Background: Studies from other countries have identified multiple contributing factors to renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We conducted this study to investigate the relationship between RCC and certain risk factors among the Mongolian population. Aim: To identify the risk factors for renal cell carcinoma in Mongolian individuals. Material and Methods: This case-control study included 88 patients diagnosed with RCC (confirmed by pathological examination) in the case group. The control group consisted of 88 healthy individuals matched by age and gender. A case-control study design was used. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted on the questionnaire results from both groups to identify risk factors for RCC through both univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Results: A total of 176 participants were included in the study-88 with RCC and 88 without cancer. Statistically significant associations with RCC were found for hypertension, urinary tract diseases, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Although weight gain appeared to increase the risk for RCC, this was not statistically significant. Conclusion Individuals with hypertension, a history of urinary tract diseases, smokers, and alcohol users are at a higher risk of developing renal cell carcinoma.

Background: Studies on the risk of kidney stone disease by age and gender show that the prevalence varies by countries and regions, particularly influenced by the conutry development, population diet, etc. In our country, research on kidney stones has been scarce over the past two decades. Aim: To study the age and gender characteristics of patients undergoing surgical treatment for kidney stones. Materials and Methods: Data from a total of 551 individuals who underwent surgical treatment at the Urology Department of the First State Central Hospital over a six-month period (01.01.2024-06.01.2024) were analyzed. The age and gender characteristics of patients diagnosed with kidney stones were studied, and logistic regression was used to test the true probabilities. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27 software, with a significance level set at 0.05. Results: Kidney stones were present in 12.5% of surgical patients (n=69), while other urological diseases accounted for 87.5% (n=482). The mean age of patients with kidney stones was 46.46±12.6 years, which is relatively younger compared to patients with other urological surgical conditions (mean age=55.77, SD=16.174). Regarding the prevalence of kidney stones by gender, females accounted for 56.5% and males 43.5%. Considering the gender distribution of all patients receiving urological surgical care, females constituted 19.9% compared to 8.5% for males, nearly double the incidence. According to logistic regression analysis, women had a 1.5-fold higher risk of developing kidney stones compared to men (OR=1.5, 95% CI: 1.5–4.2, p<0.01). The highest prevalence was observed in the 36–55-year age group, while individuals aged over 55 years had a significantly lower risk (OR=0.19, 95% CI: 0.10–0.39, p<0.001). Conclusion Kidney stones were identified in 12.5% of individuals who underwent urological surgery. The majority of hospitalized patients with kidney stones were aged 36–55 years, and women comprised 56.5% of these cases.

Background: In Mongolia, the prevalence of osteoporosis is showing an increasing trend, with Uvs province exhibiting particularly high rates. International studies have primarily focused on calcium intake in adolescents, women during and after menopause, while there is a pressing need for comprehensive baseline research that includes all age groups regard less of gender. Aim: To assess the knowledge and dietary calcium intake among residents aged 18 and above in Uvs province, and to investigate the correlation between calcium knowledge and intake. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 individuals aged 18 years and older who vis ited the Uvs Province General Hospital. The daily calcium intake was assessed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire developed by the International Osteoporosis Foundation. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: A total of 330 participants were included, with a mean age of 44.39 ± 3.93 years. Among them, 33% (n=109) were male and 67% (n=221) were female. Regarding knowledge of calcium, 43% of respondents had low knowledge, 22% had moderate knowledge, and 35% had high knowledge. Concerning daily dietary calcium intake, 43% had a very low intake (<500 mg), 19% had inadequate intake (500–1000 mg), and 38% had adequate intake (>1000 mg). Statistically significant associations were found between calcium knowledge level and gender, education level, calcium supplements, and vitamin D usage (p=0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed between daily calcium intake and the level of knowledge regarding calcium (p = 0.131). Conclusion 1. Among the study participants, 43% had a low level of knowledge about calcium, 22% had a moderate level, and 35% had a high level. 2. Regarding daily dietary calcium intake, 43% of participants had a very low intake, 19% had an insufficient intake, and 38% had an adequate intake. 3. Factors such as gender, educational level, and the use of calcium supplements and vitamin D were found to influence the participants’ level of knowledge about calcium. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a broader evaluation of calcium intake among the general population, accurately determine calcium consumption, and develop health education programs and recommendations.

