Publications by authors named "Herath H"

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM) exposure is responsible for skin inflammation, aging, and disruption of skin homeostasis. The objective of this investigation was to assess the potential of myricetin in protecting against skin damage caused by PM.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

γ-Radiation resistance is a major obstacle to the success of radiotherapy in colorectal cancer. Antioxidant-related factors contribute to resistance to radiation therapy and, therefore, are targets for improving the therapeutic response. In this study, we evaluated the molecular mechanisms underlying γ-radiation resistance using the colorectal cancer cell line SNUC5 and γ-radiation-resistant variant SNUC5/RR, including analyses of the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), a transcription factor that regulates antioxidant enzymes, and related epigenetic regulators.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Heavy metal contamination is an urgent environmental issue that poses a significant threat to human health and the ecosystem. To mitigate the adverse impacts of heavy metal pollution, the aim of this research was to develop genetically engineered zebrafish as biosensors, which offer a promising alternative for detecting heavy metal exposure, specifically Cd⁺ and Zn⁺. A novel heavy metal-sensitive gene construct metallothionine 2 promoter with DsRed reporter gene (mt2-DsRed2) was synthesized and integrated into zebrafish embryos using a Tol2 transposon transposase system with the transgenic zebrafish line subjected to biosensing applications for Cd and Zn.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Connecting peptide (C-peptide), a byproduct of insulin biosynthesis, has diverse cellular and biological functions. Particulate matter 2.5 (PM) adversely affects human skin, leading to skin thickening, wrinkle formation, skin aging, and inflammation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted considerable attention in nanomedicine, particularly in harnessing and manipulating immune cells. However, the current understanding of the interactions between NPs and immune cells at the nanoscale remains limited. Advancing this knowledge guides the design principles of NPs.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The impact of non-motor symptoms is often overlooked in favour of the motor symptoms when managing Parkinson's disease resulting in suboptimal patient outcomes. This study aimed to characterise the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease in a cohort of Sri Lankan patients with a special focus on the impulsive control disorders and other compulsive behaviours (ICDs-CB) that had not been previously studied in this population. All patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease followed up at the National Hospital of Colombo, Sri Lanka were included.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Butin is a naturally occurring compound with a wide range of medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and antioxidant properties. Particulate matter 2.5 (PM) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation contribute to skin cell damage via the induction of oxidative stress.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The geometry of milk liners may affect milking performance and cow comfort as the milk liner is the only part of the milking machine that comes into contact with the teat. To determine the effect of alternative shape of milk liners we compared square (SQR) the conventional round (RND) teat cup liner on milking performance and comfort of dairy cows. Treatment milk liners were randomly allocated to clusters within each side of the 12 a side double up-herringbone dairy shed in a complete randomised block design over two periods.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Shikonin, an herbal naphthoquinone, demonstrates a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties. Owing to increasingly adverse environmental conditions, human skin is vulnerable to harmful influences from dust particles. This study explored the antioxidant capabilities of shikonin and its ability to protect human keratinocytes from oxidative stress induced by fine particulate matter (PM).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Exposure to fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM) can cause oxidative damage and apoptosis in the human skin. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a bioactive polyphenolic compound with antioxidant, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The increasing prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Asia is concerning, with type 2 diabetes projected to rise to 68%, compared to the global increase of 44%. Encouraging healthy diets requires stronger policies for healthier food environments.

Methods: This study reviewed and assessed food environment policies in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka from 2020 to 2022 using the Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI) and compared them with global best practices.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Specific sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays is one of the mechanisms responsible for widespread skin damage. This study tested whether 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene (THB), a compound abundant in marine products, might inhibit UVB radiation-induced NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) in both human HaCaT keratinocytes and mouse dorsal skin and explore its cytoprotective mechanism. The mechanism of action was determined using western blotting, immunocytochemistry, NADP/NADPH assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, and cell viability assay.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: There is limited evidence on the prevalence of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and its association with risk factors and socioeconomic status (SES) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Given the relatively high levels of access to healthcare in Sri Lanka, the association of IHD with SES may be different from that observed in other LMICs.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of IHD in Sri Lanka, determine its associated risk factors and its association with SES.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Particulate matter 2.5 (PM) can harm your skin by causing aging and inflammation.
  • Hyperoside, a compound found in some plants, helps protect skin cells from damage caused by PM.
  • The study showed that hyperoside can improve skin cell growth and reduce stress and aging effects caused by exposure to harmful pollutants.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Physiological stress such as excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production may contribute normal fibroblasts activation into cancer‑associated fibroblasts, which serve a crucial role in certain types of cancer such as pancreatic, breast, liver and lung cancer. The present study aimed to examine the cytoprotective effects of luteolin (3',4',5,7‑tetrahydroxyflavone) against hydrogen peroxide (HO)‑generated oxidative stress in lung fibroblasts. To examine the effects of luteolin against HO‑induced damages, cell viability, sub‑G cell population, nuclear staining with Hoechst 33342, lipid peroxidation and comet assays were performed.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This study investigated the mechanism of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) cytotoxicity from a mitochondrial perspective. The effect of AgNP on manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), a mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme, against oxidative stress has not been studied in detail. We demonstrated that AgNP decreased MnSOD mRNA level, protein expression, and activity in human Chang liver cells in a time-dependent manner.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Runt domain transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) suppresses many different cancer types and is disabled by mutations, epigenetic repression, or cytoplasmic mislocalization. In this study, we investigated whether oxidative stress is associated with RUNX3 accumulation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in terms of histone modification. Oxidative stress elevated histone deacetylase (HDAC) level and lowered that of histone acetyltransferase.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM) poses a serious threat to human health and is responsible for respiratory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and skin disorders. 3-Bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (3-BDB), abundant in marine red algae, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The skin is directly exposed to atmospheric pollutants, especially particulate matter 2.5 (PM) in the air, which poses significant harm to skin health. However, limited research has been performed to identify molecules that can confer resistance to such substances.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Researchers have developed a manual-to-powered wheelchair conversion kit that uses a hybrid control system combining electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyography (EMG), aiming to assist users with diminished muscle strength or paresis.
  • The system achieved impressive accuracy rates (85% overall, 97.3% with LSTM) in detecting user attentiveness and navigation intentions, using a low-cost EEG headset and EMG armband for ease of use.
  • This innovation aims to improve the quality of life for older and disabled individuals by making powered wheelchairs more accessible and user-friendly.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The exposure of the human skin to particulate matter 2.5 (PM) results in adverse health outcomes, such as skin aging, wrinkle formation, pigment spots, and atopic dermatitis. It has previously been shown that rosmarinic acid (RA) can protect keratinocytes from ultraviolet B radiation by enhancing cellular antioxidant systems and reducing oxidative damage; however, its protective action against the adverse effects of PM on skin cells remains unclear.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Particulate matter (PM) can make skin cells called keratinocytes produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are harmful molecules that can damage cells.!* -
  • The study found that this ROS production happens through a system involving specific proteins called NOX1, NOX4, and DUOX1, as well as calcium signaling.!* -
  • The particles also interact with a receptor called AhR, which helps turn on the genes for NOX1 and DUOX1, leading to more ROS being made in skin cells.!*
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background/aim: Melanoma is a prevalent malignant tumor that arises from melanocytes. The treatment of malignant melanoma has become challenging due to the development of drug resistance. It is, therefore, imperative to identify novel therapeutic drug candidates for controlling malignant melanoma.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF