Background: Currently, colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. CRC frequently metastasizes to the liver (50%), lungs (10–15%), peritoneum (4%), bones (10.7%–23.7%), brain (0.3%–6%), and spinal cord. Approximately 35% of CRC cases are diagnosed before distant metastasis, 36% upon lymph node involvement, and 23% after distant organ metastasis. Although several studies have established primary tumor models in mice in our country, there are limited studies on experimental lung metastasis models, prompting the need for this research. Aim: To establish and evaluate a lung metastasis model of colorectal cancer in C57BL/6J mice using the MC38 cell line. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. Approval was obtained from the Ethics Review Board of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (2023/3-09) and all laboratory safety regulations and protocols were strictly followed. Male C57BL/6J mice bred at the Experimental Animal Center of Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences were used. MC38 murine colorectal carcinoma cells were cultured and injected intravenously (via the tail vein) at a concentration of 0.25×10⁶ cells per mouse (n=12) to induce lung metastasis. Histological analysis was subsequently performed. Results: Histological examination revealed significant alterations in lung tissue architecture, characterized by areas of dense infiltration by pleomorphic, hyperchromatic cells, disrupting the normal alveolar structure. No histological abnormalities were observed in other organs. Conclusion Intravenous injection of MC38 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells into the tail vein of C57BL/6J mice successfully induced lung metastases, characterized by hyperchromatic, pleomorphic cell infiltrates forming glandular structures within the lung parenchyma.

Background: In recent years, the incidence of liver diseases due to complications of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has shown a significant upward trend in Southeast Asian countries. NAFLD is a hepatic disorder characterized by lipid accumulation in the microstructure of the liver in individuals who consume little to no alcohol. It is often associated with insulin resistance and is diagnosed when steatosis affects more than 5% of hepatocytes histologically, or when the fat signal intensity on MRI exceeds 5.6%, based on fat-to-water ratio measurements. In Mongolia, histological studies using frozen liver sections with routine and special staining techniques are limited, highlighting the necessity of this study. Aim: To determine and compare the degree of steatosis and fibrosis in frozen liver tissue samples of patients with NAFLD through histological analysis. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the the Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedicine and Bio medical Research Institute of MNUMS in collaboration with the Second State Central Hospital. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of MNUMS (Protocol No. 2024/3-06). All procedures adhered strictly to laboratory biosafety protocols. Participants were selected among patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, from whom informed consent was obtained. Based on inclusion criteria, five participants were grouped as follows: healthy control (n=1), NAFLD without fibrosis (n=2), and NAFLD with fibrosis (n=2). Liver biopsies (approx. 1 cm in size) were obtained intraoperatively, immediately deep-frozen in liquid nitrogen, and prepared for histological evaluation. Results: In patients with NAFLD compared to the healthy liver group, disruption of hepatocyte columnar architecture and mild periportal lymphocytic infiltration were observed. Oil Red O staining revealed 34–66% micro- and macrovesicular steatosis, corresponding to grade 2 steatosis. Masson’s trichrome staining showed no fibrotic changes in perivenular or periportal areas (Ishak grade 0/4) at this stage. However, upon progression to grade 3 steatosis, early-stage fibrosis was observed in both perivenular and periportal regions (Ishak grade 1/4). Further progression to stage 4 fibrosis was characterized by the development of connective tissue septa, although no significant changes in droplet size were observed. Conclusions 1. Increasing stages of fibrosis are not directly influenced by the severity of hepatic steatosis in NAFLD. 2. Although the degree of steatosis increases, the absence of corresponding fibrotic changes in early stages indicates a complex progression pattern of NAFLD requiring further investigation.

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).

Abstract Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affects millions of people worldwide. Significant advancements in both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches have greatly improved outcomes, particularly for individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy. Modern neurostimulation techniques such as Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS), Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), and Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing seizure frequency in these patients. Additionally, emerging technologies like gene therapy and optogenetics are being explored to better understand the underlying mechanisms of epilepsy and hold promise as future treatment modalities.Traditional imaging techniques often fail to detect subtle epileptogenic zones. However, the introduction of ultra high-field 7T MRI scanners represents a major breakthrough. These advanced scanners use eight transmitters to generate higher-resolution images, reducing signal dropout and enabling the identification of previously undetected lesions. In one study involving 31 patients, 58% had their treatment plans modified based on 7T MRI findings, highlighting its potential to inform surgical decision-making. In terms of pharmacological treatment, newer medications such as sultiame, cannabidiol (CBD), and non-pharmacological approaches like the ketogenic diet have emerged as additional therapeutic options for drug-resistant epilepsy. These developments contribute to more effective, personalized management strategies for epilepsy. In summary, the landscape of epilepsy diagnosis and treatment is rapidly evolving. Innovations in imaging and therapeutic interventions are offering new hope for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Ongoing research and clinical trials remain essential to further refine these approaches and improve patient outcomes.