Background: During inversion injuries of the ankle joint, the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is the most commonly injured structure. Injuries to the lateral collateral ligaments of the ankle, either in isolation or in combination with injury to the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), account for approximately 60-65% of all ankle ligament injuries. In recent years, several studies have examined the impact of lateral ankle ligament injuries on lifestyle and overall health. Repeated inversion injuries-particularly those occurring three or more times-can lead to chronic ankle instability (CAI). In the treatment of ankle instability, both open and arthroscopic surgical techniques are widely used internationally. In Mongolia, there is an increasing clinical need to evaluate and compare the outcomes of arthroscopic versus open surgical repair of lateral ankle ligament injuries. This need forms the basis of the current study. Aim: The comparative studies on open vs arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair are limited. This study aimed to compare the early therapeutic efficacy and cost between the traditional open Broström-Gould repair and all-arthroscopic anatomical repair of the ATFL for chronic lateral ankle instability. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 patients with chronic lateral ankle instability undergoing repair of the ATFL be tween September 2024 and February 2025 were retrospectively included with a traditional open surgery (n=10) group and an arthroscopy (n=17) group. The surgery duration, surgical cost, postoperative complications, and the preoperative/postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) and Karlsson-Peterson score were compared between groups. Results: Compared to the anatomical group, the non-anatomical group had significantly shorter surgery and hospitalization durations. Three months after the operation, the AOFAS and Karlsson scores significantly improved in both groups. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in the AOFAS and Karlsson scores between groups at both preoperative and postoperative assessments. No significant difference was found in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups. Conclusion 1. These results suggest that open Broström-Gould repair and all-arthroscopic anatomical repair of the ATFL have comparable therapeutic efficacy for chronic lateral ankle instability. 2. The arthroscopic surgery had a smaller incision, while the open Broström-Gould had a shorter surgery duration and lower cost.

Background: Prostate cancer is a common cancer in older men worldwide and is one of the most difficult cancers to diagnose and treat clinically. Prostate cancer is caused by multiple risk factors and has been shown to occur through the interaction and alteration of multiple genes. TARBP1 is an RNA-binding protein that is overexpressed in some tumors. Aim: Identification of genes related to nucleotide metabolism that influence biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer Materials and Methods: Genes related to nucleotide metabolism were identified using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) from the Prostate Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-PRAD) database. Genes were identified using differential gene expression analysis. Some of the differentially expressed genes were confirmed by immunohisto chemistry (IHC) analysis of tumor tissues. Results: Data from 481 prostate cancer patients and 51 healthy tissue samples from the Prostate Cancer Genome Atlas database were analyzed. 105 genes related to nucleotide metabolism were identified that were statistically significantly differentially expressed between prostate cancer and healthy tissue (P < 0.001). Five genes (RGS11, KAT2A, MXD3, TARBP1, WFIKKN1) were identified as biomarkers for biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. TARBP1 was significantly overexpressed in prostate cancer compared with healthy tissue. Conclusions In prostate cancer, the expression of some genes related to nucleotide metabolism is altered, and five genes have been identified that predict the biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. TARBP1 is highly expressed in prostate cancer tissue.

