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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“these are preliminary reports that have not been peer-reviewed.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 Secondly it is not peer reviewed.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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Types of Blood Cancer: Understanding Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma

Blood cancer is a serious group of diseases that affect how blood cells are formed and function. Unlike solid tumors, blood cancers usually begin in the bone marrow or lymphatic system, where blood cells are produced. These cancers interfere with the body’s ability to fight infections, carry oxygen and control bleeding.

Understanding the types of blood cancer is essential for early detection, appropriate treatment and improved survival outcomes.

What Is Blood Cancer?

Blood cancer develops when abnormal blood cells grow uncontrollably, preventing healthy blood cells from functioning normally. These cancers affect:

red blood cells
white blood cells
platelets

According to Indian cancer registries and ICMR data, blood cancers account for a significant proportion of cancer diagnoses across age groups.

Why Blood Cancer Is Increasing

Several factors contribute to rising blood cancer diagnoses:

improved diagnostic methods
ageing population
environmental exposure
genetic susceptibility

Early detection remains critical for effective treatment.

Main Types of Blood Cancer

Blood cancers are broadly classified into three major categories.

1. Leukemia

Leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow and blood, primarily affecting white blood cells.

ALL is more common in children; CLL/CML more common in adults.

In Lymphoma section,

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Multiple Myeloma hallmark features (CRAB):

Calcium ?, Renal issues, Anemia, Bone lesions

Types of Leukemia

Leukemia is classified based on:

speed of progression (acute or chronic)
type of white blood cell involved (lymphocytic or myeloid)

Acute Leukemia

Acute leukemia progresses rapidly and requires immediate treatment.

Includes:

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Common in children and adults.

Chronic Leukemia

Chronic leukemia progresses more slowly and may remain stable for years.

Includes:

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

Often diagnosed in adults.

Symptoms of Leukemia

persistent fatigue
frequent infections
easy bruising or bleeding
fever
bone pain

2. Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system.

Types of Lymphoma

Hodgkin Lymphoma

Characterised by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.

Features:

high treatment success rates
common in young adults

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

A diverse group of lymphatic cancers.

Includes:

B-cell lymphomas
T-cell lymphomas

More common than Hodgkin lymphoma.

Symptoms of Lymphoma

painless swelling of lymph nodes
night sweats
unexplained weight loss
fever
fatigue

3. Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells in the bone marrow.

How Myeloma Affects the Body

weakens bones
reduces immunity
causes anemia
affects kidney function

Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

bone pain, especially in the back
frequent infections
fatigue
kidney problems
high calcium levels

Other Rare Blood Cancers

Less common blood cancers include:

myelodysplastic syndromes
myeloproliferative disorders

These conditions may progress to leukemia if untreated.

Causes and Risk Factors of Blood Cancer

Risk factors may include:

genetic mutations
family history
radiation exposure
chemical exposure
immune system disorders

Many cases have no identifiable cause.

How Blood Cancer Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis may involve:

complete blood count (CBC)
peripheral blood smear
bone marrow biopsy
imaging tests
genetic and molecular testing

Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes.

Importance of Early Detection

Early detection:

allows timely treatment
improves survival rates
reduces complications

According to Lancet Oncology studies, early-stage diagnosis significantly improves prognosis.

Treatment Options for Blood Cancer

Treatment depends on cancer type and stage and may include:

chemotherapy
targeted therapy
immunotherapy
bone marrow or stem cell transplant

Treatment plans are personalised.

Living with Blood Cancer

With modern advances:

many patients live long-term
quality of life has improved
supportive care plays a vital role

Ongoing monitoring is essential.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult a doctor if experiencing:

persistent fatigue
frequent infections
unexplained bruising
swollen lymph nodes

Early evaluation can be life-saving.

Conclusion

Blood cancer includes a diverse group of diseases that affect blood and immune cells. The main types of blood cancer—leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma—differ in their origin, progression and treatment. Awareness of symptoms and early diagnosis play a crucial role in improving outcomes. With advances in medical science, many blood cancers are now manageable, especially when detected early. Understanding the types of blood cancer empowers individuals to seek timely care and make informed health decisions.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – National Cancer Registry Programme
World Health Organization (WHO) – Classification of Blood Cancers
National Cancer Institute – Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma Guidelines
Lancet Oncology – Global Blood Cancer Survival Studies
NFHS and National Health Data – Cancer Burden in India
Statista – Global Blood Cancer Statistics

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