Background: Arterial hypertension (AH) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with both genetic and environmental factors contributing to its development. The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been investigated as a potential genetic determinant of hypertension; however, evidence in the Mongolian population remains limited. Aim: To determine the distribution of the ACE gene I/D polymorphism and investigate its association with arterial hypertension and cardiovascular risk factors in a Mongolian population. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted between October 2018 and November 2019. A total of 150 participants aged 20–64 years were included, comprising 100 patients with AH and 50 normotensive controls. AH was defined as blood pressure ≥130/80 mmHg or current use of antihypertensive medication. Cardiovascular risk factors were assessed using questionnaires and physical examination. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes, and the ACE I/D polymorphism in intron 16 was determined using a two-step polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Associations between ACE genotypes and AH were assessed using the chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: Among the 150 participants, 64 (42.7%) were male, and the mean age was 44.2±11.7 years. The frequencies of the II, ID, and DD genotypes were 44.0%, 39.3%, and 16.7%, respectively. No significant difference in genotype distribution was observed between males and females. The frequencies of ID, DD, and II genotypes in the hypertensive and control groups were 39.0% vs. 40.0% (p=0.906), 14.0% vs. 22.0% (p=0.215), and 47.0% vs. 38.0% (p=0.295), respectively. The D-allele frequency was 0.33 in the hypertensive group and 0.42 in the control group, with no statistically significant difference. Participants with AH were older and had significantly higher body mass index, waist circumference, salt intake, alcohol consumption, and blood pressure compared with controls. Conclusion 1. The I allele of the ACE gene was predominant in the studied Mongolian population. 2. Neither the ACE I/D genotype nor the D allele was significantly associated with arterial hypertension. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including older age, excess body weight, abdominal obesity, high salt intake, and inappropriate alcohol consumption, showed stronger associations with hypertension in this population.

Background: According to the World Health Organization’s 2022 Global Oral Health Status Report, approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide - nearly half of the global population - suffer from some form of oral disease, among which dental caries is the most prevalent, affecting close to 2 billion people in permanent teeth (global average prevalence of 29%) and 514 million people in primary teeth (global average prevalence of 43%). In Mongolia, the prevalence of dental caries also remains high: a 2017 survey of 1,754 individuals from six provinces and five districts found caries prevalence of 82.9% among children under 5 years of age, 80.9% among those under 12, 97.8% among the population aged 35-44, and 99.1% among those aged 65-74. A 2010 study among Mongolian preschool and school-age children found a caries prevalence of 87.8-90%, with S. mutans identified alone in 75% of culture-positive plaque samples and together with S. sobrinus in the remaining 25%. Given the persistently high global burden of dental caries, preventing the disease rather than merely treating it - for example through “replacement therapy,” in which a less cariogenic strain of S. mutans is used to colonize the oral cavity - requires a reliable rat model in which standard and clinical strains of S. mutans can reproducibly induce dental caries, so that the efficacy of such preventive strategies can be properly evaluated. Untreated dental caries is also estimated to impose an annual global economic burden of approximately US$387 billion in direct costs and US$323 billion in indirect costs, underscoring the growing importance of research into new preventive approaches. Aim: Development of a dental caries model caused by Streptococcus mutans infection in rat teeth. Materials and Methods: This study used an experimental research design. It was conducted from March 30 to April 14, 2021, at the Core Laboratory and the Education Laboratory of the Department of Microbiology and Infection Prevention Control of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS). Ethical approval was obtained from the Medical Ethics Review Committee under the Ministry of Health (meeting No. 02, March 18, 2019). Five 8-week-old Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups - differing by bacterial strain (S. mutans ATCC 25175 standard strain versus a clinical isolate) and by drinking-water composition (with or without sucrose) - plus one negative control group, with one rat assigned to each group. A bacterial suspension was applied to the rats’ molar teeth with a sterile cotton swab three times daily at two-hour intervals for 28 consecutive days. Rats were lightly sedated with midazolam during application, and the suspension was applied during the daytime, when salivary flow is naturally reduced in rodents, in order to promote bacterial colonization of the tooth surface. Result: On day 28, microscopic examination of each rat’s maxillary and mandibular teeth revealed carious spots and cavities in all groups except the sucrose-free negative control. Cavities were deeper in the groups that received sucrose-supplemented drinking water, whereas the sucrose-free groups showed comparatively milder lesions, indicating that bacterial infection alone was sufficient to induce caries. Conclusion Infection of 8-week-old Wistar rats with either the standard or a clinical strain of S. mutans for 28 days successfully induced dental caries, and sucrose intake increased the severity of the lesions. This baseline model can be reproduced within a relatively short time frame and at low cost, and may be applied in future studies evaluating the efficacy of replacement-therapy strains or probiotic products against dental caries.

