Background: In traditional medicine, the Shimshin-6 formulation, which consists of Rheum undulatum L., Hippophae rhamnoides L., Zingiber officinalie Roscoe, Saussurea Lappa C.B.Clark, Sal ammoniacum, Tronae veneni, is recommended for women experiencing menstrual retention disorders. In recent years, Shimshin-6 has been widely used to promote postpartum uterine involution for women and our study aimed to evaluate and determine the acute and chronic toxicity effects of Shimshin-6. Aim: To evaluate and substantiate the acute and chronic toxicity effects of Shimshin-6. Materials and Methods: The acute toxicity of Shimshin-6 was evaluated using the rapid method described by V.B. Prozorovsky (1978) by administering intraperitoneal injections of the medicinal extract in white mice to determine the lethal dose. The active dose was determined following the methodology of I.P. Zapadnyuk (1983). Chronic toxicity was evaluated in Wistar rats according to the OECD 407 (2008) guidelines. The test animals were administered Shimshin-6 in tablet form (90 mg/kg and 180 mg/kg) and decoction form (tang) (162 mg/kg) daily for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, biochemical and complete blood analyses were conducted, along with histopathological examination of major organs. The study was conducted with ethical approval granted by the Ethics Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS) on October 25, 2024. Results: The LD50 for Shimshin-6 tablets was 4.47 (3.39–5.1) g/kg, indicating low acute toxicity based on the K.K. Sidorov classification. The LD50 for the decoction form was 8.1 (7.1–9.4) g/kg, suggesting it is non-toxic. Regarding chronic toxicity, platelet count was significantly reduced compared to the healthy control group: Shimshin-6 tablet group: 46% reduction at 90 mg/kg and 29.7% reduction at 180 mg/kg. Shimshin-6 decoction group: 60.5% reduction at 162 mg/ kg. Additionally, hemoglobin levels in the decoction group (162 mg/kg) decreased by 15.7% (p<0.05). Biochemical analysis showed a 36.3% reduction in total cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the tablet group (180 mg/kg) and decoction group (162 mg/kg) compared to the control (p<0.05). Conclusion Shimshin-6 tablets showed low acute toxicity in experimental mice. However, long-term administration may lead to a reduction in platelet count.

Background: This study explores the potential of food industry by-products, such as plant peels, stems, and slags, as valuable sources of lignocellulosic material (LCM), which contains 25-40% xylan. These underutilized resources, often discarded as waste, hold the promise of sustainable applications in biotechnology. By safely extracting xylooligosaccharides (XOS) from LCM biomass, the value of these materials can be significantly enhanced, contributing to green production and supporting sustainable development. XOS, recognized for its prebiotic activity, has been shown to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, making it a vital research area in the fields of food science, medicine, and technology. Aim: To extract and characterize oligosaccharides derived from by-products of the food industry, evaluate their physicochemical properties, and investigate selected biological activities. Materials and Methods: This study utilized microwave pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis to isolate and purify XOS from wheat bran and brewers’ spent grains (BSG), provided by Altan Taria LLC and APU CoL, respectively. Microwave irradiation at 200°C for 5 minutes was employed as a pretreatment step, followed by hydrolysis using commercial xylanase (Thermomyces lanuginosus, recombinant Aspergillus oryzae, 2500 BXU/g) at 55°C for 24 hours. The resulting hydrolysate underwent filtration with activated carbon and ethanol precipitation to yield purified XOS. Analytical methods, including FTIR spectroscopy, TLC and HPLC, were used for structural and compositional analysis of the purified oligosaccharides. In vitro tests evaluated the ability of XOS to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, including Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus fermentum (ATCC 9338), and Lactobacillus casei (ATCC 344), using XOS-enriched media. Additionally, in vivo studies were conducted on rats to determine the biological effects of XOS on gut microbiota. Results: The results demonstrated that prolonged enzymatic hydrolysis for more than 10 hours, using 0.25 g of xylanase per 100 g of substrate, resulted in optimal yields. XOS purity was measured at 87.6% with an 8.1 g yield from wheat bran and 89% purity with a 7.2 g yield from brewers’ spent grains. Structural analysis confirmed the presence of xylobiose, xylotriose, and xylotetraose, with xylotetraose being the most abundant component in WBP-XOS (47.5%), and xylobiose dominating BGS’s derived XOS (47.8%). Biological effects revealed that wheat bran-derived XOS significantly supported the growth of Bifidobacterium spp. and L. fermentum (ATCC 9338) in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas no significant effect was observed on L. casei (ATCC 344). In vivo studies confirmed that XOS consumption increased populations of Bifidobacterium spp. and Akkermansia muciniphila spp. in gut microbiota (p<0.05). Furthermore, XOS consumption reduced plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C levels while increasing HDL-C levels, demonstrating metabolic benefits. Conclusion This research establishes that XOS with prebiotic activity can be efficiently extracted and purified from food industry by-products using microwave-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis. This approach highlights the potential of utilizing agricultural and industrial waste for producing functional prebiotics, contributing to sustainable practices and offering valuable applications in health and nutrition.