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) is a biological messenger molecule that plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of inflammation. It has anti-inflammatory effects under physiological conditions but can act as a pro-inflammatory mediator when produced excessively under abnormal conditions. NO is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases affecting the joints, intestines, and lungs. Therefore, compounds that inhibit NO production are considered important for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and are used clinically. The RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage-like cell line is a widely used model for inflammation studies. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, is used to activate RAW 264.7 cells and create an inflammation model. Glycyrrhiza uralensis, also known as licorice, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Fabaceae family. It has been widely used in traditional medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective properties. Recent studies have shown that licorice contains bioactive compounds such as glycyrrhizin, liquiritigenin, and isoliquiritigenin, which play an important role in inhibiting the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages induced by LPS. Inula helenium L., also known as elecampane, is a perennial herbaceous plant used as an expectorant, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-helminthic agent in various respiratory diseases. Licorice and Inula helenium are included in Mongolian traditional medicine prescriptions, but their anti-inflammatory effects have not been fully determined, which forms the basis for this research. Aim: To study the effect of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Inula helenium extracts on the production of NO, the end product of inflammation, in RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Materials and Methods: The non-toxic dose of the plant extracts was determined in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage-like cell line cultures using the MTT assay. Nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cell line cultures stimulated with lipopolysaccharide was assessed using the Griess method. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using SPSS 25.0 software, with the p-value calculated by one-way ANOVA, and the differences between groups were evaluated. Results: In RAW 264.7 cell cultures, Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Inula helenium extracts were non-toxic and promoted cell growth at doses ranging from 1 to 25 μg/ml, while a dose of 50 μg/ml was toxic and inhibited cell growth (p<0.01). When the combined plant extracts were applied to cells at doses ranging from 1 to 100 μg/ml, they were also non-toxic and enhanced cell growth, while a dose of 500 μg/ml was toxic and inhibited growth (p<0.001). In terms of nitric oxide production, Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract increased NO production in a dose- and time-dependent manner compared to the control or PBS-treated group. However, Inula helenium extract did not show a dose- or time-dependent effect on NO production. In the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation model, licorice extract inhibited NO production at a dose of 30 μg/ml after 12 hours, and further reduced NO production in a dose- and time-dependent manner after 48 hours. Conversely, no significant changes were observed in the Inula helenium extract group at a dose of 25 μg/ml after 48 hours, but a reduction in LPS-induced NO production was observed at a dose of 25 μg/ml after 48 hours. Conclusion Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract alone increased NO production in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It also reduced LPS-induced NO production in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In contrast, Inula helenium extract inhibited LPS-induced NO production at a dose of 25 μg/ml after 48 hours.

Background: In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that globally, 2.5 billion (43%) of adults aged 18 and older were overweight, with 890 million (16%) of these individuals classified as living with obesity. Some genes such as the FTO gene are strongly associated with obesity and overweigh. The FTO protein is crucial in regulating food consumption, appetite, energy equilibrium, and expenditure. Aim: The identify single nucleotide polymorphisms rs9939609 and rs17817449 of the FTO gene, which are associated with obesity, and to study their correlation with antropometric measurements and some laboratory test parameters. Materials and Methods: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 50 obese (BMI >30 kg/m²) were included in the case group, and 50 relatively healthy and normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²) were enrolled in the control group, for a total of 100 people matched for age and gender (1:1). We took physical measurements and collected peripheral blood samples after obtaining informed consent from each participant. Laboratory analyses assessed some parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism. We used the PCR-RFLP technique on two genotype SNPs. A p-value below 0.05 was considered a statistically significant result. Results: In this study, including 100 people aged 23 to 75, the mean age was 46.81±11.54 years, with 60% being female. In terms of antropometric measurements, body mass index, waist circumference, and arterial pressure were markedly elevated in the case group compared to the control group (p<0.001). In laboratory measures, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, and mean LDL mean levels were statistically significantly higher in the case group compared to the control group. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol levels were lower in the case group compared to the control group. The FTO gene rs9939609 single nucleotide polymorphism was identified in 62% of the total study individuals as TT, 35% as AT, and 3% as AA genotypes. Also, FTO gene rs17817449 single nucleotide polymorphism was identified in 62% of the total study individuals as TT, 33% as AT, and 5% as AA genotypes. Conclusion The rs9939609 AT/AA genotype of the FTO gene elevates the risk of obesity and is associated with increased body weight, waist circumference, and BMI.

Background: The average age at menarche (AAM) among girls is influenced by various factors, including the socioeconomic status of the country, geographical location, and anthropometric characteristics. In Mongolia, limited research has been conducted on this topic Aim: This study aimed to compare the mean age at menarche among girls living in Bayanzürkh District of Ulaanbaatar and those in Uvs Province. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2025. The study participants included schoolgirls aged 8 years and older from general education schools located in Bayanzürkh District and Uvs Province. Statistical analyses were performed using R version 4.5.1 (RStudio 2025.05.1-513) Results: A total of 486 girls participated in the study. The mean age at menarche among the participants was 12.23±1.29 years. The mean age at menarche among girls aged 8–18 years in Bayanzürkh District was 11.84±1.19 years, while that among girls aged 8–18 years in Uvs Province was 12.97±1.15 years. Thus, girls in Bayanzürkh District experienced menarche 1.13 years earlier on average than those in Uvs Province. The difference in mean AAM between urban (Ulaanbaatar) and rural (Uvs Province) girls was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Conclusion The mean age at menarche among girls residing in Bayanzürkh District was significantly lower than that of girls living in Uvs Province, indicating a tendency toward earlier onset of menarche in urban areas.

