RECENT DEVELOPMENT

The Revised Draft Guidelines for Stem Cell Research, 2017 (DGBT Guidelines) were formulated by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in India to regulate and guide stem cell research in the country. These guidelines supersede the previous guidelines issued in 2006 and 2013.

The key objectives of the DGBT Guidelines are to

• Ensure the safety and ethical conduct of stem cell research.
• Promote high-quality stem cell research.
• Facilitate the translation of stem cell research into clinical applications.
• Protect the rights and interests of stem cell donors and recipients.

Key Features of the DGBT Guidelines:

• Classification of stem cells: The guidelines classify stem cells into different categories based on their origin and developmental potential. This classification helps to determine the specific regulatory requirements for each type of stem cell research.
• Institutional oversight: The guidelines require all institutions conducting stem cell research to establish an Institutional Committee for Stem Cell Research and Therapy (IC-SCRT). The IC-SCRT is responsible for reviewing and approving all stem cell research proposals and ensuring that they comply with the DGBT Guidelines.
• Informed consent: The guidelines require that all stem cell donors and recipients provide informed consent for their participation in research. Informed consent must be based on a clear understanding of the risks and benefits of the research, as well as the potential alternative treatments available.
• Import and export of stem cells: The guidelines regulate the import and export of stem cells and stem cell lines. A permit is required from the DBT for the import and export of all stem cells.
• Clinical trials: The guidelines set out the requirements for conducting clinical trials of stem cell therapies. Clinical trials must be approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and must comply with the Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.

Impact of the DGBT Guidelines

The DGBT Guidelines have had a significant impact on stem cell research in India. They have helped to improve the quality and safety of stem cell research, and they have facilitated the translation of stem cell research into clinical applications. However, some challenges remain, such as the need for more funding for stem cell research and the need to raise awareness of the DGBT Guidelines among researchers and the public. 

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the positive impact of the DGBT Guidelines, some challenges need to be addressed:

• Limited awareness: There is a need to raise awareness about the guidelines among researchers and the public.
• Capacity building: There is a need to build capacity in terms of infrastructure, expertise, and human resources to support high-quality stem cell research.
• Addressing ethical concerns: New and emerging technologies raise new ethical concerns that need to be addressed through ongoing discussions and revisions of the guidelines.

The DGBT Guidelines are a positive step forward for stem cell research in India. They provide a clear framework for conducting safe and ethical stem cell research, and they will help to ensure that India remains at the forefront of this rapidly developing field.

3. Therapy for sepsis Curcumin

While curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, holds promise for various therapeutic applications, its effectiveness in treating sepsis remains an active area of research with both promising results and significant limitations. Here's a breakdown of what we know so far:

Potential Benefits of Curcumin

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Curcumin demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory effects, potentially mitigating the excessive immune response that characterizes sepsis.
• Antioxidant activity: Curcumin's antioxidant properties can combat oxidative stress, a major contributor to organ damage in sepsis.
• Improved organ function: Studies suggest curcumin may protect organs like the lungs and kidneys from damage during sepsis.
• Antimicrobial effects: Some studies show curcumin's potential to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria associated with sepsis.

Challenges and Limitations

• Limited clinical evidence: While research suggests potential benefits, large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm curcumin's efficacy and safety in treating sepsis patients.
• Bioavailability issues: Curcumin has poor bioavailability, meaning the body struggles to absorb and utilize it effectively. This limits its therapeutic potential.
• Dosage and formulation: Determining the optimal dosage and formulation of curcumin for therapeutic benefit in sepsis remains an ongoing challenge.
• Interactions with medications: Curcumin may interact with certain medications, necessitating careful monitoring and potential adjustments in treatment plans.

Current State of Research

• Ongoing research is exploring various approaches to improve curcumin's bioavailability and optimize its therapeutic potential for sepsis.
• Some studies utilizing specific formulations and delivery methods have shown promising results, but further research is needed for definitive conclusions.
• Curcumin is generally considered safe, but its use in sepsis therapy should be discussed with a healthcare professional, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions or taking medications.

