A newly identified brain protein may play a major role in how the body ages.
A newly identified brain protein may play a major role in how the body ages. According to the latest research published in PLOS Biology, a study led by Lige Leng and colleagues at Xiamen University in China focused on Menin, a protein that helps suppress brain inflammation. The results of the study, conducted primarily on mice, suggest that Menin may act as a protective “anti-ageing” factor inside the brain.The researchers also found that declining levels of Menin in the hypothalamus triggered inflammation, memory problems, bone loss, and other ageing-related changes in mice. This represents a breakthrough in fighting age-related health decline.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine. Edwina Raj, Head of Services – Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, explains that Menin is a protein produced by the body from the MEN1 gene. It plays an important role in controlling how cells grow, repair themselves, and respond to different signals in the body. Scientists have recently become interested in Menin because research suggests that it may influence brain function, memory, learning, and healthy ageing. Raj referenced recent studies that indicate Menin helps “maintain communication between brain cells and may support cognitive functions such as memory and concentration”. Some research also found that Menin levels can decrease with age, and lower levels may be associated with reduced brain performance. According to her, Menin also appears to help regulate inflammation and cellular stress, both of which can affect brain health. However, she reiterated that research and its direct role in improving brain health are still ongoing, and more studies are needed to fully understand its effects in humans.Story continues below this ad Foods rich in high-quality protein provide the amino acids required in the body. (Magnific)Foods to consume Raj says that there is currently no specific food that directly increases Menin protein levels. However, she believes a healthy diet may support the body’s natural production and function of proteins, including Menin. “Foods rich in high-quality protein such as lentils, sprouts, eggs, fish, lean chicken, milk, curd, paneer, soy products, and nuts provide the amino acids needed for our daily requirement of protein,” she shares. To add to that, Raj says foods rich in antioxidants, including berries, citrus fruits, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, and carrots, may help protect cells from damage. Healthy fats from walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds, chia seeds, avocado and fatty fish can also support brain function. To conclude, “regular exercise, good sleep, stress management, and a balanced diet remain the most effective ways to support overall brain health and the body’s natural cellular functions, including those involving Menin,” stresses Raj.Story continues below this ad DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Shoaib Ibrahim on father's health and recovery (Photos: Shoaib Ibrahim / Instagram, YouTube) Actor Shoaib Ibrahim‘s father and actress Dipika Kakar‘s father-in-law suffered a brain hemorrhage last week. He was rushed to the hospital last Saturday, and the Sasural Simar Ka actor informed in his earlier vlog that his father wasn’t responding to treatment. On Sunday, Shoaib shared another vlog providing an update on his father’s health. He shared how the clot was removed from the brain, and while his father has started to respond to treatment, there are some health complications still. Shoaib Ibrahim shares father’s health update In his latest YouTube vlog on Sunday evening, Shoaib Ibrahim spoke at length about his father’s health. While he reported improvement, he also spoke about the complications they faced earlier in the week. He said, “I have not been able to share an update since a week because it was very hectic and tense. I was not in the zone to share a health update. Today, papa’s health is slightly better; last Saturday we had brought him here, but his surgery couldn’t happen for 3-4 days since he was on blood thinners. On Wednesday, he had an endoscopy, and the blood clot was removed. The procedure went well; Papa was under sedation for the whole day. He started responding after that.”Also Read: Shoaib Ibrahim’s father suffers brain hemorrhage: ‘Had internal bleeding’ Shoaib’s father had suffered a brain stroke in 2021, after which he was left paralyzed on the left side. Shoaib further shared, “When we brought him here on the first day, he was numb, wasn’t reacting. But after 24-36 hours of the surgery, he started responding slowly. However, his heart rate increased, BP was fluctuating. There was a food pipe inserted in his nose; he was kept on a ventilator as a precautionary measure. He had a little bit of a breathing issue. Papa was on a ventilator for 3-4 days; today (on Sunday), they removed the ventilator. He has a pipe going through his neck; however, all his vitals are okay. Since he was under anesthesia for so many days, some bubbles have been made in his intestines. Doctors will monitor it over two days; otherwise, they will have to do another surgery; however, it’s not a major issue.” “Last week, I was also confused, didn’t know if his condition was good or not. His speech has not come yet; he will have to take speech therapy. Today when I met him, he smiled; he is responding now, trying to talk. Please don’t believe the videos and news circulating on social media. He has become very weak, but there is significant improvement,” Shoaib added. Shoaib Ibrahim on wife Dipika Kakar’s health Shoaib Ibrahim’s wife, actress Dipika Kakar, is also undergoing treatment for liver cancer. Her cysts have recurred twice; last week the actress underwent another PET Scan. Talking about Dipika’s health, Shoaib said in his recent vlog, “Dipika’s immunotherapy starts next week; she had a PET Scan, and as we knew, there were two new dots, so that treatment will begin. Things are in control for her as of now.” In May, the couple had informed that Dipika was diagnosed with two new cysts; however, since they were small, they couldn’t be operated on. While they are monitoring Dipika’s health closely, the actress has also made some major lifestyle changes. Dipika was first diagnosed with a tennis-ball-sized cancerous tumor in 2025. She underwent a major surgery for the same; in March, the actress had another surgery after two new cysts were found. Last month, another two dots appeared in her reports. Time and again, Dipika has spoken about how her illness has been affecting her personal life and the family’s professional life. She has also spoken about her son Ruhaan getting affected; however, the actress has been staying positive throughout. Disclaimer: This article contains personal updates regarding serious medical conditions, including brain hemorrhage and cancer treatments, which are s
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