Background: Overconsumption of unhealthy foods and beverages, namely those high in sugar, salt, and saturated or trans fats, is observed among children and is associated with poorer health outcomes. The global trend of increasing consumption of foods with high energy and low nutrient density, including refined foods such as sugary and savory snacks, is reflected across all socioeconomic groups. Unhealthy food consumption increases the risk of overweight and obesity, and consequently elevates the risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) [1]. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the level of unhealthy food consumption among general education school students, disseminate the findings to the public, and develop and implement evidence-based interventions accordingly. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study design was employed. A total of 5,578 students were randomly selected from 33 schools operating in Övцrkhangai Province and included in the study. Quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 23.
The prevalence of unhealthy food consumption and oral hygiene status among students was expressed as frequencies and percentages. The association between two variables was assessed using Pearson’s Chi-square test, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
The internal consistency reliability of the questionnaire was determined using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results: Among the participating students, 92.7% reported regularly consuming fast food, and 75.8% consumed it more than three times per week. The main reasons for consuming unhealthy foods included “being quick and convenient” (53.9%), “craving” (43.6%), and “the widespread availability of such foods nearby” (6.9%). Consumption of all types of sugary and processed foods showed a statistically significant association with dental caries (p=0.0001), indicating that these products contribute to the development of tooth decay. Furthermore, the prevalence of healthy teeth was highest (84.1%) among students who brushed their teeth at least twice a day, whereas dental caries was more common among students who brushed once daily or did not brush at all. This suggests that increased frequency of toothbrushing is associated with lower rates of dental caries, and this relationship was statistically significant (p<0.000). Conclusion The majority of students participating in the study regularly consume unhealthy foods such as fast food, carbonated beverages, sugary products, ice cream, and chocolate, and 58.6% were found to have dental caries. When comparing by location, both the frequency of unhealthy food consumption and the prevalence of dental caries were higher in the provincial center and in larger or roadside soums.

Background: Optimal nutrition during infancy is critical for growth, development, and long-term health outcomes. Globally, child malnutrition remains a major public health concern, with a growing shift from undernutrition to a dual burden that includes overweight and obesity. In Mongolia, national surveys indicate declining undernutrition but rising overnutrition among young children. Objective: To assess the nutritional status and feeding practices of children aged 0–23 months in Kherlen soum Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 166 children aged 0–23 months using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through caregiver questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Nutritional status was assessed using WHO Anthro software (Z-scores). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-26, applying chi-square and t-tests at a 95% confidence level. Results : Early breastfeeding initiation was high (94.6%), but exclusive breastfeeding among 0–5 months was low (43.9%). Continued breastfeeding declined with age (p<0.05). Appropriate complementary feeding frequency was observed in 71%, and 68.8% met minimum dietary diversity. Stunting (1.8%) and wasting (0.6%) were low, with no acute malnutrition. However, 37.8% were at risk of overweight, increasing with age. Conclusion Exclusive breastfeeding rates among infants aged 0–5 months remain suboptimal. Undernutrition (stunting and wasting) is low among children under two years.
A considerable proportion of children are at risk of overweight, indicating a growing double burden of malnutrition

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin secretion or action. The global prevalence of DM is increasing rapidly, threatening public health and quality of life. In Mongolia, the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has shown a continuous upward trend, highlighting the need for effective plant-derived formulations with glucose-lowering potential.
This study aimed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effect of composite formulations containing Lagerstroemia speciosa L. (Banaba), Helianthus tuberosus L., and Dasiphora fruticosa L. in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Methods: T2DM was induced in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (170 mg/kg). The rats were divided into seven groups: Group 1: healthy control, Group 2: diabetic control, Group 7: metformin-treated (40 mg/200 g), and four treatment groups (Groups 3-6) receiving different combinations of Banaba, Jerusalem artichoke, and Shrubby cinquefoil extracts for 19 consecutive days. Blood glucose levels were measured daily using a GluNeo® Lite glucometer.
After 19 days, animals in Group and Group 6 exhibited significant reductions in blood glucose levels compared with the diabetic (Group 2) and metformin-treated (Group 7) controls (p<0.01). Group 5 demonstrated the greatest hypoglycemic effect, reducing glucose levels by 43.4% relative to the diabetic control group (Group 2). Conclusion Composite formulations containing Banaba, Helianthus tuberosus L., and Dasiphora fruticosa L. exhibited significant antihyperglycemic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The formulation with Banaba (24 mg) + Helianthus tuberosus L. (200 mg) + Dasiphora fruticosa L. (100 mg) showed the most potent glucose-lowering effect, comparable to metformin, indicating its potential as a promising herbal formulation for T2DM management.

