1.Determination of the Non-Toxic Dose of Essential Oil from Juniperus sabina on Neural Cells
Naranbat B ; Mandakh-Erdene B ; Urangoo E ; Barsbold M ; Otgonsuren B ; Manaljav B ; Munkhtushig O ; Khashchuluun S ; Uugangerel E ; Enkhmaa D ; Khongorzul B ; Suvdaa B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;92(2):139-143
Background:
Plants rich in essential oils belong to more than 50 families, including Asteraceae, Rutaceae, and Lamiaceae. These plants are widely used in food, traditional and modern medicine, perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Approximately 3,000 types of essential oils have been identified, of which more than 300 are utilized for industrial and commercial purposes. Essential oils exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cytotoxic, and antioxidant activities and are therefore widely applied in medical research. In Mongolia, the extreme climate, distinct ecological regions, and the prevalence of pastoral livestock husbandry provide a scientific basis for investigating essential oil–containing plants, their chemical composition, and biological activities. Among them, Juniperus Sabina L. is of particular theoretical and practical interest.
Aim:
To determine the non-toxic dose of essential oil extracted from Juniper Sabina L. on neural cells.
Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted at the Institute of Bio-Medicine, MNUMS. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of MNUMS (Meeting date: November 21, 2025; Protocol No. 2025-26/0301). BV2 microglial and N2a neuronal cell lines were cultured under standard conditions at 37°C in a 5% CO₂ incubator. Cells were maintained in appropriate culture media, and their growth and morphology were monitored microscopically before experimentation. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. BV2 microglial cells were seeded into 96-well plates at a density of 2×10⁴ cells/well and incubated for 24 hours. Essential oil was added at concentrations ranging from 50–500 µg/mL and incubated for an additional 24 hours. After treatment, MTT reagent was added and incubated for 3 hours. The resulting formazan crystals were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and absorbance was measured at 630 nm. Cell viability was calculated based on absorbance values to determine the non-toxic concentration of the essential oil.
Result:
The cytotoxic effects of the essential oil were evaluated in BV2 microglial and N2a neuronal cells using the MTT assay. In N2a neuronal cells, concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 300 µg/mL did not significantly affect cell viability, whereas 400 and 500 µg/mL reduced cell viability, indicating cytotoxic effects.
Conclusion
According to MTT assay results, the essential oil of Juniperus sabina showed no cytotoxic effect on N2a neuronal cells at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 300 µg/mL, while cytotoxic effects were observed at 400 and 500 µg/mL. In BV2 microglial cells, concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL were non-toxic, whereas concentrations above 300 µg/mL exhibited cytotoxic effects.
2.Total phenolic, total flavonoids content and antioxidant activity from the aerial parts of Thalictrum minus L.
Urangoo E ; Uranbileg B ; ; Altantogos M ; Enkhzul O ; Altansukh Ts ; Enkhmaa D ; ; Oldokh O
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;97(7):24-29
Background:
The genus Thalictrum belongs to the family Ranunculaceae Juss. and comprises approximately 200 species distributed worldwide. Most species occur in temperate regions, although a few are also found in lowland areas. Approximately 43 species of Thalictrum have traditionally been used as medicinal raw materials due to their notable therapeutic properties and reported efficacy. These plants have traditionally been used to treat a wide range of conditions, including infectious diseases, nervous system disorders, joint diseases, intestinal inflammation, gingivitis, tumors, jaundice, pneumonia, and other pulmonary inflammatory conditions. They have also been used for wound healing, reducing fever, treating gastric and duodenal ulcers, managing eye disorders and headaches, restoring physical strength, promoting diuresis, alleviating digestive disturbances, stimulating intestinal peristalsis to facilitate bowel movements, supporting recovery after illness, and treating snakebites. Phytochemical investigations have revealed that Thalictrum species contain diverse bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds. These compounds have been associated with various pharmacological properties, particularly antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and antitumor activities. Therefore, Thalictrum minus, a species that is widely distributed in Mongolia but whose chemical composition and biological activities have not yet been comprehensively investigated, was selected for the present study.
Aim:
To determine total phenolic and flavonoid content of crude extracts of this plant. To investigate the antioxidant activity.
