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Context: Indian scientists at Agharkar Research Institute discovered MCC0200, a new probiotic strain with potential benefits for gut health and cholesterol reduction.

Details

• The recent discovery of the lactic acid bacteria strain MCC0200 by scientists at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Maharashtra is significant for its potential health benefits.
• The scientists were initially investigating the genetic makeup of a different strain of Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus), a well-known bacterium used in dairy fermentation processes.
• MCC0200 is a new strain of lactic acid bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria are known for their role in fermentation processes and their beneficial effects on human health.

Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) ●Lactobacillales are gram-positive, acid-tolerant bacteria that produce lactic acid as a byproduct of carbohydrate fermentation. These bacteria are also known as lactic acid bacteria (LAB). ● LAB has various applications, including as probiotics promoting gut health, in food production to enhance sensory properties, as preservatives with antimicrobial properties, and in agriculture for plant growth promotion. ●They are used in fermentation processes for cheese, yoghurt, beer, and wine production, impacting the taste and quality of these products. ●They can also interact with dental plaque formation, contributing to tooth decay through the production of lactic acid.

Health Benefits of MCC0200

Gut Health	●Affinity for Intestinal Surfaces: MCC0200 has a strong ability to adhere to intestinal surfaces. This characteristic is crucial for probiotics as it enables them to interact effectively with host cells in the gut. ●Gut Health Promotion: By adhering to the gut lining, MCC0200 can help balance the gut microbiota, enhance digestion, and support overall gut health.
Cholesterol Management	●Cholesterol Assimilation: MCC0200 can assimilate cholesterol, meaning it can bind to cholesterol in the gut and prevent its absorption into the bloodstream. ●Potential Impact: This ability may help lower serum cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
Antioxidant Properties	●Oxidative Stress Reduction: MCC0200 exhibits antioxidant properties, which help mitigate oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is linked to various chronic diseases and ageing. ● Health Benefits: By reducing oxidative stress-induced damage, MCC0200 could potentially contribute to overall health and longevity.

 Applications and Potential Impact

• Food Industry:
  • Probiotic Products: MCC0200 could be incorporated into food products as a probiotic. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide health benefits to the host.
  • Functional Foods: It can be used in developing functional foods that offer additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
• Pharmaceutical Applications:
  • Health Supplements: MCC0200 has the potential to be used in dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products aimed at improving gut health, managing cholesterol levels, and combating oxidative stress.
• Broader Implications:
  • Public Health: The ability of MCC0200 to address issues like high cholesterol and gut health can have significant implications for public health, potentially reducing the incidence of related diseases and improving quality of life.

Probiotics ●Probiotics are live microorganisms that are believed to provide health benefits by improving or restoring the gut microbiota. While generally safe to consume, probiotics may cause bacteria-host interactions and rare side effects. Some evidence supports their effectiveness in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, but many health claims lack scientific backing. ●The first probiotic, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, was discovered in Bulgarian yoghurt in 1905. This led to the modern theory developed by Nobel laureate Élie Metchnikoff, who observed the longevity of Bulgarian peasants who consumed yoghurt.

Scientific and Research Significance

• Genetic Insights:
  • Discovery Process: The discovery of MCC0200 highlights the value of exploring genetic information and microbial diversity. It highlights how understanding the genetics of known strains can lead to the identification of new and beneficial strains.
• Future Research:
  • Clinical Trials: Further research, including clinical trials, will be necessary to confirm the efficacy and safety of MCC0200 in humans.
  • Mechanism Studies: Scientists will also need to study the specific mechanisms through which MCC0200 exerts its health benefits.

Conclusion

• The discovery of the MCC0200 strain of lactic acid bacteria by ARI represents a promising advancement in probiotic research. With its potential to enhance gut health, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce oxidative stress, MCC0200 could play a significant role in improving human health. Its applications in food and pharmaceuticals highlight the broader impact of such scientific discoveries on public health and well-being.

Source:

THE PRINT

WIKIPEDIA

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which of the following are common applications of lactic acid bacteria in the food industry? 1. Production of yogurt 2. Fermentation of sauerkraut 3. Manufacturing of beer 4. Baking of bread Select the correct answer using the codes given below: A) 1, 2 and 3 only B) 2, 3 and 4 only C) 1, 3 and 4 only D) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Answer: D