Background: Total knee replacement arthroplasty (TKA) is an essential surgical treatment method performed when the cartilage surfaces of the knee joint undergo irreversible changes due to aging, trauma, genetics, or lifestyle factors. In our country, approximately 2.500 knee replacement surgeries are performed annually. Aim: To investigate the Lysholm scores of patients who underwent total knee replacement arthroplasty and the factors influencing these scores. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using a retrospective cohort study design. The research was carried out at the First Central Hospital of the country, involving 186 patients who visited the Department of Joint Center from January 2007 to May 2023. Participants provided demographic data, information on comorbidities, alcohol and tobacco use, physical activity, and lifestyle factors through a 56-question survey, divided into two groups. The stability and function of the knee joint were assessed using the Lysholm assessment. A score of 95-100 indicated excellent, 84-94 good, 65-83 moderate, and less than 65 poor. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: Out of 185 participants, the mean age was 71.83±7.83 years, with 18.9% (n=35) males and 81.1% (n=150) females. The demographic factors such as gender, age group, BMI, and years after surgery were significantly associated with the Lysholm score (p=0.001). Logistic regression analysis identified that age (OR, 2.014; 95% CI, 1.620-1.659; p=0.001), excess weight (OR, 1.328; p=0.001; 95% CI, 0.469-3.765), and years after surgery (OR, 1.194; 95% CI, 0.533- 2.676; p=0.037) were factors influencing the scores Conclusion 037) were factors influencing the scores. Conclusion: The number of years after total knee replacement arthroplasty and patient age significantly affected Lysholm evaluation scores

Background: Liver transplantation (LT) recipients frequently develop complication kidney dysfunction (KD), but the predisposing factors and long-term consequences of KD are not well understood. Post-LT complications that lead to graft failure and patient morbidity/mortality can be generally categorized as vascular, biliary, parenchymal and malignant. Main reasons for our study are to identify complications’ rate for early post-transplant KD and to evaluate the post-LT patients and graft survival rate. Aim: Our aim was to evaluate complications in recipients with early post-transplant KD and to investigate the survival rate after LT. Material and Methods: This study retrospectively and prospectively analyzed the demographic characteristics, preoperative and perioperative clinical parameters, as well as postoperative outcomes of patients who underwent liver transplantation (LT) at the First Central Hospital of Mongolia (FCHM) between September 2011 and December 2024. Renal function was evaluated by estimating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using the Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance formula at baseline (pre-transplantation) and at 24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days following LT. Early and late complications following LT were classified according to the international classification. Ethical approval for the study was obtained at a meeting of the Research Ethics Review Board of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS). Results: In our study KD rate was 29.7%. Several factors increased the risk of KD among recipients. Post-LT complications’ related risk factors for KD was high MELD score (OR, 1.11; 95%CI, 1.06-1.16), Child-Turcotte-Pugh scores of B and C (OR, 5.57; 95%CI, 1.27-24.52 and OR, 8.21; 95%CI, 1.87–36.54), comorbidities (OR, 1.92; 95%CI, 1.14-3.23), post-LT acute bleeding (OR, 3.22; 95%CI, 1.22-8.46), early relaparotomy for revision (OR, 3.12; 95%CI, 1.34-7.28 respectively. Additionally, the survival rates for recipients with post-LT KD were 90.7% at 1 year and 81.3% at 3 years. Conclusions 1. Variables like a recipient high age (p<0.001), female gender (p<0.001), elevated liver function scores (p<0.002), comorbidities (p=0.013), severe ascites (p=0.001), preop intensive care (p=0.026) are pre-LT risk factors for post- LT KD. 2. Acute bleeding (p=0.013), early revision (p=0.006) are risk factors for post-LT KD. 3. Early KD in recipients who underwent LT affects both patient survival (Log Rank p=0.522; HR 1.3) and graft survival (Log Rank p=0.457; HR 1.26).