1.Association between body mass index and age at onset of menarche in adolescent girls
Narangerel E ; Amgalan B ; Bolorchimeg B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;91(1):102-107
Background:
Globally, the average age at menarche was 16–17 years approximately 100 years ago, whereas it has now decreased to 12–13 years. A cohort study published in 2024 involving 71,341 participants titled “Menarche and Time to Cycle Regularity Among Individuals Born Between 1950 and 2005 in the US” reported a decline in the mean age at menarche from 12.5 years among women born between 1950 and 1969 to 11.9 years among those born between 2000 and 2005. Early menarche has been shown to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, breast cancer, insulin resistance, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases.
Aim:
To assess the association between age at menarche and body mass index in adolescent girls aged 11–19 years in middle and high schools in Ulaanbaatar.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 75 adolescent girls aged 11–19 years from General Secondary School No. 42 in Songinokhairkhan District, Ulaanbaatar. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, age at menarche, and potential influencing factors. Body mass index was evaluated using international standard criteria.
Result:
Among the participants, age at menarche occurred at 12 years in 34.7%, 13 years in 26.7%, 14 years in 16.0% and 15 years in 5.3%. Nutritional status assessment showed that 60 participants (80.6%) had a normal body mass index, 13 (17.3%) were underweight, 1 (1.3%) was overweight and 1 (1.3%) had class I obesity. With respect to residential status, 42 participants (56.0%) resided in private houses, 17 (22.7%) in traditional gers, 15 (20.0%) in apartments and 1 (1.3%) in rented housing.
Conclusion
An association between body mass index and age at menarche was demonstrated among the adolescent girls included in this study, with higher body mass index associated with an earlier age at menarche.
2.Blood Lead Level and Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in School-Age Children Preliminary Results
Sodnom E ; Erkebulan M ; Erdenechimeg E ; Amgalan B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;92(2):92-96
Background:
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that no safe level of lead exposure has been established and compared with adults, children absorb approximately four to five times more lead into their bodies. When blood lead levels reach 3.5 µg/dL, which may lead to decreased intellectual capacity, impaired attention, and learning difficulties, potentially resulting in intellectual disability and behavioral disorders. The nervous system and blood–brain barrier in children and adolescents are not fully developed, making them highly susceptible to the neurotoxic effects of lead. Lead disrupts several neurotransmitter systems, including dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and cholinergic pathways. Dysfunction in these systems—particularly alterations in dopaminergic pathways—is closely associated with symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In Mongolia, previous studies have investigated the association between ADHD and lead levels in hair samples among children; however, no studies have examined the relationship between blood lead levels and ADHD. Determining whether blood lead levels influence ADHD in children will provide a scientific basis for preventive measures and the development of additional treatment strategies to reduce clinical symptoms and support clinical practice.
Aim:
To investigate the association between blood lead levels and ADHD among school children.
Materials and Methods:
A household-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 306 children aged 6-14 years were randomly selected according to the study inclusion criteria. The Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Questionnaire was administered to parents/guardians and classroom teachers to identify ADHD cases. Blood samples were analyzed to determine blood lead levels using the NIOSH 8005 standard method with Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) in a laboratory accredited under MNS ISO 17025:2018. Additionally, data on lead exposure risk factors were collected using a 15-item questionnaire administered to parents or guardians through the Google Forms platform.
Result:
Among the participants, 34 children were diagnosed with ADHD. Of these cases, 67.64% were male and 32.35% were female, yielding a male-to-female ratio of approximately 2:1. Boys were 3.6 times more likely to have ADHD than girls (OR=3.675; 95% CI: 2.276-6.210; p<0.0001). Regarding ADHD subtypes, the predominantly inattentive type accounted for 38.2% (n=13), the predominantly hyperactive type for 52.9% (n=18), and the combined type for 8.8% (n=3). When comparing clinical subtypes by sex, the hyperactive type was more common among boys (60.9%, n=14), whereas the inattentive type was more common among girls (45.5%, n=5). The mean blood lead level among all children was 4.8±2.33 µg/dL. Among children with ADHD, the mean level was 6.16±2.47 µg/dL, while among children without ADHD it was 4.75±2.31 µg/dL, indicating a statistically significant difference between the groups. In examining factors influencing the development of ADHD in relation to children’s morbidity status, repeated illnesses such as anemia, rickets, malnutrition, and recurrent acute febrile diseases were identified as statistically significant risk factors (p=0.012). In contrast, acute conditions of short duration were not found to be significant risk factors.
