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.

Background: High-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) is the reference standard for the assessment of esophageal motor function and classification of esophageal motility disorders. HREM was introduced into clinical practice in Mongolia in 2022; however, the spectrum of manometric diagnoses and factors associated with major esophageal motility disorders in this population have not been systematically characterized. Aim: To characterize major esophageal motility disorders among adults undergoing HREM and to identify clinical factors independently associated with these disorders. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study included 1,033 adults who underwent HREM at Intermed Hospital between September 2022 and March 2026. Manometric studies were interpreted according to the Chicago Classification version 4.0 (CCv4.0). Major esophageal motility disorders were defined as achalasia, manometric esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO), distal esophageal spasm, hypercontractile esophagus, and absent contractility. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with major motility disorders. Result: Major esophageal motility disorders were identified in 112 patients (11.2%). Compared with patients with normal motility or ineffective esophageal motility, those with major motility disorders had a significantly lower mean body mass index (BMI) (24.7±4.9 vs. 27.5±4.2 kg/m; p<0.001) and a higher prevalence of dysphagia (50.5% vs. 21.3%; p<0.001) and referral for suspected esophageal motility disorders (70.5% vs. 25.2%; p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, older age per 10-year increment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–1.61), lower BMI (aOR per 1-kg/m increase, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.85–0.95), dysphagia (aOR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.20–3.15), and referral for suspected motility disorders (aOR, 5.47; 95% CI, 3.22–9.31) were independently associated with major esophageal motility disorders. Conclusion 1. Major esophageal motility disorders were identified in 11.2% of adults undergoing HREM in this clinical cohort. 2. Referral for suspected motility disorders was the strongest clinical correlate, while older age, lower BMI, and dysphagia were also independently associated with major motility disorders.

Background: The continuous annual increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) poses significant challenges not only within our nation but also globally in the control and management of tuberculosis. Aim: This study aimed to determine the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) residing in six central districts of Ulaanbaatar and to investigate associated factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Participants aged 18 years and older diagnosed with T2DM and receiving care at endocrinology clinics in six central districts of Ulaanbaatar were selected using systematic random sampling. Presumptive TB cases were identified through a structured questionnaire and chest X-ray. Sputum specimens were collected and subjected to smear microscopy and Xpert MTB/RIF assay for tuberculosis detection. Cases confirmed by laboratory diagnosis, currently undergoing tuberculosis treatment and previously treated cases as per questionnaire data were classified as tuberculosis cases, and prevalence was calculated. Results: A total of 1,644 individuals with T2DM were enrolled in the study, of whom 836 (50.9%) were female, with a mean age of 58 years (range 19–89). The overall prevalence of presumptive TB cases was 10.5% (n=172; 95% CI, 9.0–12.0). Among 112 suspected cases from whom sputum samples were obtained, 10 (8.9%; 95% CI, 4.9–15.7) were laboratory-confirmed for M.tuberculosis. Notably, 7.2% (6 cases; 95% CI, 3.4–14.9) of asymptomatic individuals with abnormal X-ray findings were diagnosed with tuberculosis. According to questionnaire responses, 9 participants (0.5%; 95% CI, 0.3–1.0) were undergoing tuberculosis treatment, and 53 (3.2%; 95% CI, 2.5–4.2) reported a previously treated TB cases. The overall prevalence of tuberculosis among individuals with diabetes was 4.4% (n=72; 95% CI, 3.5–5.5). Stratification by age and sex revealed a significantly higher prevalence among males (5.9%; n=48; 95% CI, 4.5–7.8) compared to females (2.9%; 95% CI, 1.2–4.2) (p=0.002), indicating a twofold increased risk of tuberculosis in males. Although no statistically significant differences in tuberculosis prevalence were observed across age groups (p>0.05), a declining trend in prevalence with older age was noted. Conclusion The prevalence of tuberculosis among individuals with type 2 diabetes was 4.4% (n=72; 95% CI, 3.5–5.5), with a significantly higher rate in males (p=0.002) and a decreasing trend with increasing age. Among asymptomatic individuals exhibiting radiographic abnormalities, 7.2% were confirmed to have tuberculosis via laboratory testing

