A Comparison of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Hepatocyte-like Cells and HepG2 Cells for Use in Drug-Induced Liver Injury Studies.

Liver cell lines obtained from hepatomas, for example, HepG2 cells, are commonly used in drug toxicity studies. However, functional hepatocyte-like cells derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could be a better option for use in the study of drug metabolism and toxicity. Overdose of acetaminophen (APAP) and excess alcohol consumption are common causes of liver damage.

Therapeutic uses of post-partum tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cell secretome.

Human post-partum tissue mesenchymal stromal cells (hPPT-MSCs) are widely used in research to investigate their differentiation capabilities and therapeutic effects as potential agents in cell-based therapy. This is ascribed to the advantages offered by the use of MSCs isolated from hPPT over other MSC sources. A paradigm shift in related research is evident that focuses on the secretome of the human MSCs (hMSCs), as therapeutic effects of hMSCs are attributed more so to their secreted growth factors, cytokines and chemokines and to the extracellular vesicles (EVs), all of which are components of the hMSC secretome.

Recurrent empty follicle syndrome with different stimulation protocols - A case report.

We report a case of recurrent empty follicle syndrome (EFS) where no oocytes were aspirated in two separate IVF cycles using two different protocols. In the second cycle, oocyte aspiration in one ovary was delayed for 24 hours after administering a second dose of human chorionic gonadotropin injection (hCG) and still no oocytes were recovered. In view of the presence of severe male factor infertility and failure to retrieve oocytes in 2 stimulated cycles, the couple was offered donor embryo transfer which resulted in a singleton pregnancy.

Inequalities in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its risk factors in Sri Lanka: a lower middle income country.

Background: Explorations into quantifying the inequalities for diabetes mellitus (DM) and its risk factors are scarce in low and lower middle income countries (LICs/LMICs). The aims of this study were to assess the inequalities of DM and its risk factors in a suburban district of Sri Lanka.

Methods: A sample of 1300 participants, (aged 35-64 years) randomly selected using a stratified multi-stage cluster sampling method, were studied employing a cross sectional descriptive design.

Polyphenols contribute to the antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of Phyllanthus debilis plant in-vitro.

Background: Phyllanthus debilis (Elapitawakka) is a medicinal plant used in traditional systems of medicine in Sri Lanka. Present study was carried out to evaluate in-vitro anti-oxidant and anti-proliferative activity of the water extracts of aerial parts (AP) and roots (RP) of P.debilis plant and the role of polyphenolic compounds in view of its medicinal use.

A survey on socioeconomic determinants of diabetes mellitus management in a lower middle income setting.

Background: Information on socioeconomic determinants in the management of diabetes mellitus is scarce in lower middle income countries. The aim of this study is to describe the socioeconomic determinants of management and complications of diabetes mellitus in a lower middle income setting.

Methods: Cross sectional descriptive study on a stratified random sample of 1300 individuals was conducted by an interviewer administered questionnaire, clinical examinations and blood investigations.

A cross sectional survey on social, cultural and economic determinants of obesity in a low middle income setting.

Introduction: Obesity is an increasing problem in South Asian countries and Sri Lanka is no exception. The socioeconomic determinants of obesity in Sri Lanka, and in neighbouring countries are inadequately described. Aim was to describe social, cultural and economic determinants of obesity in a representative sample from Kalutara District in Sri Lanka.

Social, cultural and economical determinants of diabetes mellitus in Kalutara district, Sri Lanka: a cross sectional descriptive study.

Introduction: Sri Lanka is a country that is expected to face a high burden of diabetes mellitus (DM). There is a paucity of data on social and demographic determinants of DM, especially in the plantation sector.

Aims: To describe social and economic correlates and inequalities of DM in Kalutara District.