1.Association between lower back pain and some inflammatory biomarkers among heavy machinery operators in open-pit mining
Nansalmaa M ; Enkhdulguun A ; Miyegombo J ; Erdenechamba N ; Erdenechimeg E ; Munkhtsetseg J
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):165-170
Background:
Musculoskeletal disorders account for 23.1-47.1% of occupational diseases in several countries. Studies
have shown that operators of heavy machinery, including tractors and dump trucks, are twice as likely to experience lower back pain compared to workers not exposed to whole-body vibration. Furthermore, research has indicated that acute
exposure to vibration can cause vasoconstriction and vascular inflammation. However, limited research has explored the
relationship between lower back pain and specific biomarkers, highlighting the need for this study.
Aim:
This study aimed to compare lower back pain prevalence and muscle inflammation biomarkers among heavy machinery operators.
Materials and Methods:
A purposive sampling method was used to recruit 15 male participants aged 25-35 years who
had worked as heavy machinery drivers for no more than three years. Inclusion criteria were: no alcohol consumption
within 24 hours prior to sampling, body mass index (BMI) between 18.5-28.9 kg/m², no prior diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders, and absence of infectious or non-infectious diseases during the study period. Blood samples were analyzed
for Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
(ELISA).
Results:
The mean BMI of participants was 25.89±3.23 kg/m². Over half (53.3%, n=8) exceeded the exposure limit
for whole-body vibration. Low back pain was reported by 13 participants (86.7%) over the past six months and by 12
participants (80%) over the past seven days. TNF-α levels did not differ significantly between groups based on low back
pain status or vibration exposure. However, IL-6 levels showed a significant increase 24 hours after whole-body vibration
exposure (p=0.027).
Conclusion
Lower back pain was highly prevalent among participants exposed to whole-body vibration. Furthermore,
IL-6 levels were elevated among participants reporting lower back pain, regardless of vibration exposure levels.
2.Comparative study of subcutaneous fat area and visceral fat area among healthy and metabolic syndrome patients
Munkh-Erdene U ; Odmaa T ; Solongo Ts ; Ganchimeg S ; Egshiglen G ; Anir B ; Ariunaa A ; Navchaa G ; Tulgaa S ; Munkhtsetseg J
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):36-41
Background:
Obesity, especially central obesity, is a risk factor for non-communicable chronic diseases such as dyslipidemia,
type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and metabolic syndrome (MetS).
Aim:
Study the association between the subcutaneous fat area (SFA) and visceral fat area (VFA) with lipid metabolism
parameters in adults with MetS.
Materials and Methods:
Data from 1511 participants who visited the ‘NURA Mongolia’ Ai Health screening center
between September 2023 and February 2024, including general information, DEXA (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry), and
biochemical analysis results, were used. Metabolic syndrome (MeS) was assessed based on the harmonizing criteria 2009
(≥3 criteria). VFA and SFA were categorized into four groups using quartiles (Q1-Q4). Statistical analysis was performed
using SPSS v26, including T-tests, multiple logistic regression (OR, 95% CI), and ROC (AUC) analysis.
Results:
The average age of the participants was 30.5±3.9 years, with a BMI of 25.1 kg/m², and 49.5% were male. The
group with MetS (n=531) had significantly higher levels of VFA and SFA compared to the group that rated their health as
relatively healthy and had no clinical diagnosis (n=979) (control group) (p<0.0001), with males showing higher VFA and
females showing higher SFA (p<0.0001). The Q4 group for VFA had a significant association with MetS in males (4.611,
95% CI=2.394–9.591) and females (2.253, 95% CI=1.097-3.912) (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that increased
VFA was more strongly associated with MetS in males (β=0.325, p<0.0001) and females (β=0.338, p<0.003) than
BMI. The AUC for predicting MetS was 0.790 (95% CI=0.750-0.831) for VFA and 0.401 (95% CI=0.351-0.451) for SFA,
with all results being statistically significant (p<0.001). VFA had a higher predictive value compared to other markers.