While curcumin shows potential benefits for sepsis therapy due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, its efficacy and safety require further investigation through larger clinical trials. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding the potential benefits and risks of using curcumin in managing sepsis.

4. A bioactive component of turmeric treats cancer

It's important to be cautious about statements claiming a single natural ingredient like curcumin can "treat" cancer. While curcumin, the bioactive component of turmeric, has shown promise in preclinical and early-stage clinical research, it's crucial to understand the current state of knowledge and avoid misleading claims:

Promising Preclinical and Early-Stage Research

• Curcumin possesses various properties that could potentially benefit cancer treatment, including:
  • Anti-inflammatory activity: Reducing chronic inflammation linked to cancer development and progression.
  • Anti-oxidant activity: Combating cell damage from free radicals that contribute to carcinogenesis.
  • Anti-proliferative effects: Inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells.
  • Induction of apoptosis: Triggering programmed cell death in cancer cells.
• Several preclinical studies and some early-stage clinical trials have shown encouraging results, suggesting curcumin's potential in various aspects of cancer management, such as:
  • Enhancing the efficacy of conventional cancer therapies (e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy).
  • Reducing treatment side effects.
  • Improving overall patient outcomes.

Important Caveats and Limitations

• While preliminary research is promising, it's essential to remember that curcumin is not a proven cure for cancer.
• Most research is still in preclinical or early clinical stages, meaning more extensive studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety in humans.
• Curcumin has poor bioavailability, meaning the body struggles to absorb and utilize it effectively. This limits its potential therapeutic effects.
• Studies typically use concentrated curcumin extracts or specific formulations to achieve sufficient dosages, which may not be readily available in common turmeric consumption.

While the potential of curcumin in cancer therapy is actively explored, it's crucial to avoid making claims of a "cure" or definitive effectiveness. Responsible reporting and individual consultations with healthcare professionals are essential for navigating this complex topic.

5. Embryo transfer technology to increase livestock productivity

Embryo transfer technology (ETT) is indeed a powerful tool for increasing livestock productivity, but it's important to understand its nuances and potential limitations. Here's a comprehensive breakdown:

Benefits

• Increased offspring: ETT allows selective breeding of highly productive females, resulting in a larger number of offspring with desired genetic traits. This can significantly improve herd quality and milk/meat production.
• Shorter generation intervals: ETT enables the collection and transfer of multiple embryos from a single donor, reducing the time between generations and accelerating genetic improvement.
• Disease control: Embryos collected from disease-free animals can be transferred to healthy recipients, minimizing the risk of spreading diseases within the herd.
• Preservation of endangered breeds: ETT allows for the preservation of rare or endangered breeds by collecting and storing embryos for future use.

Types of ETT

• Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET): This method stimulates a donor female to produce multiple eggs, which are then fertilized and collected for transfer.
• In Vitro Embryo Production (IVEP): This technique involves collecting eggs from a donor female, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory setting, and then transferring the resulting embryos to recipients.

Considerations and Limitations

• Cost: ETT can be expensive due to specialized equipment, expertise, and animal care requirements.
• Technical expertise: Successful implementation requires skilled technicians and veterinarians.
• Animal welfare concerns: The process can be stressful for donor animals, and ethical considerations regarding animal welfare must be addressed.
• Limited genetic diversity: Over-reliance on ETT can lead to reduced genetic diversity within a herd, increasing susceptibility to diseases and environmental challenges.
• Not a silver bullet: ETT should be used in conjunction with other good breeding practices, nutrition management, and disease control measures for optimal results.

ETT is a valuable tool for increasing livestock productivity when implemented responsibly and ethically. However, it's important to carefully consider the potential benefits, limitations, and costs before making a decision. Consulting with a veterinarian or animal breeding specialist can help you determine if ETT is a suitable option for your specific needs and goals.

6. “SOHUM’ an indigenously developed newborn hearing screening device

SOHUM, the indigenously developed newborn hearing screening device, is indeed a significant advancement in ensuring early detection and management of hearing loss in newborns. 

