The establishment of Ageing Research Unit is one of the milestones in the field of research at Manipal University. The unit was inaugurated on January 19, 2007 by Sir William Castell, Chairman, Welcome Trust, U.K. The broad area of research which is being undertaken by the research unit is to study the molecular mechanisms of ageing processes. The study aimed at enhancing the quality of life in aged individuals.

Currently, the unit is concentrating on the youthful ageing process and on the molecular mechanisms of ageing related to role of immune modulation in DNA repair.  It is a known fact that there is decrease in the DNA repair capacity as well as immune function as one ages. This results in many age related diseases including cancer. Moreover, DNA repair defect and consequent accumulation of DNA damage may be responsible for ageing. Hence, study of DNA repair capacity and immune profile in young and aged individuals and analysis of possible reasons for the decreased DNA repair and immune function may throw light on ageing process.

The current research activities include the evaluation of ayurvedic herbal preparations on DNA repair and immune profile which may highlight the possible mechanism of ageing. Maintaining the wellness and longevity in the elderly is practiced through traditional medicine ayurveda and reported to impart great benefits.  Rasayana is one such therapy which is being widely and successfully used by the traditional ayurvedic practitioners to overcome many discomforts and prevent diseases in the elderly.  Modern science has clearly established several events which are intimately associated with the ageing process.  Among them are the failure of body’s tissues and cells to effectively repair continuous DNA damage that accumulates over a period of time and diminishing immune function.  These rasayanas may modulate the DNA repair capacity and immune profile in aged individuals. Hence, study is being undertaken to know the role of rasayana on DNA repair and immune profile of aged subjects.

In addition, studies are underway to understand the inter-individual differences in DNA repair capacity which may be because of presence of polymorphic DNA repair genes. Polymorphism in DNA repair genes may be associated with differences in the DNA repair efficiency and influence individuals risk of cancer because of variant genotype might destroy or alter the repair function. In order to understand this, many polymorphic DNA repair genes are being studied to know the frequency of each genotype in Indian population. Furthermore, the DNA repair capacity in relation to each genotype may demonstrate the risk of individual for particular cancer. The outcome of the investigations may help in unravelling the mechanism of ageing process.

Contact:
Dr. K.P.Guruprasad.
Phone No.: 91-0820-2922058
Email: ageing.mlsc@manipal.edu