Conclusion
In healthy men with metabolic syndrome, VFA is more prominently defined, while SFA is higher in healthy
women. Since VFA is a better predictor of metabolic syndrome than SFA, it increases the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular
diseases and type 2 diabetes in men, whereas SFA in women serves as a protective factor.
3.Result of a study on some effects of (Allium polyrhizum Turcz. ex Regel) preparation on a type 2 diabetic model
Oyun-Erdene R ; Gerelt Borjikhan ; Munkhtsetseg J
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):130-135
Background:
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disorder involving many organs and can devastate the
lives of affected individuals. It is characterized by chronic high blood glucose that could lead to morbidity and mortality.
The number of people suffering from diabetes worldwide is increasing at an alarming rate. It is predicted that about 366
million people are likely to be diabetic by the year 2030. Since all of the previous studies have focused on the therapeutic
role of (Allium polyrhizum Turcz. ex Regel) preparations in diabetes mellitus, we investigated the preventive effect of oral
administration of (Allium polyrhizum Turcz. ex Regel) extract on the changes of biochemical factors and histopathology
alterations in hepatic tissue caused by diabetes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of water extract (Allium polyrhizum Turcz. ex Regel) on the metabolism of rats with diabetes induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin.
Aim:
To investigate the antidiabetic properties of aqueous extract of (Allium polyrhizum Turcz. ex Regel) and its beneficial
effect on hematological parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Materials and Methods:
Experimental was performed at the Institute of Mongolian Medicine and Chemistry, Inner
Mongolia University. Male Wistar rats weighing (180 g) were obtained from The Animal Experimental Unit of Mongolia
Medicine and Chemistry Research Center, Inner Mongolia University.
The rats were housed in well-aerated individual cages in an animal room and maintained in a temperature-controlled
room (24±25°C) with a 12 h light/12 h dark cycle, 50-60 % humidity. They were fed with normal commercial chow and
water ad libitum. Throughout the experiments, animals were processed according to the suggested international ethical
guidelines for the care of laboratory animals, and all experimental procedures were approved by the Animal Care and Use
Committee of Inner Mongolia University.
After 4 weeks, the rats were fasted for 8 h before blood sampling, water was not restricted. Blood samples were collected
from the orbital venous plexus.
Results:
The blood glucose level was significantly increased in model group 24.14±2.28 mmol/L, to Control group
5.31±0.49 mmol/L. Oral administration of Allium polyrhizum Turcz.ex Regel treated group 10.5±4.05 mmol/L, Metformin treated group 9.05±2.71 mmol/L resulted in significantly decreased blood glucose levels less model group.
Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that Allium polyrhizum Turcz.ex Regel possesses hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats and therapy of diabetes and its complications especially when
used for a longer period.
4.Acute and chronic toxicity effects of traditional medicine Shimshin-6
Nomin-Erdene J ; Dejidmaa B ; Erdenechimeg Ch ; Munkhtsetseg D ; Chimedragchaa Ch
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):143-148
Background:
In traditional medicine, the Shimshin-6 formulation, which consists of Rheum undulatum L., Hippophae
rhamnoides L., Zingiber officinalie Roscoe, Saussurea Lappa C.B.Clark, Sal ammoniacum, Tronae veneni, is recommended
for women experiencing menstrual retention disorders. In recent years, Shimshin-6 has been widely used to
promote postpartum uterine involution for women and our study aimed to evaluate and determine the acute and chronic
toxicity effects of Shimshin-6.
Aim:
To evaluate and substantiate the acute and chronic toxicity effects of Shimshin-6.
Materials and Methods:
The acute toxicity of Shimshin-6 was evaluated using the rapid method described by V.B. Prozorovsky
(1978) by administering intraperitoneal injections of the medicinal extract in white mice to determine the lethal
dose. The active dose was determined following the methodology of I.P. Zapadnyuk (1983). Chronic toxicity was evaluated
in Wistar rats according to the OECD 407 (2008) guidelines. The test animals were administered Shimshin-6 in tablet
form (90 mg/kg and 180 mg/kg) and decoction form (tang) (162 mg/kg) daily for 60 days. At the end of the experiment,
biochemical and complete blood analyses were conducted, along with histopathological examination of major organs.
