Background: Elite athletes regularly participate in national and international sporting competitions while simultaneously engaging in high-intensity and intensified training programs. Therefore, assessing changes in blood biochemical parameters is of considerable importance for evaluating athletes’ physiological adaptation to training loads. In particular, determining the activity of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme in athletes’ blood plasma provides a scientific basis for improving individual performance, evaluating sports performance, and enhancing the effectiveness of future training programs. Aim: To examine plasma lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity in athletes of the Mongolian National Team. Materials and Methods: A total of 51 athletes, including 26 men and 25 women from 6 types of sports of the Mongolian National Team included in the study. 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. Result: The average age of the participating was 24.04±4.15 years, with average height of 168±8.78 cm and average weight of 71.01±7.69 kg. The average BMI was 24.82±4.12 kg/m². Pre-exercise lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity averaged 177.1±28.96 U/L, while post-exercise lactate dehydrogenase activity averaged 223.5±51.56 U/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 activity of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase before and after exercise showed significant differences in the age groups 20-29 (p<0.01). When comparing lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity before and after exercise by sport, statistically significant increases were observed in freestyle wrestling and judo athletes (p<0.01).

Background: Globally, 697.5 million people—9.1% of the world’s population—suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD). In Mongolia, diseases of the kidney and urinary tract rank third in overall morbidity and are a leading cause of hospital admissions. Due to the asymptomatic and progressive nature of these diseases, early diagnosis of CKD has become a critical issue in recent years. One such early diagnostic marker is KIM-1 (Kidney Injury Molecule-1). KIM-1 is synthesized in the epithelial cells of the proximal tubule during renal injury and serves as a receptor for the phagocytosis of apoptotic cell debris. It is considered a promising biomarker for the early detection of kidney damage. Aim: To evaluate the relationship between KIM-1 (Kidney Injury Molecule-1) and clinical biochemical parameters in patients with chronic kidney disease. Materials and Methods: An analytical case-control study was conducted. A total of 54 participants were involved: a case group of 26 and a control group of 28. The case group included 26 patients with chronic kidney disease who were being treated at the Emergency and Internal Medicine departments of the First Central Hospital of Mongolia (FCHM). Serum KIM-1 protein levels were determined using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (Human Kim-1 ELISA Kit, Cat: ELK2287). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-23.0, while text processing and data visualization were conducted using Microsoft Office. Result: KIM1 levels are positively correlated with creatinine, urea, uric acid, glucose, and potassium, and inversely correlated with calcium, total protein, and albumin, indicating a correlation with clinical biochemical parameters. The mean level of KIM-1 protein was 1379±208.3 pg/mL in the chronic kidney disease group and 91.19±22.09 pg/mL in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p<0.0001). ROC analysis for KIM-1 (pg/mL) showed an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.979 (95% CI: 0.951–1.000, p<0.001). The optimal diagnostic cut-off value was determined at KIM-1 236.17 pg/mL, where sensitivity reached 96.2% and specificity 92.9%, with the highest Youden index (0.89). Conclusion KIM1 levels were positively correlated with creatinine, urea, uric acid, glucose, and potassium, and inversely correlated with calcium, total protein, and albumin. KIM1 protein levels were significantly higher in patients with chronic kidney disease, suggesting that KIM1 is a highly sensitive and specific biomarker for the diagnosis of CKD.

Background: Liver transplantation has become an effective treatment option worldwide for a wide range of malignant and non-malignant liver diseases. In Mongolia, the high prevalence of single and co-infections with viral hepatitis is a major contributing factor to the development of liver cirrhosis and primary liver cancer. However, data on the indications, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of liver transplantation in the Mongolian population remain limited. Aim: To evaluate the indications and clinical characteristics of patients undergoing liver transplantation and to determine their survival outcomes. Materials and Methods: This single-center, retrospective cohort study included 238 patients who underwent liver transplantation at the National Cancer Center of Mongolia between 2018 and feb 2026. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the indication for transplantation: malignant and non-malignant liver diseases. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between the groups. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and differences in survival were assessed using the log-rank test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: The mean age of the liver transplant recipients was 49.0 ± 8.4 years. Relatively older male patients were more likely to undergo liver transplantation for malignant liver diseases, whereas younger female patients predominated among those transplanted for non-malignant conditions (p=0.0001). No statistically significant difference in body mass index was observed between the groups (p>0.05). MELD and Child–Pugh (CPT) scores, reflecting the severity and prognosis of liver disease, differed significantly between the two groups. However, no statistically significant difference in survival was observed between the groups at 1-, 3-, or 5- years after liver transplantation (p=0.974). Conclusion Although age, sex, and liver disease severity as assessed by MELD and Child–Pugh scores differed significantly between patients undergoing liver transplantation for malignant and non-malignant indications, no statistically significant difference was observed in survival at 1-, 3-, or 5- years following liver transplantation.