Materials and Methods:
Total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity were determined using spectrophotometer methods using extracts from the aerial parts of T. minus. Dried flowering plant material of Thalictrum minus, taxonomically identified by the Botanical Garden of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, was obtained from the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mongolian University of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, with gallic acid as the reference standard, and absorbance was measured at 760 nm. Total flavonoid content (TFC) was determined using an aluminum chloride colorimetric assay, with rutin as the reference standard, and absorbance was measured at 500 nm. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay. Plant extracts at different concentrations were mixed with DPPH solution and incubated in the dark for 30 min. Absorbance was measured at 517 nm using an Agilent BioTek Epoch 2 microplate reader, with quercetin as the positive control. Radical-scavenging activity was calculated as a percentage, and IC₅₀ values were determined from concentration–response curves. All measurements were performed in triplicate or quadruplicate, and results were expressed as IC₅₀±standard deviation (SD).
Results:
The total phenolic, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of the aerial parts of T. minus, a plant species growing in Mongolia, were evaluated using spectrophotometric methods. The total phenolic content of the aerial parts of Thalictrum minus L. was determined using gallic acid as the reference standard. The absorbance was measured at 500 nm, and the content was calculated using the calibration equation (y=0.6947x + 0.0046, R²=0.9997), yielding a total phenolic content of 5.38±0.09%. The total flavonoid content was determined using rutin as the reference standard and calculated using the calibration equation (y=0.3089x +0.0112, R²=0.9960), yielding a content of 2.04±0.16%. The antioxidant activity of the aerial-part extract was evaluated using the DPPH free-radical scavenging assay, which yielded an IC₅₀ value of 66.09 µg/mL.
Conclusion
The contents of selected bioactive secondary metabolites in the aerial parts of Thalictrum minus were determined. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the aerial-part extracts was evaluated in comparison with reference standards, demonstrating that the extracts possess antioxidant activity.
3.Results of NGS analysis of multiple genetic variants in colorectal cancer tissues
Tsend-Ayush E ; Amarsanaa J ; Bat-Orgil Ch ; Ganbayar B ; Urangoo B ; Enkhtuya D ; Shiirevnyamba A
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;97(7):30-35
Background:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide and develops through the accumulation of genetic alterations involving multiple genes. In Mongolia, the substantial burden of CRC, limited treatment options, and scarcity of studies investigating its molecular genetic characteristics highlight the need to improve molecular diagnostics and expand personalized treatment options.
Aim:
To identify genetic variants in tumor tissues from patients with CRC and compare them with variants detected in matched adjacent normal tissues.
Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2023 and May 2024 in collaboration with the National Cancer Center of Mongolia, the Mongolian Institute of Human Genetics, and Happy Veritas Hospital. Eleven patients who underwent surgical treatment for CRC at the Department of General Surgery were enrolled. Paired tumor and adjacent normal tissue samples were collected from each patient and analyzed. Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed using the MGISEQ-200 platform, covering 2,881 targeted positions across 53 cancer-associated genes. Sequencing data were processed through a bioinformatics pipeline involving quality control, alignment to the reference genome, variant calling, and filtering. BWA-MEM, GATK Mutect2, and Variant Effect Predictor (VEP) were used to identify and annotate genetic variants. Variants were comparatively evaluated according to their occurrence in tumor and adjacent normal tissues, potential functional consequences, and clinical significance.
Results:
A total of 60 genetic variant observations were identified across 11 paired CRC and adjacent normal tissue samples, including 56 single-nucleotide variants (SNVs; 93.3%) and four insertions or deletions (INDELs; 6.7%). Of these, 36 observations (60.0%) were recorded in tumor tissues and 24 (40.0%) in adjacent normal tissues. Eleven amino acid-altering variants were identified in tumor tissues. Variants in PDGFRA (90.9%), TP53 (54.5%), APC (36.4%), PTEN (27.3%), KIT (18.2%), and KRAS (9.1%) were detected in tumor tissues. The frequencies of variants in PDGFRA, TP53, and PTEN were higher in tumor tissues than in adjacent normal tissues, although the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05; FDR ≥ 0.75). Variants detected in APC, KRAS, TP53, PTEN, and MLH1 were associated with molecular pathways involved in colorectal carcinogenesis, including Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, p53, PI3K–AKT–mTOR, and DNA mismatch repair pathways. The KRAS p.Gly13Asp (G13D) variant was identified as a clinically relevant alteration for evaluating response to anti-EGFR targeted therapy.
