GS PAPER 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY)
THE HINDU EDITORIAL ANALYSIS
- TMC researchers discovered conclusive evidence in cell lines, animal studies, and phase-2 clinical trials that cell-free chromatin fragments ( a complex of DNA and protein found in eukaryotic cells. Its primary function is to package DNA into a more compact, denser shape. It also plays a vital role in reinforcing the DNA during cell division, preventing DNA damage, and controlling gene expression and DNA replication.) released from dying cells can enter healthy cells, integrate into their genomes, and trigger DNA damage, apoptosis (Apoptosis, often referred to as programmed cell death, is a process that occurs in multicellular organisms. It's a natural part of growth and development where cells are systematically eliminated to maintain balance in the body.) and inflammation.
1. Cell-free Chromatin Fragments and Their Effects:
- The proposed theory suggests that repeated assaults on healthy cells by these fragments may be the underlying cause of ageing and various age-related disorders, including cancer.
2. Nutraceutical (A nutraceutical is a term used to describe any substance that is a food or part of a food and provides medical or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease)
Intervention:
- A combination of two nutraceuticals, resveratrol (Resveratrol is a plant compound that acts like an antioxidant. It's found in various foods and drinks, most notably in the skin of red grapes, but also in peanuts and berries) and copper, was found to minimize the damaging effects of cell-free chromatin fragments.
- This challenges the conventional belief that chemotherapy toxicity is primarily due to the direct damaging effects of drugs on healthy cells.
3. Testing on Patients:
- The resveratrol-copper combination was tested on 25 patients undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation for multiple myeloma and 30 patients with advanced gastric cancer.
- Patients receiving the combination experienced significantly less chemotherapy toxicity.
4. Potential Oncogenicity and Metastasis Prevention:
- Earlier reports indicated that cell-free chromatin particles released from dying cancer cells may be potentially oncogenic(Oncogenic refers to anything that has the potential to cause tumors or cancer.).
- Studies in mice suggested that oncogenes carried by blood accumulated in brain cells.
- The researchers propose that the resveratrol-copper combination may prevent metastatic spread, with randomized trials needed to establish its effectiveness.
5. FSSAI Approval and Future Use:
- Dr. Mittra believes that there is sufficient evidence to support the reduction of chemotoxicity in cancer patients using resveratrol-copper, pending randomized trial results.
- Once certified as a nutraceutical, Dr. Mittra sees no harm in patients using it to prevent cancer metastasis due to its non-toxic nature.
6. Scientific Evidence and Personal Testimonials:
- Resveratrol-copper is described as a nutraceutical product with substantial scientific evidence supporting its benefits for various conditions, including retarding aging parameters and preventing Alzheimer's disease.
- Personal testimonials, including Dr. Mittra's experience and the positive impact on an Alzheimer's patient, contribute to the endorsement of resveratrol-copper tablets.
7. Regulatory Route and Industry Partnership:
- TMC opted for FSSAI approval as a nutraceutical instead of seeking drug regulator CDSCO approval.
- The decision was influenced by challenges faced by an industry partner in obtaining DCGI approval for the resveratrol-copper formulation, which involved sourcing from different vendors.