Conclusion
1. Among the children included in the study, 34 (11.1%) were diagnosed with ADHD, and the prevalence was higher in boys than in girls.
2. Blood lead levels showed a statistically significant association with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children.
3.Results of the study on antioxidant activity of selected polyherbal teas for hepatobiliary support
Tungalag B ; ; Batkhuyag P ; Enkh-Amgalan B ; Purevdorj E ; Khaliun N
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;92(2):159-164
Background:
Herbal teas are rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatobiliary supportive properties. Despite their long-standing use in Mongolian traditional medicine for liver and gallbladder health, comprehensive scientific data regarding the specific chemical composition and antioxidant activities of these polyherbal formulations remain limited.
Aim:
To evaluate the bioactive compound content and antioxidant activity of a polyherbal tea formulation for supporting liver and gallbladder function, with a focus on the influence of solvent concentration.
Materials and Methods:
The study utilized a polyherbal tea consisting of five plant species: Achillea asiatica Serg., Thalictrum foetidum L., Zygophyllum potaninii Maxim., Tanacetum vulgare L., and Rheum undulatum L. Samples were extracted using 30% and 70% ethanol. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed using thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and total flavonoid content (TFC) was measured via the AlCl3 colorimetric assay. Antioxidant capacity was assessed through DPPH, ABTS+ and FRAP assays.
Results:
Phytochemical screening identified flavonoid derivatives, glycosides, and terpenoids in both extracts, while alkaloids were not detected. Quantitative analysis showed that the 70% ethanolic extract contained significantly higher levels of total phenolics (5.518±0.24%) and total flavonoids (1.513±0.023) compared to the 30% extract (p < 0.05). The 70% extract also demonstrated superior antioxidant potency, with lower (IC50) values for DPPH (55.37 µg/mL) and ABTS (86.08 µg/mL). Additionally, the FRAP assay confirmed the 70% extract had substantially higher reducing power (1440.84 µM Fe²⁺/L).
Conclusions
1. Phytochemical analysis confirmed that the polyherbal tea is primarily composed of flavonoid derivatives, glycosides, and terpenoids. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the 70% ethanolic extract were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the 30% extract. 2. The free radical scavenging activity evaluated by DPPH (IC50) 55.37 µg/mL) and ABTS (IC50) 86.08 µg/mL) assays indicated that the 70% ethanolic extract possesses markedly stronger antioxidant activity compared to the 30% extract. 3. The iron ion reducing power (FRAP: 1440.84 µM/L) showed a concentration-dependent linear relationship. The positive correlation between polyphenol content and antioxidant activity confirms that this herbal formulation has a scientific basis for its traditional use in supporting liver and gallbladder function.
4.Results of voxel-based morphometry of the brain in children aged 9–11 years: a comparison between children with maxillary hypoplasia and those under neurological follow-up
Tuvshinjargal D ; Purevsuren E ; Otgonjargal L ; Choinyam B ; Darambazar G ; Amgalan B ; Purevdolgor L ; Munkh-Soyol E ; Xiling Jiang ; Damdindorj B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;94(4):7-12
Background:
The human head is an integrated biological structure composed of the brain, cranial bones, facial structures, neuromuscular systems, and sensory organs, all interconnected through coordinated signaling. The relationship between brain development, function, and craniofacial growth is most evident after birth, during which the head increases approximately fourfold in size before adulthood. Brain morphology and volume are associated not only with neurological disorders but also with cognitive and behavioral characteristics. For example, children with holoprosencephaly often present with varying degrees of facial anomalies, while studies have shown that adolescents with malocclusion exhibit higher levels of anxiety, depression, and psychological stress. With the increasing availability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it has become an essential diagnostic tool in clinical practice. MRI is particularly advantageous in pediatric populations due to the absence of ionizing radiation and its superior soft tissue contrast. Recent advances in image processing techniques have enabled comprehensive analysis of both brain structures and craniofacial morphology from a single MRI dataset, forming the basis of this study.
Aim:
To investigate the relationship between brain tissue volumes and maxillary hypoplasia using MRI-based voxelbased morphometry in children with neurological conditions.
Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted at the School of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, in collaboration with Chifeng University, as part of the project titled “Investigation of the relationship between craniofacial anomalies and brain disorders using MRI”, funded by the Ministry of Education and Science. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was performed on brain MRI scans of children aged 9–11 years.
Results:
Among the 25 children included in the study, 17 (68%) were male. The youngest average age was observed in the maxillary hypoplasia group (8.4±0.95 years). The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of MRI was lowest in the non-temporal epilepsy group (41.1±1.35) and higher in the maxillary hypoplasia group (49.6±8.22). Both epilepsy and maxillary hypoplasia groups demonstrated physiological asymmetry of the cerebral hemispheres, with left parietal lobe dominance (−0.1% and −0.3 cm, respectively). Right frontal lobe dominance (+1.1%) was observed only in the epilepsy group.
Conclusion
Children aged 9–11 years with maxillary hypoplasia showed a reduction in both gray and white matter volumes of the brain. These findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders affecting odontogenesis and emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary team-based management approach.
5.Prader–Willi syndrome
Gantsetseg E ; Dejiddulam G ; Amgalan B
Diagnosis 2025;115(4):56-60
:
We report a case of a 1-year-6-month old baby presenting with classic clinical of Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare congenital disorder. Early identification and multidisciplinary management are critical to improving outcomes.
Case presentation:
Patient U is a 1.5-year old male. Due to his inability to breastfeed for the first day after birth, diagnostic tests were initiated. He was dependent on tube feeding for over two months. At 9 months, the child was able to hold their head up and began sitting independently around 11 months. His eyes are slightly slanted, the bridge of his nose is narrow, the upper lip is thin, and the corners of his mouth are downturned.The skin soft texture. Muscle tone is noted to be weak. The size of the arms and feet is small. Additionally, the neck is of short stature. Cytogenetic Analysis: November 2023. The analysis identified a microdeletion in the 15q11-q13 chromosomal region. He was discharged from the hospital upon demonstrating the ability to suck effectively, achieving consistent weight gain, and having his sucking and swallowing activities adequately controlled.
Discussion and Conclusion
Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic disorder resulting from the non-expression of a gene located on chromosome 15 at the 15q11.2–q13 region. The prevalence of corresponding to an approximate global total of 350,000 to 400,000 cases. The sex ratio is equivalent at 1:1. In the initial year of life (0–1 year), affected infants commonly present with muscle weakness, difficulties in feeding, reduced sucking capabilities, absence of crying or vomiting, diminished motor activity, poor muscle strength, and low weight. For individuals aged 1 to 10 years, symptoms encompass increased appetite, obesity, delays in speech and psychomotor development, a long facial structure, narrow forehead, downturned mouth and eyes, small hands and feet, along with other distinctive facial features. In adolescence and adulthood, prevalent symptoms may include behavioral changes, irritability, uncontrolled eating habits, diabetes, and depression. From infancy onward, holistic care may include nutritional interventions (such as tube feeding and specialized diets), strategies for heat retention, enhancement of sucking abilities. Cardiovascular and respiratory monitoring, weight management, physical activity support, health education for families and caregivers, growth hormone therapy, psychological counseling, sex hormone replacement therapy, and assistance with movement, psychomotor skills, cognitive and intellectual development, alongside speech therapy. Timely diagnosis, integrated multidisciplinary care, and proactive family involvement have the potential to markedly enhance the quality of life for affected individuals.
6.Tannin rich medicinal plants
Enkh-Amgalan P ; Telmen D ; Altan-Erdene N ; Selenge E
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2022;20(1):78-85
Abstract
Secondary metabolites present in the plants are predominantly responsible for treating various ailments. Secondary metabolites are also called as plant constituents or natural compounds which exert significant pharmacological and toxicological effects in humankind. The chemical compounds present in the plant sources are categorized as primary and secondary metabolites based on the chemical structure and biosynthetic derivation. These substances are called plants secondary metabolites. One of the most important of secondary metabolites is Tannins. Tannins are phenolic compounds, secondary metabolites of plants widespread in terrestrial and aquatic natural environments. As they can be found in plenty of plants and herbs, they have been traditionally used for medicinal and other purposes, such as the leather industry. This fact is explained by the fact that they exert plenty of different biological activities and, thus, they entail a great potential to be used in the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industry.
