1.Comparative study of subcutaneous fat area and visceral fat area among healthy and metabolic syndrome patients
Munkh-Erdene U ; Odmaa T ; Solongo Ts ; Ganchimeg S ; Egshiglen G ; Anir B ; Ariunaa A ; Navchaa G ; Tulgaa S ; Munkhtsetseg J
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):36-41
Background:
Obesity, especially central obesity, is a risk factor for non-communicable chronic diseases such as dyslipidemia,
type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and metabolic syndrome (MetS).
Aim:
Study the association between the subcutaneous fat area (SFA) and visceral fat area (VFA) with lipid metabolism
parameters in adults with MetS.
Materials and Methods:
Data from 1511 participants who visited the ‘NURA Mongolia’ Ai Health screening center
between September 2023 and February 2024, including general information, DEXA (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry), and
biochemical analysis results, were used. Metabolic syndrome (MeS) was assessed based on the harmonizing criteria 2009
(≥3 criteria). VFA and SFA were categorized into four groups using quartiles (Q1-Q4). Statistical analysis was performed
using SPSS v26, including T-tests, multiple logistic regression (OR, 95% CI), and ROC (AUC) analysis.
Results:
The average age of the participants was 30.5±3.9 years, with a BMI of 25.1 kg/m², and 49.5% were male. The
group with MetS (n=531) had significantly higher levels of VFA and SFA compared to the group that rated their health as
relatively healthy and had no clinical diagnosis (n=979) (control group) (p<0.0001), with males showing higher VFA and
females showing higher SFA (p<0.0001). The Q4 group for VFA had a significant association with MetS in males (4.611,
95% CI=2.394–9.591) and females (2.253, 95% CI=1.097-3.912) (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that increased
VFA was more strongly associated with MetS in males (β=0.325, p<0.0001) and females (β=0.338, p<0.003) than
BMI. The AUC for predicting MetS was 0.790 (95% CI=0.750-0.831) for VFA and 0.401 (95% CI=0.351-0.451) for SFA,
with all results being statistically significant (p<0.001). VFA had a higher predictive value compared to other markers.
Conclusion
In healthy men with metabolic syndrome, VFA is more prominently defined, while SFA is higher in healthy
women. Since VFA is a better predictor of metabolic syndrome than SFA, it increases the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular
diseases and type 2 diabetes in men, whereas SFA in women serves as a protective factor.
2.Assessment of Prebiotic Activity of Xylooligosaccharides Extracted from Food Industry By-Products via Microwave assisted enzymatic hydrolysis
Odgerel Ch ; Purevdulam E ; Anuujin G ; Buyankhuu T ; Munkhjargal B ; Battogtokh Ch ; Munkhtsetseg J
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):183-190
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.
3.Evaluation of changes in human salivary amylase enzyme activity
Sarangerel G ; Odmaa T ; Buyankhuu T ; Oyun-Erdene P ; Odgerel Ch ; Tulgaa S ; Otgonjargal Ch ; Munkhtsetseg J ; Nandin-Erdene M
Diagnosis 2025;114(3):104-111
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.
4.Result of assessment of lactate levels in high-end athletes
Oyundari A ; Bulgan M ; Ser-Od L ; Otgon-Erdene G ; Otgonjargal Ch ; Odgerel Ch ; Tulgaa S ; Nandin-Erdene M ; Buyankhuu T ; Munkhtsetseg J ; Oyun-Erdene R
Diagnosis 2025;113(2):81-88
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)
5.Language proficiency and overall academic achievement for medical students
Diagnosis 2024;110(3):25-29
Homework plays a crucial role in enhancing academic performance, in especially language acquisition. For medical students, English proficiency is essential for accessing global knowledge and succeeding in their field. This study aims to examine the relationship between English homework completion timing and academic performance among medical students. A total of 48 students (70% female, 30% male) from different proficiency levels (beginner to upper-intermediate) participated. Data were gathered through an online survey, including sections on homework timing, average exam scores, and reasons for homework timing. Statistical analysis revealed a moderate negative correlation (-0.267) between homework timing and academic performance, suggesting that students who delay homework completion tend to perform slightly lower. Results showed that most students prefer to complete homework the day before a class (54%), while others favor completing it 2-3 days later (40%), valuing retention over time. Students’ reasons for their timing choices varied, with 42% citing other coursework as a barrier to earlier completion. The findings underscore the importance of time management and self-regulation in optimizing homework habits to improve English proficiency and academic outcomes. This study provides insights for educators to guide medical students in developing effective homework strategies that enhance both language learning and academic performance.
