Indian scientists engaged in the Garbh-Ini program have recently made a noteworthy breakthrough. They have identified 19 genetic markers linked to preterm birth, a primary cause of neonatal mortality worldwide. Being able to recognize these genetic markers could significantly aid in anticipating high-risk pregnancies, enabling careful monitoring and leading to enhanced maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Understanding Preterm Birth
Preterm birth, also colloquially known as premature birth, is defined as the birth of a baby prior to the completion of 37 weeks of gestation. There are various levels of preterm birth based on the gestational age; including extremely (less than 28 weeks), very (28 to 32 weeks) and moderate to late preterm (32 to 37 weeks).
This issue is particularly significant in India and Southeast Asia, where it contributes to delayed mental and physical development in infants and increases their risk of diseases in adulthood. Globally, one out of every 10 births is preterm. In India alone, approximately 13% of all annual births are preterm. This puts India at the top of the global list, accounting for 23.4% of preterm births.
The Risks Associated with Preterm Birth
Preterm babies face two to four times higher risk of post-birth death compared to babies born after full term gestation. Furthermore, preterm babies when they grow into adults, are at higher risk of chronic conditions such as Type-2 diabetes, hypertension and cancer.
Decoding Genetic Markers
Genetic markers, also called DNA markers or genetic variants, are particular DNA segments linked to specific traits, features, or conditions. They include both DNA sequences and distinct variations in the DNA sequence, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the most common type of genetic marker.
These markers significantly contribute to genetics research and clinical practice, as they allow identification and study of genetic variations possibly associated with diseases, disorders, or other biological traits. The identified SNPs are known to control critical biological processes including inflammation, apoptosis, cervical ripening, telomere maintenance, selenocysteine biosynthesis, myometrial contraction, and innate immunity.
About Garbh-Ini
Garbh-Ini, established by the Department of Biotechnology in 2014, is an interdisciplinary program committed to researching birth outcomes. Led by the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), this initiative aims to reveal both biological and non-biological risks linked to preterm birth. The objective is to develop knowledge-driven interventions and technologies that can be sustainably incorporated into clinical practice and community for managing this disease.
UPSC Civil Services Examination: A Look at Previous Year Questions
A question from the 2017 exam asked candidates to identify the objectives of the ‘National Nutrition Mission’. The objectives included creating awareness about malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers, reducing the incident of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women, promoting the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice and promoting the consumption of poultry eggs. According to the source, the correct answer was options 1 and 2 only.