Backround Peutz–Jeghers (PJ) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a mucocutaneous pigmentationon on oral mucosa and multiple hamartomatous polyps located in the digestive tract except esophagus. PJ syndrome can be diagnosed in early childhood by a characteristic pigmentation and family history of polyposis. However, it is often diagnosed first as a polyp in the small intestine that causes obstruction and intussusception and is often treated with a bowel resection. If diagnosed in young childhood, an effective non-invasive method is to resect the polyps by tying off the blood supply to the polyps, that is the method named ischemic polypectomy, before they grow to the point of obstruction using a endoscopy. PJ syndrome is rare in Mongolia, but in severe cases, small intestine polyps are treated only surgically. Double-balloon-endoscopy (DBE) has been performed at the Mongolian- Japanese Hospital since 2023, making it possible to diagnose and treat the syndrome endoscopically. Our patient, a 15-year-old boy, had a mucocutaneous pigmentation that had been previously undiagnosed and was first diagnosed with intussusception at the age of 13. He had undergone 4 endoscopic procedures for upper and lower gastrointestinal polyps at the National Center for Maternal and Child Health successfully. In our hospital, we found endoscopically multiple hamartomatous polyps of various sizes between 1-3 cm, and a 3 mm diameter tumor that filled 3/4 of the intestinal lumen was treated by ischemic polypectomy. After the procedure, there were no early or late complications related to the procedure. The child's condition improved, the main complaints subsided, and he continues his daily life normally. However, follow-up DBE is required.

Background: Cancer incidence and mortality are steadily increasing both globally and in Mongolia. As these rates rise, traditional Mongolian medicine has long utilized herbal formulas for the treatment of gastric and esophageal cancers and precancerous conditions. One such formulation—Hot Natured 3 Herbs (HN3H)—comprises three species from the Ranunculaceae family: Atragene sibirica L., Ranunculus repens L., and Pulsatilla bungeana L.. However, scientific validation of its anti-tumor effects is essential. This study aimed to investigate the effect of HN3H in a tumor-induced animal model. Aim: To identify the biologically active compounds of HN3H and evaluate their effect in an experimentally induced tumor model in animals. Materials and Methods: The three herbs comprising HN3H—Atragene sibirica L., Ranunculus repens L., and Pulsatilla bungeana L.—were collected during their flowering stage (May–June) in Khishig-Undur, Bulgan province, and dried according to official procedures. Extraction was carried out by maceration in 96% ethanol at a 1:10 ratio. The concentrated extract was suspended in water (1:1) and successively fractionated with dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol, chloroform, and n-hexane. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (Protocol №2020/03-04). A colorectal cancer model was established by subcutaneous injection of MC-38 cells (Kerafast, USA) into C57BL/6 mice. Immunohistochemistry was performed using CK20, CDX2, Ki67, and p53 antibodies at 1:100 and 1:200 dilutions. Results: The ethanol extract of HN3H contained 2.98±0.04% total phenolics and 2.16±0.05% total flavonoids. Body weight and tumor volume were measured daily with three repetitions. All groups showed a time-dependent increase in body weight. Mice in groups 1A and 1B received ethanol extract at 50 and 100 mg/kg doses; groups 2A and 2B received dichloromethane extract at the same doses. The negative control group was administered 0.5 mg/kg PBS orally, while the positive control group received intraperitoneal injections of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) at 10 mg/kg twice a week. Tumor growth increased in a time-dependent manner across groups. Compared to the negative control, tumor volumes in four treatment groups showed statistically significant reduction (p˂0.05), while no significant difference was observed when compared to the positive control (p=0.08). Histological analysis revealed necrosis in all groups, with variation in extent. Conclusion The ethanol extract of HN3H exhibited moderate levels of phenolic compounds and a high concentration of flavonoids. HN3H extract inhibited tumor progression and activated lymphocyte-predominant inflammation in tumor tissues, indicating potential anti-tumor activity (p˂0.05).

Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by bronchoconstriction and breathing difficulties, which can be triggered by both allergic and non-allergic mechanisms. In allergic asthma, a hyperreactivity reaction occurs, leading to an increase in fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels. Therefore, FeNO is used to differentiate allergic and non-allergic types of asthma. In recent years, studies have been conducted to assess FeNO as an indicator of treatment effectiveness and symptom control. Our goal is to introduce FeNO measurement in Mongolia for the first time and utilize it for asthma diagnosis and treatment outcome evaluation. Aim: Study of FeNO levels in Asthma Diagnosis in Relation to Laboratory Findings and Lung Function Materials and Methods: This study included a total of 70 adult patients (18 years and older) with asthma who visited the Outpatient Clinic of Mongolia-Japan Hospital and Shargaljuut Spa Clinic from May to December 2024. Based on their allergic history, total IgE levels, and peripheral blood eosinophil count, participants were classified into allergic (>5%) and non-allergic (<5%) asthma. The study aimed to determine the diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of FeNO levels. Asthma control levels were assessed using the Asthma Control Test (ACT), lung function was evaluated using spirometry, and exercise capacity was measured with the 6-minute walk test. Results: In a single measurement, there were no differences between the allergic and non-allergic groups in parameters other than total IgE, peripheral blood eosinophil count, and FeNO levels. For diagnosing the allergic form of asthma, at a FeNO level of 25 ppb, sensitivity (Se) was 0.68, specificity (Sp) was 0.30 (p=0.008); at 40 ppb, Se was 0.77, Sp was 0.31 (p=0.001); and at 50 ppb, Se was 0.74, Sp was 0.33 (p=0.001). Lung function and exercise capacity were similar in both asthma groups. Conclusion The sensitivity of FeNO in distinguishing between allergic and non-allergic forms of asthma is 67-81%, and its sensitivity tends to increase as the FeNO level rises. By distinguishing the allergic type in which inhaled corticosteroids are more effective, the outcome of asthma treatment can be predicted in advance based on the FeNO level.