Conclusion
Variants in PDGFRA, TP53, and PTEN were more frequently observed in CRC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues; however, the differences were not statistically significant. Variants in KRAS, KIT, and CDKN2A were detected exclusively in tumor tissues. The KRAS p.Gly13Asp variant may have clinical relevance in evaluating the selection of anti-EGFR targeted therapy.
4.Assessment of calcium-related knowledge and daily calcium intake among the adult population of Uvs province
Urangoo P ; Shiirevnyamba A ; Enkhtunsag B ; Myadagmaa J
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):149-153
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.
5.Determination level of antibody against COVID-19 vaccination in workers of FSCH
Oyunbileg B ; Urangoo B ; Otgontsetseg B ; Bolortsetseg J ; Narmandakh G ; Bolor Ch ; Sarantsetseg J
Health Laboratory 2021;14(2):13-16
Introduction:
Health care workers of First Central Hospital of Mongolia have vaccinated with three different vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. We detected SARS-CoV-2 N and S-RBD antibodies after 30-90 days of second dose of vaccination.
Method:
Quantitation of antibodies to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 was performed for the detection of adaptive immune response in 291 HCWs vaccinated with Covishield, Sinopharm and Pfizer Biontech. Detection and quantitation of SARS-CoV-2 N and S antibodies were performed by the electrochemiluminesce assay Cobas e411, Roche.
Result:
SARS-CoV-2-S-RBD IgG titer were negative 0%, weak positive 0.4%, positive 17.5%, strong positive 82.1% of 246 HCWs vaccinated with Covishield and were negative 2.8%, weak positive 8.5%, positive 57.1%, strong positive 31.4% of 35 HCWs vaccinated with Sinopharm.
In all HCWs vaccinated with Pfizer Biontech SARS-CoV-2-S-RBD IgG titers were strong positive.
Conclusion
Humoral immunity was produced in HCWs after two doses of Covishield vaccine 100%, Sinopharm 97.0%, Pfizer Biontech 100% respectively. Antibody titer was higher among younger age workers.
6.Detection result of virulence factors in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from retail beef
Anujin B ; Munkhdelger Ya ; Urangoo Z ; Udval U ; Sarantuya J
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2020;191(1):3-7
Introduction:
In the United States, Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) is considered one of the top five pathogens
causing domestically acquired foodborne diseases and is responsible for an estimate of 241,000
illnesses per year. Foods that have been frequently implicated in Staphylococcal food-borne disease
are meat, meat products, egg products, milk, dairy products, salads and bakery products. β-lactam
antibiotics are routinely prescribed for treating S. aureus caused infections, but antibiotic resistance
is increasing at an alarming rate.
Aim:
Detection of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance in S.aureus isolated from retail beef
Materials and Methods :
A total of 100 meat samples were collected from markets including Kharkhorin 28, Bars 4, Bayanzurkh
15, Huchit shonkhor 33, Denjiin myanga 4 and Bumbugur 16. S.aureus strains were determined on
the basis of MNS 6308:2012 standard using Baird-Parker selective agar and confirmed by polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) in retail beefs. Bacterial susceptibility to antimicrobial agents determined by the
Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method.
Results:
Overall, 81% meat samples were contaminated with staphylococcal of which 54.3% were low, 28%
were moderate, 11.1% were high and 6.1% were very high. PCR amplification of the thermostable
nuclease-encoding nuc gene using the gene-specific primers and the chromosomal DNA preparation
yielded a 270 bp amplicon, as expected and 35 (43.2%) confirmed as S. aureus. According to the
findings of the current study, S.aureus strains isolated from the beef were high resistant (88.6%
-97.1%) to antibiotics of penicillins group and low resistant (8.6%) to chloramphenicol. In total, 48.6%
of isolates were multidrug resistant.
Conclusion
The contamination of staphylococcal was high in retail beef in Ulaanbaatar. Most S.aureus isolates
exhibited resistance to a antibiotics of penicillin group. The half of the isolates were multidrug resistant
and high virulence.
Result Analysis
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