Volume 22, Issue 2
NAMAH Journal Volume 22, Issue 2
Articles in this Issue
The metaphysical basis for Integral Health — reconciling different poises of Reality
By Soumitra Basu - Jul 15, 2014
In Chapter IV of The Life Divine, Sri Aurobindo, while unveiling the nature of the Omnipresent Reality, makes three important reconciliations at three experiential levels:
A review of folate status in diet and DNA methylation with an explanation by nutrient-gene interaction
By Subhasree Ray - Jul 15, 2014
Recently an interaction was found between folate and DNA methylation, explaining an impaired epigenetic control of gene expression due to a deficiency of folate in diet. Studies based on animal models have shown that this deficiency leads to mutation in Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase that affects the one carbon metabolism. MTHFR polymorphism at 677 base pair leads to less production of S — adinosyl methionine (SAM), the universal methyl donour. Less SAM results in inadequate DNA methylation and impaired nucleotide synthesis. At the same time, being a co-enzyme and substrate in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, the mutation of MTHFR interrupts the entire process, leading to increased levels of homocysteine in blood which results in CVDs. On the other hand, the thymine-thymine genotype of MTHFR (MTHFRTT) is also found to act in carcinogenesis. These findings which relate to the relationship between plasma folate levels and MTHFR polymorphism not only explain development of certain diseases but also open a new area of ‘Individualised nutrition’ where prevention can be taken by modifying existing diet.