Background: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is characterized by symptoms such as malabsorption, nutrient deficiencies, bloating, and abdominal pain. It can occur independently or in association with other gastrointestinal disorders. This study aims to determine the prevalence of SIBO in patients with digestive complaints, evaluate diagnostic outcomes, and analyze the composition and types of pathogenic bacteria present in the small intestine. Materials and Methods: A single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Mongolian-Japanese Hospital, enrolling a total of 46 participants. SIBO was diagnosed using the hydrogen breath test (H₂BT) with lactulose/glucose as substrates. Among the 27 diagnosed cases, 5 patients were randomly selected for microbiological analysis of small intestinal contents. Results: SIBO was detected in 58.7% of the study participants. Among the 5 patients who underwent microbiological analysis, 80% (4/5) tested positive for pathogenic bacteria. The identified pathogens included: Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus); Gram-negative bacteria: Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae); Antibiotic-resistant bacteria: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); Fungi: Candida albicans (C. albicans). The remaining 20% (1/5) had a baseline H₂BT value exceeding twice the standard threshold despite no detected pathogens. Conclusion SIBO is highly prevalent among patients with digestive complaints and may be associated not only with bacterial infections but also fungal overgrowth. Therefore, a multidisciplinary treatment approach, including antibiotics, dietary modifications, probiotics, and antifungal therapy, is necessary. While the hydrogen breath test is an effective diagnostic tool for SIBO, standardization of diagnostic protocols is required for improved accuracy.

