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Abbineni PS, Baid S, Weiss MJ. A moonlighting job for α-globin in blood vessels. Blood 2024; 144:834-844. [PMID: 38848504 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023022192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Red blood cells express high levels of hemoglobin A tetramer (α2β2) to facilitate oxygen transport. Hemoglobin subunits and related proteins are also expressed at lower levels in other tissues across the animal kingdom. Physiological functions for most nonerythroid globins likely derive from their ability to catalyze reduction-oxidation (redox) reactions via electron transfer through heme-associated iron. An interesting example is illustrated by the recent discovery that α-globin without β-globin is expressed in some arteriolar endothelial cells (ECs). α-globin binds EC nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) and degrades its enzymatic product NO, a potent vasodilator. Thus, depletion of α-globin in ECs or inhibition of its association with eNOS causes arteriolar relaxation and lowering of blood pressure in mice. Some of these findings have been replicated in isolated human blood vessels, and genetic studies are tractable in populations in which α-thalassemia alleles are prevalent. Two small studies identified associations between loss of α-globin genes in humans and NO-regulated vascular responses elicited by local hypoxia-induced blood flow or thermal stimulation. In a few larger population-based studies, no associations were detected between loss of α-globin genes and blood pressure, ischemic stroke, or pulmonary hypertension. In contrast, a significant positive association between α-globin gene copy number and kidney disease was detected in an African American cohort. Further studies are required to define comprehensively the expression of α-globin in different vascular beds and ascertain their overall impact on normal and pathological vascular physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhodh S Abbineni
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL
| | - Srishti Baid
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Mitchell J Weiss
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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2
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Gomes ARQ, Cunha N, Varela ELP, Brígido HPC, Vale VV, Dolabela MF, de Carvalho EP, Percário S. Oxidative Stress in Malaria: Potential Benefits of Antioxidant Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115949. [PMID: 35682626 PMCID: PMC9180384 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is an infectious disease and a serious public health problem in the world, with 3.3 billion people in endemic areas in 100 countries and about 200 million new cases each year, resulting in almost 1 million deaths in 2018. Although studies look for strategies to eradicate malaria, it is necessary to know more about its pathophysiology to understand the underlying mechanisms involved, particularly the redox balance, to guarantee success in combating this disease. In this review, we addressed the involvement of oxidative stress in malaria and the potential benefits of antioxidant supplementation as an adjuvant antimalarial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Rafael Quadros Gomes
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutica Innovation, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (A.R.Q.G.); (H.P.C.B.); (V.V.V.); (M.F.D.)
- Oxidative Stress Research Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (N.C.); (E.L.P.V.); (E.P.d.C.)
| | - Natasha Cunha
- Oxidative Stress Research Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (N.C.); (E.L.P.V.); (E.P.d.C.)
| | - Everton Luiz Pompeu Varela
- Oxidative Stress Research Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (N.C.); (E.L.P.V.); (E.P.d.C.)
- Post-graduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology (BIONORTE), Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Heliton Patrick Cordovil Brígido
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutica Innovation, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (A.R.Q.G.); (H.P.C.B.); (V.V.V.); (M.F.D.)
| | - Valdicley Vieira Vale
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutica Innovation, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (A.R.Q.G.); (H.P.C.B.); (V.V.V.); (M.F.D.)
| | - Maria Fâni Dolabela
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutica Innovation, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (A.R.Q.G.); (H.P.C.B.); (V.V.V.); (M.F.D.)
- Post-graduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology (BIONORTE), Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Eliete Pereira de Carvalho
- Oxidative Stress Research Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (N.C.); (E.L.P.V.); (E.P.d.C.)
- Post-graduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology (BIONORTE), Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Sandro Percário
- Oxidative Stress Research Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (N.C.); (E.L.P.V.); (E.P.d.C.)