Background: Saliva as a non-invasive biological sample can be a game-changer in early disease detection and health risk assessment. Objective: To examine the association between participants' dietary patterns and the activity of salivary amylase, along with serum amylase levels in humans. Materials and methods: This study was conducted at the research laboratory of the Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedicine, MNUMS. A total of 30 students aged 19–22 years participated in the study. Saliva samples were collected three times at one-week intervals, and one blood sample was collected from each participant, alongside a dietary questionnaire. The activity of the amylase enzyme in both saliva and serum samples was determined using the iodine-starch method. Results: When evaluating the amylase enzyme activity based on participants' carbohydrate intake, the result was p > 0.05, indicating no statistically significant difference. Similarly, statistical analysis of the use of mouthwash and vitamin supplements also showed p > 0.05, which means these variables had no statistically significant effect on amylase activity. The correlation between salivary and serum amylase activity was found to be r = 0.365, indicating a weak positive correlation, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion The intake of carbohydrates, vitamins, and mouthwash does not significantly affect the activity level of the salivary amylase enzyme, according to research findings. However, external factors such as stress and air pollution have been shown to exert a measurable influence on its activity. A comparative analysis of enzyme levels in saliva and blood using amylase as a representative marker revealed similar activity levels in both fluids. This suggests that saliva may serve as a viable non invasive sample for detecting various biomarkers and diagnosing diseases. The results underscore the potential of salivary components, particularly amylase, as valuable indicators in diagnostic applications.

Background: Due to Mongolia’s harsh climate and seasonal limitations in fresh food supply, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants are often consumed in preserved forms. However, the preservation methods and storage conditions may significantly alter their antioxidant activity, which is crucial for mitigating oxidative stress and preventing chronic diseases. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of 19 commonly consumed vegetables, berries, and dried medicinal plants under different storage conditions including fresh, cold storage (cellar), and frozen (-20°C). Methods: Samples were extracted in 80% methanol and tested using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Absorbance was measured at 517 nm using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. IC⁻⁻ values were calculated to compare antioxidant potency. Statistical differences were assessed using paired and unpaired t-tests with SPSS v27 (p<0.05) Results: Cold storage significantly reduced antioxidant activity in root vegetables, with IC⁻⁻ values increasing by 2.4 to 13.5 times (p<0.01), indicating diminished radical scavenging potencial. In contrast, frozen samples showed minimal change (p>0.05). Dried medicinal plants such as Rosa canina and Thymus serpyllum maintained strong activity, with IC⁻⁻<50 μg/mL. Conclusion Cellar storage leads to a notable decline in antioxidant capacity of common vegetables, while freezing is a more effective method for preservation. Dried medicinal herbs remain potent sources of antioxidants and may be recommended for year-round use in Mongolian diets.

