Background: Globally, research on identifying bioactive compounds from medicinal plants and characterizing their in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities is progressing rapidly. Plants native to Mongolia have adapted to unique, extreme continental climatic conditions, accumulating distinct phytochemicals, and have historically been utilized in traditional medicine and dietary practices. Establishing the non-cytotoxic safety threshold of these wild and cultivated plant extracts in RBL-2H3 mast cells a universally accepted model for type I hypersensitivity and inflammation is a vital prerequisite. Determining these baseline non-toxic dose ranges provides the essential scientific foundation for subsequent cellular allergy models, animal studies, and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying their therapeutic efficacy. Aim: To determine the cytotoxicity profile and establish the non-cytotoxic dose ranges of extracts from four selected Mongolian plant species (wild and cultivated) in RBL-2H3 cells. Materials and Methods: Plant samples including lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), strawberry (Fragaria orientalis), black radish (Raphanus sativus), and blue-berried honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) were standardly collected, authenticated, and cataloged as herbarium specimens at the Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Mongolian Academy of Sciences. A total of 12 distinct extracts were prepared from plant leaves, stems, and fruits using water and ethanol extraction, followed by concentration via rotary evaporation and freeze-drying. Rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells were maintained in EMEM growth medium and utilized during the exponential growth phase. Cell viability and non-cytotoxic concentration thresholds were evaluated using the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. Result: Ethanolic extracts of strawberry leaves, black radish, and honeysuckle leaves (≥6.25 µg/mL), as well as aqueous extracts of honeysuckle fruits (≥6.25 µg/mL) and stems (≥25 µg/mL), exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity. Conversely, aqueous extracts of lingonberry leaves (≤200 µg/mL), strawberry leaves (≥100 µg/mL), and black radish (≤200 µg/mL), alongside ethanolic extracts of lingonberry leaves (≥50 µg/mL), demonstrated non-cytotoxic profiles. Furthermore, ethanolic extracts of honeysuckle stems (≤300 µg/mL) and fruits (≥12.5 µg/mL), as well as the aqueous extract of honeysuckle leaves (≤50 µg/mL), significantly enhanced RBL-2H3 cell viability. Conclusion The tested plant extracts influenced RBL-2H3 cell viability in a solvent polarity and plant organ dependent manner. Ethanolic extracts of strawberry leaves, black radish, and honeysuckle leaves, along with aqueous extracts of honeysuckle fruits and stems, demonstrated relatively high cytotoxicity, reducing cell viability by >40% starting at concentrations of 12.5, 25, and 50 µg/mL. In contrast, aqueous extracts of strawberry leaves and black radish, as well as both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of lingonberry leaves, maintained low cytotoxicity at concentrations below 200 µg/mL. Notably, ethanolic extracts of honeysuckle stems and fruits (>12.5 µg/mL) and its aqueous leaf extract (<100 µg/mL) enhanced cell viability, exhibiting significant cell proliferation promoting activity.

Background: Onion peel is a raw material rich in biologically active compounds; however, within the framework of food waste management in Mongolia, detailed studies and safety evaluations of this material remain insufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to scientifically determine the properties of onion peel waste generated from the food production sector and explore its potential for reuse. Aim: To evaluate the safety parameters of red and white onion (Allium cepa L.) peels generated during food processing and to determine their bioactive compound content and antioxidant activity. Materials and Methods: Red and white onion peels were used in this study. Safety parameters were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (for heavy metals) and GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS (for pesticide residues). The raw materials were extracted with 70% ethanol, and dry extracts were obtained using a vacuum evaporator and freeze dryer. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were measured by spectrophotometric methods, while antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Results: The analysis showed that the levels of lead, cadmium, and 205 pesticide residues in onion peels did not exceed the permissible limits, indicating that the material is safe. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of quercetin and luteolin derivatives in the dry extracts. The TPC (27.40±1.64%) and TFC (17.95±1.47%) of red onion peel extract were significantly higher than those of white onion peel extract (20.34±0.34% and 12.69±1.44%, respectively). The IC₅₀ values were 17.58 μg·mL⁻¹ for red onion and 19.41 μg·mL⁻¹ for white onion, indicating strong antioxidant activity for natural composite extracts. Conclusion Onion peel waste meets safety requirements and exhibits strong antioxidant activity. These findings demonstrate its potential as a valuable raw material for the development of antioxidant preparations and functional food additives aimed at preventing oxidative stress.

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).

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.

Background: Treatment of adult tibiofibular fractures, especially severely comminuted fractures, is technically challenging due to the lack of reduction markers and difficulty in restoring the alignment. Fixation of the fibula can facilitate reduction of the tibia fracture and restoration of the lower extremity alignment. Methods: Between 2018-2019 we have operated on 50 patients who have lie on the same plane of tibiafibular fractures. Measures of angulation were obtained from radiographs taken immediately after the surgery, a second time 3 months later, and at 3-month follow-up. The analysis was performed with STATA. Results: Fixating fractures of tibia and fibula at same level were not shown to have complications on the development of nonunion including fibular shortening, hindfoot alignment, slow process of nonunion and unstableness. Conclusions We recommend fibular fixation in all 50 distal fractures when both fractures lie on the same plane and the tibial fracture is relatively stabilized.

BACKGROUND. Chronic rhino-sinusitis (CRS) is a common inflammatory disease of the nose and paranasal sinuses, especially after virus infections. It has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. We aimed to evaluate the clinical value of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) forpediatric chronic rhino-sinusitis. METHODS. 30 patients 6-15 years old with CRS were divided into two groups: T1 were treated twice a week and T2 were treated five times a week for 2 treatment sessions within 2 weeks. Laser irradiation was delivered on 12 points over each maxillary and frontal sinuses with 30 seconds and the total treatment duration was 180 seconds. The evaluation was performed by a total symptom score based on SNOT-22 questionnaires of pre and after treatments. RESULTS. The total symptom scoreimproved significantly (p<0.15) in 27 cases. CONCLUSION. This study indicates that LLLT applied for 4 weeks improves symptoms in patients with CRS. LLLT is one of the most cost-efficient and painless treatment methods for pediatric rhino-sinusitis.

BACKGROUND. In the worldwide every 40 seconds one person takes their life, annually 1 million people die on Earth by the means of suicide. Regardless of gender it is one of the main 3 causes of death in the population aged between 15-29. There have a tendency to increase of suicide rates with each passing year in the Mongolia. Therefore, our study goal is to determine the utilized methods and to identify some of the factors influencing the escalation of this phenomenon. The data and materials were gathered by quantitative research method from the post-mortem examination reports provided from the central archive of National Institute of Forensic Science according to the descriptive research design. The fact that the bulk of the increasing suicide cases might be attributed to the unemployed and working-age men without any chronic illnesses suggests correlation with gender and socio-economic status.