Background: In recent years, the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and non-communicable diseases has been increasing worldwide, particularly in developing countries. These conditions are closely associated with unhealthy dietary patterns, physical inactivity, and high consumption of ultra-processed foods. In Mongolia, national nutrition surveys indicate insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, while consumption of meat and fats remains relatively high. Although healthcare workers possess higher health literacy, they are considered a high-risk group for unhealthy dietary behaviors due to workload and occupational factors. Therefore, assessing their dietary intake is essential. Aim: To evaluate and compare the dietary intake of healthcare workers with the recommended dietary intake levels for the Mongolian population. Materials and Methods: A total of 335 employees (82.1% female, 17.9% male; aged 22–69 years) from nine healthcare institutions in Ulaanbaatar were included in the study. Data were collected using a general questionnaire consisting of 5 sections and 35 questions, and a food frequency questionnaire comprising 19 sections and 182 questions. Dietary intake was assessed using standardized portion size estimation methods and household measures (e.g., cups, spoons). Data were analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Result: Among participants, 85.4% did not engage in regular physical activity, and 54.6% reported gastrointestinal discomfort. Irregular eating patterns were observed, with 63.3% not consuming dinner at a regular time. The average intake of meat and meat products was 307.81 g, which was 1.5 times higher than the recommended level. In contrast, intake of dairy products (159.77 g), vegetables (162.47 g), and fruits (175.84 g) was 1.1–2.2 times lower than recommended. Intake of cereals (470.17 g) and fats (23.42 g) was approximately within the recommended range. Overall, 91.6% of participants had insufficient dairy intake, 95.5% had insufficient vegetable intake, and 81.5% had insufficient fruit intake. The average consumption of ultra-processed foods was 256.1 g and showed a moderate positive correlation with fat intake (r=0.506, p<0.001). Approximately 60% of participants exceeded the recommended daily energy intake, with excessive intake observed for protein (66.3%), fat (50.1%), and carbohydrates (41.8%). Conclusion The dietary patterns of healthcare workers deviated from recommended intake levels, characterized by excessive energy intake, imbalance in macronutrients, and high consumption of ultra-processed foods. There is a need to increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, reduce meat and processed food consumption, and promote a supportive environment for healthy eating in the workplace.

Background: According to the 2024 national health statistics of Mongolia, colorectal cancer accounts for 5.1% of all newly diagnosed cancers, with 74.1% detected at an advanced stage. Although population-based screening programs have recently been implemented, no studies have established a risk factor–based scoring system with an optimal cut-off value or evaluated its clinical utility in resource-limited settings in Mongolia. Aim: To develop a modified APCS (mAPCS) scoring system and evaluate its clinical applicability for colorectal cancer screening. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2024 and February 2026 at the outpatient clinics of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences and the Mongolia–Japan Hospital. A total of 447 eligible participants were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements (height and weight) were obtained, and six categories of questionnaires (demographic data, APCS risk score, behavioral factors, medical history, and medication use) were administered. Eleven participants declined colonoscopy; therefore, 436 participants underwent colonoscopic examination, with histopathological evaluation performed when indicated. Results: A total of 436 participants were included, of whom 282 (64.7%) were female, with a mean age of 54.8±11.5 years. Colorectal adenomas (advanced and non-advanced) and colorectal cancer were detected in 199 (45.6%) participants. Among them, 43 (21.6%) had advanced colorectal neoplasia. Multivariable regression analysis identified age ≥55 years (OR 4.8), BMI ≥28 kg/m² (OR 3.6), and a family history of colorectal cancer (OR 3.1) as independent risk factors for advanced neoplasia. The optimal cut-off value for the mAPCS score was 4, with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 41.7% (sensitivity 97.7%, specificity 35.6%). Conclusions 1. Age ≥55 years, BMI ≥28 kg/m², and a family history of colorectal cancer were identified as independent risk factors for advanced colorectal neoplasia. At a cut-off value of ≥4, the mAPCS scoring system demonstrated high sensitivity (97.7%), low specificity (35.6%), high negative predictive value (99.2%), and low positive predictive value (14.2%). 2. Therefore, the mAPCS scoring system may serve as a useful tool for risk stratification and efficient allocation of limited resources in colorectal cancer screening.