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Time of India
04-08-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Junk food, alcohol & lack of physical activity linked to infertility, says Patiala-based Punjabi University's study
Patiala: A new research study by Punjabi University, Patiala, has brought to light alarming connections between lifestyle habits, environmental exposures, and genetic factors contributing to infertility among couples of reproductive age. The study titled 'Association of environmental factors and gene polymorphism with infertility in couples of reproductive age' has revealed critical insights into the complex interplay of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors contributing to infertility among couples. The research, conducted by Mandeep Kaur under the supervision of Rajinder Kaur from the department of human genetics, Punjabi University, Patiala, and co-guide Preeti Kheterpal from Central University, Bathinda, underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and integrated approaches to address infertility, a growing concern affecting reproductive-age populations. Mandeep Kaur explained that the study identified key epidemiological and environmental factors, including body mass index (BMI), duration of marriage, low physical activity, occupation, irregular dietary habits, tea and coffee intake, junk food and packaged food consumption, and alcohol intake, as significant contributors to infertility. Notably, altered serum levels of heavy metals such as copper, cobalt, manganese, zinc, selenium, uranium, vanadium, and bismuth, alongside cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), were associated with a higher risk of both primary and secondary infertility. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How Much Time Could You Save with Clearer Writing? Grammarly Install Now Undo She stated that lower serum levels of iron and zinc were observed in women with infertility, while high copper levels correlated with elevated triglycerides. In men, increased chromium and LDL cholesterol levels were linked to reduced semen quality, further elevating infertility risk. Rajinder Kaur stated that genetic analysis revealed that variants in the MTHFR gene (rs1801133 and rs1801131) were associated with increased infertility risk in both men and women, while the NR5A1 gene variant (rs1110061) showed a protective effect in men. She added that the study also identified gene-environment interactions, particularly involving the MTHFR rs1801133 variant and lifestyle factors such as junk food (9.34%), canned food (10.07%), alcohol consumption (6.32%), and low physical activity (4.64%), which significantly heightened infertility risk. Additionally, the research highlighted a significant correlation between infertility and elevated depression levels among women, emphasising the need for psychological support in infertility management. Preeti Kheterpal said findings advocate for greater public awareness of lifestyle impacts on fertility, promoting healthier dietary choices to improve outcomes. By exploring the roles of heavy metals, biochemical markers, and genetic predispositions, the study provides a deeper understanding of infertility's underlying mechanisms. These insights pave the way for early detection of high-risk pregnancies, timely counselling, and the establishment of specialised clinics focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of infertility. The study calls for a holistic approach, integrating medical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions to address infertility effectively. Vice-chancellor Jagdeep Singh congratulated the researchers and supervisors, praising the study's significance. He noted that such research underscored the relevance of academic and research institutions in society and enhanced public trust in these institutions.
