1.Current status of Atopic dermatitis in Mongolia: (2015-2025)
Oyuntsatsral B ; Dulguunkharaa B ; Anujin M ; Badamsuren G ; Narantuya B ; Tsendsuren S
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;94(4):102-106
Background:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by epidermal barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and significant clinical burden. In Mongolia, research on AD has increased over the past decade; however, findings remain fragmented across various areas.
Aim:
To synthesize evidence from studies conducted in Mongolia over the last 10 years regarding the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Materials and Methods:
A narrative review was conducted, including original studies on Mongolian populations published within the last decade. Studies addressing skin barrier function, immunological mechanisms, genetic factors, environmental exposures, clinical severity, diagnostic tools, and treatment approaches were included.
Results:
The study findings show that genetic studies identified polymorphisms in the filaggrin gene and, more recently, mutations in the GCDH gene, suggesting these are linked to AD severity and allergen sensitization. Research on the immunopathogenesis of AD revealed that Th2-type cytokines, especially IL-3 and IL-4, are associated with pruritus and disease severity. Additionally, decreased skin hydration and increased transepidermal water loss in individuals with AD were linked to greater disease severity. Disease severity was evaluated using the SCORAD, EASI, and POEM tools, with most studies reporting that mild-to-moderate AD was most common. Clinically, symptoms like pruritus and sleep disturbances were evident. Additionally, clinical severity was associated with laboratory markers, particularly total IgE levels. The high rate of sensitization to inhalant and food allergens suggests that extrinsic atopic dermatitis (AD) may be common in the Mongolian population. In treatment studies using locally relevant natural products in Mongolia, such as seabuckthorn oil and Shargaljuut mineral spring spray, these products were associated with clinical improvement, suggesting they could serve as additional therapeutic options.
Conclusion
Research on atopic dermatitis in Mongolia has progressed in several areas; however, the current evidence remains limited and is mostly based on cross-sectional, small-sample, single-center, hospital-based studies. Therefore, there is a need for future comprehensive studies that are multicenter, long-term, and involve larger populations.
2.Kaposi’s Sarcoma in a patient living with HIV: A case report
Unenchimeg P ; ; Uugan-Oyun Ch ; Narantuya P ; Oyunjargal M ; Indra A ; Narmandakh O
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;94(4):154-156
Background:
People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at increased risk of developing opportunistic infections and malignancies due to immunosuppression. Among these, Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) and lymphoma are malignant conditions affecting mucocutaneous tissues and are considered multifocal angioproliferative disorders, as originally described by Moritz Kaposi. These conditions are more likely to occur in individuals with uncontrolled viral replication and low CD4 cell counts. In Mongolia, although the overall prevalence of HIV infection remains low and early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has reduced the incidence of opportunistic infections, cases of AIDS-related malignancies continue to be reported. Therefore, evaluating the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes of malignancies in HIV-infected patients is of significant importance.
Aim:
To present a case of Kaposi’s sarcoma in a patient living with HIV in Mongolia, and to describe the clinical course, diagnostic findings, treatment outcomes, and the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Materials and Methods:
This case report is based on a descriptive analysis of a single patient. Clinical data, including medical history, physical examination findings, laboratory parameters (CD4 cell count and viral load), imaging studies, histopathological results, treatment course, and outcomes were collected from the medical records of the National Center for Communicable Diseases and analyzed qualitatively.
Case Presentation:
A 35-year-old male patient presented with oral lesions that first appeared in June 2010 and progressively increased in number and size. In July 2010, he underwent computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and histopathological examination in the Republic of Korea, which confirmed the diagnosis of Kaposi’s sarcoma and lymphosarcoma. The patient was enrolled in care at the National Center for Communicable Diseases on September 2, 2010. According to his history, he had lived in Taiwan for the past 10 years and reported having sex with men. On October 22, 2010, his CD4 cell count was 282 cells/ml and viral load was 210,000 copies/ml. Antiretroviral therapy (tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz) was initiated. Between 2010 and 2011, he received six cycles of chemotherapy (DOX, CTX, VCR), and surgical excision of skin lesions was performed. Following treatment, the Kaposi’s sarcoma and lymphosarcoma lesions regressed significantly. By August 31, 2012, his CD4 cell count had increased to 535 cells/µL.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates that HIV-infected patients are at high risk of developing AIDS-defining malignancies due to immunosuppression. Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) played a crucial role in immune restoration, as evidenced by the increase in CD4 cell count. In addition, combined treatment with chemotherapy contributed to tumor regression and clinical improvement.
