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News18
21-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Science Takes A Bold Leap With Three-Parent Babies. Is India Ready For It?
Last Updated: Mitochondrial replacement therapy, a breakthrough IVF-based technique, gives families with a history of mitochondrial disorders a chance to have healthy biological children A quiet but extraordinary medical milestone was reached in the UK recently where eight babies have been born free of fatal inherited conditions, thanks to a technique that uses DNA from three different people. The births were the result of mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT), a breakthrough IVF-based technique that gives families with a history of mitochondrial disorders a chance to have healthy biological children. In simple words, these disorders, which affect the energy-producing units in cells, can lead to unfortunate medical consequences like seizures, brain damage, deafness, blindness, and even early death. With eight children now living examples of this breakthrough, the world is at a scientific and ethical crossroads. While science is fascinating, it is complex as well and, in this case, involves cultural implications—especially for a country like India. How Do Three People Make A Baby? Let's unpack how these so-called 'three-parent" babies are created. Mitochondrial DNA makes up a tiny fraction—about 0.1 per cent—of our total genetic code, but it plays an outsized role in powering organs such as the brain and heart. In MRT, a fertilised embryo created from the biological parents' egg and sperm is transplanted into a healthy donor egg from which the nucleus has been removed. The nucleus, carrying the intended parents' genetic material, is inserted into the donor egg, which contains healthy mitochondria. The resulting embryo thus carries nuclear DNA from the mother and father and mitochondrial DNA from the donor—three sources, one baby. As Dr Sonu Taxak, fertility & IVF specialist at Yellow Fertility Centre, explains, 'the baby carries DNA from three people—nuclear DNA from both biological parents and a small amount (less than 1 per cent) of mitochondrial DNA from the donor. 'However, this doesn't affect the baby's traits or appearance." This technique holds tremendous value for women carrying mitochondrial mutations who fear passing on debilitating or fatal disorders. Until now, they had no preventive options. Taxak calls it a 'revolutionary option" for women who carry mitochondrial mutations but still wish to have genetically related children without passing on the condition. Dr Asmita Mahajan, consultant neonatologist and paediatrician at SL Raheja Hospital, told News18 that 'the technology is intended for children at high risk of inherited mitochondrial diseases, which can affect vital organs like heart, brain and so on, causing seizures, developmental delay, blindness, deafness, etc". Unlike gene editing, MRT does not manipulate traits like appearance or intelligence. It doesn't touch nuclear DNA, where such characteristics reside. Dr Sanjeev Galande, dean, School of Natural Sciences at Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, sees this as a milestone in embryo manipulation. 'This marks a significant advancement in the field of genetic manipulation of embryos, distinct from traditional gene therapies that involve directly editing DNA… MRT presents a novel and seemingly safer alternative." Risks & Potential Like any emerging medical technique, MRT comes with uncertainties. For example, only 8 of 22 embryos treated in the UK resulted in live births—a reminder that success rates are still evolving. Dr Galande, who is also an internationally recognised molecular biologist and founding director of the Centre of Excellence in Epigenetics at IISER Pune, elaborated further: 'Initial failure rates can be high… However, with continued refinement and deeper understanding of the underlying biological processes, success rates are expected to improve." Mahajan from SL Raheja cautions that long-term risks are yet to be fully understood. 'The technology is still new, and long-term risks, such as autism or diabetes, are being debated." Yet, for families facing the certainty of passing on a fatal condition, the risk of inaction often outweighs that of experimental hope. Can India Catch Up? India's top IVF centres have the medical expertise to replicate MRT. But that alone won't be enough. Dr Galande believes 'India currently lacks the necessary regulatory and ethical frameworks for MRT. New guidelines and legislation would need to be developed". Dr Kshitija Patil, consultant clinical geneticist, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, agrees. 'India's ART and surrogacy laws do not cover germline modifications, and without updated guidelines from agencies like ICMR or DBT, clinical application remains a distant goal." Similarly, Taxak also highlights the urgency of tracking this globally. 'With a large population and rising awareness around genetic disorders, India should closely track such innovations. This could shape future fertility treatments, policy frameworks, and prenatal care standards." Ethics, Identity & Cultural Concerns The idea of a baby carrying DNA from three individuals—however minimal—challenges traditional notions of lineage, identity, and parenthood. In a country like India, where genetics and heritage carry cultural weight, such interventions may face resistance. Yet, mitochondrial donation doesn't alter appearance or personality; it prevents suffering. The ethical debate should not be about the number of genetic contributors, but about the intent — to give a child a healthy start in life. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : dna gene editing health matters IVF mitochondria news18 specials view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 21, 2025, 13:03 IST News india Science Takes A Bold Leap With Three-Parent Babies. Is India Ready For It? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
International Yoga Day 2025: Can yoga help ease endometriosis pain? Expert shares asanas for cramps
Yoga Day 2025: 21 June is the International Yoga Day, a celebration of one of the world's holistic health practices, yoga. It is observed annually on the same date. As per the UN, the theme for this year is 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'. This is also a fitting moment to explore how yoga can support and improve women's health. One of the common gynaecological issues affecting women of reproductive age is endometriosis. It is characterised by intense menstrual pain, deeply affecting quality of life. There are medical treatments for the same, but yoga can provide gentle relief with the help of calming movements or breathwork. Yoga gently helps ease the pain of endometriosis.(Shutterstock) Dr Sonu Taxak, director and senior IVF consultant at Yellow Fertility, shared with HT Lifestyle how endometriosis is widely common among women of reproductive age. He explained the condition endometriosis and said, 'Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This tissue usually grows on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other organs within the pelvis. It can cause severe cramps, chronic pelvic pain, fatigue, and sometimes infertility. Approximately 10% of women of reproductive age have endometriosis, and it can affect a woman's physical and emotional health in many unhealthy ways. But according to studies, practising yoga regularly provides relief from lower back pain, menopausal symptoms, stress, and depression. Further, improving the symptoms of endometriosis.' Does yoga reduce endometriosis pain? There isn't much awareness about the emotional toll of endometriosis pain.(Shutterstock) Dr Sonu Taxak however cautioned that yoga is not a replacement treatment. It is only a tool for supporting the symptims betteer. But yoga does bring in some biological changes with the help of movements and breathwork, that may ease the pain. He opined, 'While yoga is not a treatment for endometriosis, for many women it is a valuable tool in managing the effects of the disease. Yoga should always be a complementary approach to medical interventions, not a replacement. But consistent participation has been shown to reduce inflammation, encourage blood flow to the pelvic area, and decrease the production of cortisol, the stress hormone that can exacerbate pain. Since yoga encourages the parasympathetic nervous system, it acts to help the body settle into deep relaxation and or the body to release endorphins, natural pain-relieving hormones.' ALSO READ: Living with Endometriosis: Expert shares 5 ways it impacts mental health Dr Taxak further named 'restorative yoga' as one of the standout yoga types that have added benefits. He explained, 'Restorative yoga poses offer significant comfort for pelvic pain. By moving gently, you can release tension in the pelvic muscles, improve blood flow, and promote the health of your reproductive and digestive systems. However, during an acute flare or your menstrual cycle with significant pain, it is best to take a pass on any intense stretching or heavy movement. ' Asanas and pranayama to help with the pain Certain stretches, like balasana, help in easing the pelvic pain.(Shutterstock) He also shared these yoga asanas and pranayamas that help in supporting the chronic pain: Balasana (Child's Pose) Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) Setu Bandhansana (Bridge Pose) Apanasana (Knees-to-Chest Pose) Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) Deep belly breathing Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