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global public health problem, affecting more than 10% of the world’s population, over 850 million people worldwide. Protein-energy wasting (PEW), which is observed in 28–54% of patients undergoing hemodialysis, is closely associated with reduced muscle mass and has been shown to double the risk of mortality within 5 years. Chronic inflammation and hemodynamic instability during hemodialysis are considered key mechanisms contributing to muscle mass loss in CKD. Aim: To determine muscle mass and the intensity of inflammatory response in hemodialysis patients, and evaluate their association Materials and Methods: Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) was assessed after hemodialysis using bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 770, USA). The skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) was calculated as muscle mass (kg) divided by height squared (m²). Blood samples were obtained from the participants prior to hemodialysis, and the intensity of the inflammatory response was assessed using the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) and the CRP-to-albumin ratio (CRP/Alb). In addition, based on complete blood count parameters, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), as well as the systemic immune–inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) were calculated and evaluated. Results: A total of 128 hemodialysis patients were enrolled, including 50.8% males and 49.2% females, with a mean age of 55.37±14.87 years. No statistically significant differences in SMM (F=2.22, p=0.113) or SMMI (F=7.47, p=0.48) were observed across age groups. However, when stratified by duration of hemodialysis (≤3 years vs >3 years), independent samples t-test demonstrated significant differences in both SMM (26.2±5.2 vs 22.8±4.4; t=2.645, p=0.009) and SMMI (24.9±10.2 vs 22.9±9.7; t=3.020, p=0.003). Pearson correlation analysis showed that SMMI was significantly inversely correlated with CRP (r=−0.368, p<0.0001), MLR (r=−0.321, p<0.0001), SIRI (r=−0.210, p=0.02), AISI (r=−0.252, p=0.004), and CRP/Alb (r=−0.260, p=0.003). Conclusion In hemodialysis patients, increased inflammatory response intensity was associated with reduced skeletal muscle mass and may represent one of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms (SMMI vs. CRP, r=−0.368, p<0.0001; SMMI vs. MLR, r=−0.321, p<0.0001; SMMI vs. SIRI, r =−0.210, p=0.02; SMMI vs. AISI, r=−0.252, p=0.004; SMMI vs. CRP/Alb, r=−0.260, p=0.003).

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune-related condition caused by interactions between genetics, immune dysfunction, gut microbiota changes, and environmental factors, often presenting as persistent or recurring diarrhea. Clinically, it commonly presents with chronic diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. The global prevalence of IBD is increasing, currently affecting approximately 0.5% of the population, with projections suggesting a rise to nearly 1% by 2030. Fecal calprotectin is a neutrophil-derived S100 calcium-binding protein that is elevated in intestinal mucosal inflammation and serves as a reliable noninvasive biomarker of inflammatory activity. Due to its high stability and close association with intestinal inflammatory activity, fecal calprotectin has been established as a dependable, non-invasive marker for identifying intestinal inflammation. In clinical practice, it is extensively used to distinguish IBD from functional gastrointestinal disorders, especially irritable bowel syndrome, among patients presenting with chronic diarrhea. However, its diagnostic utility in Mongolia remains underexplored, and this study aims to determine its sensitivity and specificity in inflammatory bowel disease and compare its diagnostic performance with other inflammatory markers. Aim: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of fecal calprotectin in inflammatory bowel disease and to compare it with other inflammatory markers. Materials and Methods: A total of 109 participants aged 18-87 years with chronic diarrhea, who attended the gastroenterology outpatient clinics of the Mongolia–Japan Hospital and Intermed Hospital between December 2024 and December 2025 and provided informed consent, were enrolled in this study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, and laboratory investigations included complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and measurement of fecal calprotectin levels from stool samples. Based on fecal calprotectin results, selected participants underwent colonoscopic examination as clinically indicated. Results: Among the 109 participants included in the study, 17.4% were diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with a mean age of 47.41±15.52 years. Fecal calprotectin levels were significantly higher in the IBD group compared to the control group (p<0.001). Fecal calprotectin demonstrated a weak positive correlation with C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocyte count (p=0.042, p=0.06), while no significant correlation was observed with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). At a cutoff value of 250 µg/g, fecal calprotectin showed a sensitivity of 94.4%, specificity of 69.2%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 37.8%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.4%. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified an optimal cutoff value of approximately 400 µg/g (AUC=0.919, Youden index=0.724), at which the sensitivity remained 94.4% and specificity increased to 78.0%. In contrast, CRP and ESR demonstrated comparatively lower diagnostic performance, with AUC values of 0.640 and 0.644, respectively. Conclusion This study demonstrates that fecal calprotectin has superior diagnostic performance compared to conventional inflammatory markers in differentiating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). An optimal cutoff value of approximately 400 µg/g yielded the highest sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, fecal calprotectin may serve as a valuable tool in clinical practice for both screening and diagnostic confirmation.