The study was conducted with ethical approval granted by the Ethics Committee of the Mongolian National University of
Medical Sciences (MNUMS) on October 25, 2024.
Results:
The LD50 for Shimshin-6 tablets was 4.47 (3.39–5.1) g/kg, indicating low acute toxicity based on the K.K.
Sidorov classification. The LD50 for the decoction form was 8.1 (7.1–9.4) g/kg, suggesting it is non-toxic. Regarding
chronic toxicity, platelet count was significantly reduced compared to the healthy control group: Shimshin-6 tablet group:
46% reduction at 90 mg/kg and 29.7% reduction at 180 mg/kg. Shimshin-6 decoction group: 60.5% reduction at 162 mg/
kg. Additionally, hemoglobin levels in the decoction group (162 mg/kg) decreased by 15.7% (p<0.05). Biochemical analysis
showed a 36.3% reduction in total cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the tablet group (180 mg/kg) and decoction group
(162 mg/kg) compared to the control (p<0.05).
Conclusion
Shimshin-6 tablets showed low acute toxicity in experimental mice. However, long-term administration may
lead to a reduction in platelet count.
5.Assessment of Prebiotic Activity of Xylooligosaccharides Extracted from Food Industry By-Products via Microwave assisted enzymatic hydrolysis
Odgerel Ch ; Purevdulam E ; Anuujin G ; Buyankhuu T ; Munkhjargal B ; Battogtokh Ch ; Munkhtsetseg J
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):183-190
Background:
This study explores the potential of food industry by-products, such as plant peels, stems, and slags, as
valuable sources of lignocellulosic material (LCM), which contains 25-40% xylan. These underutilized resources, often
discarded as waste, hold the promise of sustainable applications in biotechnology. By safely extracting xylooligosaccharides
(XOS) from LCM biomass, the value of these materials can be significantly enhanced, contributing to green production
and supporting sustainable development. XOS, recognized for its prebiotic activity, has been shown to promote the
growth of beneficial gut bacteria, making it a vital research area in the fields of food science, medicine, and technology.
Aim:
To extract and characterize oligosaccharides derived from by-products of the food industry, evaluate their physicochemical
properties, and investigate selected biological activities.
Materials and Methods:
This study utilized microwave pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis to isolate and purify
XOS from wheat bran and brewers’ spent grains (BSG), provided by Altan Taria LLC and APU CoL, respectively. Microwave
irradiation at 200°C for 5 minutes was employed as a pretreatment step, followed by hydrolysis using commercial
xylanase (Thermomyces lanuginosus, recombinant Aspergillus oryzae, 2500 BXU/g) at 55°C for 24 hours. The resulting
hydrolysate underwent filtration with activated carbon and ethanol precipitation to yield purified XOS. Analytical methods,
including FTIR spectroscopy, TLC and HPLC, were used for structural and compositional analysis of the purified
oligosaccharides. In vitro tests evaluated the ability of XOS to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, including
Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus fermentum (ATCC 9338), and Lactobacillus casei (ATCC 344), using XOS-enriched
media. Additionally, in vivo studies were conducted on rats to determine the biological effects of XOS on gut microbiota.
Results:
The results demonstrated that prolonged enzymatic hydrolysis for more than 10 hours, using 0.25 g of xylanase
per 100 g of substrate, resulted in optimal yields. XOS purity was measured at 87.6% with an 8.1 g yield from wheat bran
and 89% purity with a 7.2 g yield from brewers’ spent grains. Structural analysis confirmed the presence of xylobiose,
xylotriose, and xylotetraose, with xylotetraose being the most abundant component in WBP-XOS (47.5%), and xylobiose
dominating BGS’s derived XOS (47.8%). Biological effects revealed that wheat bran-derived XOS significantly supported
the growth of Bifidobacterium spp. and L. fermentum (ATCC 9338) in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas
no significant effect was observed on L. casei (ATCC 344). In vivo studies confirmed that XOS consumption increased
populations of Bifidobacterium spp. and Akkermansia muciniphila spp. in gut microbiota (p<0.05). Furthermore, XOS
consumption reduced plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C levels while increasing HDL-C levels, demonstrating
metabolic benefits.