Among the biological activities of tannins, the most relevant ones are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective, healing and antimicrobial (antiviral and antibacterial)
Consequently, this review article is directed towards the description of the biological activities exerted by tannins as they could be further extracted from by-products of the agri-food industry to produce high-added-value products.
7.A review on medicinal plants of the genus Betula
Enkh-Amgalan P ; Munkhbayar N ; Tserendulam L ; Makhpal A ; Selenge E
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2021;19(2):22-30
Abstract
Trees and shrubs of the genus Betula (Betulaceae) inhabit various ecosystems in temperate and boreal climate zones of the northern hemisphere. The healing properties of Betula bark and bark extracts have been known for a long time in traditional medicine in different parts of the world. Several species of Betula have traditionally been used for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases including arthritis. The purpose of this review is to provide updated, comprehensive and categorized information on the botany, traditional uses and phytochemical research of Betula species in order to explore their therapeutic potential and evaluate future research opportunities.
8.To determine the effect of endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress markers for causing complication of the coronaryatheros clerosis
Sumiya Ts ; Odkhuu E ; Byambasuren B ; Bilegjargal B ; Enkh-Amgalan B ; Zorigoo Sh ; Munkhzol M
Innovation 2015;9(4):22-25
Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of mortality in many countries. Acute coronary syndrome is the basis pathophysiology of coronary heart disease. Complication of coronary atherosclerosis composes rupture of plaque and erosion of vulnerable plaque. Endothelial dysfunction is main influence of coronary plaque erosion. But then recently research oxidative stress and reaction of
immunocomplex is leading cause of coronary plaque rupture. So the research background will study markers of endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, immune reaction in the complication of coronaryatherosclerosis. Aim: Determine the effect of some marker for causing complication of the coronary atherosclerosis.
The research has been conducted using case-control study method. In the case group, patients with complication of the coronary atherosclerosis as determined by coronary angiography (stenosis >85%) as in the control group healthy people with carotid artery stenosis (<0.7mm) has been involved. In the study we defined Anti-oxLDL (anti-oxidized low density lipoprotein) using ELISA Kit (Eucardio Lab, USA) and oxLDL (oxidized low density lipoprotein) titer by ELISA Kit (Mercadio, USA), ADMA (Asymmetric dimethylarginine) titer by ELISA kit (Eucardio Lab, USA) reagents in the enzyme binding reaction. Total
antioxidant capacity (TAC) was determined by using spectrophotometer method. The average age of people involved in the research is 57.2±9.72 and for the average age is case group 28 (32%) and 50 (68%) for the control group. ADMA titer level for complication of coronary
atherosclerosis or case group is (30.1±1.98 ng/ml) which is (13.2±0.57 ng/ml) greater than the control group. It was statistically significant result (p<0.001). Also titer level for case group is oxLDL (72±2.75 mU/l), anti-oxLDL antibody (766±29.8 mU/ml), which is oxLDL (45.1±2.28 mU/l), anti-oxLDL antibody(603±17.74 mU/ml) greater than the control group. It was statistically significant result (p<0.001). But TAC titer level for control group is (116±2.47 nmol/l) which is (108.3±5.43 nmol/l) greater than
the case group. It was not statistically significant result (p=0.098). According to the Binary Logistic
Regression test the anti-oxLDL (OR=0.992, p<0.001), ADMA (OR=0.681, p<0.001), TAC (OR=1.017, p=0.105), oxLDL (OR=0.900, p<0.001) levels significantly influence the complication of coronary atherosclerosis. Therefore according to the Binary Logistic Regression test the anti-oxLDL level high significantly influence the complication of coronary atherosclerosis. Anti-oxLDL antibody titer are
correlated directly with oxLDL (r=0.413, p<0.01), ADMA (r=0.42, p<0.001) levels. However, correlated negative directly with TAC (r=-0.233, p<0.01) level.
Markers of endothelial dysfunction (ADMA OR=0.681, p<0.001) and oxidative stress (oxLDL, OR=0.900, p<0.001), (anti-oxLDL antibody, OR=0.992, p<0.001) high influence causing of complication of coronary atherosclerosis.