Background: Overconsumption of unhealthy foods and beverages, namely those high in sugar, salt, and saturated or trans fats, is observed among children and is associated with poorer health outcomes. The global trend of increasing consumption of foods with high energy and low nutrient density, including refined foods such as sugary and savory snacks, is reflected across all socioeconomic groups. Unhealthy food consumption increases the risk of overweight and obesity, and consequently elevates the risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) [1]. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the level of unhealthy food consumption among general education school students, disseminate the findings to the public, and develop and implement evidence-based interventions accordingly. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study design was employed. A total of 5,578 students were randomly selected from 33 schools operating in Övцrkhangai Province and included in the study. Quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 23.
The prevalence of unhealthy food consumption and oral hygiene status among students was expressed as frequencies and percentages. The association between two variables was assessed using Pearson’s Chi-square test, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
The internal consistency reliability of the questionnaire was determined using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results: Among the participating students, 92.7% reported regularly consuming fast food, and 75.8% consumed it more than three times per week. The main reasons for consuming unhealthy foods included “being quick and convenient” (53.9%), “craving” (43.6%), and “the widespread availability of such foods nearby” (6.9%). Consumption of all types of sugary and processed foods showed a statistically significant association with dental caries (p=0.0001), indicating that these products contribute to the development of tooth decay. Furthermore, the prevalence of healthy teeth was highest (84.1%) among students who brushed their teeth at least twice a day, whereas dental caries was more common among students who brushed once daily or did not brush at all. This suggests that increased frequency of toothbrushing is associated with lower rates of dental caries, and this relationship was statistically significant (p<0.000). Conclusion The majority of students participating in the study regularly consume unhealthy foods such as fast food, carbonated beverages, sugary products, ice cream, and chocolate, and 58.6% were found to have dental caries. When comparing by location, both the frequency of unhealthy food consumption and the prevalence of dental caries were higher in the provincial center and in larger or roadside soums.

Background: The annual incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism is reported to be 39–115 cases per 100,000 population, with rates of 60–120/100,000 in Western countries and 10–20/100,000 in Asian countries. In Mongolia, few studies revealed the prevalence of risk factors and clinical manifestations of acute pulmonary embolism. Over the past 30 years, the incidence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases, which are mainly triggered by lifestyle and social parameters, has rose. Moreover, environmental conditions such as cold climate, hypoxia, and blood hyperviscosit may contribute to higher incidences of acute pulmonary embolism in high-altitude regions. This condition is potentially fatal and can become impair quality of life. Aim: We aimed to compare risk factors and clinical characteristics based on age and sex, and to evaluate laboratory findings and diagnostic tests among Mongolian patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism. Materials and Methods: This retrospective research included total 232 patients meeting inclusion criteria. The information was collected from patient histories, including general demographics, risk factors, comorbidities, symptoms, and physical examination findings. Laboratory analyses included complete blood count, coagulation profile, and immunological markers (D-dimer, NT-proBNP, troponin, protein C, homocysteine, and C-reactive protein), as well as selected imaging parameters. We used Wells and Geneva scoring systems to assess probability of acute pulmonary embolism and Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index to determine disease severity. Differences by age and sex were analyzed using independent t-tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables. Results: Among participants with acute pulmonary embolism, the prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use was significantly higher among males (p<0.001). Among comorbidities, arterial hypertension and other pulmonary diseases were more common in males, whereas cardiac diseases were more frequent in females (p=0.028). Participants aged 65 years and older showed higher rates of comorbid conditions and regular medication use (p<0.001). The most common symptoms were dyspnea (90.9%), chest pain (74.2%), cough (70.5%), leg pain (38.9%), hemoptysis (20.7%), and cyanosis (9.3%). According to sPESI scoring, 69.8% (n=162) were at high risk of death within 30 days, with no significant difference by sex. However, mortality risk within 30 days was significantly higher in participants aged 65 years and above (p<0.001). As increasing age, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were elevated, indicating an acute inflammatory response (p=0.001). Contrast-enhanced CT scans revealed that 95 participants (44.2%) had main pulmonary artery involvement, with no significant sex difference, though involvement of the main pulmonary artery was more frequent in those aged 65 and older. Conclusion Dyspnea, chest pain, and cough were the most common symptoms among patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism. The 30-day mortality risk associated with it was higher among males and increased with advancing age.

