1.Oral mucosal pigmentation as a visible biomarker of secondhand smoke exposure: potential applications for Identifying high-risk groups and informing Tobacco control policy
Otgontsetseg D ; Delgertsetseg J ; Bayarchimeg B ; Damdindorj B ; Uurtuya Sh ; Battogtokh Ch ; Nyamdelger B ; Gurragchaa O ; Dariimaa G
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):288-292
Background:
Conventional methods for assessing exposure to environmental tobacco smoke rely mainly on questionnaires and biomarkers with short half-lives, such as urinary cotinine. In contrast, oral mucosal pigmentation may represent a visible, non-invasive biomarker of chronic exposure. However, its clinical and policy relevance, as well as its validity for screening purposes, remain insufficiently established.
Aim:
To summarize the evidence on the association between exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and oral mucosal pigmentation and to assess some confounding factors.
Materials and Methods:
We synthesized findings from observational studies that examined the association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and oral mucosal pigmentation across all age groups. International electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, were searched. Data were extracted on exposure–response relationships, measurement instruments, anatomical distribution of pigmentation, confounding by physiological pigmentation, and biochemical validation. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). A narrative synthesis was conducted, focusing on the biological plausibility of the biomarker, standardization of measurement, and its potential implications for screening and tobacco control policy.
Results:
Thirteen observational studies from seven countries, involving a total of 3,284 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Four studies reported a statistically significant association between duration of exposure and severity of pigmentation, while one cohort study showed that urinary cotinine levels increased with age among children. The Gingival Pigmentation Index and the Dummett Oral Pigmentation Index were the most commonly used assessment tools; however, methodological heterogeneity limited direct comparability across studies. The anterior gingiva was the most frequently affected anatomical site. Only a limited number of studies adequately controlled for physiological pigmentation, and skin color was identified as an important confounding factor. The pooled odds ratio was 2.35; however, the certainty of evidence was low due to the observational nature of the included studies.
Conclusion
Oral mucosal pigmentation may serve as a potential biomarker of long-term exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Nevertheless, standardized assessment protocols, adequate control for physiological pigmentation, and validation against “gold-standard” biomarkers are required. If validated, this marker could be used for rapid identification of high-risk groups and incorporated into tobacco control policies.
2.Oral mucosal pigmentation in children attributable to environmental Tobacco smoke
Otgontsetseg D ; Delgertsetseg J ; Bayarchimeg B ; Damdindorj B ; Uurtuya Sh ; Otgonbat A ; Nyamdelger B ; Byambatseren B ; Dariimaa G
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):282-287
Background:
Passive smoking among children remains a serious public health concern, particularly because children’s ability to avoid household environmental tobacco smoke exposure is limited when parents smoke. In recent years, increasing scholarly attention has been given to oral mucosal pigmentation as a potential clinical sign of long-term passive smoking in children. However, no previous study has synthesized the available evidence on this topic.
Aim:
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between passive smoking and oral pigmentation in children.
Materials and Methods:
A systematic search was conducted in international electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Observational studies assessing the association between passive smoking and oral pigmentation among children aged ≤18 years were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). A random-effects meta-analysis was performed, and pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach.
Results:
Seven studies involving a total of 1,582 participants met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis demonstrated that passive smoking was significantly associated with an increased risk of oral pigmentation in children, with a pooled OR of 2.58 (95% CI, 1.35-4.95; p=0.004). Compared with children without exposure to passive smoking, those exposed to environmental tobacco smoke had an absolute risk increase of 17% (95% CI, 6.3%-23.9%). Subgroup analysis by assessment method showed a consistent effect among studies using the Gingival Pigmentation Index (GPI) (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.58-2.84), whereas studies using the Dummett Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI) showed a wider confidence interval (OR, 3.26; 95% CI, 0.68-15.54). According to the MMAT assessment, the included studies demonstrated adequate participant selection in 100% of cases, appropriate outcome measurement in 76.9%, and adequate control of confounding factors in 46.2%. Owing to the observational nature of the included studies, moderate heterogeneity, and the potential risk of confounding by physiological pigmentation, the certainty of evidence was rated as low according to GRADE.
Conclusion
Children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke had a significantly higher likelihood of oral mucosal pigmentation than unexposed children. These findings suggest that screening for oral mucosal pigmentation during pediatric oral examinations may serve as a non-invasive marker of passive smoking exposure and may provide visible clinical evidence to support counseling parents on smoking cessation and smoke-free household environments.