Introduction: Smoking causes hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and blockage of small arteries, which is a direct cause of morbidity and mortality from stroke and heart attack. This study was conducted to determine the risk of atherosclerosis-related diseases in male smokers. Goal: To determine the relationship between carotid artery stenosis in men and certain risk factors (age, smoking, blood pressure, and blood biochemical parameters). Material and Method: The study was conducted in a hospital-based case-control study design. It involved 140 men aged 40-60, smokers (n=70) in the case group, and non-smokers (n=70) in the control group. Result: When considering the average values of blood biochemical test parameters by age group, HDL levels were 1.50±0.33 mmol/l in the smoking group aged 40-49 and 1.30±0.29 mmol/l in the 50-60 age group (p<0.016), while in the non-smoking group (1.51±0.33, 1.37±0.34, p<0.05), which statistically significantly decreased with age. The mean blood triglyceride level was 1.36±0.54 mmol/L in men who smoked ≤10 cigarettes per day (n=36) and 1.75±0.77 mmol/L in men who smoked ≥10 cigarettes per day (n=34), which was statistically significant (p<0.006). When considering the parameters of atherosclerosis by age group, the average IMT in smokers was 0.59±0.09 mm in the 40-49 age group and 0.70±0.19 mm in the 50-60 age group (p<0.001), while in non-smokers it was (0.57±0.08 mm, 0.61±0.13 mm, p<0.004), indicating that the thickness of the vascular wall increased with age in both groups with statistical significance. Conclusion Carotid artery atherosclerosis is strongly age-related, and long-term smoking accelerates the process of atherosclerosis. Blood LDL levels decrease with age, especially in smokers, and they decrease more than in nonsmokers. People who smoke ≥10 cigarettes per day have higher blood LDL levels.

Introduction: According to the WHO, being exposed to loud noise for a long time can be very harmful to health. It can lead to heart and blood vessel problems, mental health issues, trouble sleeping, and hearing loss. Noise pollution has a negative effect on the brain and nervous system, and it can cause many problems. High-frequency noise, in particular, can disturb the central nervous system. This can lead to problems like poor concentration, more anxiety, and feeling mentally tired. Many studies around the world have shown that noise levels of ≥85 dB at work increase the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus.In Ulaanbaatar, environmental noise pollution continues to grow due to population growth, construction, and urban planning. Therefore, it is important to find out whether environmental noise pollution is linked to mental and behavioral disorders, insomnia, nervous fatigue, high blood pressure, and hearing loss among the population. Goal: The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of primary hypertension (I10), nervous fatigue (F48.0), sleep disorders (F51.0), and tinnitus (H83.3) caused by environmental noise among the population of Ulaanbaatar. Materials and Methods: A descriptive research design was applied to examine statistical data from the Center for Health Development regarding diseases related to noise pollution. Based on the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), the study focused on conditions such as neurasthenia (F48.0), non-organic sleep disorders (F51), primary hypertension (I10), and hearing disorders (H83.3). The analysis included data recorded between 2014 and 2023 among the population of Ulaanbaatar city. Epidemiological analysis was performed using SPSS-24 software, and the results were calculated per 10,000 population. Ethical Considerations: This study did not receive any external funding or financial support from public or private organizations. It utilizes secondary data from the Health Development Center, which does not contain any personal information. Results: In 2014, the average age of individuals diagnosed with neurasthenia (F48.0) was 40.1±12.6 years; for non-organic sleep disorders (F51.0), it was 48.1±14.5 years; for noise-induced hearing disorders (H83.3), 47.2±12.7 years; and for primary hypertension (I10), the average age was 59.0±11.4 years. By 2023, the average age for primary hypertension had slightly decreased to 58.0±12.9 years. Since 2014, the number of cases of nervous fatigue, non organic sleep disorders, and hearing problems caused by noise has risen in Ulaanbaatar. In 2023, the average age of people with primary hypertension (I10) dropped to 58.0±12.9 years. Noise-related illnesses are common among people aged 40 to 60 in Ulaanbaatar, and this is lowering their quality of life. Conclusion Noise-related illnesses are being recorded among the 40–60 age group in Ulaanbaatar, which is negatively affecting their quality of life. It is urgently necessary to introduce measures for adequate protection of the population from the negative health effects of environmental noise.

