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DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

  • 28 April, 2023

  • 2 Min Read

Genetic Markers

  • Preterm delivery is a leading cause of Neonatal fatalities (deaths among live newborns within the first 28 completed days of life) and problems worldwide. Recently, Indian researchers working on the Garbh-Ini program have discovered 19 genetic markers linked to preterm birth.
  • An improvement in maternal and neonatal outcomes could result from the identification of genetic markers linked to preterm delivery and from the prediction and close monitoring of high-risk pregnancies.

What is Preterm Birth?

About: Preterm birth

  • sometimes referred to as premature birth, is the birth of a child before the gestational period of 37 weeks is complete. Based on gestational age, there are many types of preterm birth:
  • fewer than 28 weeks, which is incredibly premature
  • extremely premature (28–32 weeks)
  • (32–37 weeks) Late to moderate preterm.
  • It is a serious problem for public health, especially in India and Southeast Asia, and is linked to newborns' delayed mental and physical development as well as higher disease risks as they age.
  • Every ten births occur preterm around the world.
  • In India, over 13% of newborns are born preterm each year. 23.4% of preterm births worldwide occur in India.

Fatality:

  • Compared to newborns born at or after 37 weeks of gestation, preterm infants have a two- to four-times-higher risk of dying soon after birth.
  • These infants' chance of developing ailments including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cancer increases as they get older.

How do genetic markers work?

  • About: Genetic markers, usually referred to as DNA markers or genetic variations, are distinct DNA sequences linked to specific features, attributes, or diseases.
  • DNA sequences or specific changes in the DNA sequence, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the most prevalent kind of genetic marker, can serve as genetic markers.
  • They are used to find and examine genetic variations that may be connected to diseases, disorders, or other biological features in genetics research and clinical practice.
  • Inflammation, apoptosis, cervical ripening, telomere maintenance, selenocysteine biosynthesis, myometrial contraction, and innate immunity are among the critical biological processes that these SNPs are known to control.

Read Also: R21 Malaria Vaccine

Source: Indian Express


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