Background: Sarcopenia is a multifactorial geriatric syndrome characterized by age-related loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance. In recent years, neurotrophic and neuromuscular biomarkers have been investigated as potential diagnostic indicators of sarcopenia; however, evidence regarding their sex-specific differences remains limited. Aim: To evaluate the sex-specific associations of serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels with sarcopenia and muscle-related parameters among older adults. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included adults aged 60 years and older. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS 2019) criteria. Serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels were measured using ELISA. Group differences were analyzed using independent t-tests, correlations were assessed using Pearson correlation analysis, and diagnostic performance for sarcopenia was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was also performed. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic participants in either the male or female groups (all p>0.05). ROC analysis demonstrated AUC values ranging from 0.540 to 0.542 in males and from 0.508 to 0.530 in females for BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age (OR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.04–1.21, p=0.003) and lower fat-free mass index (OR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.66–0.91, p=0.001) were significantly associated with sarcopenia, whereas BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 showed no independent association with sarcopenia. Conclusions 1. No statistically significant sex-specific differences were observed in serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults (all p>0.05). 2. CAF22 levels were weakly negatively correlated with muscle mass and fat-free mass index in males (p<0.05), whereas BDNF levels showed weak positive correlations with handgrip strength and fat-free mass index in females (p<0.05). CAF22 levels also demonstrated a weak positive correlation with age (p<0.05). 3. ROC and multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated limited diagnostic utility of BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 for sarcopenia (AUC=0.508–0.542), and none of these biomarkers showed an independent association with sarcopenia (all p>0.05). In contrast, older age (OR=1.12, p=0.003) and lower fat-free mass index (OR=0.78, p=0.001) were significantly associated with sarcopenia.

Background: A child’s physical growth is fundamentally dependent on hormonal regulation, metabolism, and oxygen supply, within which bone mineralization specifically calcium (Ca²⁺) levels acts as a primary factor determining bone mineral density (BMD), muscle function, and hormonal activity. In cardiovascular disease (CVD), multiple physiological processes are disrupted at various levels, including decreased blood circulation and oxygen supply, increased energy expenditure, and reduced absorption of nutrients and micronutrients. In this context, research linking calcium levels in 6–7-year-old children with electrocardiographic (ECG) changes to physical growth has been scarce, which provided the rationale for conducting this study. Aim: To investigate the association between calcium levels and physical growth among 6–7-year-old children with electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities detected through early screening. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using a case-control design. The case group included 143 children aged 6–7 with ECG changes, and the control group included 153 children without ECG changes, totaling 296 voluntary participants. Serum total calcium and albumin levels in both groups were measured using a fully automated biochemical analyzer. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSSv27, applying independent samples t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation analysis to compare means between the two groups. Results: The control group’s serum total calcium was 2.65±0.15 mmol/L, corrected calcium was 2.58±0.13 mmol/L, and the case group’s serum total calcium was 2.64±0.18 mmol/L, corrected calcium was 2.59±0.17 mmol/L, with no statistically significant difference observed between the study groups (p>0.05). When comparing total calcium in case-group children with normal height (2.66±0.20) versus those with stunted growth (2.61±0.13), a statistically significant difference was found (p<0.05). Correlation analysis between total and corrected calcium levels and physical growth indicators across study groups showed no statistically significant association. When height measurements were divided into four quartiles (Q1–Q4) and compared against total and corrected serum calcium, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups. Conclusions Comparison of physical growth and development Z-scores between children with and without ECG abnormalities revealed no statistically significant differences. However, total calcium levels tended to be lower among children with normal growth compared with those with growth retardation in the case group (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in serum total or albumin-corrected calcium levels between the study groups (p > 0.05). When height measurements in the study groups were categorized into quartiles, no statistically significant differences in total or albumin-corrected calcium levels were observed between the groups. This suggests that calcium levels alone may not be a decisive determinant of physical growth in children of the same age.