- Post-graduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology (BIONORTE), Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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3
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Heme oxygenase-1, carbon monoxide, and malaria – The interplay of chemistry and biology. Coord Chem Rev 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2021.214285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Decreased parasite burden and altered host response in children with sickle cell anemia and severe anemia with malaria. Blood Adv 2021; 5:4710-4720. [PMID: 34470050 PMCID: PMC8759120 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021004704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum malaria causes morbidity and mortality in African children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), but comparisons of host responses to P falciparum between children with SCA (homozygous sickle cell disease/hemoglobin SS [HbSS]) and normal hemoglobin genotype/hemoglobin AA (HbAA) are limited. We assessed parasite biomass and plasma markers of inflammation and endothelial activation in children with HbAA (n = 208) or HbSS (n = 22) who presented with severe anemia and P falciparum parasitemia to Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. Genotyping was performed at study completion. No child had known SCA at enrollment. Children with HbSS did not differ from children with HbAA in peripheral parasite density, but had significantly lower sequestered parasite biomass. Children with HbSS had greater leukocytosis but significantly lower concentrations of several plasma inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). In contrast, children with HbSS had threefold greater concentrations of angiopoietin-2 (Angpt-2), a marker of endothelial dysregulation associated with mortality in severe malaria. Lower TNF-α concentrations were associated with increased risk of postdischarge mortality or readmission, whereas higher Angpt-2 concentrations were associated with increased risk of recurrent clinical malaria. Children with SCA have decreased parasite sequestration and inflammation but increased endothelial dysregulation during severe anemia with P falciparum parasitemia, which may ameliorate acute infectious complications but predispose to harmful long-term sequelae.
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Zhao Y, Ma X, Zhou Y, Xie J, Liu X, Zhao Y. DDAH-1, via regulation of ADMA levels, protects against ischemia-induced blood-brain barrier leakage. J Transl Med 2021; 101:808-823. [PMID: 33574439 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-021-00541-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Dimethylarginine dimethylamino hydrolase-1 (DDAH-1) is an important regulator of nitric oxide (NO) metabolism that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, its role in cerebral ischemia still needs to be elucidated. Herein, we examined the expression of DDAH-1 in the brain of rat by double-label immunofluorescence staining. DDAH-1 knock-out (DDAH-1-/-) and wild-type rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). After 24 h, neurological scores, TTC staining and TUNEL assay were used to evaluate neurological damages. 3 and 7-days infarct outcomes were also shown. Blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeability was examined via Evans blue extravasation and tight junction (TJ) proteins expression and mRNA levels by western blot and RT-qPCR. The levels of plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), NO and ADMA in brain tissue were also assessed. In addition, supplementation of L-arginine to DDAH-1-/- rats was used to explore its role in regulating NO. DDAH-1 was abundantly distributed in cerebral cortex and basal nuclei, and mainly expressed in neurons and endothelial cells. DDAH-1-/- rats showed aggravated neurological damage and BBB disruption, including decrease of TJ proteins expression but indistinguishable mRNA levels after MCAO/R. DDAH-1 depletion and neurological damages were accompanied with increased ADMA levels and decreased NO concentrations. The supplementation with L-arginine partly restored the neurological damages and BBB disruption. To sum up, DDAH-1 revealed to have a protective role in ischemia stroke (IS) and IS-induced leakage of BBB via decreasing ADMA level and possibly via preventing TJ proteins degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No.301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, PR China
| | - Xiaoye Ma
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No.301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, PR China
| | - Yuchen Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No.301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, PR China
| | - Junchao Xie
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No.301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, PR China
| | - Xueyuan Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No.301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, PR China.
| | - Yanxin Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No.301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, PR China.
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Gowda SH, Anghan H, Mishra H, Chosdol K, Bhatt M, Kumar V, Ranjan P, Aggarwal P, Wig N, Soneja M. Serum Angiopoietin-1 and -2 and VEGF are associated with severe disease in vivax malaria. J Vector Borne Dis 2020; 57:285-294. [PMID: 34856707 DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.313969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Malaria continues to be a significant public health problem in tropical countries including India; however, there are limited tools to predict occurrence of severe disease due to malaria. This study was designed to evaluate the role of Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA)as disease biomarkers in uncomplicated malaria (UM) and severe malaria (SM). METHODS This is a prospective observational study carried out at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), tertiary referral hospital in New Delhi, India. The study population included patients diagnosed with malaria (Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax) either by rapid diagnostic kit test or positive peripheral smear and age more than 12 years. Forty-nine patients (25 with SM, 24 with UM) and 22 controls were recruited. In addition to routine investigations, serum concentrations of Ang-1, Ang-2, VEGF and ADMA were measured using ELISA technique. RESULTS We observed Ang-1 serum levels to be significantly lower in patients with severe malaria (7775 pg/ml) compared to uncomplicated malaria (17629 pg/ml) and healthy controls (43472 pg/ml) [p <0.001]. Ang-2 levels were significantly higher in severe malaria (11100 pg/ml) compared to uncomplicated malaria (7315 pg/ml) and healthy controls (3679 pg/ml) (p <0.001). The ratio of Ang-2/Ang-1 was significantly higher in patients with severe malaria. VEGF serum levels was significantly lower in severe malaria (130.36 pg/ml) compared to uncomplicated malaria (317.3 pg/ml). The Ang-1, Ang-2 and VEGF levels were able to differentiate severe malaria from uncomplicated malaria caused by P. vivax but not with P. falciparum. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION We conclude that Ang-1, Ang-2 and VEGF are markers of disease severity in vivax malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas H Gowda
- Department of Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Hiren Anghan
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Hridesh Mishra
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Kunzang Chosdol
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Manasvini Bhatt
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Piyush Ranjan
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Praveen Aggarwal
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Naveet Wig
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Manish Soneja
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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7
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Malaria in Pregnancy and Adverse Birth Outcomes: New Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities. Trends Parasitol 2019; 36:127-137. [PMID: 31864896 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Malaria infection during pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes but underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we discuss the impact of malaria in pregnancy on three pathways that are important regulators of healthy pregnancy outcomes: L-arginine-nitric oxide biogenesis, complement activation, and the heme axis. These pathways are not mutually exclusive, and they collectively create a proinflammatory, antiangiogenic milieu at the maternal-fetal interface that interferes with placental function and development. We hypothesize that targeting these host-response pathways would mitigate the burden of adverse birth outcomes attributable to malaria in pregnancy.