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) is a biological messenger molecule that plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of inflammation. It has anti-inflammatory effects under physiological conditions but can act as a pro-inflammatory mediator when produced excessively under abnormal conditions. NO is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases affecting the joints, intestines, and lungs. Therefore, compounds that inhibit NO production are considered important for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and are used clinically. The RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage-like cell line is a widely used model for inflammation studies. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, is used to activate RAW 264.7 cells and create an inflammation model. Glycyrrhiza uralensis, also known as licorice, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Fabaceae family. It has been widely used in traditional medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective properties. Recent studies have shown that licorice contains bioactive compounds such as glycyrrhizin, liquiritigenin, and isoliquiritigenin, which play an important role in inhibiting the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages induced by LPS. Inula helenium L., also known as elecampane, is a perennial herbaceous plant used as an expectorant, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-helminthic agent in various respiratory diseases. Licorice and Inula helenium are included in Mongolian traditional medicine prescriptions, but their anti-inflammatory effects have not been fully determined, which forms the basis for this research. Aim: To study the effect of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Inula helenium extracts on the production of NO, the end product of inflammation, in RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Materials and Methods: The non-toxic dose of the plant extracts was determined in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage-like cell line cultures using the MTT assay. Nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cell line cultures stimulated with lipopolysaccharide was assessed using the Griess method. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using SPSS 25.0 software, with the p-value calculated by one-way ANOVA, and the differences between groups were evaluated. Results: In RAW 264.7 cell cultures, Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Inula helenium extracts were non-toxic and promoted cell growth at doses ranging from 1 to 25 μg/ml, while a dose of 50 μg/ml was toxic and inhibited cell growth (p<0.01). When the combined plant extracts were applied to cells at doses ranging from 1 to 100 μg/ml, they were also non-toxic and enhanced cell growth, while a dose of 500 μg/ml was toxic and inhibited growth (p<0.001). In terms of nitric oxide production, Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract increased NO production in a dose- and time-dependent manner compared to the control or PBS-treated group. However, Inula helenium extract did not show a dose- or time-dependent effect on NO production. In the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation model, licorice extract inhibited NO production at a dose of 30 μg/ml after 12 hours, and further reduced NO production in a dose- and time-dependent manner after 48 hours. Conversely, no significant changes were observed in the Inula helenium extract group at a dose of 25 μg/ml after 48 hours, but a reduction in LPS-induced NO production was observed at a dose of 25 μg/ml after 48 hours. Conclusion Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract alone increased NO production in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It also reduced LPS-induced NO production in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In contrast, Inula helenium extract inhibited LPS-induced NO production at a dose of 25 μg/ml after 48 hours.

Backround: The university period is a unique phase in students’ lives, often marked by independent living, changes in lifestyle, diet, sleep patterns, increased psychological stress, and the development of unhealthy behaviors. Among students, particularly those studying in the medical field, research on dietary habits and influencing factors is scarce in our country, which serves as the rationale for this study. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the dietary habits of medical students and the factors influencing them, including sleep, impulsivity, depression, anxiety, and stress. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 358 students from years 1 to 6 across 7 schools of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS). Data were collected using internationally standardized and validated questionnaires, including the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire Revised-18 (TFEQ-R18), the Short UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale-20 (SUPPS-P-20), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0. Results: In terms of eating behavior, uncontrolled eating (UE) and cognitive restraint (CR) were similar between male and female students, while emotional eating (EE) was more prevalent among male students. Students’ eating behaviors were associated with body mass index (BMI). As BMI increased, levels of depression, anxiety, and stress also tended to rise. Sensation-seeking and positive urgency were higher among female students. Overall, 83.5% of students had poor sleep quality, which contributed to increased depression, anxiety, stress, and impulsivity. Psychological burden and impulsivity were independent of the field of study but decreased as students progressed through their academic years, while sleep quality improved. Conclusion The dietary habits of medical students were similar across genders but varied by academic year and field of study. Poor sleep quality, observed in 83.5% of students, was associated with increased depression, anxiety, stress, and impulsivity. Psychological burden and impulsivity were unrelated to the field of study but decreased with advancing academic years, alongside improved sleep quality. As BMI increased, cognitive restraint in eating behaviors decreased.

