THE GIST of Editorial for UPSC Exams : 16 March 2020 (TIFR study reveals role of glucose in regulating liver functions, ageing(Indian Express))

TIFR study reveals role of glucose in regulating liver functions, ageing(Indian Express)

Mains Paper 2:Health
Prelims level:SIRT1
Mains level: Key highlights of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research study associated with regulation of metabolic activities and ageing

Context:

• An enzyme that goes by the name SIRT1 is known to be associated with regulation of metabolic activities and also ageing and hence has become a target of therapeutics.
• A study by researchers from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai (TIFR) shows that glucose controls the function of SIRT1 directly.
• A shortage or absence of this control can lead to a diabetic-like state, while excess feeding and sustained low levels of SIRT1 can lead to obesity and enhanced ageing.

Health and feeding regimen:

• There are many diseases related to high calorie content in the body, such as metabolic disorders as shown in animal studies.
• Studies have shown that metabolic diseases are associated with wrong feeding regimen, even in humans.
• Every organism has evolved so as to feed and then alternately fast, so it becomes important to understand this cycle.
• This cycle, known as the feed-fast cycle is a basic pattern and the metabolism related to this is largely taken care of by the liver.

Role of glucose:

• To working on a different angle, the group has discovered that glucose controls the functions of a protein SIRT1 which in turn maintains everyday feed-fast cycles and is also associated with longevity.
• In normal healthy individuals, .........................................................

CLICK HERE FOR FULL EDITORIAL (Only for Course Members)

Way forward:

• This study paves the way to regulating this modification, which might be beneficial in tackling lifestyle disorders and ageing related diseases.
• The group next seeks to investigate if glucose-dependent control can dictate gene expression during feed-fast cycles.
• Also, we would like to investigate if small chemical molecules or drugs can selectively activate SIRT1 which could be used in the clinic to either increase or decrease the levels of SIRT1, as per the needs of the individual.

  Click here to Join IAS PRE Online Course

  General Studies Pre. Cum Mains Study Materials

Prelims Questions:

Q.1)Which of the following are the draft recommendations by nine working groups, constituted after the Lok Sabha election on electoral reforms?
1. Issuing electronic versions of the voter ID card — EPIC — for convenience of voters
2. Replacing all the forms for various voter services, including registration of new voter and change of address, with one single form
3. Imposing a “silence period of 48 hours” before polling on social media and print media.
4. Starting online registration facilities at the school or college-level for all prospective voters at 17 years of age.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) All the above

Answer: ....................................

CLICK HERE FOR FULL EDITORIAL (Only for Course Members)

Mains Questions:
Q.1) How both over-activation and under-activation of longevity factor SIRT1 can lead to diseases?