were measured using Purple Air real-time sensors in
randomly selected Ulaanbaatar households between October 2023 and January 2024. Supplementary data on factors affecting the PM2.5 concentration were collected via questionnaires. Each measurement was taken in 10-minute intervals,
yielding 51,309 data for analysis.
Results :
PM1 concentrations were measured at 55.5±53.2 μg/m³ in gers, 54.9 ± 46.7 μg/m³ in houses, and 31.6±40.1 μg//m³ in apartments (p<0.001) and measuring PM10 concentrations were 110.6±108.6 μg/m³ in gers, 110.6±96.7 μg/m³ in
houses, and 62.2±83.0 μg/m³ in apartments (p<0.001) When considering the concentration of PM1, PM10 by heating
type, PM1 was 55.3±50.1 μg/m³ and PM10 was 110.6±103.0 μg/m³ in households with stoves and furnaces, and PM1
was 31.6±40.1 μg/m³ and PM10 was 62.2±83.0 μg/m³ in households connected to the central heating system (p<0.001).
Regarding the months of measurement, the highest concentration was observed in December 2023, at 77.1±94.1 μg/m³. The highest concentrations for both PM₁ and PM₁₀ were recorded in January 2024, at PM₁: 64.8±55.1 μg/m³, PM₁₀:
131.4±116.0 μg/m³.
Conclusion
1. Indoor PM10 concentrations in residential environments in Ulaanbaatar city were within the MNS4585:2016 Air
Quality Standard, however, it was exceeded the WHO air quality guidelines, indicating an excessive risk of increasing morbidity and mortality among the population.
2. Indoor PM1 and PM10 concentrations in residential environments in Ulaanbaatar varies depending on location, type
of housing, type of heating, and month of measurement.
7.Association between rs738409 and rs2896019 polymorphisms of PNPLA3 and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Dolgion D ; Yumchinsuren Ts ; Yesukhei E ; Baljinnyam T ; Enkhmend Kh ; Otgongerel N ; Gantogtokh D ; Ganchimeg D ; Batbold B ; Davaadorj D ; Khurelbaatar N ; Tulgaa L
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2024;209(3):3-11
Introduction:
The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
has increased significantly over the last three decades worldwide, from 17.6% in
1990 to 23.4% in 2019. The development of this disease depends on many risk
factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environment. The PNPLA3 (patatin-like
phospholipase domain-containing protein 3) gene is the most relevant genetic factor
influencing the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.
The PNPLA3 rs738409 GG genotype impairs adiponutrin function, accumulating
triglyceride in liver cells and forming small fat droplets within the liver.
Aim:
To determine rs738409 and rs2896019 single nucleotide polymorphisms of the
PNPLA3 gene in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and their
correlation with some parameters of anthropometric and laboratory tests.
Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted with a case-control design in 2023–2024. There were 150
participants in the study, 50 in the control group without MASLD, and 100 in the case group with MASLD. The PNPLA3 (rs738409, rs2896019) gene’s single nucleotide
polymorphism was identified by the RFLP-PCR technique. All statistical analysis
was performed using SPSS 23 software. Categorical variables were described by
numbers and percentages, and the numerical variables were characterized by the
median (min and max) for the normal distribution, and mean± standard deviation for
the non-normal distribution. The statistical tests utilized were the Chi-square test,
Fisher’s exact test, student t-test, and Mann–Whitney test. Ethical approval for the
survey was obtained from the Medical Ethics Committee under the Ministry of Health
Of Mongolia in January 2023.
Results:
The participants’ average age was 46.73±11.45, with 60% being women (90) and
40% being men (60). Among all patients, the PNPLA3 gene’s single nucleotide
polymorphism rs738409 revealed 44.7% (67) CC, 54.7% (82) GC, and 0.7% (1) GG
(OR-CG+GG genotype- 2.9, p=0.003). In addition, as a result of determining the
PNPLA3 gene rs2896019 single nucleotide polymorphism, the frequency of the TT
genotype was significantly higher in the control group than in the case group (48%,
31%, p = 0.042).
Conclusion
The frequency of CG/GG genotypes rs738409, and rs2896019 of the PNPLA3 gene
is higher in the case group, suggesting that they may be more susceptible to MASLD.
8.A review of biologically active compounds and pharmacological activities of raw materials of Sugmel 3 tan
Sodgerel D ; Badamtsetseg S ; Enkhbold G ; Sugarmaa B ; Tsetsegmaa S ; Lkhaasuren R ; Khurelbaatar L
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2024;24(1):80-89
Sleep fulfills the vital physiological needs of the human body. However, 45 percent of the world’s population suffers from sleep problems.
