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Published on: Apr 06, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

MicroRNA That Makes Them Fight COVID Better ?

Recently you may have read a New Delhi based International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) sequenced the genome (genetic data) of SARS-COV-2 (coronavirus) from India, Italy, US, Nepal and Wuhan, China. They found that the Indian variant of SARS-CoV2 has the potential to be targeted by antiviral RNA within host cells, a feature that is unique to the Indian strain.

This amazing finding has been published on blogs, newspapers and other media as proof that Indians may not suffer as much as the rest of the world when the COVID-19 pandemic hits the country. One headline touted “MicroRNA in Indians may reduce severity of corona attack”, stating “Indians have comparatively better immunity compared to other countries”. Of course this article is being forwarded on WhatsApp, and enough people may take it as gospel. Is it true?

No.

If you want to know why, just look on the Journal’s website:

“these are preliminary reports that have not been peer-reviewed. They should NOT be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behaviour, or be reported in news media as established information.”

Research is not easy. I could write a very long explanation for why, but I have summarised it below.

SUMMARY:

- To prove x causes y up to a high scientific standard is incredibly difficult

- Even if you think x causes y, someone might find a flaw in your study

- Numbers can be manipulated by statistics to show what you want to believe

- Reporters might not understand the study and mis-report it

- We all want to believe there is a magic cure that will protect us, that makes us special, immune to this disaster so we can get on with our lives. Unfortunately there simply isn’t one. And believing in them without fact checking can cause more harm than good.

IMMUNITY AGAINST COVID

So what about this study? Firstly it is looking at one tiny mechanism in a cell, when a cell can have millions of proteins responsible for a billion different functions in just the cell itself. Secondly it is not peer reviewed. This means no one has fact checked the study to check whether the design is valid, whether the statistics hold up, whether they have missed something or are making incorrect conclusions based off their data. Peer-reviewing a recent paper showing SARS-CoV-2 and HIV were extremely similar disproved this paper as false.

In the authors defence he acknowledges this:

“In our study, which is a purely computational one, we predicted that this microRNA binds to the SARS-Cov2 genome submitted from India. However, it is too early to comment on it because there is only one high coverage sequence from India, so far,”

Thirdly, the news article says that Indians have better immunity because of this “microRNA”. This is wrong. The study sequenced the genome of the virus, not of the Indian population. Antiviral microRNA is found in all people. The study simply suggests that this might be more effective at targeting the Indian strain of COVID, but it does not make any concrete claims that Indians are protected from COVID.

Again, the journal even states this:

“These are preliminary reports that have not been peer-reviewed. They should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or be reported in news media as established information.”

But most importantly, even if the paper suggests that the Indian strain may be less potent, it does not give us an excuse to be reckless. We have to adhere to social distancing, hygiene, lockdown principles in order to prevent infection. Because what happens if you take the article stating “Indians have comparatively better immunity compared to other countries” as fact, use this as an excuse to go about your regular daily lives, and it actually turns out that the microRNA has little to no effect on COVID. This endangers yourself and those around you.

Be sensible. Listen to public health officials.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, UK, Chief Product Officer, Second Medic Inc

www.secondmedic.com

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Health Risks of Sedentary Lifestyle: Why Sitting Too Much Can Harm Your Health

Modern lifestyles have become increasingly sedentary. With the rise of desk jobs, digital devices and long working hours, many individuals spend a significant portion of their day sitting. While technology and convenience have improved productivity, they have also contributed to reduced physical activity.

Understanding the health risks of a sedentary lifestyle is essential for preventing chronic diseases and maintaining overall wellbeing.

What Is a Sedentary Lifestyle?

A sedentary lifestyle refers to a pattern of behavior characterized by prolonged sitting or inactivity with minimal physical movement.

Common examples include:

Sitting at a desk for long hours
Watching television for extended periods
Spending significant time on computers or smartphones
Limited engagement in physical exercise

When the body remains inactive for long durations, various physiological functions may become impaired.

1. Increased Risk of Obesity

Physical inactivity reduces calorie expenditure.

When calorie intake exceeds the energy burned through activity, excess calories are stored as body fat.

This can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity.

Obesity is a major risk factor for several chronic health conditions.

2. Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Prolonged sitting has been associated with increased risk of heart disease.

Sedentary behavior may contribute to:

Elevated blood pressure
Increased cholesterol levels
Reduced blood circulation

These factors increase the likelihood of cardiovascular complications over time.

3. Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Physical activity helps regulate blood sugar levels.

A sedentary lifestyle may impair the body’s ability to use insulin effectively, leading to insulin resistance.

Over time, this can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

4. Poor Metabolic Health

Metabolism refers to the body’s ability to convert food into energy.

Long periods of inactivity may slow metabolic processes and reduce the body’s efficiency in managing glucose and fat levels.

This can contribute to metabolic syndrome.

5. Musculoskeletal Problems

Sitting for extended periods can strain muscles and joints.

Common issues include:

Lower back pain
Neck stiffness
Shoulder discomfort
Poor posture

These problems are particularly common among office workers.

6. Reduced Mental Wellbeing

Physical activity plays a significant role in supporting mental health.

Sedentary behavior may contribute to:

Increased stress levels
Reduced mood
Lower energy levels

Regular movement helps improve mental wellbeing.

7. Increased Risk of Premature Mortality

Studies have shown that prolonged inactivity may increase the risk of early death due to chronic diseases.

Maintaining an active lifestyle significantly improves long-term health outcomes.

Sedentary Lifestyle in the Indian Context

Urbanization and technological advancements have led to more sedentary work environments in India.

Long commuting hours, desk-based professions and digital entertainment have reduced physical activity levels for many individuals.

As a result, lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease have increased significantly in recent years.

Public health initiatives now emphasize the importance of regular physical activity to counter these trends.

How to Reduce Sedentary Behavior

Take Frequent Movement Breaks

Stand up and stretch every 30–60 minutes during work.

Incorporate Walking into Daily Routine

Short walks during breaks can improve circulation and energy levels.

Use Active Workstations

Standing desks or adjustable workstations encourage movement.

Exercise Regularly

Engage in moderate physical activity such as walking, cycling or yoga.

Health guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.

Limit Screen Time

Reducing recreational screen time encourages more active habits.

Benefits of an Active Lifestyle

Increasing daily physical activity provides several health benefits:

Improved cardiovascular health
Better weight management
Enhanced mental wellbeing
Stronger muscles and bones
Improved metabolic function

Even small lifestyle changes can make a significant difference over time.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

Persistent back pain
Unexplained weight gain
Chronic fatigue
Signs of metabolic disorders

Early intervention can help manage health risks effectively.

Conclusion

A sedentary lifestyle may significantly impact physical and mental health. Prolonged sitting and lack of movement increase the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and musculoskeletal problems.

Adopting an active lifestyle that includes regular movement, exercise and healthy habits is essential for maintaining overall wellbeing.

Simple changes such as standing frequently, walking regularly and engaging in physical activity can greatly reduce the health risks associated with sedentary behavior.

Maintaining an active lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to support long-term health and prevent chronic disease.

References

World Health Organization – Physical Activity Guidelines
Indian Council of Medical Research – Lifestyle Disease Reports
National Family Health Survey – Health and Lifestyle Data
Lancet Global Health – Sedentary Behavior Research
Journal of Preventive Medicine – Physical Activity Studies

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