Key Features

• Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) technology: SOHUM employs the gold standard BAER technology, providing an accurate and reliable measurement of hearing function.
• Non-invasive and painless: No sedation or insertion into the ear canal is required, making the screening process comfortable for newborns.
• Affordable and portable: Compared to traditional screening methods, SOHUM is designed to be cost-effective and easily transportable, enabling wider accessibility in resource-limited settings.
• Patented ambient noise filtering algorithm: This feature ensures accurate readings even in noisy environments, improving the reliability of screening in diverse settings.
• Developed by the School of International Biodesign (SIB): This initiative exemplifies successful collaboration between academia and industry to address unmet healthcare needs.

Potential Impact

• Early detection of hearing loss: SOHUM has the potential to enable early diagnosis and intervention for hearing loss, improving communication skills, educational outcomes, and overall quality of life for newborns.
• Reduced healthcare burden: Timely diagnosis and management can prevent complications associated with undetected hearing loss, lowering the long-term costs for individuals and healthcare systems.
• Increased accessibility: Affordable and portable technology like SOHUM can expand access to hearing screening in resource-limited settings, promoting greater equity in healthcare delivery.
• Boosting indigenous innovation: SOHUM serves as an example of successful indigenous development of medical technology, fostering self-reliance and potentially exporting solutions to other developing countries.

Limitations and Challenges

• Training and awareness: Healthcare professionals need adequate training on using and interpreting SOHUM results for effective implementation.
• Long-term: Early detection needs to be followed by appropriate diagnostic and intervention services, which might require further infrastructure development in some areas.
• Sustainable implementation: Ensuring widespread availability and long-term maintenance of SOHUM through robust healthcare systems is crucial for sustained impact.

SOHUM holds immense promise for improving early detection and management of hearing loss in newborns, particularly in resource-limited settings. Addressing existing challenges and ensuring sustainable implementation can maximize the positive impact of this innovative technology on the lives of children and families.

7. Kyasanur forest disease or monkey fever developed

Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, is a viral hemorrhagic fever that primarily affects monkeys and humans. It is transmitted by infected hard ticks of the genus Haemaphysalis. While the disease is not as prevalent as other mosquito-borne diseases, it can be serious and even fatal if left untreated.

• Cause: Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV), a member of the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus.
• Transmission: Primarily through the bite of infected hard ticks of the genus Haemaphysalis.
• Symptoms: Symptoms of KFD typically appear 3-8 days after a tick bite. They can range from mild to severe and may include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bleeding. In severe cases, organ failure and death can occur.
• Treatment: There is no specific treatment for KFD. Treatment is primarily supportive, aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Antiviral drugs may be helpful in some cases.
• Prevention: The most important way to prevent KFD is to avoid tick bites. This can be done by using insect repellent, wearing long pants and sleeves when outdoors, and checking for ticks after being in areas where ticks are common.
• Distribution: KFD is primarily found in the Western Ghats region of India, but cases have also been reported in other parts of the country and neighbouring Nepal.

Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) is a serious but preventable disease that affects pregnant women and their newborns. It is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which produces a toxin that can lead to severe muscle contractions and spasms. Tetanus is often associated with unclean delivery practices and lack of immunization.

• Transmission: Tetanus spores are present in soil and can enter the body through cuts, wounds, or the umbilical stump of a newborn during unhygienic deliveries or practices. Neonatal tetanus occurs when newborns are exposed to tetanus spores during childbirth.
• Symptoms: Symptoms in newborns may include difficulty feeding, irritability, and muscle stiffness. In mothers, symptoms may include muscle stiffness, difficulty swallowing, and fever.
• Prevention: Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus is preventable through vaccination. The tetanus toxoid vaccine is a part of routine immunization programs for pregnant women and is also administered in supplemental immunization campaigns in high-risk areas.
• Elimination Efforts: The World Health Organization (WHO) has been working towards the global elimination of Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus. Elimination is achieved by ensuring that at least 80% of pregnant women receive a full course of tetanus toxoid immunization.
• Elimination Certification: Countries that have successfully reduced the incidence of maternal and neonatal tetanus to a very low level can be certified by the WHO as having eliminated the disease. India, along with other countries, has achieved remarkable progress, exceeding the global target of elimination in 2015.
• High-Risk Areas: Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus is more common in regions with limited access to healthcare, poor sanitation, and unhygienic delivery practices.
• Global Progress: Significant progress has been made globally in eliminating Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus. Many countries have successfully eliminated the disease, particularly through vaccination campaigns.
• Challenges: Despite progress, challenges include reaching remote and underserved populations, ensuring adequate vaccine coverage, and addressing cultural or logistical barriers to vaccination.