In this article, Sugmel 3 tan /prescription/ widely used in traditional medicine for insomnia was selected and biologically active compounds and pharmacological activities of the plants included in the prescription were reviewed. Essential oils from fruits of Amomum kravanh Pierre ex Gagnep and Cuminum cyminum L. are considered to relax the body and mind to improve a night of sleep. Pharmacological and clinical studies of piperine isolated from Piper longum L. fruits demonstrated that the compound possessed anti-depression-like activity and cognitive enhancing effect.
9.To elucidate the action mechanism of Tumrinn Talkh-7 in liver’s smug po disease from the literature
Bat-Oyun U ; Ulaan-Оd Kh ; Enkhbold G ; Badamtsetseg S ; Lkhaasuren R ; Bold Sh ; Khurelbaatar L
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2024;25(2):18-23
Background:
Diseases of the digestive system are one of the leading causes of global morbidity, and liver disease is
the leading cause, accounting for 52.34% of 100,000 population in Asian countries. In Mongolia, cirrhosis
accounted for 32.4% of all liver diseases in 2019.
In traditional medical treatment, liver cirrhosis is included in the scope of chronic diseases and compared with liver’s smug po disease for treatment. In this study, we aimed to clarify the mechanism of action of Tumrinn talkh-7, which is widely used in the treatment of liver diseases, especially in the treatment of liver diseases.
Materials and methods:
In our study, we used the book named “Oral Instruction Tantra” as main reference material and for research methods, we used the checklist method to list relevant information about the pathogenesis of liver smug po and Tumriin Talkh-7 traditional drug from the literature, so as to provide preconditions for further analysis. The pathogenesis of liver smug po and the action mechanism of Tumriin Talkh-7 were analyzed by theoretical analysis methods and the analysis-synthesis method was used to summarize the analysis results.
Results:
Due to the hot conditions, the blood heat will increase occur. Due to the cold conditions, food absorption is
impaired bad blood is formed in the liver. This is how Smug po disease occurs.
Tumriin talkh-7 traditional drugs should be analyzed in relation to the transformation of liver smug po disease.
Iron dust is treating heat liver smug po removed.
Calcitu-CaCO3 is clear phlegm heat.
Dracocephallum foetidum Bge. is cures stomach and liver heat.
Inula helenium L. is equable and cures all liver Smug po diseases.
Saussurea lappa L. is sharp, warm nature, regulating wind-blood disorder.
Trogopterus xanthipes mine Edwards is treating old liver disease.
Carthamus tinctorius L. is saffron cures all liver diseases.
Conclusions
Pathological blood caused by cold and heat factors leads to liver smug po disease. Tumriin Talkh-7 is a cold
drug with the effect of treating hot liver smug po disease.
10.Standardization of dried tuber of Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.)
Batdorj D ; Maral L ; Maralgua A ; Nomin J ; Battulga B ; Tserenkhand G ; Lkhaasuren R ; Khurelbaatar L ; Badamtsetseg S
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2024;25(2):45-51
The Jerusalem Artichoke (JA) (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is an annual plant native to North America and widely distributed in Europe and Central Asia. The tuber of JA contains 80% water, 15% polysaccharide (Inulin etc.), 2% protein, and a small amount of starch and fat. Inulin is a polysaccharide that is widely used as a prebiotic, fat substitute, and sugar substitute. This substance has high biological activity and is contained in large quantities.
The purpose of this study was to standardize the quality and safety of dried tubers of JA. Standardization includes parameters such as microscopic analysis, identification, quantification, validation of methods following the guidelines issued by ICH guidelines, and quality, including safety analysis (appearance, moisture, mechanical impurities, heavy metals, microbiological purity).
The content of inulin was 64.17±1.25%. The mean relative standard deviation of method validation (RMS%) was 1.27%, 1.18%, 1.22%, and the relative mean standard deviation (RMS) of method precision was 1.94%. The specific absorbance was 307 nm. The correlation coefficient R2=0.9998 was obtained for the reference curve of the standard substance. The detection limit of the method was 2.64 μg/ml, and the detection limit was 7.99 μg/ml.
The method mentioned above has been confirmed to be suitable for the quantitative determination of inulin in the tuber of JA. Moreover, Microbiological purity and heavy metal requirements are met.
Result Analysis
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