UPSC Articles
Indian scientists develop a next-generation probiotic
Part of: Prelims and Mains GS-III: Science and Technology
In News: A team of Indian Scientists has recently identified the next-generation probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus Plantarum JBC5 from a dairy product that showed great promise in promoting healthy aging.
- Scientists searched for healthy bacteria to promote healthy living in fermented dairy products following proposal of Nobel laureate Dr. Elie Metchnikoff
- It is a model organism called Caenorhabditis Elegans — a free-living, transparent nematode living temperate soil environments.
- Lactobacillus Plantarum JBC5 improves longevity and healthy aging by modulating antioxidative, innate immunity and serotonin-signaling pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans
- The bacterium demonstrated a 27.81% increase in the life span of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans accompanied by the hallmarks of healthy aging by providing improved immunity against pathogenic infections increased learning ability and memory, gut integrity, and oxidative stress tolerance. In contrast, it significantly reduced the accumulation of body fat and inflammation.
- Yogurt developed using the probiotic bacterium can promote healthy aging in elderly population & improve longevity
Ageing
- The United Nations forecasts that one in every eleven people will be older than 65 by 2050.
- However, aging is generally associated with a higher risk of age-related health issues, such as obesity, neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s), cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Therefore, it raises concerns in highly populated countries like India and flags the need for scientific ways to promote healthy aging.
News Source: PIB
