The study of vascular permeability in the malaria-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome

Abstract

Malaria, an infectious parasitic disease considered a public health problem, represents a risk to the most diverse populations. Present in 97 endemic countries, this disease puts at risk 40% of the world's population. Plasmodium spp. infections can lead to a severe respiratory condition, with pulmonary complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This syndrome is characterized by acute inflammation, alveolar-endothelial and pulmonary parenchymal lesion, dysfunction and increased permeability of the pulmonary alveolar-capillary barrier and consequently edema formation. The regulation mechanisms of endothelial cells permeability involving dynamic interactions and structural alterations of the cytoskeletal components play a critical role in the modulation of the inflammatory response and maintenance of the pulmonary endothelium. Taking into account the lack of knowledge about many of the determinants of the pathogenesis of ARDS associated with malaria, this project aims to identify mechanisms of increased vascular permeability, with emphasis on the study of interendothelial junctions, cytoskeletal changes and their signaling pathways, as well as methods of early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. The understanding of these aspects is crucial for the development of prophylactic strategies and for the treatment of malaria-associated ARDS. (AU)