Background: Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by abnormal proliferation of megakaryocytes in the bone marrow, resulting in persistent thrombocytosis in the peripheral blood and clinical manifestations including thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Approximately 90% of patients with ET harbor driver mutations in JAK2, CALR, or MPL, with JAK2V617F being the most frequently detected mutation. The JAK2V617F mutation induces constitutive activation of the JAK–STAT signaling pathway, leading to abnormal megakaryocytic proliferation and increased platelet production. Consequently, patients are predisposed to thrombotic complications; however, qualitative platelet dysfunction may also contribute to an increased risk of bleeding. Among large-vessel thrombotic complications, venous thromboembolism is relatively common, whereas pulmonary artery thromboembolism is an uncommon complication. Moreover, thrombotic risk is generally lower in patients with JAK2-negative ET. Case presentation: In this report, we present a rare case of essential thrombocythemia presenting with respiratory failure secondary to pulmonary artery thromboembolism. Conclusion This case demonstrates that essential thrombocythemia may initially manifest with life-threatening thrombotic complications, including pulmonary thromboembolism, even in the absence of the JAK2 V617F mutation. Accordingly, unexplained thrombocytosis warrants evaluation for an underlying myeloproliferative neoplasm, while early assessment of thrombotic risk is essential for guiding appropriate clinical management and reducing the risk of adverse outcomes.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders account for 23.1-47.1% of occupational diseases in several countries. Studies have shown that operators of heavy machinery, including tractors and dump trucks, are twice as likely to experience lower back pain compared to workers not exposed to whole-body vibration. Furthermore, research has indicated that acute exposure to vibration can cause vasoconstriction and vascular inflammation. However, limited research has explored the relationship between lower back pain and specific biomarkers, highlighting the need for this study. Aim: This study aimed to compare lower back pain prevalence and muscle inflammation biomarkers among heavy machinery operators. Materials and Methods: A purposive sampling method was used to recruit 15 male participants aged 25-35 years who had worked as heavy machinery drivers for no more than three years. Inclusion criteria were: no alcohol consumption within 24 hours prior to sampling, body mass index (BMI) between 18.5-28.9 kg/m², no prior diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders, and absence of infectious or non-infectious diseases during the study period. Blood samples were analyzed for Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The mean BMI of participants was 25.89±3.23 kg/m². Over half (53.3%, n=8) exceeded the exposure limit for whole-body vibration. Low back pain was reported by 13 participants (86.7%) over the past six months and by 12 participants (80%) over the past seven days. TNF-α levels did not differ significantly between groups based on low back pain status or vibration exposure. However, IL-6 levels showed a significant increase 24 hours after whole-body vibration exposure (p=0.027). Conclusion Lower back pain was highly prevalent among participants exposed to whole-body vibration. Furthermore, IL-6 levels were elevated among participants reporting lower back pain, regardless of vibration exposure levels.

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.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disorder involving many organs and can devastate the lives of affected individuals. It is characterized by chronic high blood glucose that could lead to morbidity and mortality. The number of people suffering from diabetes worldwide is increasing at an alarming rate. It is predicted that about 366 million people are likely to be diabetic by the year 2030. Since all of the previous studies have focused on the therapeutic role of (Allium polyrhizum Turcz. ex Regel) preparations in diabetes mellitus, we investigated the preventive effect of oral administration of (Allium polyrhizum Turcz. ex Regel) extract on the changes of biochemical factors and histopathology alterations in hepatic tissue caused by diabetes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of water extract (Allium polyrhizum Turcz. ex Regel) on the metabolism of rats with diabetes induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin. Aim: To investigate the antidiabetic properties of aqueous extract of (Allium polyrhizum Turcz. ex Regel) and its beneficial effect on hematological parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Experimental was performed at the Institute of Mongolian Medicine and Chemistry, Inner Mongolia University. Male Wistar rats weighing (180 g) were obtained from The Animal Experimental Unit of Mongolia Medicine and Chemistry Research Center, Inner Mongolia University. The rats were housed in well-aerated individual cages in an animal room and maintained in a temperature-controlled room (24±25°C) with a 12 h light/12 h dark cycle, 50-60 % humidity. They were fed with normal commercial chow and water ad libitum. Throughout the experiments, animals were processed according to the suggested international ethical guidelines for the care of laboratory animals, and all experimental procedures were approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of Inner Mongolia University. After 4 weeks, the rats were fasted for 8 h before blood sampling, water was not restricted. Blood samples were collected from the orbital venous plexus. Results: The blood glucose level was significantly increased in model group 24.14±2.28 mmol/L, to Control group 5.31±0.49 mmol/L. Oral administration of Allium polyrhizum Turcz.ex Regel treated group 10.5±4.05 mmol/L, Metformin treated group 9.05±2.71 mmol/L resulted in significantly decreased blood glucose levels less model group. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that Allium polyrhizum Turcz.ex Regel possesses hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats and therapy of diabetes and its complications especially when used for a longer period.

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.