Background: The synthesis of multifunctional nanoparticles by integrating the bioactive properties of the ethanol extract of Urtica dioica L. a medicinal plant widely distributed in Mongolia, with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) serves as the foundation of the present study. The aim is to produce nanoparticles with synergistic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. Objective: To synthesise dual-action nanoparticles (NPs) by integrating ZnO with the extract of Urtica dioica L. and to characterise their properties. Materials and Methods: The Control group, as ZnO-NPs, and the study group, as medicinal plant ethanol extraction loaded nanoparticles (UD-ZnO-NPs), were synthesised using green synthesis techniques. The morphology and particle size were characterised by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), chemical bonding was analysed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and crystalline structure was examined by X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Hemolytic activity assays were conducted to assess cytotoxicity. Results: The Control and study group’s morphology and size distribution were uniform and spherical. The average particle size of the study group (UD-ZnO NPs) was 63 nm, while the control group (ZnO-NPs) was 77 nm. FTIR analysis showed that the basic chemical bonds in both types of nanoparticles were similar; however, additional peaks corresponding to the bioactive compounds from the Urtica dioica extract were detected in the UD ZnO-NPs. XRD analysis revealed that both types of ZnO-NPs investigated the same crystalline structure, consistent with the standard reference data (JCPDS No. 36 1451). Hemolysis assays showed that at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 mg/ mL, the hemolytic activity was below 5%, indicating low cytotoxicity. Conclusion ZnO-NPs with and without Urtica dioica extract were successfully synthesized via a green method, yielding spherical, uniformly dispersed particles ranging from 63 to 77 nm in size. While the structural and crystalline characteristics of the NPs remained consistent, the presence of bioactive compounds was confirmed in the UD-ZnO-NPs. Hemolytic assays indicated dose-dependent cytotoxicity, highlighting the importance of concentration in biomedical applications.

Background: Identifying reliable biomarkers for early detection, risk stratification, and prognosis of CVD in the context of CKD is, therefore, of critical importance. Cystatin C has emerged as a potential biomarker capable of reflecting both cardiac injury and renal impairment, particularly in patients with arterial hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum cystatin C levels, left ventricular hypertrophy, and chronic kidney disease in individuals with hypertension. Objective: To assess serum cystatin C concentrations in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy and chronic kidney disease secondary to arterial hypertension. Materials and Methods: A case-control analytical study was conducted, enrolling 44 patients aged 45 years or older with both left ventricular hypertrophy and chronic kidney disease due to arterial hypertension alongside a control group of apparently healthy individuals. Serum cystatin C levels were measured using immunoturbidimetric assay. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Group comparisons were made using independent-sample t-tests, while multivariate regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were employed to explore associations and the predictive value of cystatin C. Results: The mean serum cystatin C concentration in the case group was 1.6±0.1 mg/L, significantly higher than in the control group (0.88±0.03 mg/L, p<0.05). Similarly, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was markedly reduced in the case group (44.88±6.8 mL/min/1.73 m²) compared to the controls (92.88±3.4 mL/ min/1.73 m², p<0.05). In the case group, a statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between serum cystatin C levels and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), with a regression coefficient of β=−0.028 (p<0.006). Conclusion The elevated serum cystatin C levels (1.6±0.1 mg/L) and decreased eGFR (38.99±12.7 mL/min/1.73 m²) observed in the case group suggest that cystatin C may serve as a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy due to arterial hypertension and chronic kidney disease, as well as for predicting related complications.

