Molecular mechanisms of hematological and biochemical alterations in malaria: A review

Malaria is a dangerous disease that contributes to millions of hospital visits and hundreds of thousands of deaths, especially in children residing in sub-Saharan Africa. Although several interventions such as vector control, case detection, and treatment are already in place, there is no substantive reduction in the disease burden. Several studies in the past have reported the emergence of resistant strains of malaria parasites (MPs) and mosquitoes, and poor adherence and inaccessibility to effective antimalarial drugs as the major factors for this persistent menace of malaria infections. Moreover, victory against MP infections for many years has been hampered by an incomplete understanding of the complex nature of malaria pathogenesis. Very recent studies have identified different complex interactions and hematological alterations induced by malaria parasites. However, no studies have hybridized these alterations for a better understanding of Malaria pathogenesis. Hence, this review thor-oughly discusses the molecular mechanisms of all reported hematological and biochemical alterations induced by MPs infections. Specifically, the mechanisms in which MP-infection induces anemia, thrombocytopenia, leuko-penia, dyslipidemia, hypoglycemia, oxidative stress, and liver and kidney malfunctions were presented. The study also discussed how MPs evade the host's immune response and suggested strategies to limit evasion of the host's immune response to combat malaria and its complications.

Automated summary

Malaria is a dangerous disease that causes a high number of hospital visits and deaths, particularly in children in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite existing interventions, such as vector control and treatment, the burden of the disease remains significant. Previous studies have reported the emergence of drug-resistant malaria parasites and poor access to effective antimalarial drugs as key factors contributing to the persistence of infections. Furthermore, the complex nature of malaria pathogenesis has hindered progress in combating the disease. Recent studies have identified various complex interactions and changes in blood composition induced by malaria parasites. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of these alterations. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms of reported hematological and biochemical changes induced by malaria parasite infections, including anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, dyslipidemia, hypoglycemia, oxidative stress, and liver and kidney malfunctions. Additionally, the study explores strategies to limit the evasion of the immune response by malaria parasites in order to combat malaria and its complications.