Background: The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Mongolia was reported on November 11, 2020. In response, the government imposed a nationwide lockdown, which significantly impacted the population’s mental health. Heightened levels of stress, anxiety, loneliness, and depression during the pandemic altered individuals’ psychological stability and behavior. Personality traits—defined as relatively stable patterns of emotion, cognition, and behavior—play a key role in stress responses and emotional regulation under pressure. Emerging evidence suggests that these psychological factors may influence the immune system’s responsiveness, including vaccine-induced antibody production. Aim: To evaluate the association between post-vaccination antibody responses and personality types following two doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Materials and Methods: A total of 738 participants who received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines (AstraZeneca ChAdOx1, n=29; Pfizer-BioNTech, n=119; Sinopharm BBIBP, n=590) and had no prior SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled. Serum samples were collected 21–28 days after the second dose, and SARS-CoV-2 RBD (S) IgG antibodies were measured using ELISA (Proteintech Inc., USA). Personality types were assessed using a 56-item temperament questionnaire developed by A. Belov, categorizing individuals into classical temperament types (choleric, phlegmatic, sanguine, melancholic). Logistic regression and ROC analysis were used to examine associations between personality types and antibody response. Results: The presence of an antibody response was significantly higher among individuals with a melancholic temperament, and significantly lower among those with a phlegmatic temperament. Furthermore, antibody titers were higher in participants with melancholic and sanguine temperaments and lower in those with a phlegmatic type. Conclusions 1. During the early period following the second dose of COVID-19 vaccination, the antibody response was higher in individuals with a pure melancholic temperament, while it was lower in those with a phlegmatic temperament. 2. After the second dose of the Sinopharm BBIBP COVID-19 vaccine, antibody titers were higher in individuals with pure melancholic and sanguine temperaments, and lower in those with a phlegmatic temperament.

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.

: The increasing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and economic development, presents significant individuals, families, challenges and to healthcare systems. These diseases are often linked to lifestyle choices, poor diet, and physical inactivity. As a result, there is growing interest in finding alternatives to synthetic drugs, particularly those derived from medicinal plants. Medicinal plants are known to contain bioactive compounds that offer therapeutic properties with fewer side effects compared to conventional pharmaceuticals. This study explores the cytoprotective effects of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice) and Inula helenium (elecampane) extracts against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells.
The study found that both plant extracts were non-toxic at doses ranging from 1 to 25 µg/mL and promoted cell growth (p<0.01). The results suggest that these extracts support cell survival and exhibit biological activity.
To assess the antioxidant effects, various concentrations of H₂O₂ (10–400 µM) were tested, and 200 µM was found to significantly reduce cell viability. Licorice and elecampane extracts (10 µg/mL and 25 µg/ mL, respectively) enhanced cell viability and reduced oxidative damage. Both extracts significantly reduced cell death compared to the H₂O₂-only group (p<0.01), highlighting their potent antioxidant properties. Conclusion Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Inula helenium extracts demonstrated strong cytoprotective and antioxidant effects, supporting their potential as natural therapeutics for oxidative stress-related conditions.

Background: Osteoporotic fractures remain a major concern for public health and the economy. Osteoporosis is a chronic disease characterized by reduced bone density due to genetic, hormonal, mineral, and lifestyle factors. Although often asymptomatic, its primary complication is fractures, which lead to disability and loss of work capacity, impacting individuals, families, and society. In Mongolia, no long-term study has examined bone density changes and fracture risk factors, which forms the basis of this research. Aim: To assess 10-year changes in bone density and identify risk factors for fractures. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Department of Pathophysiology, School of Biomedicine, MNUMS. We have re-enrolled 133 adults from Ulaanbaatar between November 2023 and January 2024, originally part of the ‘Study of some risk and pathophysiological factors of osteoporosis in the Mongolian population’ funded by the Ministry of Health and the Science and Technology Fund of Mongolia. Data collection included questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, bone mineral density assessments using the ‘Sunlight Mini-Omni’ bone sonometer (Beammed, USA) Results: The mean age of participants was 54.4±9.6 years (N=133), with 33.1% (n=44) male and 66.9% (n=89) female. Among the participants, 51.1% had a history of bone fractures, with forearm fractures comprising 10.5% and other types of fractures accounting for 40.7%. The bone fractures was significantly higher among elderly individuals and those diagnosed with osteoporosis (p<0.05). The T-score was significantly lower in the fracture group than in the non-fracture group (p<0.05). Vitamin D deficiency was identified as a significant risk factor for fractures (p<0.05). Conclusion All participants’ bone density has decreased over the decade. Bone fractures are more common in elderly and people with osteoporosis. Inadequate vitamin D intake is a significant risk factor for bone fractures.