3.Assessment of oral mucosal and dental lesions among preschool children in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: A Pilot study
Otgontsetseg D ; Dariimaa G ; Damdindorj B ; Uurtuya Sh ; Ganzorig B ; Marta B ; Uzmee M ; Nyamdelger B ; Delgertsetseg J
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;97(7):152-157
Background:
Although a considerable number of oral health studies have been conducted among children in Mongolia, most have focused on dental caries in school-aged children, and data on non-carious oral conditions in preschool children remain scarce.
Aim:
To determine the prevalence of oral mucosal, gingival and traumatic dental conditions among preschool children in Ulaanbaatar.
Materials and Methods:
In this cross-sectional pilot study, 686 children from six randomly selected kindergartens in Ulaanbaatar underwent oral examination in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) 2013 guidelines, using the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form for Children. The main outcomes were oral mucosal changes, including pigmentation, gingival bleeding, dental trauma and dental erosion. Analyses were restricted to the 598 children with complete records for these outcomes, and frequencies, percentages and Wilson 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using this common denominator (n=598).
Results:
Of the 598 children analysed, 86 (14.38%; 95% CI 11.80–17.42%) had at least one of the four main conditions. Dental erosion was observed in 74 children (12.37%; 95% CI 9.97–15.26%), confined to the enamel in 45 (7.53%) and extending into the dentine in 29 (4.85%). Oral mucosal changes were recorded in 10 children (1.67%; 95% CI 0.91–3.05%), gingival bleeding in 7 (1.17%; 95% CI 0.57–2.40%) and dental trauma in 1 (0.17%; 95% CI 0.03–0.94%), whereas oral mucosal pigmentation was observed in 64 children (10.70%; 95% CI 8.47–13.44%). Of the 86 children with findings, 85 (98.84%) attended two of the six participating kindergartens.
Conclusion
When dental caries was excluded, dental erosion was the most prevalent condition among preschool children, whereas oral mucosal changes, gingival bleeding and dental trauma were observed in a small proportion of children. The concentration of these findings in two of the six kindergartens may reflect local demographic and socioeconomic factors, as well as differences in examination and recording practices. Future studies should therefore standardise examination criteria in advance and include a larger number of kindergartens.
4.Technologycal study of preparing tablet formulations from hepaclin-4 prescription
Otgontsetseg B ; Khuslen M ; Byambasuren G ; Tserendolgor B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):38-41
Background:
As of 2024, digestive system diseases rank fourth among the causes of mortality in Mongolia. Among
these, hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) accounted for 20,501 deaths, leading in total mortality rates. In Traditional
Mongolian Medicine, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi is used to cool blood heat, clear internal heat, and regulate imbalances; Saussurea amara L. is used for its antibacterial, anti-infective, and anti-inflammatory properties; Carthamus tinctorius L. serves for disinfection, pain relief, fever reduction, and detoxification; and Chiazospermum erectum L. is used to
eliminate toxic heat and febrile conditions. Studies have confirmed that the Hepaclin-4 formulation exhibits antioxidant,
membrane-stabilizing, hepatoprotective, anti-necrotic, detoxifying activities, and reduces the accumulation of harmful
byproducts from excessive peroxidation. Therefore, developing a solid dosage form from the raw herbal materials of
Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Saussurea amara L., Carthamus tinctorius L., and Chiazospermum erectum L.in the He
paclin-4 formula forms the basis of our research.
Aim:
To formulate and develop a tablet dosage form based on the compound prescription of Hepaclin-4
Materials and Methods:
The raw materials of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Saussurea amara L., Carthamus tinctorius
L., and Chiazospermum erectum L.were weighed at a 1:1:1:1 ratio and extracted with 40% ethanol at a 1:10 ratio using
the remaceration method. Ethanol was evaporated using a vacuum evaporator to obtain a thick extract, and quality indicators were determined. From the obtained thick extract, granules were prepared using two types of excipients through
the wet granulation method, and their quality characteristics were studied. Based on the most suitable granules, tablet
and capsule dosage forms were prepared and standardized according to the methods outlined in the Mongolian National
Pharmacopoeia.