Background: Cynomorium songaricum Rupr., known in Mongolia as Ulaan goyo, is a rare parasitic plant of the Central Asian arid regions that grows on the roots of Nitraria. In Mongolian Traditional Medicine, it has long been used as a tonic to preserve vital essence (semen), tonify the kidneys, enhance sexual vitality, and treat paralysis and limb weakness. Aim: This study aims to clarify the historical use and medicinal significance of Cynomorium songaricum through source evidence and provide a scientific explanation by integrating these findings with modern phytochemical and pharmacological research. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a Historical Research Design (HRD). Methods included comparative-historical analysis and philological study of traditional sources. Key materials examined were V.I. Grubov’s botanical keys, the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (1981), and classical medical texts such as Bencao Gangmu and Bencao Yanyi Bu. Results: Historical records from the 13th-century Yuan dynasty describe the plant’s distribution in the Mongolian Gobi. Traditional texts highlight its ability to tonify “Yin” and increase blood and essence. Modern studies have identified over 90 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and triterpenoids, which possess antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. Specific formulations like Goyo-11 have been shown to assist in gastric ulcer healing, while Goyo-4 helps reduce liver cell damage in chronic alcoholic liver disease. Toxicological evaluations have confirmed its safety profile. Conclusions 1. The traditional therapeutic applications of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr., as recorded in 13th-century historical sources, closely align with modern scientific evidence. 2. Traditional medicinal claims are validated by contemporary phytochemistry, which identifies bioactive compounds-such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and steroids-responsible for its proven pharmacological benefits. 3. Recent studies confirm the plant’s favorable toxicological safety profile and highlight its essential ecological role as a vital component of the desert ecosystem. 4. These findings demonstrate the high therapeutic value of C. songaricum, emphasizing the critical need for future clinical trials, cultivation development, and strategic conservation efforts.

