Malaria-induced inflammation: a novel pathway to cardiovascular diseases

• Grant number: 21/13950-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2022
• End date: May 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Parasitology - Protozoology of Parasites
• Principal Investigator: Cláudio Romero Farias Marinho
• Grantee: Laura Cordeiro Gomes
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

An increase in cardiovascular diseases recorded in developing countries appears to occur simultaneously with an increase in the burden of infectious diseases. In this sense, Malaria is a highly prevalent infectious disease in these places, where approximately 230 million cases are recorded per year. There are some studies and case reports that suggest that Malaria causes structural changes in the heart and affects specific vascular pathways, leading to an increased risk of hypertension and decreased myocardial contractility. However, there are still several gaps in knowledge that can prove this association and the mechanisms involved. Objective: To investigate the relationship between Malaria and cardiovascular changes in an endemic area in Brazil. Methods: The first stage of the study was conducted in the cities of Cruzeiro do Sul and Tarauacá (Acre), with random inclusion of 453 patients with and 505 without history of Malaria, which were not infected at the time of inclusion. Additionally, 134 patients infected with Plasmodium spp. were recruited, for whom follow-up was performed 30 days later. So far, routine laboratory tests, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram have been performed for the three groups. Subsequently, cardiac and endothelial markers, cytokines and genetic analyses will be performed. It is intended, therefore, not only to detect the pathogenesis mechanisms of Malaria with the potential to generate cardiovascular alterations, but also to detect risk factors for these to occur. (AU)