No abstract

Synchronized crosstalk between the embryo and endometrium during the periconception period is integral to pregnancy establishment. Increasing evidence suggests that the exchange of extracellular vesicles (EVs) of both embryonic and endometrial origin is a critical component of embryo–maternal communication during peri-implantation. Here, we investigated whether embryonic signals in the form of EVs can modulate the endometrial epithelial cell secretome. Receptive endometrial analog RL95-2 cells were supplemented with trophoblast analog JAr cell-derived EVs, and the secretory protein changes occurring in the RL95-2 cells were analyzed using mass spectrometry. EVs of non-trophoblastic origin (HEK 293 cells) were used as the control EV source to supplement endometrial cells. Trophoblast cell-derived EVs enriched endometrial epithelial cell secretions with proteins that support embryo development, attachment, or implantation, whereas control EVs were unable to induce the same effect. The present study suggests that embryonic signals in the form of EVs may prime receptive endometrial epithelial cells to enrich their secretory proteome with critical proteomic molecules with functional importance for periconception milieu formation.

Growth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) are crucial for female reproductive functions. The cyclic regulation of the local GH/IGF1 axis in the oviduct and its involvement in oviductal contraction in cattle has not been investigated. Thus, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression for GH receptor (GHR), IGF1, IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) in the whole oviducts, as well as in cultured bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOECs) were evaluated. The GHR, IGF1, and IGF1R mRNA expression was significantly higher during postovulatory phase. The luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol‐17β (E2), and LH + E2 treatments significantly increased GHR and IGF1 mRNA expression in cultured BOECs. Further, GH and combination of GH with LH and E2 upregulated IGF1 mRNA expression in the BOECs. Moreover, IGF1 + LH and combined IGF1 + LH + E2 treatments significantly increased prostaglandin synthesis cascade enzyme mRNA expression in the BOECs. An ex vivo microdialysis assay revealed that GH and IGF1 induced the release of oviductal contraction related prostaglandins, endothelin‐1, and angiotensin II in follicular and postovulatory phases. Together, the findings strongly suggest that the presence of the active GH/IGF1 axis during the peri‐ovulatory period, regulating the local system for the release of oviductal contraction related substances, which may provide the optimal oviductal environment for gametes and early embryo.

Introduction Self-monitoring of fasting, pre and postprandial blood glucose (SMBG) is an integral part of diabetic care. The validity and accuracy of different glucometer types vary significantly and at present, none of the local authorities carry out pre or post marketing evaluation of these devices in Sri Lanka. This study evaluated the accuracy and validity of 3 types of SMBG devices available over the counter, Device 1, Device 2 and Device 3 against a standard laboratory reference method. Methods A random sample of 103 capillary and venous blood samples were analyzed from diabetic pregnant patients admitted to Teaching Hospital Peradeniya for Blood Sugar Series Testing. Haematocrit value was also obtained by microhaematocrit method. Analytical and clinical accuracy were determined. Results The correlation coefficiencies were 0.856, 0.880 and 0.873 for Device 1, Device 2 and Device 3, respectively. Only Device 2 met the International Standardization Organization (ISO) performance standards for glucometers for glucose values >100 mg/dL whereas none of them met the ISO criteria for values <100 mg/ dL. In surveillance error grids, 87.8%, 93.3% and 81.6% of the data points were within non risk zone for Device 1, Device 2 and Device 3 whereas 11.1%, 4.4% and 17.2% were within slightly lower risk hypoglycemia area. All types of glucometers were less reliable in detecting hypoglyacaemia. Conclusions The over the counter SMBG monitoring systems are encountering certain problems in terms of accuracy and validity. Clinicians should exercise caution in making clinical decisions based on glucometer values for diabetic pregnant patients.

Background Cervical cancer (CC) is the second leading type of cancer among females in Sri Lanka. Unawareness about risk factors, prevention methods, socio-cultural and economic factors hinder women from participating in screening programmes offered currently. This study intended to assess the factors associated with uptake of cervical cancer screening programmes by women, among a cohort of gynecology clinic attendees.