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McDonald CR, Cahill LS, Gamble JL, Elphinstone R, Gazdzinski LM, Zhong KJY, Philson AC, Madanitsa M, Kalilani-Phiri L, Mwapasa V, Ter Kuile FO, Sled JG, Conroy AL, Kain KC. Malaria in pregnancy alters l-arginine bioavailability and placental vascular development. Sci Transl Med 2019. [PMID: 29514999 PMCID: PMC6510298 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aan6007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Reducing adverse birth outcomes due to malaria in pregnancy (MIP) is a global health priority. However, there are few safe and effective interventions. L-arginine is an essential amino acid in pregnancy and an immediate precursor in the biosynthesis of nitric oxide (NO), but there are limited data on the impact of MIP on NO biogenesis. We hypothesized that hypoarginemia contributes to the pathophysiology of MIP and that L-arginine supplementation would improve birth outcomes. In a prospective study of pregnant Malawian women, we show that MIP was associated with lower concentrations of L- arginine and higher concentrations of endogenous inhibitors of NO biosynthesis, asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine, which were associated with adverse birth outcomes. In a model of experimental MIP, L-arginine supplementation in dams improved birth outcomes (decreased stillbirth and increased birth weight) compared with controls. The mechanism of action was via normalized angiogenic pathways and enhanced placental vascular development, as visualized by placental microcomputerized tomography imaging. These data define a role for dysregulation of NO biosynthetic pathways in the pathogenesis of MIP and support the evaluation of interventions to enhance L-arginine bioavailability as strategies to improve birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe R McDonald
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.,Sandra A. Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Lindsay S Cahill
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3HT, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Joel L Gamble
- Sandra A. Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Robyn Elphinstone
- Sandra A. Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Lisa M Gazdzinski
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3HT, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Kathleen J Y Zhong
- Sandra A. Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Adrienne C Philson
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02138, USA
| | | | | | - Victor Mwapasa
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, P.O. Box 280, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - John G Sled
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3HT, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Sandra A. Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada.,Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Kevin C Kain
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada. .,Sandra A. Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada.,Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
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9
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L-arginine supplementation and thromboxane synthase inhibition increases cerebral blood flow in experimental cerebral malaria. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13621. [PMID: 31541129 PMCID: PMC6754365 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49855-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria pathogenesis involves vascular dysfunction with low nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, vasoconstriction and impaired vasodilation, leading to ischemia, tissue hypoxia and ultimately death. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) involves NO and other pathways, including arachidonic acid (AA)-derived metabolites. Here we show that mice with experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) by P. berghei ANKA showed marked decreases in CBF (as assessed by laser speckle contrast imaging - LSCI) and that administration of L-arginine supplementation (50 mg/kg) and/or of the thromboxane synthase inhibitor Ozagrel (100 mg/kg) induced immediate increases in CBF. L-arginine in combination with artesunate (32 mg/kg) induced immediate reversal of brain ischemia in the short-term (1 hour), but the effect subsided after 3 and 6 hours. Neither L-arginine nor Ozagrel reversed blood brain barrier breakdown. Mice with ECM showed brain levels of selected AA-derived metabolites with a vasoconstrictor profile, with increased levels of 8-isoprostanes, 20-HETE and 14,15-DHET, whereas mice infected with a non-ECM-inducing strain of P. berghei (NK65) showed a vasodilator profile, with normal levels of 20-HETE and 14,15-DHET and increased levels of PGE2. L-arginine is capable of partially reversing cerebral ischemia and AA metabolites may play a role in the cerebrovascular dysfunction in ECM.
