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The Sri Lankan Twin Registry (SLTR), established in 1997, is a unique resource for twin and genetic research in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC). It comprises of a volunteer cohort of 14,120 twins (7,060 pairs) and 119 sets of triplets, and a population-based cohort of 19,040 (9,520 pairs) twins and 89 sets of triplets. Several studies have been conducted using this registry, including the Colombo Twin and Singleton Study (CoTaSS 1; 4,387 twins, 2,311 singletons), which have explored the prevalence and heritability of a range of psychiatric disorders as well as gene-environmental interplay. Currently, a follow-up study (CoTaSS 2) of the same cohort is underway, looking at the prevalence and interrelationship of key cardiovascular and metabolic risk markers (e.g., metabolic syndrome). A significant feature of CoTaSS 2 is the establishment of a biobank. Current SLTR work is extending beyond mental health and the interface between mental and physical health to new horizons, extending collaborations with the wider global twin research community. Ethics and governance have been given special emphasis in the initiative. Capacity building and public engagement are two crucial components. Establishment of a state-of-the-art genetic laboratory was a major accomplishment. SLTR is a classic showcase of successful North–South partnership in building a progressive research infrastructure in a LMIC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have shown associations between major depression and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Few studies have considered the extent to which shared genetic and environmental factors contribute to this association, nor have they considered the relationship outside of European populations. We examined the association between CRP levels and depression and their aetiology in a Sri Lankan population.Methods: Data were collected from 2577 twins and 899 singletons in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Depression symptoms were assessed using the revised Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). High-sensitive CRP blood levels were assessed using immunoturbidimetry. Linear regressions were performed to test the association between CRP and depression. The heritability of CRP levels was estimated using Structural Equation Modelling.Results: CRP was significantly associated with BMI (p < 0.01) but not depression (p > 0.05). In males, variance in CRP levels was explained by shared environment (51% 95%CIs: 13-62) and non-shared environment (45% 95%CIs: 36-54). In contrast, in females, CRP variance was explained by genetic (41% 95%CIs: 10-52) and non-shared environment (56% 95%CIs: 47-67). A genetic correlation between CRP and BMI was observed in females only.Limitations: CRP level was based on a single data collection point, longer term data collection would give a more accurate picture of an individual's state of inflammation.Conclusions: The lack of association between depression and CRP strengthens the hypothesis that inflammation might contribute to the development of some, but not all types of depression. CRP levels were moderated by the environment, suggesting interventions aimed at reducing CRP levels and risk for inflammatory conditions, particularly in males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]