6.Biological and clinical aspects of S100 Proteins
Mungun B ; Ganbold L ; Munkhtsetseg G
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2023;205(4):67-74
S100 proteins regulate intracellular processes such as cell growth and motility, cell cycle regulation,
transcription and differentiation. S100 proteins represent the largest subgroup in the EF-hand Ca2+
binding protein family. The S100 protein family consists of 24 members functionally distributed into
three main subgroups: those that only exert intracellular regulatory effects, those with intracellular and
extracellular functions and those which mainly exert extracellular regulatory effects.
Within cells, S100 proteins are involved in aspects of regulation of proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis,
Ca2+ homeostasis, energy metabolism, inflammation and migration/invasion through interactions with
a variety of target proteins including enzymes, cytoskeletal subunits, receptors, transcription factors
and nucleic acids. S100 proteins have received increasing attention due to their close association with
several human diseases including cardiomyopathy, neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. They
have also been proven to be valuable in the diagnostic of these diseases, as predictive markers of
improving clinical management, outcome and survival of patients and are considered having a potential
as drug targets to improve therapies.
7.Qualitative studies on raw materials for Hepaclin-4 prescription
Byambauren G ; Tserentsoo B ; Enkhsaikhan M ; Emujin S ; Munkhtsetseg B ; Suvd B ; Altansukh Ts ; Tserendolgor B
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2023;22(1):34-40
Background:
In 2021, 5981 of cancer new cases was registered in Mongolian population. Among those cases, liver cancer was commonly registered with a prevalence of 32.7%. Studies on anticancer agents with no-adverse effects and good-preventive efficacy against cancer have been attracted more attention from the researchers in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Saussurrea amara.L, Chiazospermum erectum Berh, and Carthamus tinctorius.L are well recognized as effective agent against liver diseases. Using these raw materials, researchers have been invented a traditional prescription and named as Hepaclin-4. In this study, we aimed to investigate the qualitative study of raw materials and some biologically active sub- stances in the compounds.
Purpose:
To study the qualitative study of raw materials for Hepaclin-4 prescription
Materials and methods:
Some qualitative properties of raw materials for Hepaclin-4 prescription, including appearance, minerals, some organic compounds, total ash, water-soluble substances and fungi, were investigated according to Mongolian pharmacopeia and total flavonoid was detected by thin layer chromatography.
Results:
No changes were observed on the appearance of raw materials, and minerals and organic compounds weren’t detected in the prescription. No contamination with fungi and insects were identified. The moist in the raw materials were 5.9 to 8.1%, total ash was 4.7 to 13.3% and the water-soluble substances were detected 33.8 to 42.9%. Number of aerobic bacteria, fungi and E.coli, Salmonella species were detected in normal range, indicating that the prescription was matched with the requirement of pharmacopeia. According to the thin layer chromatography study of the raw materials, a yellow spot on the chromatogram were identified and same as quercetin (Rf=0.9-0.98) and rutin ((Rf=0.18-0.23)) as standard compounds, which indicated that the spot which indicated that the spot was flavonoids in the prescription.
Conclusions
These results showed that the appearance, moist, minerals, organic compound, water-soluble substances, ash and biologically active substances of the raw materials for Hepaclin-4 prescription was corresponded with the requirements of pharmacopeia, and flavonoid was detected in raw materials of Hepaclin-4.
8.The effects of Particulate matter (PМ2.5) pollutants on cancer cells in in vitro model
Baljinnyam T ; Bilguun E ; Batchimeg B ; Zolzaya D ; Lkhaasuren N ; Oyungerel G ; Munkhtsetseg B ; Khaliun M ; Khulan U ; Batkhishig M ; Uranbileg U ; Sonomdagva Ch ; Bilegtsaikhan Ts ; Munkhbayar S ; Munkhtuvshin N ; Erkhembulgan P
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2021;197(3):17-25
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.