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10
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Weckman AM, McDonald CR, Baxter JAB, Fawzi WW, Conroy AL, Kain KC. Perspective: L-arginine and L-citrulline Supplementation in Pregnancy: A Potential Strategy to Improve Birth Outcomes in Low-Resource Settings. Adv Nutr 2019; 10:765-777. [PMID: 31075164 PMCID: PMC6743852 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmz015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The available data support the hypothesis that L-arginine or L-citrulline supplementation would be suitable for implementation in resource-constrained settings and will enhance placental vascular development and improve birth outcomes. In resource-constrained settings, the rates of adverse birth outcomes, including fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and low birth weight, are disproportionately high. Complications resulting from preterm birth are now the leading cause of mortality in children <5 y of age worldwide. Despite the global health burden of adverse birth outcomes, few effective interventions are currently available and new strategies are urgently needed, especially for low-resource settings. L-arginine is a nutritionally essential amino acid in pregnancy and an immediate precursor of nitric oxide. During pregnancy, placental and embryonic growth increases the demand for L-arginine, which can exceed endogenous synthesis of L-arginine from L-citrulline, necessitating increased dietary intake. In many low-resource settings, dietary intake of L-arginine in pregnancy is inadequate owing to widespread protein malnutrition and depletion of endogenous L-arginine due to maternal infections, in particular malaria. Here we examine the role of the L-arginine-nitric oxide biosynthetic pathway in pregnancy including placental vascular development and fetal growth. We review the evidence for the relations between altered L-arginine bioavailability and pregnancy outcomes, and strategies for arginine supplementation in pregnancy. Existing studies of L-arginine supplementation in pregnancy in high-resource settings have shown improved maternal and fetal hemodynamics, prevention of pre-eclampsia, and improved birth outcomes including higher birth weight and longer gestation. Arginine supplementation studies now need to be extended to pregnant women in low-resource settings, especially those at risk of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Weckman
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology
- Sandra A Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Chloe R McDonald
- Sandra A Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jo-Anna B Baxter
- Department of Nutritional Sciences
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Wafaie W Fawzi
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Sandra A Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kevin C Kain
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology
- Sandra A Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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11
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Kinetic and Cross-Sectional Studies on the Genesis of Hypoargininemia in Severe Pediatric Plasmodium falciparum Malaria. Infect Immun 2019; 87:IAI.00655-18. [PMID: 30718287 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00655-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The low bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) and its precursor, arginine, contributes to the microvascular pathophysiology of severe falciparum malaria. To better characterize the mechanisms underlying hypoargininemia in severe malaria, we measured the plasma concentrations of amino acids involved in de novo arginine synthesis in children with uncomplicated falciparum malaria (UM; n = 61), children with cerebral falciparum malaria (CM; n = 45), and healthy children (HC; n = 109). We also administered primed infusions of l-arginine uniformly labeled with 13C6 and 15N4 to 8 children with severe falciparum malaria (SM; age range, 4 to 9 years) and 7 healthy children (HC; age range, 4 to 8 years) to measure the metabolic flux of arginine, hypothesizing that arginine flux is increased in SM. Using two different tandem mass spectrometric methods, we measured the isotopic enrichment of arginine in plasma obtained at 0, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min during the infusion. The plasma concentrations of glutamine, glutamate, proline, ornithine, citrulline, and arginine were significantly lower in UM and CM than in HC (P ≤ 0.04 for all pairwise comparisons). Of these, glutamine concentrations were the most markedly decreased: median, 457 μM (interquartile range [IQR], 400 to 508 μM) in HC, 300 μM (IQR, 256 to 365 μM) in UM, and 257 μM (IQR, 195 to 320 μM) in CM. Arginine flux during steady state was not significantly different in SM than in HC by the respective mass spectrometric methods: 93.2 μmol/h/kg of body weight (IQR, 84.4 to 129.3 μmol/h/kg) versus 88.0 μmol/h/kg (IQR, 73.0 to 102.2 μmol/h/kg) (P = 0.247) by the two mass spectrometric methods in SM and 93.7 μmol/h/kg (IQR, 79.1 to 117.8 μmol/h/kg) versus 81.0 μmol/h/kg (IQR, 75.9 to 88.6 μmol/h/kg) (P = 0.165) by the two mass spectrometric methods in HC. A limited supply of amino acid precursors for arginine synthesis likely contributes to the hypoargininemia and NO insufficiency in falciparum malaria in children.