3.Reseach Findings on Certain Physical Characteristics of Adolescents in Bulgan Province
Narantuya S ; Sumberzul N ; Bayarmagnai L ; Amarjargal D ; Davaalkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):105-111
Background:
The development of a country is often measured by the state of human development, especially maternal
and child health indicators. In Mongolia, public health policies targeting the prevention of non-communicable diseases
related to lifestyle and physical development among adolescents are critically needed. However, there is a lack of regional
studies on adolescent health, particularly in rural areas.
Aim:
To study certain physical development indicators among adolescents in Bulgan province.
Materials and Methods:
This analytical study was conducted in 2022 involving 781 twelve-year-old children. Data were
collected from parents and processed using Stata 17.0. Percentages were calculated for qualitative data, and Chi-square
and Fisher’s exact tests were used for statistical analysis. Where statistically significant, multinomial logistic regression
analysis was applied to identify risk factors affecting physical development.
Results:
52.88% of the participants were boys,92.45% lived in traditional or private hous12.04% of the children showed
growth retardation. 49.68% were overweight.70.94% were classified as overweight or obese based on their Body Mass
Index (BMI).Weak muscle strength (1.66%), flexibility (2.05%), endurance (1.66%), and agility (1.92%) were observed.
Boys were more likely to experience height retardation but had stronger muscle strength.Girls showed a higher prevalence
of being overweight.Children living in the provincial center had higher height and BMI, while those in soum centers
demonstrated statistically significant strength in muscle power, flexibility, and endurance.
Conclusion
1. Among the study participants, 70.94% of children were overweight or obese.
2. 1.66% of the study participants had weak muscle strength, 2.05% had weak flexibility, 1.66% had weak endurance,
and 1.92% had weak speed and agility.
3. The use of mobile phones, parental involvement, inactivity, lack of sports, and lack of horse riding have negative
effects on physical development.
4.Coronary Microcirculation in Acute Myocardial Infarction and the Clinical Significance of Artificial Intelligence-Based Software
Batzaya Ts ; Surenjav Ch ; Batmyagmar Kh ; Narantuya D ; Lkhagvasuren Z ; Tsolmon U
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):231-237
Background:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is a third leading cause of non-communicable diseases and a leading cause
of mortality in Mongolia. Among these, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), a complication of coronary artery disease
(CAD), is a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality. In patients with AMI, both epicardial artery blood flow, observed
through coronary angiography, and coronary microcirculatory dysfunction (CMD) play critical roles in the disease’s
pathophysiology. Recent advancements have introduced artificial intelligence (AI)-based softwares which are capable of
analyzing coronary blood flow from coronary angiography images. The AI based softwares can assess not only epicardial
blood flow but also CMD in recent studies. In this review, we discussed the role of CMD in pathophysiology of AMI,
diagnostic approaches, the application of AI-based technologies, their clinical significance, and future directions.
Aim:
This review aims to explore the pathophysiological relationship of coronary microcirculatory dysfunction (CMD)
in the context of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), diagnostic methodologies, the application of artificial intelligence
(AI)-based technologies, and their clinical significance.
Hypotheses:
1. AI-based software allows for highly accurate assessment of coronary microcirculation during AMI.
2. CMD during AMI is associated with structural and functional changes in the heart.
3. CMD during AMI is related to disease prognosis and patient outcomes.
Methodology::
This narrative review was compiled using a systematic and logical approach, based on publicly available
recent clinical and biomedical research literature addressing the above hypotheses.
Conclusion
In recent years, AI-based image processing software has been developed to analyze angiographic images obtained during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and treatment procedures. These tools show significant promise
for early detection and improved diagnosis of CMD during AMI, as well as for better assessment of short- and long-term
patient risk.
5.Results of the evaluation of maternal and child health record keeping
Narantuya S ; Sumberzul N ; Bayarmagnai L ; Amarjargal D ; Davaalkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):232-238
Background:
A particular appealing problem in the medical field of our country is non-communicable diseases, which
are derived from child development and lifestyle, prevention and the decision was approved on being used the maternal
and child health handbook in order to be promptly needed the publicly covered medical policy toward those. Several researchers have noted that in developed countries longitudinal studies are used for checking and controlling in wide range
of epidemic diseases and health issues for maternal and child, pregnancy and postpartum period as well as this method is
directed to be found out multiple information and knowledge.