9.Involvement of Vitamin D in Immune system
Baljinnyam T ; Batchimeg B ; Zolzaya D ; Ganchimeg D ; Lkhaasuren N ; Oyungerel G ; Munkhtsetseg B ; Khaliun M ; Khulan U ; Bilguun E ; Batkhishig M ; Tulgaa L ; Bilegtsaikhan Ts ; Munkhbayar S ; Munkhtuvshin N ; Munkhbat B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2020;192(2):51-59
Research of function of vitamin D on immune system has been studying since the study revealed
that vitamin D receptor is expressed on the surface of the immune cells. 1,2-dihydroxyvitamin
D3 [1,25(OH)2D], physiologically active form, can be generated through hydroxylation of
25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D], inactive form of vitamin D, in a liver, connecting with specific VDR
make biological action. Vitamin D make different biological actions depends on connecting with
different immunological cells. Some studies indicated that Vitamin D plays pivotal role in antibacterial
innate immune responses through regulating reaction of the main cells as macrophages and dendritic
cells. Moreover, calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, is connected with VDRE, modulates the innate
immune response through directly inducing expression of catelicithin and β-defensin as antimicrobial
peptides, reducing secretion of IL-1b, IL-6, TNF-a, RANKL, COX-2 as proinflammatory cytokines and
increasing production of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Vitamin D plays in proliferation and
differentiation of T and B cells and regulates the activities of over 500 genes. Vitamin D differently
impacts on per se stages of T cells’ proliferation. Vitamin D indirectly mitigates the differentiation from
immature B cells to plasma B cells while it directly impacts on regulation of overloaded production of
antibodies in plasma B cells. In conclusion, vitamin D modulates the innate- and adaptive immune
response through regulation on activation of APCells, proliferation and differentiation of immune cells,
secretion of some antibacterial peptides.
10.Hormonal and lipid profile in infertility women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Algirmaa N ; Amarjargal O ; Battulga G ; Altaisaikhan Kh ; Munkhtsetseg D ; Bolorchimeg B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2020;194(4):17-24
Introduction:
PCOS prevalence is 5-10 percent among reproductive age women in worldwide. It is caused by
imbalance of sex hormones which ultimately leads to menstrual irregularities, infertility, anovulation
and other metabolic disturbances. Most women with chronic anovulation is caused by polycystic
ovary syndrome [PCOS] The Rotterdam criteria is useful diagnostic tool for PCOS. In Mongolia
there is almost no study on PCOS related infertility and there are increasing trend infertility among
reproductive aged women with PCOS, lead us to conduct the study.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to estimate incidence of PCOS and to study clinical and biochemical
characteristics of PCOS among infertility women.
Material and Methods:
We used the cross-sectional and case control study designs. Total 1334 infertility women enrolled
in this study. The study was conducted after approval from the Ethical and research review board of
the hospital, and written informed consent was taken from all the women. Among 114 women with
PCOS were found by Rotterdam’s criteria at the Infertility and reproductive department, National
Center for Maternal and Child Health, between December, 2018 - 2019. Total of 43 females with
PCOS were screened among 1334 infertile women. All parameters were assessed either with ELISA
in 43 infertile PCOS women and 17 age matched apparently healthy controls diagnosed according
to Rotterdam consensus. IDF diagnostic criteria for MS was used. The PCOS patients divided into
following groups: (1) with MS ( n=42) and (2) without MS (n=72).
Results:
The main age, body mass index (BMI), and duration of infertility were 28.7±4.1 years, 27.3±5.2 kg/
m² and 4.4±3.1y, respectively. Among patients 57.9% of them have oligomenorrhea, 22.8% with
amenorrhea, primary infertility 57.0% and 51.9% with hirsutism and acne 50.8%. As a result of
hormone assays were LH 9.3±3.5mIU/ml, LH/FSH 1.6 ±0.83 [0.1-3.6], AMH 6.1ng/ml ±3.6 /2.9-21.0/.
The prevalence of MS was 36.8%. The variables including age (30.9±4.9), body mass (75.9±11.6kg)
and also some metabolic parameters which is hypertension (133.6/88.4±13.6 mm Hg), WC (94.1±8.6
cm) and high triglyceride (1.8±1.0 mmol/l) were observed in MS group compared to without MS group.
Conclusion
Among 1334 women with infertility, the incidence of PCOS 8.7% (116), close to the prevalence in
other countries. Considering the diagnose was confirmed of three criteria by the Rotterdam criteria.
We found out that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 35.3% among infertility women with
PCOS. Age, BMI, WC, amenorrhea, acne and acanthosis nigricans, were highly related to metabolic
syndrome.
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