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12
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Arslan M, Yilmaz G, Mentese A, Yilmaz H, Karahan SC, Koksal I. Importance of endothelial dysfunction biomarkers in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. J Med Virol 2017. [PMID: 28628220 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and the cause of the hemorrhage are not yet fully understood. However, the endothelium plays a key role in the pathogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate endothelial dysfunction markers (asymmetrical dimethyl arginine [ADMA], endothelin 1[ET-1], thrombomodulin [TM], von Willebrand factor [vWf], and intercellular adhesion molecule [ICAM-1]) in serum in patients with CCHF and their associations with hemorrhage. Seventy-three patients with CCHF were included in the study. All patients' endothelial dysfunction markers were studied using routine biochemical and hematological tests. The data obtained were then subjected to statistical analysis. Statistically significant differences were determined between the patients and healthy control groups at time of presentation to hospital in terms of ADMA (P < 0.001), ET-1 (P < 0.001), TM (P = 0.039), vWf (P < 0.001), and ICAM-1 (P < 0.001) levels. Only the differences in TM and vWf were significant between the hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic groups (P < 0.05). Both serum ADMA and TM levels were significantly higher in the hemorrhage and non-hemorrhage CCHF groups on the 5th day compared to the 1st day (P < 0.05). Levels of endothelial dysfunction markers in CCHF vary in proportion to the damage occurring in the endothelium. ADMA and TM levels were lower in periods with mild endothelial injury. They were increased in line with severity endothelial injury. They may be an early marker in showing hemorrhage. Elevation in ADMA levels and low nitric oxide levels lead to endothelial injury and hemorrhage. Soluble TM that entered the circulation in line with the increased endothelial injury in hemorrhagic patients has been compromised the coagulation cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Arslan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Amasya University Sabuncuoglu Serefeddin Training and Research Hospital, Amasya, Turkey
| | - Gürdal Yilmaz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Karadeniz Technical University Medical Faculty, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Mentese
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Karadeniz Technical University Medical Faculty, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Hülya Yilmaz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Health Sciences University, Kanuni Training and Research Hospital, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Süleyman C Karahan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Karadeniz Technical University Medical Faculty, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Iftihar Koksal
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Karadeniz Technical University Medical Faculty, Trabzon, Turkey
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13
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Alkaitis MS, Wang H, Ikeda AK, Rowley CA, MacCormick IJC, Chertow JH, Billker O, Suffredini AF, Roberts DJ, Taylor TE, Seydel KB, Ackerman HC. Decreased Rate of Plasma Arginine Appearance in Murine Malaria May Explain Hypoargininemia in Children With Cerebral Malaria. J Infect Dis 2017; 214:1840-1849. [PMID: 27923948 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium infection depletes arginine, the substrate for nitric oxide synthesis, and impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Increased conversion of arginine to ornithine by parasites or host arginase is a proposed mechanism of arginine depletion. METHODS We used high-performance liquid chromatography to measure plasma arginine, ornithine, and citrulline levels in Malawian children with cerebral malaria and in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA with or without the arginase gene. Heavy isotope-labeled tracers measured by quadrupole time-of-flight liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to quantify the in vivo rate of appearance and interconversion of plasma arginine, ornithine, and citrulline in infected mice. RESULTS Children with cerebral malaria and P. berghei-infected mice demonstrated depletion of plasma arginine, ornithine, and citrulline. Knock out of Plasmodium arginase did not alter arginine depletion in infected mice. Metabolic tracer analysis demonstrated that plasma arginase flux was unchanged by P. berghei infection. Instead, infected mice exhibited decreased rates of plasma arginine, ornithine, and citrulline appearance and decreased conversion of plasma citrulline to arginine. Notably, plasma arginine use by nitric oxide synthase was decreased in infected mice. CONCLUSIONS Simultaneous arginine and ornithine depletion in malaria parasite-infected children cannot be fully explained by plasma arginase activity. Our mouse model studies suggest that plasma arginine depletion is driven primarily by a decreased rate of appearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Alkaitis
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville.,Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington
| | - Honghui Wang
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Allison K Ikeda
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville
| | - Carol A Rowley
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville
| | - Ian J C MacCormick
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool.,Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh.,Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme
| | - Jessica H Chertow
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville
| | | | - Anthony F Suffredini
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - David J Roberts
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington.,National Health Service Blood and Transplant, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Michigan State University, East Lansing.,Blantyre Malaria Project, Malawi
| | - Karl B Seydel
- Michigan State University, East Lansing.,Blantyre Malaria Project, Malawi
| | - Hans C Ackerman
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville
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14
