Background: Elite athletes regularly participate in national and international sporting competitions while simultaneously engaging in high-intensity and intensified training programs. Therefore, assessing changes in blood biochemical parameters is of considerable importance for evaluating athletes’ physiological adaptation to training loads. In particular, determining the activity of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme in athletes’ blood plasma provides a scientific basis for improving individual performance, evaluating sports performance, and enhancing the effectiveness of future training programs. Aim: To examine plasma lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity in athletes of the Mongolian National Team. Materials and Methods: A total of 51 athletes, including 26 men and 25 women from 6 types of sports of the Mongolian National Team included in the study. 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. Result: The average age of the participating was 24.04±4.15 years, with average height of 168±8.78 cm and average weight of 71.01±7.69 kg. The average BMI was 24.82±4.12 kg/m². Pre-exercise lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity averaged 177.1±28.96 U/L, while post-exercise lactate dehydrogenase activity averaged 223.5±51.56 U/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 activity of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase before and after exercise showed significant differences in the age groups 20-29 (p<0.01). When comparing lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity before and after exercise by sport, statistically significant increases were observed in freestyle wrestling and judo athletes (p<0.01).

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: Cisplatin is a widely used platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent, but its gonadotoxic effects can damage ovarian tissue, oocytes, and developing follicles and may lead to primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are being investigated as a potential regenerative treatment because of their paracrine, anti-apoptotic, and tissue-repair effects. Aim: To evaluate the effect of ADSC therapy on estrous cyclicity, body weight, and ovarian follicular morphology in a mouse model of cisplatin-induced POI. Materials and Methods: Thirty 6-week-old female BALB/c mice were included. Six mice received saline as controls, while 24 mice received cisplatin 2 mg/kg intraperitoneally once daily for 10 days to induce POI. After POI induction, cisplatin-exposed animals were continued as an untreated POI group (n=15) or an ADSC-treatment group (n=9). The ADSC group received 1×10⁶ cells suspended in 0.2 mL medium via the tail vein. Body weight and vaginal cytology were monitored daily, and estrous stages were classified as proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and diestrus. Ovaries were collected for histologic evaluation at the end of the study. Result: After cisplatin exposure, mean estrous cycle length increased from 3.97 days in controls to 6.4 days in the POI group (p<0.05). During the post-treatment evaluation, mean cycle length was 5.65 days in untreated POI mice (n=4) and 4.5 days in ADSC-treated mice (n=7), representing a statistically significant improvement after ADSC therapy (p=0.013). Cisplatin caused significant body-weight loss, reaching a mean of 18.0 g on day 6 after completion of cisplatin administration (p<0.01). Histologically, untreated POI ovaries showed follicular atrophy and prominent degenerative changes, whereas ADSC-treated ovaries showed more morphologically preserved primary, secondary, and antral follicles and relatively fewer degenerative changes. Exploratory manual counting in three representative whole-ovary sections per group showed total intact/growing follicle counts of 15.00±2.65 in controls, 6.00±2.00 in POI, and 8.67±2.89 in ADSC-treated ovaries. Conclusion ADSC treatment was associated with partial restoration of estrous cyclicity and ovarian follicular development in a cisplatin-induced POI mouse model. These findings support further investigation of ADSC-based regenerative therapy for chemotherapy-associated ovarian injury.

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: Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome is a rare condition most commonly caused by Chlamydia trachomatis infection. It is associated with pelvic inflammatory disease and inflammation of the liver capsule (perihepatitis). Due to its clinical presentation, early detection and careful differential diagnosis are essential. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 17-year-old female with a prior history of latent syphilis that had been treated. She developed progressively worsening lower abdominal pain and was admitted through the emergency department. Based on computed tomography (CT) findings, she was diagnosed with Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome and received appropriate treatment. Conclusion Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome should be suspected in sexually active women presenting with severe right upper quadrant abdominal pain requiring emergency care, especially when ultrasound findings show no abnormalities of the gallbladder but reveal signs of peritoneal inflammation in the abdominal and pelvic cavities. In such cases, abdominal CT plays a crucial role in diagnosis. Performing dynamic CT imaging, including the arterial phase, may improve diagnostic accuracy.

Background: Obesity, especially central obesity, is a risk factor for non-communicable chronic diseases such as dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Aim: Study the association between the subcutaneous fat area (SFA) and visceral fat area (VFA) with lipid metabolism parameters in adults with MetS. Materials and Methods: Data from 1511 participants who visited the ‘NURA Mongolia’ Ai Health screening center between September 2023 and February 2024, including general information, DEXA (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry), and biochemical analysis results, were used. Metabolic syndrome (MeS) was assessed based on the harmonizing criteria 2009 (≥3 criteria). VFA and SFA were categorized into four groups using quartiles (Q1-Q4). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26, including T-tests, multiple logistic regression (OR, 95% CI), and ROC (AUC) analysis. Results: The average age of the participants was 30.5±3.9 years, with a BMI of 25.1 kg/m², and 49.5% were male. The group with MetS (n=531) had significantly higher levels of VFA and SFA compared to the group that rated their health as relatively healthy and had no clinical diagnosis (n=979) (control group) (p<0.0001), with males showing higher VFA and females showing higher SFA (p<0.0001). The Q4 group for VFA had a significant association with MetS in males (4.611, 95% CI=2.394–9.591) and females (2.253, 95% CI=1.097-3.912) (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that increased VFA was more strongly associated with MetS in males (β=0.325, p<0.0001) and females (β=0.338, p<0.003) than BMI. The AUC for predicting MetS was 0.790 (95% CI=0.750-0.831) for VFA and 0.401 (95% CI=0.351-0.451) for SFA, with all results being statistically significant (p<0.001). VFA had a higher predictive value compared to other markers. Conclusion In healthy men with metabolic syndrome, VFA is more prominently defined, while SFA is higher in healthy women. Since VFA is a better predictor of metabolic syndrome than SFA, it increases the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes in men, whereas SFA in women serves as a protective factor.

Background: Down syndrome (DS) is a chromosomal disorder and a leading cause of intellectual and physical developmental delay in children. In Mongolia, there is no current national guideline recommending the use of the quadruple biomarker test for prenatal screening of DS. Instead, triple marker testing during the second trimester remains standard practice. However, the quadruple test offers higher specificity and sensitivity. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine gestational age specific normative values for the quadruple markers, adjusted for ethnic characteristics. Currently, multiple of the median (MoM) values for Mongolian women are calculated using reference medians derived from Caucasian populations. This study aims to establish population-specific reference values for Mongolian women. Objective: To determine the normative serum levels of second-trimester quadruple biomarkers — alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), free beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), unconjugated estriol (uE3), and inhibin A (Inh-A) — in Mongolian pregnant women. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted involving pregnant women between 14 and 21 weeks of gestation. The concentrations of each biomarker were analyzed using multivariable quantile regression models, adjusting for gestational age and maternal weight. Results: MoM values calculated using the Mongolian model differed significantly from those based on the Caucasian model (Wilcoxon signed-rank test; p < 0.001). Specifically, the concentrations and MoM values for AFP and uE3 were significantly lower, while those for β-hCG and Inh-A were notably higher in the Mongolian cohort. Conclusion The serum levels of β-hCG and Inh-A were significantly elevated in Mongolian pregnant women compared to the ethnicity-adjusted Caucasian reference model, highlighting the importance of using population-specific normative data for accurate prenatal screening.

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.