Background: Mongolia’s long-term development policy, Vision 2050, aims to ensure that every citizen has full access to primary health care services and to increase the country’s average life expectancy. According to the “Primary Health Care Service Quality and Accessibility Survey,” the diagnostic capacity of family health centers (FHCs) in Mongolia was 42.1%. There is a need to further identify issues related to laboratory human resources, equipment supply, quality assurance, and monitoring. Aim: To assess the current status of laboratory diagnostic services in family health centers in Ulaanbaatar city. Materials and Methods: The study collected data using a questionnaire developed based on resources such as the WHO’s Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA), USAID’s Laboratory Assessment Tools, the Ministry of Health’s 2023 Order No. A/283 on updated guidelines for services provided by family, soum, and bagh health centers, and the national standard “Structure and Operation of Family Health Centers (MNS 5292:2017).” A total of 46 FHCs in Ulaanbaatar were randomly selected for the study. Results: The average population served by the participating FHCs was 10,228±4043, with 73.9% (n=34) serving over 8,000 people. On average, each center employed 5±2 physicians and nurses. A clinical pathologist was employed at 50.0% (n=23) of the centers, of which 26.1% (n=6) were full-time and 73.9% (n=17) were contract-based. Availability of laboratory equipment was as follows: Complete blood count (CBC) analyzers: 60.9% (n=28) Biochemistry analyzers: 50.0% (n=23) Urinalysis equipment: 97.8% (n=45) The availability of laboratory equipment was not significantly associated with the size of the population served (p=0.54; p=0.63; p=0.74). Among FHCs with laboratory equipment: 82.1% (n=23) performed CBC tests 87.0% (n=20) performed biochemistry tests 97.8% (n=44) conducted urinalysis tests. Participation in internal and external quality control programs was significantly higher among centers with specialized laboratory staff compared to those without (p=0.008; p=0.08). The number of tests and biochemistry parameters performed was also significantly higher in centers with specialized laboratory personnel (p=0.001, p=0.001). However, the availability and use of rapid diagnostic tests did not differ based on population size or the presence of specialized laboratory staff (p=0.8; p=0.6). Conclusion 1. In Ulaanbaatar, only half of the family health centers have specialized laboratory personnel. 2. Laboratory equipment availability was between 50.0% and 60.9%. Centers with specialized laboratory staff showed significantly better performance in internal and external quality control and broader diagnostic testing services. 3. Differences in diagnostic services were associated with both the population size served and the availability of specialized laboratory staff, indicating the need to strengthen primary health care accessibility and capacity.

Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by bronchoconstriction and breathing difficulties, which can be triggered by both allergic and non-allergic mechanisms. In allergic asthma, a hyperreactivity reaction occurs, leading to an increase in fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels. Therefore, FeNO is used to differentiate allergic and non-allergic types of asthma. In recent years, studies have been conducted to assess FeNO as an indicator of treatment effectiveness and symptom control. Our goal is to introduce FeNO measurement in Mongolia for the first time and utilize it for asthma diagnosis and treatment outcome evaluation. Aim: Study of FeNO levels in Asthma Diagnosis in Relation to Laboratory Findings and Lung Function Materials and Methods: This study included a total of 70 adult patients (18 years and older) with asthma who visited the Outpatient Clinic of Mongolia-Japan Hospital and Shargaljuut Spa Clinic from May to December 2024. Based on their allergic history, total IgE levels, and peripheral blood eosinophil count, participants were classified into allergic (>5%) and non-allergic (<5%) asthma. The study aimed to determine the diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of FeNO levels. Asthma control levels were assessed using the Asthma Control Test (ACT), lung function was evaluated using spirometry, and exercise capacity was measured with the 6-minute walk test. Results: In a single measurement, there were no differences between the allergic and non-allergic groups in parameters other than total IgE, peripheral blood eosinophil count, and FeNO levels. For diagnosing the allergic form of asthma, at a FeNO level of 25 ppb, sensitivity (Se) was 0.68, specificity (Sp) was 0.30 (p=0.008); at 40 ppb, Se was 0.77, Sp was 0.31 (p=0.001); and at 50 ppb, Se was 0.74, Sp was 0.33 (p=0.001). Lung function and exercise capacity were similar in both asthma groups. Conclusion The sensitivity of FeNO in distinguishing between allergic and non-allergic forms of asthma is 67-81%, and its sensitivity tends to increase as the FeNO level rises. By distinguishing the allergic type in which inhaled corticosteroids are more effective, the outcome of asthma treatment can be predicted in advance based on the FeNO level.