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Takaya J, Tanabe Y, Kuroyanagi Y, Kaneko K. Relationship between asymmetric dimethylarginine in umbilical cord plasma and birth weight follows a U-shaped curve. Endocr J 2017; 64:431-436. [PMID: 28302957 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej16-0378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a nonselective nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor associated with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. NO regulates placental blood flow, which plays an important role in fetal growth. Many epidemiological studies have disclosed that restricted fetal growth is associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance in adult life. We studied the relationship between ADMA in cord blood and birth size. Nine small for gestational age (SGA) and 32 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants were studied. Their cord plasma ADMA, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and adipocytokine levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The relationship between birth weight and ADMA levels followed a U-shaped curve rather than inverse linear associations expected over a full range of birth weight distribution. ADMA positively correlated with birth weight in the AGA group (p<0.001, R=0.590), and inversely correlated with birth weight in the SGA group (p<0.05, R=-0.741). ADMA inversely correlated with adiponectin (p<0.05, R=-0.289) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (p<0.05, R=-0.294) in all subjects, and did not correlate with nitrogen oxides (NOX). Insulin, IGF-1, leptin, adiponectin and QUICKI were lower in the SGA than the AGA group. Plasma ADMA levels in cord blood may be a marker of fetal growth and insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Takaya
- Department of Pediatrics, Kawachi General Hospital, Higashi-Osaka 578-0954, Japan
| | - Yuko Tanabe
- Department of Pediatrics, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Yuichi Kuroyanagi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Kazunari Kaneko
- Department of Pediatrics, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
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15
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Alkaitis MS, Ackerman HC. Tetrahydrobiopterin Supplementation Improves Phenylalanine Metabolism in a Murine Model of Severe Malaria. ACS Infect Dis 2016; 2:827-838. [PMID: 27641435 PMCID: PMC6289270 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.6b00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor for both phenylalanine hydroxylase and nitric oxide synthase. Patients with severe malaria have low urinary BH4, elevated plasma phenylalanine, and impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation, suggesting that BH4 depletion may limit phenylalanine metabolism and nitric oxide synthesis. We infected C57BL/6 mice with Plasmodium berghei ANKA to characterize BH4 availability and to investigate the effects of BH4 supplementation. P. berghei ANKA infection lowered BH4 in plasma, erythrocytes, and brain tissue but raised it in aorta and liver tissue. The ratio of BH4 to 7,8-BH2 (the major product of BH4 oxidation) was decreased in plasma, erythrocytes, and brain tissue, suggesting that oxidation contributes to BH4 depletion. The continuous infusion of sepiapterin (a BH4 precursor) and citrulline (an arginine precursor) raised the concentrations of BH4 and arginine in both blood and tissue compartments. The restoration of systemic BH4 and arginine availability in infected mice produced only a minor improvement in whole blood nitrite concentrations, a biomarker of NO synthesis, and failed to prevent the onset of severe disease symptoms. However, sepiapterin and citrulline infusion reduced the ratio of phenylalanine to tyrosine in plasma, aortic tissue, and brain tissue. In summary, BH4 depletion in P. berghei infection may compromise both nitric oxide synthesis and phenylalanine metabolism; however, these findings require further investigation in human patients with severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S. Alkaitis
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hans C. Ackerman
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
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16
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Exported Epoxide Hydrolases Modulate Erythrocyte Vasoactive Lipids during Plasmodium falciparum Infection. mBio 2016; 7:mBio.01538-16. [PMID: 27795395 PMCID: PMC5082902 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01538-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythrocytes are reservoirs of important epoxide-containing lipid signaling molecules, including epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). EETs function as vasodilators and anti-inflammatory modulators in the bloodstream. Bioactive EETs are hydrolyzed to less active diols (dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids) by epoxide hydrolases (EHs). The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum infects host red blood cells (RBCs) and exports hundreds of proteins into the RBC compartment. In this study, we show that two parasite epoxide hydrolases, P. falciparum epoxide hydrolases 1 (PfEH1) and 2 (PfEH2), both with noncanonical serine nucleophiles, are exported to the periphery of infected RBCs. PfEH1 and PfEH2 were successfully expressed in Escherichia coli, and they hydrolyzed physiologically relevant erythrocyte EETs. Mutations in active site residues of PfEH1 ablated the ability of the enzyme to hydrolyze an epoxide substrate. Overexpression of PfEH1 or PfEH2 in parasite-infected RBCs resulted in a significant alteration in the epoxide fatty acids stored in RBC phospholipids. We hypothesize that the parasite disruption of epoxide-containing signaling lipids leads to perturbed vascular function, creating favorable conditions for binding and sequestration of infected RBCs to the microvascular endothelium. The malaria parasite exports hundreds of proteins into the erythrocyte compartment. However, for most of these proteins, their physiological function is unknown. In this study, we investigate two “hypothetical” proteins of the α/β-hydrolase fold family that share sequence similarity with epoxide hydrolases (EHs)—enzymes that destroy bioactive epoxides. Altering EH expression in parasite-infected erythrocytes resulted in a significant change in the epoxide fatty acids stored in the host cell. We propose that these EH enzymes may help the parasite to manipulate host blood vessel opening and inflame the vessel walls as they pass through the circulation system. Understanding how the malaria parasite interacts with its host RBCs will aid in our ability to combat this deadly disease.