Conclusion
This research establishes that XOS with prebiotic activity can be efficiently extracted and purified from food
industry by-products using microwave-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis. This approach highlights the potential of utilizing
agricultural and industrial waste for producing functional prebiotics, contributing to sustainable practices and offering
valuable applications in health and nutrition.
6.Effects of ketogenic diet on some metabolic parameters
Munkhtsetseg J ; Munkhjargal J
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2020;192(2):66-71
Diets, boosting circulating ketones are used to use for treating some neurological disease. But recent
years it’s usage in coordinating the weight is becoming more popular among overweight population.
Weight loss is being offered as a therapy is aimed to reduce some risk factors of metabolic syndrome.
Ketogenic diet offers high amount of fat in food composition and very low amount of carbohydrate.
Results regarding the impact of ketogenic diet on cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic parameters
are controversial and seem to be limited in time, which means it depends on lasting time of ketogenic
diet. Ketogenic diet is not totally safe and can be associated with some beneficial and adverse effects
on metabolism.
7.COVID-19 infection and vitamins
Erkhembayar Sh ; Munkhtsetseg J
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2020;194(4):84-96
In December 2019, a group of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome were diagnosed
in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The virus that causes the disease is called SARS-CoV-2, and
COVID-19 is spreading rapidly from Asia to Europe and around the world. New epidemics, such as
the new coronavirus, acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome
(MERS-CoV), and H1N1 influenza A, have been a warning to global health organizations. However,
none of these pathogens have had such a catastrophic impact worldwide as the novel coronavirus
SARS-CoV-2. RNA viruses known to possess very high mutation rate, which is associated with
increased virulence and variability. This feature can also be seen in COVID-19, which has over 50
million cases with a mortality rate of 2.5% in 217 countries. The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 ranges
from asymptomatic carriage, mild upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), severe viral pneumonia
to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and death. Research has led to identification of the
angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 as the cell-entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2. However, despite
these findings, systematic studies of viral dynamics and the immune response of infected individuals
have not been fully established.
Coronavirus vaccines are being developed around the world and are expected to produced in 2021,
according to Australian researchers. However, there is a urgent need for evidence-based treatment
against SARS-CoV-2.
This article summarizes the many studies that have been conducted on the effects of vitamins and
minerals in the treatment of coronavirus infections.
8.Health impact of air pollutants and nutritional solutions to reducenegative consequences
Erkhembayar Sh ; Munkhtsetseg J
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2019;187(1):71-79
Air pollution, including particulate matter and gases has been associated with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, particularly in urban areas. More than 80% of world population lives in environment those exceed the air quality guideline established by World Health Organization. Air pollution is a very complex mixture and its potential to cause harm can depend on multiple factors including physical and chemical characteristic of pollutants. It has been hypothesized that the intake of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients may improve various respiratory and cardiovascular effects of air pollution through reductions in oxidative stress and inflammation. Several studies have suggested that essential micronutrients including B vitamins and Vitamin C, E and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids has potentials to modify oxidative and inflammatory stress. Here, we review literature related to air pollution and its health impact and how essential micronutrients can worsen its negative effect.
9.To determine сommon types of urinary incontinence among women
Tuya Ts ; Purevjargal J ; Munkhtsetseg D
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2017;181(3):15-19
Background:
Urinary incontinence is a common and distressful problem worldwide as well as in Mongolia.
According to a survey conducted by Dr.Sanjsuren, 32.2% of participated woman were diagnosed
with the urinary incontinence. To diagnose and treat this highly prevalent disease, it is important to
know the most common types of incontinence in Mongolian woman and its risk factors. However,
there is no known studies in Mongolia ultimately concentrated on the prevalence of common types
of incontinence and its causes. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the common types of
incontinence among Mongolian woman and its key risk factors.