Background: Gliomas are common primary brain tumors of glial origin in adults with a poor prognosis. Tumor-related inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and aquaporin-4 (AQP-4) water channel protein have been reported to be expressed in gliomas Aim: This study aimed to determine their serum levels in patients with primary brain tumors compared to healthy controls and to evaluate their potential diagnostic value. Materials and Methods: Serum AQP-4 levels were measured by ELISA in 28 patients with primary brain tumors (PBT) and 26 healthy controls. IL-6 and TNF-α were assessed by flow cytometry in 59 PBT patients and 52 controls. Results: Among the primary brain tumor cases, 45.61% were meningiomas, 26.32% anaplastic astrocytomas, 8.77% glioblastomas, and 12.28% other tumors (including chondroma, ependymoma, schwannoma, craniopharyngioma). Serum IL-6, TNF-α, and AQP-4 levels were significantly higher in the PBT group compared with healthy controls. Conclusion Elevated serum levels of AQP-4, IL-6, and TNF-α in patients with primary brain tumors suggest that these biomarkers molecules could represent valuable non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection of PBT.

Background: Approximately 30–50% of cases of severe oligozoospermia and non-obstructive azoospermia are attributed to genetic factors, as determined through semen analysis. Microdeletions in the AZF (Azoospermic Factor) region of the Y chromosome represent one of the genetic causes of male infertility. The European Academy of Andrology (EAA) recommends screening for AZF microdeletions in men diagnosed with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia. Folate metabolism plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis and germ cell development. Polymorphisms in genes involved in this metabolic pathway such as MTHFR, MTR, and MTRR have been implicated in the pathogenesis of oligozoospermia and azoospermia. The reason for conducting this research was lack of studies investigating the in Mongolia have concurrently investigated the association between AZF microdeletions on the Y chromosome and the presence of MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C, MTR 2756A>G, and MTRR 66A>G polymorphisms in men with severe oligozoospermia or non-obstructive azoospermia. Aim: To determine the presence of Y chromosome AZF microdeletions, as well as the MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C, MTR 2756A>G, and MTRR 66A>G polymorphisms in men with severe oligozoospermia and non-obstructive azoospermia Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the Clinical Molecular Diagnostics Center of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS). Peripheral blood samples were collected from all study participants, and genomic DNA was extracted using the “PROBA-RAPID Genetika” DNA extraction kit manufactured by DNA-Technology LLC (Russian Federation). Thirteen AZF microdeletions (sY84, sY86, sY127, sY134, sY142, sY242, sY254, sY255, sY615, sY1125, sY1197, sY1206, sY1291) were detected using the “AZF Microdeletions REAL-TIME PCR Genotyping Kit.” Polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene (677C>T and 1298A>C), the MTR gene (2756A>G), and the MTRR gene (66A>G) were identified using the “Folate Metabolism REAL-TIME PCR Genotyping Kit.” Results: A total of 11 men aged between 18 and 44 years who had been diagnosed with severe oligozoospermia or non-obstructive azoospermia based on repeated semen analyses (two or more times) were included in this study. Among participants with severe oligozoospermia or non-obstructive azoospermia, AZF microdeletion analysis of the Y chromosome revealed one case with an sY1291 (AZFc) microdeletion and another case with an sY1197 (AZFc) microdeletion. No AZF microdeletions were detected in the remaining participants. Regarding the MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism, the homozygous wild-type CC genotype was observed in 55% (6), the heterozygous CT genotype in 18% (2), and the homozygous mutant TT genotype in 27% (3). The frequency of the C allele was 64% (14), while the risk-associated T allele was 36% (8). For the MTHFR 1298A>C polymorphism, the homozygous AA genotype was found in 64% (7), the heterozygous AC genotype in 27% (3), and the homozygous CC genotype in 9% (1). The A allele frequency was 81% (17), and the risk-associated C allele frequency was 19% (4). In the case of the MTR 2756A>G polymorphism, 64% (7) of participants had the AA genotype, and 36% (4) had the AG genotype. The GG genotype was not detected. The A allele frequency was 82% (18), and the risk-associated G allele frequency was 18% (4). For the MTRR A66G polymorphism, the AA genotype was observed in 36% (4), and the AG genotype in 64% (7). The GG genotype was not detected. The A allele frequency was 68% (15), and the risk-associated G allele frequency was 32% (7). Conclusion In this study, Y chromosome AZF microdeletions were detected in 18% of participants with severe oligozoospermia or non-obstructive azoospermia, which is considered relatively low. In such cases, identifying polymorphisms in the MTHFR, MTR, and MTRR genes becomes important. Disruptions in folate metabolism caused by these polymorphisms can lead to elevated homocysteine levels. Supplementation with activated folate (5-MTHF) has been shown to help maintain normal plasma homocysteine concentrations, which may be beneficial in individuals with impaired folate metabolism.