Not having studied enough how well current situations for postpartum period and maternal and child health in our countryside is become the foundation for our research work. Moreover, it needs to be found out what kind of factors, which
are effected on children who were born to the year of 2010 in Bulgan province, where it started using the first and only
maternal and child health handbook (so called a pink handbook) in Mongolia, health issues. Also, the foundation of this
study was to be needed to focus on our attention to which level of the medical field in order to improve those generations
health issues are improved,
Aim:
to evaluate of a written usage of the maternal and child health handbook, to define its needs, to advertise its results
to the public.
Materials and Methods:
The study is made with a cohort design of an analytical method based on collected information
in 2013, of mothers and children, who are in need, giving birth and being born in 2010 and the results were made on Stata
17 program. The answers were taken with the base study of 2013 from 1015 original case sources within study groups in
needs, and collected information covered with current and actual local situation, as well as to be involved in mothers and
children, who gave birth and were born in 17 sums’ health institutions of Bulgan province.
Results:
Participants age range and educational backgrounds; 70.34 % of mothers were between 20-34 ages, 29.36% of
mothers were 35 and over ages. 1.51% of uneducated mothers, 39.06 % of high school graduates, 49.1% of permanent
residents, 45.38 % of temporary or nomadic or the smallest units residents of administration, 92.08% of married, 39.88%
of families are consisted in members over 5, 52.12% of boys with average weights of 3389.8 grams during the period
of being born, 9.86% of heavy pregnancy or heavy weight fetuses, 4.14% of light weight fetuses or light weight infants.
Plus, the study was defined the mothers educational background to be great and helpful strength to use and record and to
define the usages of the maternal and child health handbook, which was given and thoroughly explained to the mothers
at the beginning.
The leading diseases and their reasons were among three-year aged children, who were covered and recorded with 173
severe burnt, 42 falling injuries from something, 22 being hit and 19 were bitten by animals.
In this study there were 17.83% of participants without the maternal and child health handbooks (pink handbooks),
81.77% of participants carried their pink handbooks with them when they went to the health facilities, 68.47% of them,
who were gotten explanations from the doctors, when the pink handbooks were opened by, 71.72% of participants answered the pink handbooks to be needed. The results of this study have indicated that 71.72% of mothers, who used it at
first time, answered the maternal and child health handbooks were very important and handy for understanding to check
and observe for mothers and children’s development and growth.
Conclusion
It was the leading reason, which was predominantly recorded with cases of burning, falling injuries, hit
and bitten by animals among three-year of children, who were participated in this study. There were high amounts of
respiratory diseases and diarrheas among toddlers. 71.72% of participants considered that the maternal and child health
handbooks were important.
6.А Study on the relationship between arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia levels, and body constitution characteristics
Wang Xiao Rong ; ; Narantuya B ; Bolortulga Z ; Zandi N ; Oyuntsetseg N
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;90(6):12-17
Background:
In recent years, stroke has remained one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Globally, the incidence among adults ranges from 134.9 to 336.3 cases per 100,000 population annually, with mortality
rates between 36.7 and 136.7 per 100,000. In Mongolian traditional medicine, stroke prevention is not only related to diet
and lifestyle but also depends on an individual’s unique bodily constitution, age, strength, and life habits. Since people
differ physiologically, the diseases arising from the four causative conditions manifest differently. Therefore, this study
was conducted to explore the relationship between an individual’s constitutional type and stroke risk factors, aiming to
contribute to stroke prevention.
Aim:
To study the relationship between individual constitutional types in Mongolian traditional medicine and stroke risk
factors, specifically hypertension and dyslipidemia.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 2,086 participants were included from the Departments of Cardiology, Neurology,
and Ultrasonography of the affiliated hospital of the Inner Mongolia National University. Data were collected through
questionnaires, assessment of constitutional type, blood pressure measurement, and blood lipid analysis. Statistical processing
was performed using SPSS 18.0 software. Chi-square (χ²), ANOVA tests, multivariate logistic regression, and
correspondence analysis were used, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results:
Among the participants, those with the “Khurmal” (Hormal) and “Badgan-Khi” (Phlegm-Wind) constitutions
accounted for the highest proportions (34.3% and 26.7%, respectively), showing a statistically significant association with
stroke risk factors (p<0.05). In terms of the relationship between constitution and blood pressure, individuals with the
Badgan-Khi type had a higher risk, and a statistically significant association was found between blood pressure, risk classification,
and the Badgan-Khi and Khormal types (p<0.05). Regarding constitution and blood lipid levels, the proportions
in the stroke population were: indeterminate lipid ratio (58.3%), dyslipidemia (33.3%), and normal blood lipids (8.3%).