Human echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease (a disease that is transmitted to humans from animals) that is caused by parasites, namely tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus. A number of herbivorous and omnivorous animals act as intermediate hosts of Echinococcus. They become infected by ingesting the parasite eggs in contaminated food and water, and the parasite then develops into larval stages in the viscera. Alveolar echinococcosis usually occurs in a wildlife cycle between foxes or other carnivores with small mammals (mostly rodents) acting as intermediate hosts. Domesticated dogs and cats can also act as definitive hosts. Human infection with E. granulosus leads to the development of one or more hydatid cysts located most often in the liver and lungs, and less frequently in the bones, kidneys, spleen, muscles and central nervous system. In endemic regions, human incidence rates for cystic echinococcosis can reach more than 50 per 100 000 person-years, and prevalence levels as high as 5%–10% may occur in parts of Argentina, Peru, East Africa, Central Asia and China. In livestock, the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis found in slaughterhouses in hyperendemic areas of South America varies from 20%–95% of slaughtered animals. The highest prevalence is found in rural areas where older animals are slaughtered. Depending on the infected species involved, livestock production losses attributable to cystic echinococcosis result from liver condemnation and may also involve reduction in carcass weight, decrease in hide value, decrease of milk production, and reduced fertility. Ultrasonography imaging is the technique of choice for the diagnosis of both cystic echinococcosis and alveolar echinococcosis in humans. This technique is usually complemented or validated by computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The choice must primarily be based on the ultrasound images of the cyst, following a stage-specific approach, and also on the medical infrastructure and human resources available. Worldwide, there may be in excess of 1 million people living with these diseases at any one time. Many of these people will be experiencing severe clinical syndromes which are life-threatening if left untreated. Even with treatment, people often face reduced quality of life. For cystic echinococcosis, there is an average of 2.2% post-operative death rate for surgical patients and about 6.5% of cases relapse after an intervention, thereby requiring prolonged recovery time.

Introduction : Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) caused at least 43 million deaths in 2021, equivalent to 75% of non-pandemic-related deaths globally. Cardiovascular diseases account for most NCD deaths, or at least 19 million deaths in 2021, followed by cancers (10 million), chronic respiratory diseases (4 million), and diabetes (over 2 million including kidney disease deaths caused by diabetes). These four groups of diseases account for 80% of all premature NCD deaths. According to the Fourth National Survey on the Prevalence of Noncommunicable Diseases, Injuries, and Their Risk Factors: 14.0% of adults aged 15–69 have experienced a heart attack or stroke, 11.0% report taking aspirin to prevent or manage cardiovascular disease (CVD), 2.2% use lipid-lowering medications (statins) for CVD prevention or treatment, among adults aged 40–69, 19.3% are at high risk of developing CVD within the next 10 years. These findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen cardiovascular disease prevention efforts and improve the management of key risk factors in Mongolia. Goal: To determine the population’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cardiovascular disease risk factors and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 2,532 participants aged 18–69 years from all 21 provinces of Mongolia and Ulaanbaatar city, as part of the “Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, and Telemedicine in Mongolia” (MON/007) Project. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising six sub-sections, designed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to 10 modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. Ethical approval was obtained prior to the study, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: Thirty-three percent of study participants reported having no knowledge of cardiovascular disease, indicating that roughly one in three adults consider themselves to have little or no understanding of cardiovascular health. In the study, 53.0% of participants reported being unaware of the symptoms of a heart attack, while 42.0% did not recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Among participants who could identify these symptoms, 68.0% indicated dizziness as a sign of hypertension, 65.0% reported headache, and 58.0% noted blurred vision. Among the respondents, 31.0% knew that the normal arterial blood pressure for an adult is 120/80 mmHg, 57.0% were aware that an adult should sleep 7–8 hours per day, 13.0% knew about body mass index (BMI), 30.0% were aware of fasting blood glucose levels, and 44.0% recognized that adults should engage in 30 minutes of physical activity daily. Knowledge of key physiological indicators was significantly associated with educational attainment, gender, and age group, with lower levels of awareness observed among participants with lower education, males, and younger adults (p=0.001). The majority of participants (75.0%-96.0%) reported being aware of the modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Among the study participants, nine out of ten agreed that maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes regular physical activity, exercising, walking short distances, and understanding that hypertension is harmful and smoking adversely affects the heart. Furthermore, 80–85% reported avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and 79% believed that cardiovascular disease is preventable. To prevent or reduce obesity, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, 49.0% of participants reported engaging in regular physical activity, while 33.0% reported following a healthy diet. Among all study participants, 61.0% had never checked their cholesterol levels, 49.0% had never measured their blood glucose, and 15.0% had never monitored their blood pressure. Among respondents exhibiting 1–3 common risk factors, the majority were female, aged 25–34 years, living in rural areas or ger districts, with secondary or specialized secondary education, employed in government institutions, and had a normal BMI. In contrast, among those with 7 or more common risk factors, the majority were male, aged 35–44 years, residing in Ulaanbaatar, living in ger districts, and employed in private organizations. Conclusion Most of surveyed participants had sufficient knowledge and positive attitudes toward modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (p=0.001). However, they exhibited inadequate preventive practices related to these risk factors. This indicates the importance of targeted intervention on behavior change to address this gap.