Background: E-cigarettes were created in China in 2003 and smoke is produced by the transfer of liquids contained within e-cigarettes into proteins. The WHO has warned of the health effects of e-cigarettes and recommended limiting sales. Mongolia imported a total of 2047 e-cigarettes from 2019-2020 and 2.6 million e-cigarettes by 2021. That's because in the school environment, retail outlets are trading in e-cigarettes. Objective: Study of pupil and student knowledge of e-cigarette use and its effects among pupils. Research Methods: In our study, we found 421 students representing 1304 high school students at 6 high schools in Esenbulag, Altai Province, with 12 years of training, The study was conducted by a closed questionnard of 38 students representing 161 students from MSUT, 151 students representing 962 students from 1st to 6th grade, and a total of 670 youth and students. The results of the study were developed with 24 SPSS applications. Results of the study: 71.8% of participants in the study are high school students in general education, 5.7% are MSUT students and 22.5% are MNUMS students. It found that 12.5% of students surveyed and 11.7% of teens said they smoked e-cigarettes, compared with 11% of teens and students who occasionally smoked e-cigarettes. 47-73% of teens and students who smoke began smoking starting in the 10th to 11th grade, with 21.3-45.5% of the factors affecting e-cigarette use attracting friends, 9.5-13.4% responded that they were household smokers, 6.2-18.1% said they were interested in making others look attractive, while 42.5-62.4% said they knew about the harmful effects of e-cigarettes and 46-51.7% were trying to stop e-cigarettes. A study of the source of information on the effects of e-cigarettes found that 40.8-47.9% of people get it from social networks and 14.1-20.4% from TV shows. Conclusions While the vast majority of students and students know about the effects of e-cigarettes, 56.6% of the participants in the overall study smoke e-cigarettes. Information about the harmful effects of e-cigarettes is being taken from social networks by the vast majority of teenagers and young people on campus. Friends have the highest percentage of exposure to e-cigarettes because of the many factors affecting e-cigarettes.

: In enterohepatic recycling, foreign chemicals entering the alimentary tract and gut normal micro flora (ShagjJambal., 1989) are absorbed into portal venous blood by enterocytes, removed from blood by uptake into hepatocytes, secreted into the bile, and then deposited back into the intestinal lumen where they may be reabsorbed by intestinal wall cells and available for recycling (compartment model modified by Wang and Reuning). This process is called enterohepatic circulation or enterohepatic recycling (Rollins and Klaasen, 1979). Some studies have attempted to interrupt the enterohepatic recycling of toxicants such as pesticides and heavy metals and 56 carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). Plant Material The plant Gentiana macrophylla pall. Was collected during july 2017 from the forest region Galt sum, Khuvsgul aimakh, Mongolian. The taxonomical identification of the plant was done by Botanical survey of Ganbold E. (ScD) Mongolian university subsidiary of Ulanbator institute, Ulanbator. The study was based on the New medicine medical university bio-model, pharmacology laboratory and laboratory. ELISA-biochemistry laboratory. Animals: Male C57BL/6 (miceweight 18-22g (n=40)) were obtained from the Mongolian national university of Medical sciences animal house. Experimental procuders were conducted in accordance with the regulations of Animal Ethical committee. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was measured according to the technique described by Krawisz et al. (1984) . Assay for lipid peroxides in animal tissues by thiobarbituric acid Reaction (Yagi, K. and Ohkova.,1979). A significant decrease (P<0.005) in the MDA was observed in the Gentiana macrophylla(GM) treated group (0.340±0.031)when compared with the control group (0.521±0.023). Conclusion The results of the study show that Gentiana macrophylla is inhibition of lipid peroxidation, protection of liver cell. From the protonation compounds generate polyphenol compound with rich hydroxyl and alkaloid. These compounds help to lipid peroxidation or antioxidation and membrane protection.The results of the study show that Gentiana macrophylla is inhibition off oxidation ferric molecule in vitro reaction and detoxification of reactive oxygen species release from damaged liver cell by CCL₄.