A statistically significant relationship was observed between blood lipid levels, risk classification, and the Khi-Shar and
Badgan-Khi constitutions (p<0.05).
Conclusion
Stroke risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia are associated with an individual’s body constitutional
type. The study confirmed that individuals with a Khi-dominant constitution tend to have higher sympathetic
nervous system activity, blood pressure, and vascular reactivity, providing a biological basis for increased stroke risk. For
Badgan-dominant individuals, metabolic disturbances and lipid accumulation were identified as contributors to elevated
stroke risk.
7.Results of a study on the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Tsetsegtuya B ; ; Oyuntuya T ; ; Narantuya G ; Ulzii-Utas A ; Davaadulam D ; Purevsuren B ; Bolortsetseg G ; Aigul U ; Lkhagvajav N ; Ermek J ; Tsolmon B ; Oyuntugs B ; Naranzul D ; Mitarai S ; Buyankhishig B ; Sarantuya J
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;90(6):135-140
Background:
The continuous annual increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) poses significant challenges not
only within our nation but also globally in the control and management of tuberculosis.
Aim:
This study aimed to determine the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis among individuals with type 2 diabetes
mellitus (T2DM) residing in six central districts of Ulaanbaatar and to investigate associated factors.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study design was employed. Participants aged 18 years and older diagnosed
with T2DM and receiving care at endocrinology clinics in six central districts of Ulaanbaatar were selected using systematic random sampling. Presumptive TB cases were identified through a structured questionnaire and chest X-ray. Sputum
specimens were collected and subjected to smear microscopy and Xpert MTB/RIF assay for tuberculosis detection. Cases
confirmed by laboratory diagnosis, currently undergoing tuberculosis treatment and previously treated cases as per questionnaire data were classified as tuberculosis cases, and prevalence was calculated.
Results:
A total of 1,644 individuals with T2DM were enrolled in the study, of whom 836 (50.9%) were female, with
a mean age of 58 years (range 19–89). The overall prevalence of presumptive TB cases was 10.5% (n=172; 95% CI,
9.0–12.0). Among 112 suspected cases from whom sputum samples were obtained, 10 (8.9%; 95% CI, 4.9–15.7) were
laboratory-confirmed for M.tuberculosis. Notably, 7.2% (6 cases; 95% CI, 3.4–14.9) of asymptomatic individuals with
abnormal X-ray findings were diagnosed with tuberculosis. According to questionnaire responses, 9 participants (0.5%;
95% CI, 0.3–1.0) were undergoing tuberculosis treatment, and 53 (3.2%; 95% CI, 2.5–4.2) reported a previously treated
TB cases. The overall prevalence of tuberculosis among individuals with diabetes was 4.4% (n=72; 95% CI, 3.5–5.5).
Stratification by age and sex revealed a significantly higher prevalence among males (5.9%; n=48; 95% CI, 4.5–7.8)
compared to females (2.9%; 95% CI, 1.2–4.2) (p=0.002), indicating a twofold increased risk of tuberculosis in males.
Although no statistically significant differences in tuberculosis prevalence were observed across age groups (p>0.05), a
declining trend in prevalence with older age was noted.
Conclusion
The prevalence of tuberculosis among individuals with type 2 diabetes was 4.4% (n=72; 95% CI, 3.5–5.5),
with a significantly higher rate in males (p=0.002) and a decreasing trend with increasing age. Among asymptomatic
individuals exhibiting radiographic abnormalities, 7.2% were confirmed to have tuberculosis via laboratory testing
8.Associations of secondary risk factors of non-communicable diseases
Khangai E ; Batzorig B ; Narantuya D ; Enkhtur Ya ; Oyuntugs B ; Bayarbold Dangaa ; Oyunsuren E
Diagnosis 2024;111(4):51-58
Background:
Obesity and metabolic disorders are significant contributors to hypertension and cardiovascular disease
(CVD). While body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are known to be associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), the interplay between adiposity, glucose levels, triglycerides, and SBP is
not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the relationships between BMI, waist circumference, glucose, triglycerides, and SBP in a large population-based cohort.
Methods:
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on [insert total number] participants with complete data on BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose, and triglycerides. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Pearson correlations, mediation analysis, and multiple regression were used to explore the associations between variables. The moderation effect of glucose on the BMI-SBP relationship
was examined using an interaction term in the regression model.