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative, microaerophilic bacterium that colonizes the human gastric mucosa, with an estimated global prevalence exceeding 50%. The increasing resistance of H. pylori to clarithromycin, a key antibiotic in eradication regimens, has led to a decline in the efficacy of standard treatment to below 80%. Consequently, international guidelines advocate for susceptibility-guided therapy to optimize treatment outcomes. Detection of clarithromycin resistance-associated mutations, including A2143G, A2142G, A2142C, and A2144G, is essential for improving therapeutic efficacy and mitigating the propagation of antimicrobial resistance. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of tailored H. pylori eradication therapy based on clarithromycin resistance profiling. Materials and Methods: A total of 125 treatment-naïve patients diagnosed with H. pylori infection were enrolled in this study. The infection was confirmed through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with histopathological analysis, the urea breath test, and stool antigen detection. Clarithromycin resistance-associated mutations were identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis on gastric biopsy and stool samples. Based on the presence or absence of resistance mutations, patients were stratified into two treatment cohorts and received targeted eradication therapy. Treatment success was assessed 28 days post-therapy using a stool antigen test to confirm H. pylori eradication. Results: Among the 120 patients who met the inclusion criteria and completed treatment, 41.6% (n=50) were male, and 58.4% (n=70) were female, with a mean age of 39±9.1 years. Clarithromycin resistance-associated mutations were detected in 36 patients (30%), with A2143G identified in 35 cases (97.2%) and A2142G in 1 case (2.7%). In the clarithromycin-sensitive cohort, 84 patients underwent eradication therapy, and among the 60 who completed post-treatment assessment, the eradication rate was 91.6%. In the clarithromycin-resistant cohort, 36 patients received treatment, and among the 20 who completed post-treatment assessment, the eradication rate was 80% (p=0.038). Conclusion A substantial prevalence of clarithromycin resistance-associated mutations was observed among the study population. Susceptibility-guided eradication therapy demonstrated superior efficacy, with eradication rates exceeding 90%. These findings underscore the necessity of implementing resistance-based treatment strategies to optimize clinical outcomes and limit the further dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. Future investigations should focus on refining therapeutic approaches for H. pylori strains exhibiting clarithromycin resistance.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a preventable and usually curable disease. Yet in 2022, TB was the world’s second leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, after coronavirus disease (COVID-19)1. Aim: By reviving strains isolated at specific years over a 10-year interval and performing next-generation sequencing, we can analyze their strain genotype, epidemiology, drug resistance, and dynamicsTherefore, this study was conducted to examine the historical trends and dynamics of strain genotype, variants, and drug resistance of tuberculosis preserved in the culture bank. Materials and Methods:: Using a retrospective, laboratory-based research approach, 200 strains were randomly selected from over 1,000 diagnostic isolates preserved in the NTRL culture collection from 2010 and 2020. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed using GridION from Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT, Oxford, UK) to analyze these strains. The FastQ file was submitted to the International Mycobacterial Database. Strain genotypes, subtypes, gene mutations of drug resistance, and resistance profiles were identified using TBprofiler, MTBseq, IQ-Tree (version 1.6.12), and EPI2me software. Results: Of the tuberculosis strains selected for the study, 66.5% were from eight out of nine districts of Ulaanbaatar, while 33.5% were sampled from 16 out of 21 provinces. Out of the strains analyzed, 83.9% (95% CI 78.7–89.1) belonged to lineage 2 or the Beijing genotype, while 16.1% (95% CI 10.9–21.3) were lineage-4 or Euro-American genotype. While the proportion of Beijing lineage strains was slightly higher and the Euro-American lineage strains slightly lower in rural populations compared to urban populations, the difference in strain distribution between urban and rural areas was not statistically significant (p=0.485). Among the Beijing lineage strains, only the modern Beijing sublineage (100%) was identified. In contrast, the Euro-American lineage exhibited various sublineages: 4 (0.5%), 4.5 (1%), 4.1.2.1 (Haarlem, 3%), Latin American-Mediterranean (LAM, 7.5%), mainly T (3.5%), and S type (0.5%). Notably, the proportion of Lineage 2 strains increased from 80% in 2010 to 86% in 2020. The overlap of the confidence intervals for 2010 (72.16%–87.84%) and 2020 (79.20%–92.80%) indicates that there has been no significant change in the distribution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis lineages over time. The study revealed that among the selected Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, resistance rates to first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs were as follows: isoniazid (39%), rifampicin (21%), ethambutol (19%), and streptomycin (34%). Genotypic analysis indicated that the Beijing lineage was predominantly associated with drug-resistant tuberculosis cases, including multidrug-resistant (MDR), poly-drug-resistant, and mono-drug-resistant TB. Notably, the Beijing lineage accounted for 100% of pre-extensively drug-resistant (pre-XDR) TB cases. Within the Haarlem lineage, 33% were MDR-TB. In the Latin American-Mediterranean (LAM) lineage, 13.3% were MDR-TB, 6.6% were poly-drug-resistant, and 13.3% were mono-drug-resistant. Among the mainly T lineage, 42.8% exhibited mono-drug resistance. These findings suggest that the distribution of M. tuberculosis lineages in the Mongolian population has remained relatively stable over time, with no significant temporal changes. Conclusion The distribution of M. tuberculosis genotypes circulating among the population of Mongolia has remained relatively stable over time, with no significant time-dependent changes. Additionally, no mutations associated with resistance to newly introduced anti-TB drugs were detected.

Background: Esophageal cancer ranks as the fourth most prevalent malignancy in Mongolia. Among esophageal disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) accounts for 55% of cases, while esophageal motility disorders constitute 40%. Enhancing the diagnosis and management of esophageal disorders, alongside preventative strategies for esophageal cancer, necessitates a comprehensive understanding and widespread clinical application of esophageal functional assessment. However, epidemiological data and classification of esophageal motility disorders remain scarce in Mongolia, highlighting the necessity of this investigation. Aim: to identify specific risk factors associated with ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) Materials and Methods: This study was performed an analytical case-control design and was conducted at Intermed Hospital. A total of 702 HRM test results from patients attending the Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Center’s outpatient department, Intermed hospital Participants diagnosed with IEM based on HRM findings were assigned to the case group, while individuals with esophageal normal motility disorders were designated as the control group at a 1:2 ratio. Results: A total of 612 participants aged 21–80 years were included in this study of whom 57.8% (n=354) were female and 42.2% (n=258) were male, with a mean age of 51.1±12.7 years. The prevalence of IEM demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the 60–69 and ≥70 age groups compared to the control group (p<0.000). Participants diagnosed with IEM exhibited a mean lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure of 329.61±246 mmHg and a mean complete liquid bolus transit rate of 46.88±22.7%, both of which were significantly lower than those observed in the control group (p=0.000). Furthermore, the incidence of IEM was found to increase in correlation with the severity of hiatal hernia, as classified by both endoscopic and manometric criteria, demonstrating statistical significance (p=0.000). Conclusion IEM is more prevalent among elderly individuals and increases in incidence with the progression of hiatal hernia size. In cases of IEM, esophageal bolus transit is significantly delayed, and lower esophageal sphincter pressure is diminished. Further studies are warranted to elucidate additional risk factors contributing to ineffective esophageal motility.