Introduction: In 2020, about 3% of children and 5% of adolescents had metabolic syndrome, with some variation across countries and regions. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents aged 5-19 years has increased sharply from only 8% in 1990 to 20% in 2022. 3-5% of children and adolescents have hypertension, 10% 14% have changes in arterial pressure, and the prevalence has increased from 1.3% -6.0% These risk factors can lead to MetS, and although there are several studies by national researchers in adults, research on risk factors for MetS in childhood is rare. Aim: To evaluate the physical growth of children aged 6-17 and study the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among them. Materials and methods: A family health center-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted in the apartment district and ger district of Ulaanbaatar, using standardised measurement tools. A total of 622 participants aged 6-17 years were included in this study. Body weight, height, waist circumference, arterial blood pressure, and blood glucose of the participants were measured and the results of body measurements were estimated using the growth chart. Results and conclusions Among the participants, 48.2% (n=300) were male, 51.8% (n=322) were female. The rate of overweight and obesity among the study population is 20.26%, and male children are 2 times more obese than female children. 7.23% of the study participants. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 1% with 3 risk criteria according to the IDF 78.93% (n=491) have no risk, 19.33% (n=121) have 1 risk, and 0.48% (n=4) have 2 risks. Among the studied risk factors for metabolic syndrome, overweight, obesity, and central obesity were the predominant risk factors among children. One in five children is either overweight or obese, with boys being twice as likely to experience these conditions (p<0.001). In 1% of the study participants, metabolic syndrome with three risk factors was identified. Overweight, obesity, and metabolic syndrome were more prevalent among the 15-17 age group compared to other age groups (p<0.001).

Background: Worldwide, the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 50 is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a complication of the exudative “wet” and dry type. AMD is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease relating with a combination of environmental and genetic factors, and a contribution of age effect and smoking also, obesity was investigated to be associated with the disease. Number of previous studies have shown that the polymorphisms in the ARMS2, CFH and VEGF-A genes are associated with AMD. Therefore, we investigated the associations between the five common vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphisms and AMD with its therapeutic results. Materials and Methods: Totally 161 AMD patients and 223 controls were enrolled in this case-control study. A prospective analysis of 66 eyes of 34 patients with neovascular AMD evaluated intravitreal bevacizumab injections. The polymorphisms in CFH, ARMS2 and VEGF-А were detected by using the methods of allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (ASPCR) and PCR based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Statistical analyses were performed by SNPalyze software. Results: Results of the study showed that rs1061170, rs1065489, and rs800292 polymorphisms are associated with arterial hypertension. Anti-coagulant intake rs1061170 polymorphism T/C, C/C/C/C risk genotype (OR=5.04, 95% CI, 1.81-14.09, p=0.002, RERI=2.568, AP=0.509, S=2.7302) , combined effect of G/C/C/C/ /G, G/A risk genotype (OR=6.52, 95% CI, 2.88 14.79, p<0.001, RERI=4.187, AP=0.642, S=4.136) are associated with increased risk of AMD. In the study, in 66 eyes of a total of 34 people who received intravitreous injection treatment, the central retinal thickness before and after treatment was 294.59±83.52 before treatment, 262.74±87.02 on the first day after treatment, 259.5±111.83 after one month, 248.98±84.96 after 3 months, and 262.69 after 6 months. ±110.59, after 1 year it decreased to 259.19±112.29 (95% CI, 226.74-291.65), which is a statistically significant difference. A comparative study of polymorphisms in therapeutic and non-therapeutic groups revealed statistically significant differences in the G/G groups of rs2010963 polymorphisms. Also, people with G/G genotype of rs2010963 polymorphism are more effective in treatment than people with other genotypes. Conclusion Individual factors such as not wearing sunglasses and arterial hypertension and using anti coagulant medication have been identified as risk factors for AMD. The result showed that polymorphisms of ARMS2, CFH, VEGF genes can be a genetic risk factor for AMD. The decreased in central retinal thickness and improving VA after anti-VEGF treatment confirm the effectiveness of the treatment. Also, people with G/G genotype of rs2010963 polymorphism are more effective in treatment than people with other genotypes. Identification of genetic markers that affect clinical response may result in optimization of anti-VEGF therapy.