Results:
The mean age of the study population was 44.3 ± 15.2 years. The mean BMI was 26.7 ± 4.9 kg/m², and 22.7% of participants were classified as obese. Central obesity, measured by waist
circumference, was prevalent in 55.9% of the population. BMI, waist circumference, glucose, and triglycerides were significantly associated with SBP (p < 0.0001). Mediation analysis showed that waist circumference partially mediated the effect of BMI on SBP. The interaction term for BMI and
glucose was significant (β = 0.32, p < 0.05), indicating that glucose levels moderated the relationship between BMI and SBP, with higher glucose levels amplifying the hypertensive effect of BMI.
Conclusion
This study highlights the complex interplay between BMI, waist circumference, glucose, triglycerides, and SBP. Waist circumference partially mediates the effect of BMI on SBP, and glucose levels moderate this relationship, amplifying the impact of obesity on blood pressure.
9.Anti-inflammatory Activity and Modulation of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress by the Hexane Fraction from the Roots of Peucedanum insolens Kitag
Jin-Ik KIM ; Yong-Won CHOI ; Nandintsetseg NARANTUYA ; In-Young LEE ; Ji-An KANG ; Sik-Jae CHO ; Ja-Young MOON
Natural Product Sciences 2024;30(3):167-174
In this study, the anti-inflammatory activity and ER stress modulation of the hexane fraction from Peucedanum insolens Kitag. root was investigated. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring nitric oxide inhibition and analyzing iNOS and COX-2 expression in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages using Western blot. The hexane fraction’s effect on ER stress was assessed by monitoring ATF6α transcriptional activity in the stable recombinant HLR-GV-hATF6α (333) cell line. Additionally, the expression levels of ER stress-related proteins, including eIF2α, p-eIF2α, GRP78, and CHOP, were analyzed by western blot in HeLa cells. Our results demonstrated that the hexane fraction strongly inhibited nitric oxide production and the expression of iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. It also significantly reduced ATF6α transcriptional activation induced by thapsigargin or tunicamycin. In HeLa cells, the hexane fraction inhibited the expression of ER stress-related proteins GRP78 and CHOP induced by thapsigargin. Although the hexane fraction alone did not affect GRP78, CHOP and eIF2α levels, it enhanced eIF2α phosphorylation in a concentrationdependent manner. Co-treatment with the hexane extract and thapsigargin prevented both CHOP and GRP78 expressions and eIF2α phosphorylation. Taken together, our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory potency of the hexane-fraction of P. insolens might be related to its potential to modulate ER stress. To find out more detailed integrated actions of the hexanefraction of P. insolens against ER stress-induced inflammation signalling and to identify bioactive compound(s) associated with ERSR-related inflammation, further studies are required using a single cell type, such as RAW 264.7 or HeLa cells.
10.Study results of the prevalence for thyroid disorders
Tsegmed S ; Norolkhoosuren B ; Otgonbayar S ; Tsientcogzol D ; Lkhagvajav B ; Buanzaya B ; Enkhtuya N ; Anand U ; Bolormaa N ; Narantuya D ; Unursaikhan S
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2022;199(1):15-23
Introduction:
Among the endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic disease and thyroid disorders occupy a significant place. According to the World Health Organization, 8-18% of the world’s population suffer from thyroid disorders. In our country, no research on the prevalence of the disorders has been conducted before, and this research methodology was discussed by the Scientific committee of the National Center for Public Health and was approved by resolution No.156 of the Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health on 2020.
Materials and Methods:
In order to determine the prevalence
of thyroid disease in the country, we collected the actual number of thyroid disorders registered in 9 districts of the capital city and 330 soums of 21 aimags for a total of 10 years from 2011 to 2020. The prevalence of thyroid disorders was mapped using Arc view and GIS software.
Results
Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic disease account for 2.3% of all outpatient cases. Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic disease accounted for an average of 168.3 per 10000 population over the past 10 years, and thyroid disorders accounted for 45 or 26.7% of endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases. Thyroid disorders are highest in people aged 40-49 years.
Thyroid toxicity is the most common type of thyroid disease in Mongolia, accounting for 56.2%, with an average of 17.2 per 10000 population in 2011-2020. However, iodine deficiency-related thyroid disease accounts for 5.5% of all thyroid disorders, with an average of 2.5 per 10000 population in 2011-2020. In 2011, it decreased by 2.2 per 10000 population, and by 2020, it decreased by 0.2 per thousand to 2.0, but in the last 5 years, it has increased by an average of 2.4 per 10,000 population, and in the last 5 years it has increased by 0.2 per thousand, or 2.6 per 10,000 population. Morbidity is high in the Khangai and Central regions.

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