Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, accounting for approximately 85% of lung cancers. Although the level of diagnosis and treatment continues to improve, the patient’s prognosis is still unsatisfactory due to the high recurrence and metastasis rates. Searching for potential molecular markers is of great significance for early diagnosis, prognostic assessment and targeted treatment. Human aldehyde dehydrogenase 18 family member A1 (ALDH18A1) has been found to be associated with tumor proliferation and prognosis in a variety of cancers, but its expression and clinical significance in NSCLC are unclear. Aim: To verify the protein expression characteristics of NSCLC through immunohistochemical experiments on tissue chip, and provide theoretical basis for molecular diagnosis and targeted treatment of NSCLC. Materials and Methods: In this study, ALDH18A1 protein expression was determined in 80 cases of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), 52 cases of adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and adjacent tissues of combined tumors using TMA and IHC methods. Indirect IHC staining was performed on 4-μm-thick sections, and semiquantitative evaluation was performed based on the staining intensity and percentage of positive cells. ALDH18A1 expression was analyzed in relation to clinicopathological parameters (age, sex, TNM stage, clinical grade) and patient survival. Result: ALDH18A1 was highly expressed in the tumor tissues of 132 cases of LBCL, but was low or absent in the surrounding normal tissues. In LUSC, high ALDH18A1 expression was significantly associated with poor tissue differentiation (P<0.001), advanced TNM stage (P<0.001), distant metastasis (P=0.0327) and tumor size (P=0.0166). In LUAD, it was associated with poor tissue differentiation (P<0.001), advanced TNM stage (P<0.001) and tumor size (P=0.00302). According to Kaplan–Meier analysis, OS of patients with high ALDH18A1 expression was significantly shorter than that of those with low expression (LUSC: P=0.0014, LUAD: P<0.0001). The results showed that high ALDH18A1 expression was strongly associated with the infectivity of HLH and poor prognosis. Conclusion ALDH18A1 is highly expressed in NSCLC tissue and is related to tumor progression. It may serve as a potential molecular marker and treatment target, providing reference for the diagnosis and prognosis of NSCLC.

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common pathological type of lung cancer, and its incidence and mortality rates have long ranked among the highest of malignant tumors worldwide. Through bioinformatics analysis, this study identified the oncogene ALDH18A1, which is closely related to the development of NSCLC. Recent studies have shown that ALDH18A1 is highly expressed in various malignant tumors and participates in regulating biological processes such as cell viability and proliferation. However, its specific role and molecular mechanism in NSCLC remain unclear. Aim: To investigate the expression characteristics of ALDH18A1 in NSCLC cells and its effects on cell viability and proliferation. Materials and Methods: The expression levels of ALDH18A1 in various NSCLC cell lines and normal lung cells were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot. NSCLC cell lines with high ALDH18A1 expression were selected, and ALDH18A1 was knocked down using siRNA technology. The effects of ALDH18A1 downregulation on cell viability and proliferation were evaluated using CCK-8 assays and colony formation assays, and the experimental results were analyzed using statistical methods. Result: The expression level of ALDH18A1 in NSCLC cell lines was significantly higher than that in normal lung cells, and the expression was particularly significant in H1975 cells. Knockdown of ALDH18A1 expression significantly reduced the viability and proliferation capacity of NSCLC cells, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion ALDH18A1 is highly expressed in NSCLC cells, and its downregulation can significantly inhibit the viability and proliferation of tumor cells, suggesting that ALDH18A1 plays a pro-tumor role in the occurrence and development of NSCLC and has research value as a potential oncogene and therapeutic target.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been shown to be associated with multiple factors, including central obesity, insulin resistance, lipid metabolism disorders, and elevated blood pressure, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. In recent years, the prevalence of MetS has risen sharply worldwide, affecting about one-third of the global population, becoming a major public health concern. Although several studies on MetS have been conducted in Mongolia, research investigating the relationship between iron metabolism and MetS, particularly among men who are most affected, is limited. This formed the basis for the present study. Aim: To investigate selected indicators of iron metabolism in men with and without MetS. Materials and Methods: A total of 227 men aged 30-60 years from Ulaanbaatar were included in this study. Participants were classified into two groups: MetS (case group) and non-MetS (control group). According to the British Columbia “High Ferritin and Iron Overload – Investigation and Management” (2021) guidelines, serum ferritin levels were categorized into three groups: <300 ng/mL as normal ferritin, 300–600 ng/mL as hyperferritinemia, and >600 ng/mL as iron overload. Result: The mean age of the participants was 45.3±8.3 years. Based on the 2009 JIS criteria for MetS (five components), 38.8% (n=88) had MetS and 61.2% (n=139) were without MetS. According to the British Columbia guidelines, 46.7% (n=106) had normal serum ferritin, 33.9% (n=77) had elevated ferritin, and 19.4% (n=44) had iron overload. When serum iron-related proteins were analyzed by group, the ferritin levels ranged from 33.30 to 1330.00 ng/mL with a mean of 320.34 in the non-MetS group, and from 43.10 to 1044.00 ng/mL with a mean of 378.28 in the MetS group (F=3.957, Sig=0.049), indicating a statistically significant difference in ferritin levels between the two groups. Other iron metabolism indicators, including serum iron, transferrin saturation (TSAT%), Unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC), Total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and hepcidin, did not show statistically significant differences between groups. Conclusion Among the indicators of iron metabolism, only serum ferritin levels showed a statistically significant difference between men with and without MetS. Other indicators did not differ significantly, highlighting the need for further detailed investigation.