Results:
The Hepaclin-4 tablets were found to be round, well-formed, smooth, with intact edges, a slight characteristic
odor, no unpleasant taste, and light yellow in color. The friability resistance of the 0.5 g tablet was 99.6±0.08%, hardness
was 1.07±0.12 MPa, weight variation ranged from -2.6% to +3.9%, all within the acceptable 5% limit. The disintegration
time was 4.23±0.05 minutes, and dissolution was 95.4±0.47%, meeting the permissible standards. When flavonoids in the
tablets were detected by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), brownish-yellow spots appeared at Rf values identical to
standard quercetin (Rf=0.94) and rutin (Rf=0.48). The total flavonoid content, determined by Spectrophotometric Method
(SPM), was 0.165±0.01%.
Conclusion
Tablets were successfully developed from the thick extract of the Hepaclin-4 herbal compound. Upon eval
uation, the tablets met all the required technical specifications.
5.Determination level of antibody against COVID-19 vaccination in workers of FSCH
Oyunbileg B ; Urangoo B ; Otgontsetseg B ; Bolortsetseg J ; Narmandakh G ; Bolor Ch ; Sarantsetseg J
Health Laboratory 2021;14(2):13-16
Introduction:
Health care workers of First Central Hospital of Mongolia have vaccinated with three different vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. We detected SARS-CoV-2 N and S-RBD antibodies after 30-90 days of second dose of vaccination.
Method:
Quantitation of antibodies to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 was performed for the detection of adaptive immune response in 291 HCWs vaccinated with Covishield, Sinopharm and Pfizer Biontech. Detection and quantitation of SARS-CoV-2 N and S antibodies were performed by the electrochemiluminesce assay Cobas e411, Roche.
Result:
SARS-CoV-2-S-RBD IgG titer were negative 0%, weak positive 0.4%, positive 17.5%, strong positive 82.1% of 246 HCWs vaccinated with Covishield and were negative 2.8%, weak positive 8.5%, positive 57.1%, strong positive 31.4% of 35 HCWs vaccinated with Sinopharm.
In all HCWs vaccinated with Pfizer Biontech SARS-CoV-2-S-RBD IgG titers were strong positive.
Conclusion
Humoral immunity was produced in HCWs after two doses of Covishield vaccine 100%, Sinopharm 97.0%, Pfizer Biontech 100% respectively. Antibody titer was higher among younger age workers.
6.Study of influencing factors of the maternal, infant and placenta weight
Jargalsaikhan B ; Otgonbayar L ; Gandolgor B ; Uurtiintuya B ; Oyunsuren E ; Otgontsetseg B ; Tsolmon G ; Amarjargal B ; Tegshjargal S
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2017;181(3):10-14
Introduction :
In the last years other country scientists told about not only determine infant weights, need to interest
correlation between maternal weight, height and infant weight. In our country few research articles posted
about anthropometry of obstetrics and gynecology. Our study aim is determine maternal weight, infant
weight, placenta weight and assess factors affecting roles on maternal story of “Amgalan” Maternity
Hospital in 2014-2015.
Goal:
The current study aimed at assessing maternal weight, infant weight, placenta weight and evaluating the
effect of factors leading to it.
Materials and Methods:
The data was already collected from “Amgalan” Maternity Hospital using maternal history and record and
it was collected measuring general physical characteristics such as body weight and height, infant weight,
placenta weight and body circumferences. We used retrospective method and collected statistical data
was analyzed using SPSS 21.0 software.
Results:
Of total 964 study participants aged 18-45. The average age of participants was 29.6 ± 5.8 years old and
49.7% (n=479) was working during pregnancy, 45.7% (n=441) hadn’t works, 4.6% (n=44) was student.
The average weight of mothers was 75.4±11.5, weight of infants was 3439.5±456, weight of placenta
was 685±129. The following factors affected maternal and infant weights: lower education, working, early
and late pregnancy complication. Maternal weight had a low direct correlation with infant weight (r=0.267,
p<0.01) and placenta weight (r=0.208, p<0.01). In our study maternal height had a low direct correlation
with infant weight(r=0.173, p<0.01) and infant weight had a moderate direct correlation with placenta
weight (r=0.376, p<0.01).
Conclusions
1. The average maternal weight was 75.4±11.5, infant weight was 3539.5±456, placenta weight was 685±129.
2. The following factors affected maternal and infant weights: lower education, working status, early and late pregnancy complications.
3. Maternal weight had a little direct correlation with infant weight (r=0.267, p<0.01) and placenta
weight (r=0.208, p<0.01).
Result Analysis
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