Background: Asthma management should be individualized, evidence-based, aimed at controlling clinical symptoms, preventing severe exacerbations, and improving quality of life. Studies have shown that inhalation therapy with iodine- bromide saltwater improves lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), while radon-containing mineral water inhalation reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in asthma. Several studies have analyzed the composition of the Shargaljuut hot spring, with Oyuntsesteg et al. identifying high levels of Na+-HCO3 - and Na+-SO4. Other studies on mineral water therapies have reported benefits such as thinning bronchial secretions, improving sputum clearance, reducing inflammation and acidity, mitigating oxidative stress, and enhancing quality of life. Aim: To study the effectiveness of combined asthma treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and hot spring inhalation. Materials and Methods: The study included 67 participants diagnosed with asthma who consented to participate and underwent 10 days of combined inhaled corticosteroid therapy and mineral water inhalation at Shargaljuut sanatorium. A total of 57 participants completed the pre- and post-treatment assessments. Treatment result was assessed using Asthma control questionnaire 7, asthma symptom control with Asthma Control Test (ACT), and exercise tolerance by a 6-minute walk test. Chest X-rays were taken for all participants to rule out pneumonia, cancer, or pulmonary fibrosis. Treatment outcomes were evaluated using ACT scores, peripheral blood eosinophil count, total IgE levels in serum, spirometry indices (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC), and the 6-minute walk distance. Results: The average age of participants was 52±12 years, with a predominance of females. The mean asthma control score was 14.2±4.80, indicating poor asthma control. After 10 days of inhaling corticosteroids combined with hot spring inhalation post-treatment quality of life increased by 0.5 points, FEV1 improved by 7.5%, FVC by 4.2%, peripheral blood eosinophil count decreased by 0.3%, and total Ig E levels dropped from 73.3 (22.5; 216) to 73.2 (21.3; 223) u/ml (p=0.000). Conclusion In cases of uncontrolled asthma remission, combining of inhaled corticosteroid therapy with hot spring inhalation at Shargaljuut improved asthma symptoms, quality of life, enhanced lung function, and reduced inflammatory markers (p<0.001).

Atherogenic dyslipidemia comprises a triad of increased blood concentrations of small, dense low density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles, and increased triglycerides. A typical feature of obesity, the metabolic syndrome, atherogenic dyslipidemia has emerged as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We have determined levels of serum lipid profiles in 1861 older people who lives 5 regions in Mongolia. The concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured using a biochemical reagents by biochemical fully automated analyzer. The levels of LDL-C were calculated by the Friedewald equation. Overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 4.3% in men and 3.0% in women. Logistic regression showed that Odds ratio of the atherogenic dyslipidemia was OR=1.3, p=0.001 (CI 95% 0.93-2.47) for body mass index, OR=1.6, p=0.02 (CI 95% 1.0-2.88) for waist circumference, OR=1.76, p=0.03 (CI 95% 1.12-3.54) for waist hip ratio. Odds ratio of the atherogenic dyslipidemia was OR=0.98, p=0.001 (CI 95% 0.34-1.05) for gender and OR=1.0 p=0.001 (CI 95% 0.65-1.03) for age. Overall, 3.3% of older people had atherogenic dyslipidemia and 4.3% of men and 3.0% of women had atherogenic dyslipidemia. An increase of physical parameters are getting a risk factor of atherogenic dyslipidemia.

The increasing proportions of aged persons have been accompanied in the world. NCDs are often associated with older age groups. High blood glucose levels and unhealthy diet increase the risk of or cause most NCDs. In this study we aimed to determine correlation between the older people (60<) blood glucose level and food consumption. 1563 healthy elder people participated in this research. We measured blood glucose level in all subjects at the Nursing school’s Training and Research Center of health science university of Mongolia. Ulaanbaatar city, Orkhon aimag, Khovd aimag, Khentii aimag, Bulgan aimag, Dornogovi aimag, Tov aimags represented urban areas, while the rest of aimags and soums represented rural areas. The questionnaire was used to collect data on respondent’s social-economic status, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and their causes. In order to assess the diet pattern of the surveyed population, the respondents were asked about frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption, type of oil used in food, and amount of salt consumed daily. Simple regression analysis was performed to shown that significantly positive correlations between blood glucose and salt intake (р<0.001), The other composition are no significantly changes.