Background: Type I hypersensitivity, commonly known as an allergic reaction, is characterised by an IgE-mediated immune response triggered when foreign proteins enter the body. During allergic reactions, cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13, secreted by T-helper 2 (Th2) cells, play a crucial role in activating immune effector cells like eosinophils and mast cells, which contribute significantly to airway inflammation and obstruction. Conversely, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), produced by Th1 cells, suppresses Th2-mediated responses and plays an essential role in regulating allergic inflammation. Therefore, determining the balance of cytokines produced by Th1 and Th2 cells is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying allergic responses. Aim: We aimed to induce an allergic response in experimental animals using ovalbumin and to determine the levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines using an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Materials and Methods: A total of 20 female C57BL/6 mice aged 6–8 weeks were selected for the experiment and randomly divided into two groups: control and experimental groups. The concentrations of IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines in mouse serum were determined using an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Result: Compared to the control group, the levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines in the serum of allergic model-induced C57BL/6 mice were determined to be 513.7 pg/mL and 193.2 pg/mL, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed in IL-4 cytokine levels between the two groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion In the allergic model group, serum levels of IL-4 cytokine were elevated, while IFN-γ cytokine levels were decreased, suggesting a predominant Th2-type immune response.

Background: The cornerstone of medical education in training qualified physicians lies in foundational scientific knowledge, which forms the basis for clinical reasoning and diagnostic-therapeutic decision-making. Anatomy constitutes one of the core foundational subjects within the medical doctor training curriculum and exerts a direct influence on the development of students’ baseline knowledge and the formation of their clinical thinking. This study was conducted to evaluate the anatomy curriculum through assessments by first-year students enrolled in the basic medical education program, with the aim of enhancing instructional quality and improving the structure and organization of the course. Aim: To investigate the satisfaction ratings of first-year students in the basic medical education program regarding the Anatomy-1 course. Material and Methods: The study was carried out using an analytical cross-sectional design during the first semester of the 2025–2026 academic year. Data were collected from a total of 289 first-year students of the basic medical education program at the School of Bio-Medicine of MNUMS (Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences) using a questionnaire comprising 24 items in total—3 demographic questions, 20 general satisfaction questions, and 1 open-ended question—with each item rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were processed using SPSS 23.0 software, employing descriptive statistics, two-sample t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and factor analysis. Results: Of the study participants, 14.2% were male and 85.8% were female, with the cohort distributed across programs as follows: TAM 10.38%, TMS 17.30%, MDS 44.29%, PDS 13.15%, and DSS 14.88%. The overall satisfaction level was 4.59±0.66, falling within the “good” range. The highest rating was attributed to “Faculty members possess strong professional knowledge and skills” (DSS, 4.91±0.37), whereas the lowest rating was assigned to “Students’ knowledge and skills are evaluated objectively and fairly” (PDS, 4.16±0.75). The internal consistency coefficient of the questionnaire yielded α=0.909, indicating excellent reliability. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations among instructors’ respect for students’ viewpoints (Q4), instructors’ communication and demeanor (Q5), and professional ethics (Q6) (r=0.787; r=0.755; p<0.01). Factor analysis produced a KMO value of 0.865 and a Bartlett’s test result of p=0.000; accordingly, all 20 items were grouped into two factors—”Faculty Professional Competence” and “Learning Environment and Organization”—which collectively accounted for 58.74% of the total variance. Conclusions 1. The findings indicate that the overall satisfaction of first-year basic medical education students who participated in the study was at a favorable level. 2. Faculty professional competence and the learning environment and organization were identified as factors influencing student satisfaction, explaining 58.74% of the total variance in the results. It was further established that adherence to professional ethics, respect for students’ perspectives, and equitable treatment are contingent upon the instructor’s knowledge and professional expertise.