Regular monitoring, vaccination campaigns, and ongoing healthcare infrastructure improvements are essential components of the global effort to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus. Pregnant women need to receive proper antenatal care and vaccinations to protect themselves and their newborns from this preventable disease.

8.2. H5N1

H5N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus, commonly known as avian influenza or bird flu. The "H5" and "N1" refer to the specific proteins on the surface of the virus, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N), which play crucial roles in the virus's ability to infect cells and spread.

Key points about H5N1 avian influenza:

• Host and Reservoir: H5N1 primarily infects birds, especially wild waterfowl and certain domestic poultry species. It can cause severe illness and high mortality rates in infected birds.
• Transmission to Humans: While H5N1 mainly affects birds, there have been cases of human infection, typically associated with close contact with infected birds or their environments. Human-to-human transmission is considered rare, but it can occur in certain circumstances.
• Clinical Symptoms in Humans: Human infections with H5N1 can result in severe respiratory illness, with symptoms ranging from fever and cough to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The mortality rate among humans infected with H5N1 has been relatively high, making it a concern for public health authorities.
• Global Spread: H5N1 has been reported in several countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Efforts to control the spread of H5N1 in birds include culling infected poultry, implementing biosecurity measures, and monitoring wild bird populations.
• Vaccination and Preparedness: Vaccines have been developed to protect poultry from H5N1 infection, and surveillance is crucial for early detection in both birds and humans. Preparedness plans are in place globally to respond to potential outbreaks and to minimize the impact on human and animal health.
• Antiviral Medications: Antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza), are effective against H5N1 in humans, but early treatment is critical.
• Pandemic Concerns: H5N1 is monitored closely due to its potential to mutate and potentially cause a global influenza pandemic. Monitoring and surveillance of influenza viruses, including H5N1, are critical components of global public health efforts.
• One Health Approach: The "One Health" approach involves collaborative efforts between human and animal health sectors to address zoonotic diseases like H5N1 that can affect both animals and humans.

Efforts to control H5N1 focus on preventing the spread of the virus in birds, monitoring for human cases, and preparing for potential outbreaks. The ability of the virus to undergo genetic changes underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and research to understand its behaviour and potential risks.

 

8.3. Yaws

Yaws is a tropical infectious disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue. It is a non-venereal treponematosis, meaning it is not sexually transmitted. Yaws primarily affects skin, bones, and cartilage and is typically found in tropical regions with poor living conditions. The disease is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with infectious lesions of an infected person.

• Causative Agent: Yaws is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue, which is closely related to the bacterium causing syphilis (Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum).
• Transmission: Yaws is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with the infectious lesion of an infected person. The disease is more common in crowded and impoverished communities with poor hygiene and limited access to healthcare.
• Clinical Manifestations: Yaws typically begin with the appearance of a painless ulcerative lesion, known as a primary chancre, at the site of contact. If left untreated, the disease can progress to secondary lesions, including skin nodules and rashes. In advanced stages, yaws can affect bones and joints, leading to chronic disfigurement.
• Epidemiology: Yaws is prevalent in warm and humid tropical regions of Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America. The disease is more common in children, but it can affect individuals of any age.
• Diagnosis: The diagnosis of yaws is typically based on clinical signs and symptoms. Serological tests can be used to confirm the diagnosis.
• Treatment: Yaws can be effectively treated with antibiotics such as penicillin or other suitable alternatives. Mass treatment campaigns are often conducted in affected communities to control the spread of the disease.
• Prevention: Prevention strategies include early case detection, contact tracing, and mass treatment campaigns in affected communities. Improving hygiene and living conditions can also contribute to preventing the transmission of yaws.
• World Health Organization (WHO) Eradication Efforts: The WHO has initiated efforts to eliminate yaws by implementing mass treatment campaigns in affected regions. The goal is to reduce the prevalence of yaws to a level where it is no longer a public health problem.