Abstract Chronic toxicity studies are essential for evaluating potential adverse effects associated with the long-term or repeated administration of pharmaceutical compounds, biologically active substances, herbal products, and emerging materials. These studies aim to identify cumulative and organ-specific toxicities that may not be detected in short-term assessments, thereby supporting dose selection, risk characterization, and regulatory decision-making. This review summarizes current methodologies, key endpoints, regulatory considerations, and recent scientific advances in chronic toxicity evaluation using laboratory animal models.
The review is based on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Test Guidelines 407, 408, and 452, which define standardized approaches for 28-day, 90-day, and long term repeated-dose toxicity studies in rodents. Core evaluation parameters discussed include clinical observations, body weight and food consumption, hematological and biochemical analyses, urinalysis, endocrine assessments, organ weights, necropsy findings, and histopathological examinations, with emphasis on the determination of the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL).
In addition to conventional endpoints, recent developments such as ophthalmological examinations, molecular and oмics-based technologies, and novel biomarkers are highlighted for their ability to improve mechanistic understanding and early detection of organ injury. The integration of alternative in vitro models, organoids, organ-on-a-chip systems, and in silico approaches in accordance with the 4R principles is also discussed. Despite existing limitations, chronic toxicity studies remain a cornerstone of preclinical safety assessment, and their integration with advanced technologies enhances relevance, ethical compliance, and predictive value.

Introduction Cerebral ischemia, also known as ischemic stroke, occurs when there is insufficient blood flow to the brain, resulting in the deprivation of oxygen and nutrients necessary for brain cell survival. This condition can lead to significant brain damage and various neurological deficits. The pathogenesis of cerebral infarction is caused by atherosclerosis, thrombosis, embolism, hemorheological, hemostatic fibrinolysis, as well as heart diseases (heart attack, arrhythmia, congenital and acquired valvular abnormalities), C and S protein deficiency, homocystinuria, polycythemia, and other factors. Stroke is the most common cause of disability and the fourth most common cause of death in the developed world. The great majority of strokes can be prevented through blood pressure control, and the ideal treatment is to improve cerebral blood supply and cerebral blood flow.
Understanding cerebral ischemia is crucial for developing effective treatments and preventive strategies. In-vivo models of ischemic stroke have been developed, which allow us to explicate the pathophysiological mechanisms of injury further and investigate potential drug targets. These models directly replicate the reduction in blood flow and the resulting impact on nervous tissue. The most frequently used in vivo model of ischemic stroke is the intraluminal suture middle cerebral artery occlusion (iMCAO, BCCAO) model, which has been fundamental in revealing various aspects of stroke pathology.
This review study conducted to establish a pathologically relevant model of cerebral ischemia in experimental animals, further investigate the therapeutic effect, and develop new medicines.

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate serum creatinine as a marker of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in alcohol use disorder people, and to determine correlation between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and eGFR in chronic kidney disease classification level. Methods: In this study, 118 people were examined 2024. We measured serum creatinine based GFR using the Cockroft Gault formula. Biochemical analysis and serum creatinine were evaluated using a fully automatic analyzer (GOLSITE, China). Statistical results were analyzed SPSS. Result: The mean subject age was 48.6±10.3, BMI 25.3±3.7 and male: female ratio was 5:1. Mean arterial pressure was 104±12.8 mmHg, eGFR 94±28 ml/ min/1.73m2, and mean arterial pressure was significantly correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (P<0.05) and no difference between male and female recipients. Mean eGFR was calculated into 4 groups of 10-year intervals, that eGFR was decreased significantly with age groups. For the alcohol dependence stages of the Michigan Test, the mean eGFR was stage 1 is 112 ml/min/1.73m2, stage 2 is 89 ml/min/1.73m2, stage 3 is 97 ml/min/1.73m2 and there is not statistically significant correlation between Michigan test scores and eGFR. Conclusion According to our research, one of the optimal methods for assessing kidney function is the creatinine-based CKD calculation method, and long-term excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for CKD, as well as one of the main causes of death due to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Background: To evaluate changes in liver function in patients with alcohol use disorder and propose preventive measures. Methods: In this study, 118 people were examined between January 2024 to December 2024. Results were analyzed SPSS. Result: The mean subject age was 48.6± 10.3 years, male: female ratio was 5:1. Mean arterial pressure was 104±12.8 mmHg, ALT 86.7 ± 93.8 (U/L), AST 89.3±82.8 (U/L), GGT 213.8±252.3 (U/L). A statistically significant correlation was found between AST and ALT levels (R² = 0.562). However, no significant correlation was observed between body mass index (BMI) and blood glucose levels (R² = 0.002). The AST/ALT ratio was also statistically significant (p = 0.0001). Conclusion Excessive alcohol consumption increases the levels of liver enzymes AST 89.3 ± 82.8 (U/L), ALT 86.7 ± 93.8 (U/L), and GGT 213.8 ± 252.3 (U/L), leading to increased liver cell damage. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce alcohol consumption and implement preventive measures.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. Over the past two decades, the prevalence of diabetes has been increasing rapidly in Mongolia. Although the national prevalence is not the highest in the region, it is relatively comparable to that of other Asian countries such as South Korea (6.8%) and Japan (6.6%) among adults aged 20 to 79. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is known to be strongly influenced by genetic factors, and in recent years, significant research has focused on identifying associated genetic variants. Among the numerous genes linked to T2DM, the TCF7L2 gene has been extensively studied. TCF7L2 (Transcription Factor 7-Like 2) is located on the short arm of chromosome 10 at locus q25.2 25.3. It consists of 19 exons and encodes a protein comprising 619 amino acids. As a transcription factor, TCF7L2 plays a critical regulatory role in various processes, including pancreatic β-cell function, insulin secretion, insulin receptor activity, and multiple intracellular biochemical signaling pathways. Objectives of the study: Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (ICD-10 code: E11), and a specific region of the TCF7L2 gene was amplified and detected using PCR. Reasearch materials and methods: This study employed an experimental research design and used purposive sampling to recruit 30 participants who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (ICD-10: E11). A total of 5–10 mL of peripheral blood was collected from each participant in EDTA-containing tubes. Genomic DNA (gDNA) was extracted from 30 samples, and the DNA yield was quantified using a NanoDrop spectrophotometer. The extracted gDNA was then used as a template for the amplification of an 888 base pair (bp) fragment of the TCF7L2 gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products were verified by gel electrophoresis, confirming the presence of the expected 888 bp amplicon. Conclusion Blood samples from 30 individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were analyzed. The extracted DNA showed a purity range of 1.73 to 2.1 (A260/A280), indicating that the samples met the general quality requirements for PCR. DNA concentrations measured using a NanoDrop spectrophotometer ranged from 12.7 to 54.3 ng/µl, which is sufficient for downstream PCR analysis. The TCF7L2 gene, known to be associated with the development of T2DM, was detected in 26% of the total samples.

