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.Uterine wall perforation anol subsequent bladder damage by T-shaped Intrauterine device
Nomin E ; Ganzorig B ; Munkhtsetseg E ; Mungunsukh U ; Dashjantsan G
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2025;214(4):68-71
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are often considered a form of contraception by women of
reproductive age because of their reversible, effective, safe, and convenient nature. However,
its complications include bleeding, infection, displacement, and uterine perforation. Effective
contraception can minimize the risk of unintended pregnancy, particularly for women who
have additional health risks associated with unintended pregnancy. Intrauterine device (IUD)
is considered to be a highly effective and reversible method of contraception (long-acting
reversible contraceptives) that is suitable for most women, highly effective, affordable, and
requires minimum patient compliance [1]. Despite being infrequent, perforation constitutes
a significant complication associated with IUD insertion, with an estimated incidence of
0.8–2.2 per 1,000 insertions [2, 3]. Ultrasound is the preferred diagnostic modality in cases
where partial embedding of the IUD is suspected. However, when the IUD extends near or
beyond the uterine serosa, radiologists can more confidently diagnose embedding [4]. The
patient is a 44-year-old woman with four children. She gave birth for the first time in 1997.
A contraceptive device was inserted in 1999, and another was placed four months after her
2009 delivery. She does not recall the date when she had the latter device removed and
has no record of having seen it. This case represents a rare instance of secondary bladder
stone formation resulting from migration of an intrauterine device (T-shaped IUD) into the
bladder. Rapid diagnostic methods, including ultrasonography, CT, and cystoscopy, along
with endoscopic surgical intervention, proved to be the most effective approach for both
diagnosis and treatment.
6.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.
7.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.
8.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.
9.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.
10.Methods differences for cervical ripening and induction of labour study
Chinzorig B ; Dondogdorj D ; Battulga G ; Munkhtsetseg D
Mongolian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Pediatrics 2020;28(2):2034-2040
Methods differences for cervical ripening and induction of labour study
Background: According to the World Health Organization review, the use of induction of labour methods varies from country to country. In 2010, meta-analysis study showed that the folley balloon catheter had less complications of uterine contraction compared with local prostaglandins, and there was no difference in Cesarean section. In Mongolia we use two different guidelines of cervical ripening for labour induction. Further, other methods required into our induction of labour medical service.
Materials and methods: Cross sectional prospective and analytical research done. The results of the survey were taken from a specially developed questionnaire and the results were analyzed using SPSS-16 software. The study population was selected for non-probability and targeted sampling.
Results: The mean time to insert the balloon catheter was 8.33±7.22 hours. 62(79.5%) of the balloon catheters were spontaneously pushed out of the cervix, labor was stimulated at 62(79.5%), 60(78.9%) were born within 24 hours of preparation for delivery, and the average time of birth within 24 hours was 17.03±18.56 hours, 54(69.2%) of the mothers gave birth by caesarean section, 4(5.1%) by vacuum, and 20(25.6%) by caesarean section. To assess the effect of inflated balloon catheter preparation on the preparation of the cervix, saline solution 20ml (25.6%), 80ml 16(20.5%), 100ml 14(17.9%), and 150ml 26(35.9%) female balloon catheters were used. Inflating to 60ml was statistically more significant (p<0.004) than inflating. CTG has been shown to be more altered when oxytocin is induced by misoprostol-induced labor. The assessment of CTG at birth was 24(18.2%) in the oxytocin-induced group, 2(3.6%) in the misoprostol-induced group, 4(28.61%) in the folic catheter-induced group, and 12(40%) in the misoprostol-induced oxytocin group, a statistically significant correlation (p<0.0001) occurred in 8(15.4%) women who received oxytocin induced by folic catheter delivery. There was a statistically significant correlation between the occurrence of tachystole in the 3 postpartum groups and the occurrence of oxytocin and folate catheters in 6(10%) women in the misoprostol-induced group (p<0.031). In the folate-catheter-induced group, the duration of labor was 3 to 5 hours longer than in the oxytocin and misoprostol-induced groups, which was statistically significant (p<0.0001), compared with 5.3±1.9 hours in the oxytocin-induced group and 7.4±2.4 hours in the misoprostol-induced group, 10.4±4.3 hours in the foley-catheter-induced group.
Conclusions: In preparing the cervix for childbirth, inflating the balloon catheter with 60 ml of saline is of clinical statistical significance. Continued use of oxytocin to prepare the cervix for delivery with a balloon catheter increases the chances of delivery. Preparation of the cervix for delivery with a balloon catheter is less common than tachysystole with misoprostol. Preparing the cervix for delivery with a balloon catheter is less likely to cause CTG changes than misoprostal.
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