9. SOME QUESTIONS OF FORENSIC MENTAL EXAMINATION IN THE PERIOD OF 2006-2013 YEARS
Battulga L ; Amgalan E ; Nasantsengel L ; Gantsetseg T
Innovation 2015;9(1):92-94
To analyze the results of the forensic psychiatric examination in the period of time from 2006 to 2013 year.We analyze retrospectively 7180 material of clients attended to forensic mental examination in the National center of mental health from 2006 to 2013 year.From all 7180 clients that attended to forensic mental examination in the 2006-2013 the 1165 clients or 16.2% were with mental disorders. The 543 clients or 7.5% of all attended to examination were with mental retardation and 59.8% of mentally retarded clients were with mild mental retardation, 33.8% with moderate, 5.3% with severe and 0.9% with profound mental retardation. The 97.3% (n=6989) of all clients investigated first time, 158 or 2.2% second time, and 33 or 0.45% third or fourth time. From 7062 criminal cases 4.98% or 352 investigated clientsdeemed incompetent and from 115 civil cases 57.3% or 66 clients deemed incompetent. From the clients with mental retardation deemed incompetent in criminal cases the 23.5% and 7.5% in civil cases.Results of the analysis show that about 16.2% of all investigated clients have some mental disorders and 46.6% of them have mild mental retardation.
10. To determine the effect of endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress markers for causing complication of the coronaryatheros clerosis
Sumiya TS ; Odkhuu E ; Byambasuren B ; Bilegjargal B ; Enkh-Amgalan B ; Zorigoo SH ; Munkhzol M
Innovation 2015;9(4):22-25
Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of mortality in many countries. Acute coronary syndrome is the basis pathophysiology of coronary heart disease. Complication of coronary atherosclerosis composes rupture of plaque and erosion of vulnerable plaque. Endothelial dysfunction is main influence of coronary plaque erosion. But then recently research oxidative stress and reaction ofimmunocomplex is leading cause of coronary plaque rupture. So the research background will study markers of endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, immune reaction in the complication of coronaryatherosclerosis. Aim: Determine the effect of some marker for causing complication of the coronary atherosclerosis.The research has been conducted using case-control study method. In the case group, patients with complication of the coronary atherosclerosis as determined by coronary angiography (stenosis >85%) as in the control group healthy people with carotid artery stenosis (<0.7mm) has been involved. In the study we defined Anti-oxLDL (anti-oxidized low density lipoprotein) using ELISA Kit (Eucardio Lab, USA) and oxLDL (oxidized low density lipoprotein) titer by ELISA Kit (Mercadio, USA), ADMA (Asymmetric dimethylarginine) titer by ELISA kit (Eucardio Lab, USA) reagents in the enzyme binding reaction. Totalantioxidant capacity (TAC) was determined by using spectrophotometer method. The average age of people involved in the research is 57.2±9.72 and for the average age is case group 28 (32%) and 50 (68%) for the control group. ADMA titer level for complication of coronaryatherosclerosis or case group is (30.1±1.98 ng/ml) which is (13.2±0.57 ng/ml) greater than the control group. It was statistically significant result (p<0.001). Also titer level for case group is oxLDL (72±2.75 mU/l), anti-oxLDL antibody (766±29.8 mU/ml), which is oxLDL (45.1±2.28 mU/l), anti-oxLDL antibody(603±17.74 mU/ml) greater than the control group. It was statistically significant result (p<0.001). But TAC titer level for control group is (116±2.47 nmol/l) which is (108.3±5.43 nmol/l) greater thanthe case group. It was not statistically significant result (p=0.098). According to the Binary LogisticRegression test the anti-oxLDL (OR=0.992, p<0.001), ADMA (OR=0.681, p<0.001), TAC (OR=1.017, p=0.105), oxLDL (OR=0.900, p<0.001) levels significantly influence the complication of coronary atherosclerosis. Therefore according to the Binary Logistic Regression test the anti-oxLDL level high significantly influence the complication of coronary atherosclerosis. Anti-oxLDL antibody titer arecorrelated directly with oxLDL (r=0.413, p<0.01), ADMA (r=0.42, p<0.001) levels. However, correlated negative directly with TAC (r=-0.233, p<0.01) level.Markers of endothelial dysfunction (ADMA OR=0.681, p<0.001) and oxidative stress (oxLDL, OR=0.900, p<0.001), (anti-oxLDL antibody, OR=0.992, p<0.001) high influence causing of complication of coronary atherosclerosis.
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