Materials and Methods:
We used a cross sectional data collected from the urogynecological cabinet based on the first
maternal hospital in Ulaanbaatar from June to November 2016. 117 woman aged 20-80, who has
incontinence symptoms participated in this study. The type of urinary incontinence is checked
by urodynamical equipment “Uromic Samba”. Participants also answered a questionnaire with a
purpose of assessing the risk factors.
Results:
Descriptive analysis shown that age, body weight, number of birth and type of delivery may be the
key risk factors of incontinence. Foreinstance, the prevalence of incontinence was 6.8 % among
woman aged 25-35 and increases with age 26.3 % at age 36-45, 36.4 % with age group 46-55,
30.5% with age 56-80 above respectively. According to the BMI, 81.2% percent of the participating
woman with incontinence are obese. As a result of birth survey among total respondents, 59.3%
had 3 or more deliveries. Association between incontinence and age, body mass index was found
to be the strongest and type of the delivery was the weakest. 40% of total respondents have stress
incontinence, 27% have mixed incontinence, 25% have urge incontinence, 8% have other type
incontinance symptoms.
Conclusion
The most prevalent type of incontinence among Mongolian woman is stress incontinence followed
by the urge incontinence. Delivery, body weight was associated with incontinence.
10.Risk assessment for preeclampsia by biochemical and biophisycal markers at first trimester
Urjindelger Ts ; Ariunbold Ch ; Munkhtsetseg J ; Erkhembaatar T
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2017;181(3):30-38
Introduction:
Preeclampsia, which affects about 2-8% of pregnancies, is major cause of maternal and perinatal
morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. In Mongolia, preeclampsia and eclampsia
occurred among pregnancy complications about 25% in recent years. There is a percentage for a
cause of maternal death was 17.7% in preeclampsia and eclampsia between 2012 and 2015 in
Mongolia.
Effective prediction of preeclampsia can be achieved at 11-13 week’s gestation by combination
of maternal characteristics, mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA
PI), maternal serum placental growth factor (PlGF), and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A
(PAPP-A).
Goal:
To investigate plasma concentration of PIGF and PAPP-A, in pregnant women at 11-13+6 of
gestation for screening of preeclampsia, To examine the performance of first-trimester screening for
preeclampsia based on maternal characteristics, MAP, and mUt.A-PI.
Materials and Methods :
The study conducted among 393 single pregnant women at 11-13+6 weeks, who were visiting
antenatal care services, between March, 2015 and June, 2017. The prospective Cohort research
method was used for this study. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants.
Maternal plasma PAPP-A, PlGF were determined using Perkin Elmer kits by fluoroimmunoassay.
Measurement of MAP was by validated automated devices (HEM-7120, Оmron, Japan). MAP was
calculated from the formula DP + 1/3*(SP-DP), where DP represents diastolic blood pressure and
SP- systolic blood pressure. Trans-abdominal ultrasound (Voluson E8, GE, USA) examination was
carried out for Ut.A-PI.
Results:
In the study population, there were 66 (16.8%) cases that experienced preeclampsia and 327
(83.2%) cases that were unaffected by preeclampsia.
The result showed that the mean concentration of PlGF was 38.6±19.6 pg/ml in PE group whereas
the mean was 45.1±24.0 pg/ml in normal pregnant women. Level of PAPP-A was 366.1±195.3 mU/L
in group with PE, 633.6±496.9 mU/L in group without preeclampsia.
The best Youden’s index and area under the curve (AUC) for MAP and mUt.A-PI were as a
predictor of PE. It can be shown that the cutoff point for MAP was 89.5 mmHg (sensitivity-71.2%;
specificity-75.5% J-0.467; AUC-0.792; P<0.001). The cutoff point of mUt.A-PI was 2.34
(sensitivity-33.3%; specificity-77.7% J-0.12; AUC-0.577; P<0.001).
Conclusions
The concentration of PIGF and PAPP-A in pregnant women with preeclampsia at 11-13+6 of gestation
was lower than normal pregnant women. The detection risk of PE by MAP is more accurate than the
mUtA-PI measurement.
Result Analysis
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