Introduction: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2030, the number of deaths from cancer worldwide is estimated to reach 13.2 million. However, this number is expected to increase to 20.3 million due to population growth. As of 2018, liver cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
HCV is estimated to infect 175 million people globally, accounting for 2.8–3% of the total population. About 20% of people infected with HCV progress to severe liver disease, sometimes requiring liver transplantation.
In our country, the prevalence of chronic hepatitis increased significantly between 2015 and 2019. In 2019, it accounted for 45.3% of the total liver diseases, an increase of 10.3 percentage points since 2015. When analyzing age groups, it is noteworthy that incidence increased by 3.2 times in children aged 0-9 years. Objectives of the study: To determine the level of ferritin in the blood of patients with hepatitis C virus infection and to assess its relationship with fatty liver. Research materials and methods: This study was conducted using a cross- sectional design. The data were collected before the initiation of anti-HCV treatment, and each participant underwent serum biochemical analysis to assess basic iron metabolism indicators such as ferritin and transferrin. Conclusion Of the 115 participants in the study, 27% (31) had elevated ferritin levels, while 73% (84) had normal levels. The mean ferritin level was 336±262 ng/ mL, indicating that a significant number of participants had elevated ferritin levels. This suggests that ferritin levels are increased in cases of liver cell inflammation and injury. Although biopsy-proven fatty liver disease was not present, 97.4% (112) of the participants had elevated blood lipid levels, and 94.6% of these had elevated ferritin levels. However, the chi-square test did not reveal a statistically significant difference (χ² = 0.170, p = 0.681). Additionally, 91.5% of participants with high HDL also had elevated ferritin, but the relationship was not statistically significant (p = 0.117).

Background: Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder of endogenous origin, characterized by the coexistence of prominent positive and negative symptoms and a chronic course. It typically begins during adolescence or early adulthood, leading to disturbances in cognition, thought processes, and emotional regulation, which subsequently result in loss of daily functioning and impairment in social adaptation. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical manifestations of schizophrenia using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and to determine the severity levels of positive, negative, and general psychopathological symptoms. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Center for Mental Health between December 2016 and December 2019. A total of 102 patients with schizophrenia, aged 20 to 66 years, who were under active outpatient follow-up, were included in the study. Clinical symptoms were assessed using the PANSS. Results: Of the 102 participants, 51% (n=129) were female, with a mean age of 40±12 years. The distribution of positive, negative, and general psychopathological symptoms showed that 21–24% were in the mild to moderate range. Notably, 23% of patients presented with severe negative symptoms, such as blunted affect, social withdrawal, and reduced motivation, indicating that these features are particularly prominent in advanced stages of schizophrenia. Positive symptoms were found to be mild to moderate in 15–24% of patients, suggesting that hallucinations and delusions are more pronounced during the early course of the illness but tend to decline as the disease progresses. General psychopathological symptoms were observed in 12–22% of patients, remaining relatively stable across all severity levels. Conclusion In the early stages of schizophrenia, positive symptoms predominate, whereas in the advanced stages negative symptoms become more prominent. General psychopathological symptoms appear consistently across all levels of severity. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating both positive and negative dimensions when assessing the clinical course of schizophrenia.