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 25–30% of the total population in developing countries are affected by metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS is defined as a cluster of interrelated conditions encompassing abdominal obesity, arterial hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, and constitutes a significant precursor to cardiovascular disease (CVD), cerebrovascular accident (stroke), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The global prevalence of MetS continues to rise in parallel with increasing rates of sedentary behavior and obesity. Morphological alterations associated with MetS are reflected in changes in anthropometric parameters that vary according to individual constitutional characteristics. Physical development is a dynamic process influenced by age, sex, occupational activity, living environment, and geographic-climatic conditions. In the Mongolian population, specific lifestyle patterns, climatic factors, and behavioral characteristics further amplify the risk of obesity, thereby contributing to increasing morbidity and mortality from T2DM and CVD. Although previous studies in Mongolia have examined the prevalence of MetS and its associated risk factors, data on anthropometric profiles of individuals with MetS remain limited. Therefore, establishing normative anthropometric reference values for individuals with MetS in the Mongolian population is of critical importance. Aim: To determine and compare selected anthropometric parameters between Mongolian males with metabolic syndrome and those without metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: A total of 227 males aged 30-60 years residing in Ulaanbaatar city were enrolled in this study. Participants were classified into two groups according to the 2009 Joint Interim Statement (JIS) diagnostic criteria: 88 males (38.8%) met the diagnostic criteria for MetS (case group) and 139 males (61.2%) did not (control group). Results: Comparisons of anthropometric measurements stratified by serum ferritin quartiles revealed statistically significant differences in body weight, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), percentage body fat, fat mass, and skeletal muscle mass between the MetS and non-MetS groups (p<0.001). When anthropometric parameters were compared across serum ferritin strata, only percentage body fat showed a statistically significant elevation (p=0.037), while no significant differences were observed for the remaining parameters (p>0.05). Linear regression analysis indicated that BMI (beta=3.21, p=0.036) and WHR (beta=7.11, p=0.047) independently increased the risk of elevated serum ferritin levels by 3.2-fold and 7.1-fold, respectively. Conclusions 1. Anthropometric and hemodynamic parameters including BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were all significantly different between the MetS and non-MetS groups, whereas body height showed no statistically significant difference between the groups (F=0.002, p=0.962). 2. Serum ferritin concentration showed statistically significant weak positive correlations with waist circumference (r=0.20), BMI (r=0.19), waist-to-hip ratio (r=0.26), and body fat percentage (r=0.23) (p<0.01). Linear regression analysis identified BMI (β=3.21, p=0.036) and waist-to-hip ratio (β=7.11, p=0.047) as independent predictors associated with a 3.2-fold and 7.1-fold increased risk of elevated serum ferritin, respectively.

Background: The Anatomy course, which provides general foundational knowledge on the structure of all organ systems of the human body, is a core professional course in the bachelor’s curricula of Pharmacy, Biomedical Science, Hygiene and Epidemiology, Public Health, Occupational Safety and Health, and Nutrition and Dietetics. Student satisfaction is not only an important indicator of the quality of medical education, but also influences graduates’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes; therefore, continuous research in this area is necessary. Aim: To determine the level of satisfaction with the Anatomy curriculum among first-year students in basic health science programs and to identify factors influencing their satisfaction, with the aim of improving the quality of teaching. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2025 to February 2026 among 182 first-year students enrolled in the following programs at Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS): Biomedical Research, Pharmacy, Health Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Informatics, and Traditional Medicine Therapy. Student satisfaction with the quality of the Anatomy course was assessed using a 24-item questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, applying descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation, factor analysis, and multiple regression analysis. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The internal consistency of the satisfaction scale was very high (Cronbach’s α=0.928). The mean overall satisfaction score of the participants was 4.61±0.67. There was no significant difference in overall satisfaction by gender (p > 0.05). Factor analysis identified two main factors influencing the evaluation of teaching quality (KMO=0.894; Bartlett’s test p<0.001), which together explained 52.73% of the total variance. The first factor was “Teachers’ professional competence, communication, attitude, and assessment,” and the second factor was “Course organization, learning environment, and instructional materials.” Correlation analysis showed that better course organization and higher teacher engagement were positively associated with students’ satisfaction (p<0.01). Conclusions 1. Among first-year basic health science students, satisfaction with the Anatomy course was influenced by teachers’ professional competence, ethics, interpersonal communication, and fair, objective assessment. 2. Adherence to professional ethics and maintaining respectful communication with students were found to be closely related to teachers’ knowledge and professional skills.