: The increasing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and economic development, presents significant individuals, families, challenges and to healthcare systems. These diseases are often linked to lifestyle choices, poor diet, and physical inactivity. As a result, there is growing interest in finding alternatives to synthetic drugs, particularly those derived from medicinal plants. Medicinal plants are known to contain bioactive compounds that offer therapeutic properties with fewer side effects compared to conventional pharmaceuticals. This study explores the cytoprotective effects of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice) and Inula helenium (elecampane) extracts against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells.
The study found that both plant extracts were non-toxic at doses ranging from 1 to 25 µg/mL and promoted cell growth (p<0.01). The results suggest that these extracts support cell survival and exhibit biological activity.
To assess the antioxidant effects, various concentrations of H₂O₂ (10–400 µM) were tested, and 200 µM was found to significantly reduce cell viability. Licorice and elecampane extracts (10 µg/mL and 25 µg/ mL, respectively) enhanced cell viability and reduced oxidative damage. Both extracts significantly reduced cell death compared to the H₂O₂-only group (p<0.01), highlighting their potent antioxidant properties. Conclusion Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Inula helenium extracts demonstrated strong cytoprotective and antioxidant effects, supporting their potential as natural therapeutics for oxidative stress-related conditions.

Background: The assessment of patients’ quality of life has emerged as a critical metric in evaluating healthcare services. Internationally, numerous studies have been conducted to assess the QoL of individuals diagnosed with pulmonary embolism through the development of standardized questionnaires and their association with various clinical parameters. Aim: To adapt a standardized questionnaire for assessing the quality of life following a pulmonary embolism and to evaluate the quality of life of affected patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 33 patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism and hospitalized in the Department of Pulmonology at the Third State Central Hospital in Mongolia between August 2022 and December 2023 were included in the study. An observational cross-sectional study design was used. Inclusion criteria encompassed all patients diagnosed with PE during the study period, while exclusion criteria included individuals with severe comorbidities, those aged over 85 years, and those who declined participation. QoL was assessed using the Pulmonary Embolism Quality of Life (PEmb-QoL) questionnaire, which consists of 39 questions categorized into six domains. Higher scores indicate poorer QoL. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. Results: The average age of the participants was 61±15 years, and 18 (54.5%) were female. The median duration of anticoagulant therapy was 170 days (range: 27–2555 days), and the average monthly expenditure on medication was 80,000 MNT (range: 63,000–400,000 MNT). The overall mean QoL score was 69.7±23.2. The median scores for the six domains were as follows: frequency of complaints 1.6 (IQR 1.5-1.9; max 5 score), activities of daily living limitations 1.5 (1.3–1.8; max 3 score), work-related problems 1.7 (1.5–2.0; max 2 score), social limitations 2.0 (2.0–3.0; max 5 score), intensity of complaints 3.0 (3.0–4.0; max 6 score), emotional complaints 2.0 (1.5–2.4; max 6 score). The internal consistency reliability of the questionnaire was assessed, with the symptom frequency category scoring well (α=0.74), while the other categories had excellent reliability (α>0.85). A weak positive correlation was observed between overall QoL scores and age, while a weak negative correlation was identified with body mass index (r=0.14 & r= -0.13, P>0.05). Conclusion The study findings indicate a low QoL among PE patients, emphasizing the necessity for enhancements in post-diagnosis medical care and long-term management strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in people aged 30-40 years. The cause of this disease has not yet been solved, but it is believed to be due to the weakening of the body’s resistance. It is a phenomenon that causes the body to become sick due to changes in the immune system that protects the body from the external environment. In general, genetic diseases, bacterial and viral infections are believed to be the source of arthritis. Physical and mental stress increases the risk of developing this condition. Drug treatment and surgery are often used selectively in cases of rheumatoid arthritis. Tuiplan treatment has recently been recommended as one of the traditional medical treatments, but there are few studies evaluating the results. Clinical case: Patient A, a 55-year-old woman. From 2009, the small joints of the hands began to swell and turn red. Since May 2010, both large and small joints have been swollen and painful to move. rheumatism was diagnosed after giving general blood test, urine test and immunological tests. Since June 2010, he has been using anti-inflammatory steroids and gold and silver needles, but the pain has not subsided. Pain: Stinging, hot and red pain in wrists, fingers, knees, and ankles. When you get up in the morning, you wake up stiff. Morning stiffness lasts 30 minutes. The pain is worse when moving at night.