Indian Express
04-08-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Low physical activity, tea/coffee intake, junk food behind infertility: Study
A recent study titled 'Association of Environmental Factors and Gene Polymorphism with Infertility in couples of Reproductive Age' has revealed critical insights into the complex interplay of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors contributing to infertility among couples. The research conducted by Dr Mandeep Kaur under the supervision of Dr Rajinder Kaur from the Department of Human Genetics, Punjabi University, Patiala and and Dr Preeti Kheterpal from Central University, Bathinda, underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and integrated approaches to address infertility, a growing concern affecting reproductive-age populations. Dr Mandeep Kaur said that the study identifies key epidemiological and environmental factors, including body mass index (BMI), duration of marriage, low physical activity, occupation, irregular dietary habits, tea/coffee intake, and junk food consumption, as significant contributors to infertility. Notably, altered serum levels of heavy metals such as copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), uranium (U), vanadium (V), and bismuth (Bi), alongside cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), were associated with a higher risk of both primary and secondary infertility. She told that specifically, lower serum levels of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) were observed in women with infertility, while high copper levels correlated with elevated triglycerides. In men, increased chromium (Cr) and LDL cholesterol levels were linked to reduced semen quality, further elevating infertility risk. Dr Rajinder Kaur said that genetic analysis revealed that variants in the MTHFR gene (rs1801133 and rs1801131) were associated with increased infertility risk in both men and women, while the NR5A1 gene variant (rs1110061) showed a protective effect in men. She told the study also identified gene-environment interactions, particularly involving the MTHFR rs1801133 variant and lifestyle factors such as junk food (9.34%), canned food (10.07%), alcohol consumption (6.32%), and low physical activity (4.64%), which significantly heightened infertility risk. Additionally, the research highlighted a significant correlation between infertility and elevated depression levels among women (p < 0.05), emphasising the need for psychological support in infertility management. Dr Kheterpal said that the findings advocate for greater public awareness of lifestyle impacts on fertility, promoting healthier dietary choices to improve outcomes. By exploring the roles of heavy metals, biochemical markers, and genetic predispositions, the study provides a deeper understanding of infertility's underlying mechanisms. These insights pave the way for early detection of high-risk pregnancies, timely counseling, and the establishment of specialized clinics focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of infertility. The study calls for a holistic approach, integrating medical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions to address infertility effectively.
Hindustan Times
04-08-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Alcohol, junk food increasing infertility risk, finds Punjabi varsity studies
A study conducted by Punjabi University, Patiala, has found a direct link between rising infertility rates and a combination of lifestyle habits, environmental exposures, and genetic factors. Women showed low iron and zinc levels, while in men, high chromium and LDL cholesterol levels were tied to decreased semen quality. The study, titled 'Association of environmental factors and gene polymorphism with infertility in couples of reproductive age', conducted by Mandeep Kaur under the supervision of Rajinder Kaur from the department of human genetics, Punjabi University, and co-guided by Preeti Kheterpal from Central University, Bathinda, highlights how poor dietary patterns, lack of physical activity, and exposure to heavy metals are significantly increasing infertility risk among couples of reproductive ages. 'The research identified several risk factors contributing to infertility, including high body mass index (BMI), prolonged marriage duration without conception, sedentary lifestyle, and frequent consumption of junk and packaged foods. Excessive tea and coffee intake and occupational stress were also noted as significant contributors,' Mandeep Kaur said. The study examined serum levels of heavy metals and biochemical markers. Elevated levels of copper, cobalt, manganese, zinc, selenium, uranium, vanadium, and bismuth, as well as increased cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL (bad cholesterol), were linked to infertility. Women showed low iron and zinc levels, while in men, high chromium and LDL cholesterol levels were tied to decreased semen quality. Genetics also play a crucial role Rajinder Kaur explained that variants in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) (rs1801133 and rs1801131) were associated with higher infertility risk in both genders. 'Interestingly, a variant in the NR5A1 gene (rs1110061) showed a protective effect in men. Moreover, gene-environment interactions further intensified the infertility risk. For instance, the presence of the MTHFR rs1801133 variant, when coupled with junk food intake (9.34%), canned food consumption (10.07%), alcohol use (6.32%), and low physical activity (4.64%), significantly worsened fertility outcomes,' she added. The study also brought attention to the psychological impact of infertility. Women experiencing infertility were found to have elevated levels of depression, underscoring the need for emotional and psychological support as part of fertility care. Kheterpal emphasised the importance of public awareness regarding the impact of lifestyle and environmental factors on fertility. She advocated for early screening, dietary corrections, and the creation of dedicated fertility clinics offering integrated medical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions. Punjabi University vice-chancellor Jagdeep Singh said that such studies reinforce the vital role of academic institutions in addressing real-world health issues and enhancing public trust in science.