Background: Regularly participate international High-level in sports athletes national and competitions and engage in intense training, developing endurance and resilience. Measuring blood lactate levels is crucial for improving an athlete’s performance, assessing sports performance, and enhancing the effectiveness of future training. Aim: To study the relationship between lactate levels in the blood plasma and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity in Mongolian National Team athletes. Materials and Methods: The study involved 51 athletes from the Mongolian National Team. Anaerobic capacity was assessed using a Monark 894E Ergomedic Peak Bike, designed to apply exercise load. Blood serum lactate level and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity were determined using a Biobase BK-280 fully automated biochemical analyzer. Heart rate, peripheral blood oxygen levels, and oxygen saturation were measured using a pulse oximeter. Results: The average age of the participants was 24.04 ± 4.15 years, with an average height of 168 ± 8.78 cm and an average weight of 71.01 ± 7.69 kg. The average BMI was 24.82 ± 4.12 kg/m². Pre exercise lactate levels averaged 3.84 ± 0.75 mmol/L, while post-exercise lactate levels averaged 9.67±3.52 mmol/L. The average heart rate before exercise was 66.04±8.9 bpm, while post-exercise heart rate was 123.6±16.06 bpm. The average VO₂ max was 95.18±2.48. Conclusion The lactate levels before and after exercise among the athletes participating in the study showed significant differences in the age groups 20-29 (p<0.0001). When comparing lactate levels before and after exercise by sport, statistically significant increases were observed in freestyle wrestling and judo athletes (p<0.0001)

Background: The Shimshin-6 formulation, composed of Rheum undulatum L., Hippophae rhamnoides L., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke, Sal ammoniacum, and Tronae veneni, has traditionally been used in the management of gynecological disorders such as amenorrhea, abnormal blood clot formation, and pelvic pain. It has also been widely applied in postpartum care to promote uterine contractility and to prevent complications, including hemorrhage and inflammation. However, its therapeutic potential in postpartum uterine involution has not been scientifically validated. Aim: To investigate the effects of the Shimshin-6 herbal formulation on postpartum uterine involution in rats Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted at the Research Center of the Institute of Traditional Medicine and Technology, following the methodology described by Zheng ZH et al. (2019). Postpartum rats were randomly assigned to four groups and received daily treatments for five consecutive days with either Shimshin-6 tablets at doses of 180 mg/kg and 90 mg/kg, Shimshin-6 decoction at 163 mg/kg, or physiological saline as a control. Serum concentrations of estrogen, progesterone, TNF-α, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3 were measured using commercially available ELISA kits (Shanghai MLBIO Biotechnology Co. Ltd, China). Following ethical euthanasia, uterine tissues were collected for histological examination, which included evaluation of uterine weight, endometrial thickness, myometrial structure, and glandular morphology. Results: Shimshin-6 treatment significantly reduced the uterine index and serum estrogen levels compared with the control group, while no significant difference was observed in progesterone concentration. The treatment also decreased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels and modulated growth factors in postpartum rats. Histological analysis further revealed that Shimshin-6 promoted uterine recovery, despite the presence of inflammatory cell infiltration and hemorrhagic changes in the uterine wall. Conclusion Shimshin-6 preparation exerts a promotive effect on postpartum uterine involution in rats.