Introduction: In 2020, the prevalence of respiratory system diseases in the population of Gobi-Altai province is 1339.5 cases per 10,000 population, which is 4% (52) more than the average of the provinces and 20% (223.8) more than the national average. In 2021, the number of deaths due to respiratory system diseases was 2.9 per 10,000 population, increasing by 1.1 from 2020 (1.8). Pneumonia-related deaths account for 60.7% of all respiratory system-related deaths. As of 2022, there are 7,281 simple stoves, 248 low-pressure and steam boilers, and 18,207 automobiles in the Gobi-Altai province as sources of air pollution. 63.1% of the total coal is consumed by water heating boilers with a capacity of more than 101 kW, 20.5% by households, and 16.4% by small and medium enterprises. Goal: Determining the relationship between the incidence of pneumonia in the population of Gobi-Altai province and the common air pollutants. Material and Method: According to the rotation research model, the common external air pollutants SO₂, NO₂, PM₁₀, climate parameters, temperature, pressure, humidity, and population pneumonia measurements and registration data of Altai Sum, Gobi-Altai Province in 2020-2021 were analyzed using SPSS-24 software. statistical processing was calculated for non-parametric parameters. Result: The annual average value of sulfur dioxide (SO₂ ) measured in 20 minutes in Gobi-Altai province is 25.2 ± 13.7 μg/m³, the annual average value of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) measured in 20 minutes is 36.329±29 μg/m³, and the annual average concentration of PM₁₀ particles is 35.2 ± 28,264 μg/m³, which is the standard level of MNS4585:2016. But the 20-minute average concentration of SO₂ (r=0.81, p=0.005), the average concentration of NO₂ (r=0.089, p=0.008), and the average concentration of PM₁₀ (r=0.089, p=0.002) is directly related to the incidence of pneumonia. It is also inversely correlated with air temperature (r=-142, p=0,000). Conclusion Common outdoor air pollutants in Yesunbulag sum, Gobi-Altai Province are related to pneumonia in children aged 0-5 years.

: According to the elemental analysis survey, it is confirmed that the content of silicon (Si) and aluminium (Al) in coarse particles in the ambient air of Erdenet city is the highest (2457 ng/cm2, 1061.72 ng/cm2), and the content of black carbon (BC) is the highest (2699.9 ng/cm2) for the fine particles, respectively. In Orkhon Aimag, 221 new cancer cases were registered in 2023, 20.8 per 10,000 population, and 123 deaths were registered, which decreased by 20 cases from the previous year. Stomach, lung, and oesophageal cancers are the most common. Among the leading causes of diseases, diseases of the respiratory system are led by its prevalence rate of 1536 per 10,000 population, followed by the diseases of the digestive system prevalence rate of 821 per 10,000. Goal: To review the epidemiological tendency of diseases registered in Orkhon aimag between 2006 and 2022. Materials and Methods: The secondary data on outpatient 2006-2022 of Orkhon aimag was collected and analysed. All disease data followed the X International Classification of Diseases classification. The Ethical permission was obtained from the Ethical Committee at the Ach Medical University. All personnel information-related data was removed and no any name and location of personnel data was mentioned in the survey result. Results: In Orkhon Aimag, 524,927 cases of diseases were registered in 2006-2022. Respiratory system diseases were 29.82 percent of total diseases, digestive system diseases were 16.58 percent, genitourinary system diseases were 11.28 percent, cardiovascular system diseases were 10.45 percent, and skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases were 8.38 percent. Chronic heart diseases of rheumatic origin were registered for 11.59 percent of the population aged 50-54, hypertension diseases were registered 12.41 percent, and a steady increase was observed in the age of 20-54. Conclusions
1. When studying the structure of diseases among the population of Orkhon aimag, the respiratory, digestive, and genitourinary system, circulatory system and diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue are the first five leading causes of diseases and consisted 76.95% of the total number of diseases. In the study of analyzing the diseases of the circulatory system by age group and diagnosis, cases of ischemic heart disease and high blood pressure are found among children aged 15-19 years. CVD are more common among the population aged 40-54.
2. There is a tendency that skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases to be on the rise among the population.