Hindustan Times
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
AU's Executive Council approves implementation of NEP from 2025-26 session
A meeting of the Executive Council of Allahabad University (AU), the apex decision making body of the Central University, was held on Monday under the chairmanship of vice-chancellor Prof Sangita Srivastava. In the meeting the house unanimously approved the implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP) in the university which would be made effective from the 2025-26 academic session. (Sourced) Following this, undergraduate degrees at the university will become four-year programmes. Under this system, a certificate will be awarded in the first year, a diploma in the second year, a degree with double major subjects in the third year, and an Honors with Research degree in the fourth year. The new system also includes provisions for entry and exit at the end of each session. Additionally, students will need to pursue skill enhancement, ability enhancement, and value-added courses to boost their employability and meet industry demands. Earlier, the Academic Council had approved the implementation of the NEP in its meeting on July 20. Subsequently, this proposal was presented before the university's apex decision making body for approval on Monday. The house approved the promotion of Dr Shanti Suman, assistant professor in the Psychology Department, from assistant professor Stage III to associate professor under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS). Further, the Executive Council also approved confirmation of 43 teachers from various departments, including the Centre of Environment Science, Department of Geography, Department of Law, Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, Department of Electronics and Communication, Department of Zoology, Department of Economics, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Department of Mathematics, and Department of Physics. This includes one professor, five associate professors, and 37 assistant professors. The ongoing registration for admission counselling for the 2025-26 session at University of Allahabad signifies a new era for the university. Over the past three years, the university has seen a record increase in the number of students arriving for admissions. For admissions in the current 2025-26 academic session, 59,904 students got themselves registered while 52,732 candidates paid the admission counselling fees. Comparatively, last year in the 2024-25 session, 41,478 students had paid the registration fee, 49,519 students in the 2023-24 session and 45,650 in 2022-23 academic session respectively. The university has approximately 3,500 seats available for admission across various undergraduate courses.
Indian Express
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
NEET UG 2025 Counselling: Here's how many medical seats are on offer in Delhi this year
The NEET UG 2025 counselling process is currently underway for admission to MBBS and BDS courses across India. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is conducting the counselling for 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in government medical and dental colleges, along with seats at deemed universities, central universities, and Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) institutions. For round 1 of NEET UG 2025 counselling, registration began in July, and the choice filling and locking process was completed earlier this week. As per the official schedule, the round 1 seat allotment result is expected to be declared on July 31, 2025. Candidates who are allotted seats will be required to report to their respective institutions for admission formalities. Ahead of each counselling round, MCC releases the final seat matrix, indicating the number of seats available across institutions. The seat matrix is published separately for All India Quota (15% of government seats) and for 100% of seats in central universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, ESIC, and deemed universities. Read | NEET UG 2025 Counselling Round 1: MCC seat matrix for MBBS, BDS admission out; no sanctioned MBBS seats in 7 medical colleges State counselling authorities handle the remaining 85% of government seats within each state. This year, over 24 lakh candidates registered for the NEET UG 2025 exam, which was held on May 5. Of these, more than 22.8 lakh candidates appeared. The high turnout underscores the intense competition for limited MBBS and BDS seats. Under the All India Quota, Delhi offers a limited number of seats for candidates from across India. These are available in both medical (MBBS) and dental (BDS) colleges. Here is a breakdown: Institute-wise Total Seats (in Delhi as per All India Quota) Total Seats under All India Quota in Delhi: 192 Delhi is home to multiple central institutions such as LHMC, MAMC, UCMS, and VMMC, whose MBBS and BDS seats are filled through a separate counselling window conducted by MCC. These central university seats are open to eligible candidates across India. Also read | NEET UG 2025 Counselling: List of government medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh Total Seats under Central University Quota in Delhi: 950 Combining the All India Quota and Central University seat matrix, Delhi is offering a grand total of 1,142 MBBS/BDS seats through NEET UG 2025 counselling. As per the MCC counselling schedule, Round 1 seat allotment results will be declared on June 31, 2025, after which reporting and document verification will begin at the allotted colleges.