Urine: Red, smelly and sticky.
Pulse: Fine, quick, intense, throbbing pulsation. Treatment process: The therapists used Tuiplan treatment for 21 days under the supervision of a doctor in a warm, well ventilated, closed, window-free room, taking the Tuiplan treatment together with the treatment in a heavy or closed way once a year or 3 times in 3 years. Conclusion: It is proved that the use of Tuiplan treatment in the treatment of chronic diseases is less dangerous, the recurrence of the disease is less, and complete recovery is possible if the disease is maintained. The results of the treatment were calculated and monitored by laboratory tests before and after the administration of Tuiplan. Acknowledgements I would like to thank the honorable, Dr.Mendsaikhan, consultant physician, doctor, and professor for helping, advising, and guiding me in my research work

Introduction : Water is a vital resource for human existence and is essential for daily food processing, preparation, washing, hygiene, and sanitation. Furthermore, providing the population with safe drinking water is one of the pressing problems of the world and some regions.
In recent years, population density and the scale of commercial and industrial activities, as well as clean and dirty water consumption were increased in the capital city. As a result of these, ground and surface water resources are becoming scarce and polluted.
Therefore, assessment of daily drinking and residential water consumption of Ulaanbaatar should be determined to use drinking water properly in daily life and water loss. This study assessed the actual amount of households’ daily water consumption. Goal: The purpose of this study is to determine the daily consumption of drinking water for households in ger areas and apartments in Ulaanbaatar. Materials and Method: This study covers 30 households in ger areas and 15 apartment households, in Ulaanbaatar. Household members performed 6-10 types of measurements every day, within 7 days. As a result of these measurements, actual consumption of water quantity used for drinking and household purposes was calculated. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS Version 21 to calculate the true probability of difference between parameters. Result: 67.9% of the households in the ger areas were 4-5 family members. The average daily household consumption of drinking and domestic water were 68.3 ± 3.57 L (95% 61.3-75.3), the minimum consumption was 12 L, and the maximum was 227 L. Average of the household water consumption water was 97.6-108.9 liters during the weekends, and water consumption was statistically higher than weekdays (p=0.001; p=0.01).
The water consumption of residential households with 3 family members accounted for the majority (30.8%) in this study. The average daily consumption of drinking and domestic water was 297.67±19.7 liters. There was no statistically significant difference (p=0.96) in week. The average daily water consumption including drinking and residential was 270.3-335.97 L.
The total daily drinking and residential water consumption per person was 15.57 L for households in ger areas and 90 L for apartment households. Calculating the daily water consumption of households in ger areas, 60.3% of it is used for laundry, washing dishes, food preparation, washing face and hands, and clothes, 31% for drinking, and 8.7% for outdoor water use. While apartment households, approximately 94.1%, were used for household and 5.9% for drinking purposes. Research ethics approval : This study was discussed at the meeting of the Academic Council of the National Center for Public Health. In addition, this study was carried out according to the methods and methods discussed and approved at the meeting of the Medical Ethics Control Committee of the Ministry of Health (Resolution No. 08). Conclusion The total daily consumption of drinking and residential water per person were 15.57 litres for the households in the ger areas and 90 litres for the apartment households. It implies that it does not exceed the WHO recommendations