Content:
- Nano-formulation of Darkness Hormone Could Be Therapeutic Solution for Parkinson’s Disease
- Empowering India’s Economy – Key Insights from ASUSE 2023-24
Nano-formulation of Darkness Hormone Could Be Therapeutic Solution for Parkinson’s Disease
Context : Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have developed a nano-formulation of melatonin, a hormone produced in response to darkness. This nano-formulation has demonstrated improved antioxidative and neuroprotective properties and could be a potential therapeutic solution for Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Highlights
Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
- PD is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the death of dopamine–secreting neurons due to the aggregation of synuclein protein in the brain.
- Current treatments for PD only manage symptoms but do not cure the disease, highlighting the need for better therapeutic approaches.
Role of Melatonin
- Melatonin is a neurohormone secreted by the pineal gland that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
- It has potential as an antioxidant and can induce mitophagy (removal of dysfunctional mitochondria), reducing oxidative stress in neurons.
- However, melatonin has limitations such as low bioavailability, premature oxidation, and poor brain delivery.
Research Overview
- Institute Involved: Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali.
- Research Lead: Dr. Surajit Karmakar and his team.
- Objective: To enhance the delivery and efficacy of melatonin using human serum albumin (HSA) nano-formulation.
Key Innovations
Nano-formulation of Melatonin:
- A biocompatible protein (HSA) nanocarrier was used to deliver melatonin to the brain.
- The nano-melatonin formulation resulted in sustained release and improved bioavailability.
Mechanism of Action:
- The nano-formulation enhanced antioxidative and neuroprotective properties.
- It promoted mitophagy to remove unhealthy mitochondria and improved mitochondrial biogenesis.
- Reduction of pesticide-induced toxicity was demonstrated in an in vitro PD model using rotenone.
Epigenetic Regulation via BMI1:
- The nano-melatonin formulation induced the expression of BMI1, a key epigenetic regulator in neurons.
- BMI1 plays a critical role in regulating gene expression and promoting mitophagy.
Key Findings
- The study revealed that nano-melatonin improved antioxidative effects and reduced oxidative stress.
- TH-positive neurons in rat brains were protected against rotenone-induced toxicity.
- The research demonstrated, for the first time, that BMI1 overexpression could be achieved through nano-formulation, inducing mitophagy and protecting neurons from degeneration.
- The findings were published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.
Importance of Mitophagy in PD
- Mitophagy is a cellular process that identifies and removes dysfunctional mitochondria to reduce oxidative stress.
- Dysregulated mitophagy contributes to neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease.
- Enhanced mitophagy through BMI1 regulation can help in curbing oxidative stress, reducing neuronal damage in PD.
Advantages of Nano-Melatonin
- Improved Bioavailability: The nano-formulation ensures better absorption and delivery to the brain.
- Sustained Release: The drug is released gradually, ensuring long-lasting effects.
- Enhanced Antioxidative Properties: It significantly reduces oxidative stress in neurons.
- Epigenetic Regulation: The upregulation of BMI1 helps protect neurons from degeneration.
Potential Applications
- Parkinson’s Disease: As a therapeutic solution to reduce oxidative stress and protect neurons.
- Other Diseases: The approach could be applied to diseases where dysregulated mitophagy is a critical pathological factor.
Conclusion
The nano-formulation of melatonin presents a promising therapeutic strategy for Parkinson’s disease by addressing oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial health through mitophagy regulation. The study provides a foundation for developing safer and more effective neurotherapeutic drugs for PD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Empowering India’s Economy – Key Insights from ASUSE 2023-24
Context : The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2023-24, covering the period from October 2023 to September 2024. The survey highlights the critical role of the unincorporated non-agricultural sector in driving employment, economic growth, and digital transformation in India.
Key Highlights from ASUSE 2023-24
Sectoral Growth
- The number of unincorporated sector establishments increased significantly by 12.84%, rising from 6.50 crore in 2022–23 to 7.34 crore in 2023–24.
- The “Other Services” sector saw the highest growth at 23.55%, followed by the manufacturing sector with a 13% increase.
- The Gross Value Added (GVA) of the sector rose by 16.52%, primarily driven by a 26.17% growth in the ‘Other Services’ sector.
Analysis: The growth in the unincorporated sector indicates a resurgence of micro and small enterprises (MSEs), contributing to India’s economic recovery. The robust rise in the service sector highlights the growing importance of informal service providers in areas such as retail, logistics, and hospitality.
Labour Market Expansion
- Employment in the unincorporated sector grew by over 1 crore workers, reaching 12 crore in 2023-24.
- The “Other Services” sector led the employment surge with a 17.86% increase, followed by the manufacturing sector with a 10.03% rise.
- There was notable progress in gender inclusivity, with female-owned proprietary establishments increasing from 22.9% in 2022-23 to 26.2% in 2023-24.
- Average emoluments per hired worker increased by 13%, with the manufacturing sector witnessing the highest wage growth of 16%.
Analysis: The rise in employment reflects the resilience of the informal sector in absorbing workforce demands. The increase in female-owned enterprises highlights the sector’s potential to promote women entrepreneurship. However, challenges such as job formalization and social security coverage remain.
Labour Productivity
- Gross Value Added (GVA) per worker increased by 5.62%, rising from ₹1,41,769 in 2022-23 to ₹1,49,742 in 2023-24.
- Gross Value of Output (GVO) per establishment increased by 6.15%, from ₹4,63,389 to ₹4,91,862.
Analysis: The increase in labour productivity indicates improvements in efficiency and output quality within the sector. However, the slow pace of productivity growth suggests that there is room for further improvements through technology adoption and skill development.
Digital Adoption
- Internet usage among establishments rose from 21.1% in 2022–23 to 26.7% in 2023–24, showing a significant shift towards digital tools and online platforms.
Analysis: The growing reliance on digital infrastructure is a positive sign of modernization within the informal economy. Digital adoption can enhance market access, operational efficiency, and financial inclusion. However, the gap in digital literacy and infrastructure in rural areas needs to be addressed.
Economic Impact of the Unincorporated Sector
The unincorporated sector remains a vital contributor to India’s economy, providing:
- Employment to over 12 crore workers.
- Significant contribution to GDP through services, manufacturing, and trade.
- Opportunities for women entrepreneurs and inclusive growth.
Challenges:
- Lack of formal credit access: Many unincorporated enterprises still rely on informal sources for financing.
- Limited social security: Workers in this sector often lack access to health insurance, provident funds, and other benefits.
- Productivity issues: There is a need to enhance skill development programs to improve productivity and wages.
Takeaways for Policy Formulation
Focus on Formalization:
- Policies should aim to bring informal enterprises into the formal economy, ensuring better access to credit, social security, and market linkages.
Boost Digital Adoption:
- Digital literacy programs and affordable internet access should be prioritized to increase digital penetration in rural and semi-urban areas.
Promote Women Entrepreneurship:
- Schemes to support female entrepreneurs through financial assistance, mentorship, and skill development can further enhance gender inclusivity.
Enhance Skill Development:
- The government must invest in vocational training and upskilling programs to improve labour productivity.
Conclusion
The findings of the ASUSE 2023-24 underscore the resilience and growth potential of India’s unincorporated sector. This sector plays a crucial role in providing employment opportunities, driving economic recovery, and promoting inclusive development. Policymakers must focus on formalization, digital integration, and gender inclusivity to harness its full potential and ensure sustainable economic growth.