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17
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Barber BE, William T, Grigg MJ, Piera KA, Chen Y, Wang H, Weinberg JB, Yeo TW, Anstey NM. Nitric Oxide-Dependent Endothelial Dysfunction and Reduced Arginine Bioavailability in Plasmodium vivax Malaria but No Greater Increase in Intravascular Hemolysis in Severe Disease. J Infect Dis 2016; 214:1557-1564. [PMID: 27630198 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathogenesis of severe Plasmodium vivax malaria is poorly understood. Endothelial dysfunction and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability characterize severe falciparum malaria, but have not been assessed in severe vivax malaria. METHODS In patients with severe vivax malaria (n = 9), patients with nonsevere vivax malaria (n = 58), and healthy controls (n = 79), we measured NO-dependent endothelial function by using reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT) and assessed associations with arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and hemolysis. RESULTS The L-arginine level and the L-arginine to ADMA ratio (a measure of L-arginine bioavailability) were reduced in patients with severe vivax malaria and those with nonsevere vivax malaria, compared with healthy controls (median L-arginine level, 65, 66, and 98 µmol/mL, respectively [P = .0001]; median L-arginine to ADMA ratio, 115, 125, and 187, respectively [P = .0001]). Endothelial function was impaired in proportion to disease severity (median RH-PAT index, 1.49, 1.73, and 1.97 in patients with severe vivax malaria, those with nonsevere vivax malaria, and healthy controls, respectively; P = .018) and was associated with the L-arginine to ADMA ratio. While the posttreatment fall in hemoglobin level was greater in severe vivax malaria as compared to nonsevere vivax malaria (2.5 vs 1 g/dL; P = .0001), markers of intravascular hemolysis were not higher in severe disease. CONCLUSIONS Endothelial function is impaired in nonsevere and severe vivax malaria, is associated with reduced L-arginine bioavailability, and may contribute to microvascular pathogenesis. Severe disease appears to be more associated with extravascular hemolysis than with intravascular hemolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget E Barber
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University.,Infectious Diseases Society Sabah-Menzies School of Health Research Clinical Research Unit
| | - Timothy William
- Infectious Diseases Society Sabah-Menzies School of Health Research Clinical Research Unit.,Jesselton Medical Center, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Matthew J Grigg
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University.,Infectious Diseases Society Sabah-Menzies School of Health Research Clinical Research Unit
| | - Kim A Piera
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University
| | - Youwei Chen
- Duke University Medical Center.,VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Hao Wang
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University
| | - J Brice Weinberg
- Duke University Medical Center.,VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Tsin W Yeo
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University.,Infectious Diseases Society Sabah-Menzies School of Health Research Clinical Research Unit.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Nicholas M Anstey
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Australia.,Infectious Diseases Society Sabah-Menzies School of Health Research Clinical Research Unit
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18
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Kayano ACAV, Dos-Santos JCK, Bastos MF, Carvalho LJ, Aliberti J, Costa FTM. Pathophysiological Mechanisms in Gaseous Therapies for Severe Malaria. Infect Immun 2016; 84:874-882. [PMID: 26831465 PMCID: PMC4807480 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01404-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 200 million people worldwide suffer from malaria every year, a disease that causes 584,000 deaths annually. In recent years, significant improvements have been achieved on the treatment of severe malaria, with intravenous artesunate proving superior to quinine. However, mortality remains high, at 8% in children and 15% in adults in clinical trials, and even worse in the case of cerebral malaria (18% and 30%, respectively). Moreover, some individuals who do not succumb to severe malaria present long-term cognitive deficits. These observations indicate that strategies focused only on parasite killing fail to prevent neurological complications and deaths associated with severe malaria, possibly because clinical complications are associated in part with a cerebrovascular dysfunction. Consequently, different adjunctive therapies aimed at modulating malaria pathophysiological processes are currently being tested. However, none of these therapies has shown unequivocal evidence in improving patient clinical status. Recently, key studies have shown that gaseous therapies based mainly on nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hyperbaric (pressurized) oxygen (HBO) alter vascular endothelium dysfunction and modulate the host immune response to infection. Considering gaseous administration as a promising adjunctive treatment against severe malaria cases, we review here the pathophysiological mechanisms and the immunological aspects of such therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina A V Kayano