Background: The study of the anatomical structure of the ankle joint ligaments is essential for understanding the stability, axis, and movement of the joint, as well as their interrelationship with the function. It also provides fundamental quantitative data for the training and research of physiotherapists, as well as the practice of injury and trauma medicine. Proper diagnosis and treatment of ankle joint injuries, as well as understanding the mechanism of injury, are based on this knowledge. Ankle joint injuries are common, with ligament and tendon injuries accounting for 85% of ankle injuries. In Mongolia, 81.1% of ankle injuries are new, 9.4% are similar to the initial injury, 8.1% are recurrent injuries, and 0.7% have unknown causes. Depending on the mechanism of injury, certain ligaments and connective tissues can be damaged. Ankle ligament injuries are the most common cause of acute ankle pain, and chronic ankle pain is often due to structural changes in the ankle ligaments. Aim: To summarize the research on the normal anatomy of the ankle and subtalar joint, as well as the studies on joint injuries, using the dissection method. Materials and Methods: Literature search was conducted in Thomson Reuters, Pubmed central database, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases, as well as the statistical data from the Health Development Center and the National Center for Trauma and Orthopedics. Keywords used include: ankle joint, subtalar joint, ankle joint and subtalar joint injuries. A total of 330 publications were identified, and 34 key articles on the normal anatomy of the ankle and subtalar joint, as well as joint injuries, were included in the review. Results: The ankle joint is formed between the distal end of the tibia and the superior articular surface of the talus. It allows plantar flexion and dorsiflexion movements, with a normal range of 30 degrees for plantar flexion and 50 degrees for dorsiflexion. The subtalar joint is formed between the posterior articular surfaces of the talus and calcaneus. It allows inversion and eversion movements, with a normal range of 35 degrees for inversion and 20 degrees for eversion. The ankle ligaments are divided into three groups: lateral, medial, and inferior tibiofibular (syndesmotic) ligaments. The most common cause of ankle joint injuries is excessive inversion of the subtalar joint, leading to injuries to the joint capsule, lateral and medial collateral ligaments, and the syndesmotic ligaments. Excessive plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of the ankle joint can also cause injuries to the posterior talofibular ligament, the osteochondral region of the talar neck, and the anterior-inferior margin of the tibia. Conclusion Comprehensive study of the ankle joint structure provides the basis for explaining the mechanism of injury. Further research in Mongolia is needed, combining dissection and imaging techniques, to develop standardized evaluation protocols that correlate with clinical outcomes.

Background: Insects are an inexhaustible source of medicine, and it is essential to study the biologically active substances contained in insect bodies. Although there is information about various insects and beetles used in traditional Mongolian medicine treatment, there are few studies that have compiled and compared these at the source level. Aim: To study and determine from primary sources information about the composition of pheromone secretions contained in the bodies of various insects and worms used in “Entomotherapy (Insect therapy)” in traditional medicine, particularly rare beetle species, and information about what diseases and ailments these insects were used to treat. Materials and Methods: This study used primary source and historical research methods, analysis-synthesis methods, systematic analytical methods, and historical comparative methods. Information was extracted from traditional medicine source books about insect therapy, particularly identifying and compiling primary sources about the use of beetles in folk medical treatment. Results: According to primary sources, traditional Mongolian medicine used quite a variety of “therapeutic insects and worms” of animal origin, including representatives of arthropods such as scorpions, spiders, centipedes, wasps, bees, various types of beetles, and moths. Among these, stag beetles, dung beetles, and black beetles were used in traditional medicine for treating joint and muscle diseases, various women’s diseases, epilepsy and convulsions, headaches, and all 11 types of bile diseases, with specific prescriptions developed for each condition. Conclusion Traditional medicine treatment used various insects from the biological classification of the insect class, particularly many types of beetles from the Coleoptera order. The pheromone secretions contained in their bodies include many different types of chemical substances.

Background: Hyperferritinemia, characterized by elevated serum ferritin levels, affects approximately 5–25% of the general population. Given the frequent coexistence of liver iron overload syndrome and metabolic syndrome—both of which significantly contribute to global morbidity and mortality—it is essential to investigate their interconnections. However, there is a lack of sufficient evidence, both in Mongolia and internationally, regarding the relationship between iron storage indicators, metabolic syndrome, and its components. A deeper understanding of iron’s role in disease progression is needed. Aim: This study aims to assess the association between hyperferritinemia and metabolic syndrome parameters. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical observational study was conducted on 159 male participants who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements were taken. Blood samples were analyzed to determine glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels using an automated biochemical analyzer. Serum ferritin concentrations were measured via the ELISA method (DRG Instruments GmbH, Germany), with hyperferritinemia defined as a serum ferritin level exceeding 400 ng/ ml. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed based on the Harmonized criteria. Statistical analyses included the chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables, the Mann-Whitney U test for non-normally distributed data, and Spearman’s correlation test to assess relationships between glycemic levels, lipid parameters, and metabolic syndrome components. Results: The findings indicate that 59 participants (37.1%) had metabolic syndrome, while 33 (20.8%) presented with hyperferritinemia. The presence of metabolic syndrome and hyperglycemia increased the likelihood of developing hyperferritinemia by 3.4 and 3.7 times, respectively, whereas abdominal obesity raised the risk by 2.2 times. Conclusion There was a significant correlation between serum ferritin levels and certain parameters of metabolic syndrome among the male participants in this study.