Introduction: Air pollution has become one of the major problems in socio-economic and health issues in Mongolia. Among the various hazards of particulate matter (PM) pollutants, microorganisms in PM2.5 and PM10 are thought to be responsible for various allergies and for the spread of respiratory diseases. Recent studies have shown that PM2.5 particles can cause chronic heart failure, heart arrhythmias, and strokes, as well as lung damage, cirrhosis, inflammation, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. Furthermore, some studies have concluded that PM2.5 particles in the environment are a risk factor for gastrointestinal, liver, colon, and lung cancer as well as it affects the growth and metastasis of various cancer cells caused by other factors. In our country, the health effects of air pollution and the relationship between the pathogenesis of cancer research are scarce. Therefore, the study of the effects of PM2.5 particles on cancer cell proliferation, migration (metastasis) can provide a significant role for cancer treatment, diagnosis, and prevention. Purpose: Determining the effects of PM2.5 particles on cancer cell proliferation, migration (metastasis) in in-vitro Material and Methods: A human liver cancer cell line (HepG2), human gastric cancer cell line (AGS) were obtained from the central scientific research laboratory in the Institute of medical sciences. HepG2, AGS cells were seeded at a concentration of 1*105 cells/mL in a culture flask and cultured in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 10% FBS, 1% antibiotic mix (penicillin, streptomycin) in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 at 37 °C. The cytotoxic effect of PM 2.5 in AGS, HepG2 cells were evaluated by MTT, CCK8 assays. AGS, HepG2 cells were incubated in 96 well plates for 24h then treated with different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 μg ) of Bayankhoshuu, Buhiin urguu, and Zaisan samples for 24h, respectively. Results: Concentrations of 10, 25, and 50 μg/ml of samples collected from the Bukhiin urguu and Zaisan in March increased HepG2 cell growth, while doses of 25, 50 μg/ml of samples collected from Bayankhoshuu in March and December increased HepG2 cell growth. Therefore, concentrations of 25 and 50 μg/ml of samples collected from Bayankhoshuu in March increased AGS cell growth, while concentrations of 25, 100 and μg/ml of samples collected in December increased AGS cell growth. However, no cytotoxic effect was observed in the sample collected from Zaisan in March, whereas the PM2.5 sample enhanced AGS cell growth in dose dependent manner in December.(p <0.05) Conclusion High levels of heavy metals were detected in samples collected in December from Bayankhoshuu, Bukhiin urguu and Zaisan of Ulaanbaatar. Concentration of 25 μg/ml of samples collected from the Bukhiin urguu and Zaisan in March increased HepG2 cell growth. Concentrations of 25 μg/ml of PM2.5 collected from three regions around Ulaanbaatar increased HepG2 and AGS cell migration.

Introduction: Preeclampsia, which affects about 2-8% of pregnancies, is major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. In Mongolia, preeclampsia and eclampsia occurred among pregnancy complications about 25% in recent years. There is a percentage for a cause of maternal death was 17.7% in preeclampsia and eclampsia between 2012 and 2015 in Mongolia.
Effective prediction of preeclampsia can be achieved at 11-13 week’s gestation by combination of maternal characteristics, mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA PI), maternal serum placental growth factor (PlGF), and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A). Goal: To investigate plasma concentration of PIGF and PAPP-A, in pregnant women at 11-13+6 of gestation for screening of preeclampsia, To examine the performance of first-trimester screening for preeclampsia based on maternal characteristics, MAP, and mUt.A-PI. Materials and Methods : The study conducted among 393 single pregnant women at 11-13+6 weeks, who were visiting antenatal care services, between March, 2015 and June, 2017. The prospective Cohort research method was used for this study. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Maternal plasma PAPP-A, PlGF were determined using Perkin Elmer kits by fluoroimmunoassay.
Measurement of MAP was by validated automated devices (HEM-7120, Оmron, Japan). MAP was calculated from the formula DP + 1/3*(SP-DP), where DP represents diastolic blood pressure and SP- systolic blood pressure. Trans-abdominal ultrasound (Voluson E8, GE, USA) examination was carried out for Ut.A-PI. Results: In the study population, there were 66 (16.8%) cases that experienced preeclampsia and 327 (83.2%) cases that were unaffected by preeclampsia. The result showed that the mean concentration of PlGF was 38.6±19.6 pg/ml in PE group whereas the mean was 45.1±24.0 pg/ml in normal pregnant women. Level of PAPP-A was 366.1±195.3 mU/L in group with PE, 633.6±496.9 mU/L in group without preeclampsia.
The best Youden’s index and area under the curve (AUC) for MAP and mUt.A-PI were as a predictor of PE. It can be shown that the cutoff point for MAP was 89.5 mmHg (sensitivity-71.2%; specificity-75.5% J-0.467; AUC-0.792; P<0.001). The cutoff point of mUt.A-PI was 2.34 (sensitivity-33.3%; specificity-77.7% J-0.12; AUC-0.577; P<0.001). Conclusions The concentration of PIGF and PAPP-A in pregnant women with preeclampsia at 11-13+6 of gestation was lower than normal pregnant women. The detection risk of PE by MAP is more accurate than the mUtA-PI measurement.