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases-Prof. Dr. Luiz Jacintho da Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - João Conrado K Dos-Santos
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases-Prof. Dr. Luiz Jacintho da Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcele F Bastos
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases-Prof. Dr. Luiz Jacintho da Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo J Carvalho
- Laboratory of Malaria Research, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Júlio Aliberti
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Fabio T M Costa
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases-Prof. Dr. Luiz Jacintho da Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
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19
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Barber BE, William T, Grigg MJ, Parameswaran U, Piera KA, Yeo TW, Anstey NM. Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Adult Falciparum Malaria: Relationships With Disease Severity, Antimalarial Treatment, Hemolysis, and Inflammation. Open Forum Infect Dis 2016; 3:ofw027. [PMID: 26985445 PMCID: PMC4789539 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofw027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) and arginine bioavailability are reduced acutely in adult falciparum malaria. ADMA increases following commencement of antimalarial therapy, is associated with arginine and haemolysis, and likely contributes to reduced nitric oxide bioavailability in severe falciparum malaria. Background. Endothelial nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability is impaired in severe falciparum malaria (SM). Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of NO synthase (NOS), contributes to endothelial dysfunction and is associated with mortality in adults with falciparum malaria. However, factors associated with ADMA in malaria, including the NOS-substrate l-arginine, hemolysis, and antimalarial treatment, are not well understood. Methods. In a prospective observational study of Malaysian adults with SM (N = 22) and non-SM (NSM; N = 124) and healthy controls (HCs), we investigated factors associated with plasma ADMA including the effects of antimalarial treatment. Results. Compared with HCs, ADMA levels were lower in NSM (0.488 µM vs 0.540 µM, P = .001) and in the subset of SM patients enrolled before commencing treatment (0.453 µM [N = 5], P = .068), but levels were higher in SM patients enrolled after commencing antimalarial treatment (0.610 µM [N = 17], P = .026). In SM and NSM, ADMA levels increased significantly to above-baseline levels by day 3. Baseline ADMA was correlated with arginine and cell-free hemoglobin in SM and NSM and inversely correlated with interleukin-10 in NSM. Arginine and the arginine/ADMA ratio (reflective of arginine bioavailability) were lower in SM and NSM compared with HCs, and the arginine/ADMA ratio was lower in SM compared with NSM. Conclusions. Pretreatment ADMA concentrations and l-arginine bioavailability are reduced in SM and NSM. Asymmetric dimethylarginine increases to above-baseline levels after commencement of antimalarial treatment. Arginine, hemolysis, and posttreatment inflammation all likely contribute to ADMA regulation, with ADMA likely contributing to the reduced NO bioavailability in SM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget E Barber
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia; Infectious Diseases Society Sabah-Menzies School of Health Research Clinical Research Unit
| | - Timothy William
- Infectious Diseases Society Sabah-Menzies School of Health Research Clinical Research Unit; Jesselton Medical Centre, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Matthew J Grigg
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia; Infectious Diseases Society Sabah-Menzies School of Health Research Clinical Research Unit
| | - Uma Parameswaran
- Global and Tropical Health Division , Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University , Darwin , Australia
| | - Kim A Piera
- Global and Tropical Health Division , Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University , Darwin , Australia
| | - Tsin W Yeo
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia; Infectious Diseases Society Sabah-Menzies School of Health Research Clinical Research Unit; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Institute of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Nicholas M Anstey
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia; Infectious Diseases Society Sabah-Menzies School of Health Research Clinical Research Unit; Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Darwin Hospital, Australia
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