 

Yaws is a neglected tropical disease, and efforts are underway to eliminate it as a public health problem. Early detection, effective treatment, and public health interventions are crucial in controlling the spread of yaws and preventing long-term complications.

 

9. Mission Indradhanush

 

Mission Indradhanush is a national immunization program launched by the Government of India in December 2014. The goal of the mission is to achieve 90% full immunization coverage for all children up to two years of age and pregnant women across India. The mission covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, including Diphtheria, Whooping cough, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Pneumonia and meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Japanese encephalitis and Rotavirus diarrhoea. 

 

The mission uses a variety of strategies to reach its target population, including:

• House-to-house visits: Health workers visit households to identify and vaccinate children and pregnant women who are missed by the routine immunization program.
• Fixed vaccination camps: Vaccination camps are held in schools, community centres, and other public places to make it easy for people to get vaccinated.
• Mobile vaccination teams: Mobile vaccination teams travel to remote areas to reach children and pregnant women who are otherwise difficult to reach.

Mission Indradhanush has been a major success in increasing immunization coverage in India. As of December 2023, the mission has reached over 100 million children and pregnant women. The mission has helped to reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases in India. For example, the incidence of measles has fallen by 97% since the launch of the mission. Mission Indradhanush is a critical part of India's efforts to improve public health and reduce child mortality.

 

10. New TB Drug Regimen

There are indeed promising advancements in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), particularly with the emergence of new drug regimens. 

Recent Breakthrough

• The World Health Organization (WHO) in December 2022 endorsed a new all-oral, 6-month treatment regimen for drug-resistant and pre-extensively drug-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB and pre-XDR-TB).
• This regimen, referred to as BPaLM/BPaL, utilizes bedaquiline (B), pretomanid (Pa), linezolid (L), and moxifloxacin (M), or bedaquiline and pretomanid without moxifloxacin for pre-XDR-TB.
• Compared to the conventional treatment for MDR/RR-TB, which can last 18-24 months and involve painful injections and potentially severe side effects, this new regimen offers several advantages:
  • Shorter duration: Significantly reduces treatment time, improving patient adherence and potentially decreasing transmission.
  • All-oral: Eliminates the need for injections, enhancing patient comfort and accessibility.
  • Improved efficacy: Clinical trials show higher success rates compared to standard treatment.
  • Reduced side effects: Fewer reported side effects compared to conventional regimens.

Limitations and Considerations

• While promising, BPaLM/BPaL is still relatively new and requires further experience and data analysis.
• Access to the new drugs and their affordability might pose challenges in resource-limited settings.
• Monitoring for potential side effects and drug interactions remains crucial.

Other New Regimens: Several other new drug candidates and shorter treatment regimens are under investigation, offering hope for further advancements in TB therapy.

Significance

• The development of new TB drug regimens like BPaLM/BPaL represents a significant step forward in combating this global health challenge.
• Shorter, less toxic treatment options have the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce treatment costs, and ultimately control the spread of TB.
• Continued research and development, along with equitable access to these new therapies, are essential to maximize their impact on global TB control efforts.

 

 

Previous Year Questions 1. H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases? (upsc 2015) (a) AIDS        (b) Bird flu      (c) Dengue           (d) Swine flu Answer: D 2. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020) Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent. A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage. Human induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only     (b) 2 and 3 only         (c) 2 only                (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: D   3. With reference to ‘stem cells’, frequently in the news, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? (UPSC 2012) Stem cells can be derived from mammals only. Stem cells can be used for screenings new drugs. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies. Select the correct answer using the codes given below. (a) 1 only       (b) 2 and 3 only       (c) 3 only           (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: B 4. 'RNA interference (RNAi)' technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why? (UPSC 2019) It is used in developing gene silencing therapies. It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer. It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies. It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1, 2 and 4      (b) 2 and 3         (c) 1 and 3         (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Answer: A