1.Determination of serum IL-4 and IFN-γ levels in allergic model-induced C57BL/6 mice using in-house ELISA
Dulguunuu M ; Nyam-Ochir G ; Oyun-Erdene Ch ; Ariunzaya B ; Tsogtsaikhan S ; Enkhtushig G ; Khuselt-Od T ; Enkhtuya S ; Sarantuya L ; Suvd O ; Nyamdorj D ; Batbaatar G ; Gansukh Ch ; Enkhsaikhan L ; Enkh-Amar B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;92(2):134-138
Background:
Type I hypersensitivity, commonly known as an allergic reaction, is characterised by an IgE-mediated immune response triggered when foreign proteins enter the body. During allergic reactions, cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13, secreted by T-helper 2 (Th2) cells, play a crucial role in activating immune effector cells like eosinophils and mast cells, which contribute significantly to airway inflammation and obstruction. Conversely, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), produced by Th1 cells, suppresses Th2-mediated responses and plays an essential role in regulating allergic inflammation. Therefore, determining the balance of cytokines produced by Th1 and Th2 cells is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying allergic responses.
Aim:
We aimed to induce an allergic response in experimental animals using ovalbumin and to determine the levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines using an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Materials and Methods:
A total of 20 female C57BL/6 mice aged 6–8 weeks were selected for the experiment and randomly divided into two groups: control and experimental groups. The concentrations of IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines in mouse serum were determined using an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Result:
Compared to the control group, the levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines in the serum of allergic model-induced C57BL/6 mice were determined to be 513.7 pg/mL and 193.2 pg/mL, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed in IL-4 cytokine levels between the two groups (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
In the allergic model group, serum levels of IL-4 cytokine were elevated, while IFN-γ cytokine levels were decreased, suggesting a predominant Th2-type immune response.
2.Assessing the knowledge of first-year nursing undergraduate students about electronic cigarettes
Sukhbat B ; Tserennadmid B ; Baigalmaa B ; Bat-Erdene T ; Dashdulam Ts ; Enkhbileg M ; Alungoo B ; Gantsetseg B ; Nyam-Ochir G
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):146-149
Background:
According to a study by US scientists, 1/3 percent of the world’s population uses tobacco, and the use of tobacco has steadily decreased over the years, while the use of tobacco-like products, including electronic cigarettes, has increased rapidly. In order to combat this problem, it is necessary to assess the knowledge about e-cigarettes among young people, who are considered to be the main users of e-cigarettes. The lack of research on e-cigarettes is the basis for this study.
Aim:
To evaluate the knowledge of electronic cigarettes among Nursing students of the School of Nursing.
Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted by randomly selecting 128 first-year Bachelor of Nursing students from the School of Nursing and taking a questionnaire. The results of the research were statistically processed using the IBM statistics SPSS-25.0 program.
Results:
Considering the age of the students in the study, 18 years old (41.4%), 19 years old (46.9%), and 20 years old (11.7%) were included. Regarding gender, 113 (88.3%) were female and 15 (11.7%) were male. 65 (50.8%) of the students are enrolled from Ulaanbaatar city, 63 (49.2%) from the local area. When assessing knowledge about electronic cigarettes, 100 (78.1%) had knowledge and 28 (21.9%) had no knowledge. Among students who smoke, 34 (87.2%) smoke e-cigarettes and 5 (12.8%) smoke cigarettes. Sex, where you started, and who you live with are irrelevant to e-cigarette use. But the smoking status is that 32 (36.0%) smoke by themselves with someone in the family who smokes, 7 (17.9%) smoke by themselves without a smoker in the family, friends smoke e-cigarettes 37 (34.3%) smoke by themselves, friends 2 (10%) are related to self-attractors who do not attract friends. (p=0.022) who the participants live with is the motivation for smoking. 36% of students who live with their parents smoke, while 64% of students who live apart from their parents smoke. 84.4% of respondents do not know that e-cigarettes contain propylene glycol, 15.6% do, 63.3% do not know that electronic cigarettes contain benzene, and 36.7% do.
Conclusion
The level of knowledge about electronic cigarettes among nursing students was insufficient. In addition, having family members or friends who smoke was found to influence students smoking behavior.
3.Study on the correlation between bone mineral density and physical characteristics among first-year nursing students
Nyam-Ochir G ; Altanzul G ; Erdenesaikhan T ; Ganbaatar B ; Bat-Erdene T ; Naranbat B ; Odbayar G ; Tserennadmid B ; Baigalmaa B ; Dashdulam Ts ; Enkhbileg ; Dolgorsuren S ; Ulziijargal G ; Saranzaya B ; Munkhzul D ; Sukhbat B ; Tsetsegsuren Kh ; Tsolmontsetseg G ; Banzragch G ; Nomundari B ; Enkhtuul B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):150-153
Background:
Bone mineral density (BMD) is a key indicator reflecting bone strength and resistance to fracture. It is influenced by multiple factors, including age, sex, genetic background, body composition, nutrition, and physical activity. During young adulthood, peak bone mass is actively formed; therefore, identifying early variations in this period is essential for predicting future skeletal health risks. Accordingly, assessing BMD and evaluating its relationship with physical characteristics among first-year nursing students provides a scientific rationale for this study.
Aim:
To examine the relationship between bone mineral density and selected physical parameters among students.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 297 first-year students aged 17-35 years from the School of Nursing, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences were included. Bone mineral density was assessed by measuring the speed of sound through the radius using an ultrasound bone densitometry device. Handgrip strength was measured using an electronic dynamometer. Physical parameters including age, sex, height, and body weight were measured using standardized procedures, and statistical analysis was performed. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of MNUMS on November 21, 2025 (No. 26/1) and March 28, 2026 (No. 26/03-B02), with no ethical violations identified.
Results:
According to T-scores, 37.1% (n=110) of participants had normal bone status and 62.9% (n=187) showed reduced bone density. Based on Z-scores, 52.5% (n=159) were normal, while 45.6% (n=138) had decreased values. T-score values were 1.87±0.69 (<20 years), 1.44±0.55 (20–30 years), and 1.10±0.31 (>30 years), while Z-score values were −0.73±1.38, −0.43±1.23, and −0.02±1.27, respectively. ANOVA analysis revealed statistically significant differences among age groups (p<0.01). A positive correlation was observed between T-score and age, whereas no significant correlations were found with other physical parameters. Z-score showed a positive correlation with handgrip strength.
Conclusions
1. A high prevalence of reduced bone mineral density was observed among the students, which may be associated with incomplete attainment of peak bone mass in adolescents and young adults. 2. A significant difference in bone mineral density was found between age groups (p<0.01), indicating that age is an important factor influencing bone mineral density.
Result Analysis
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