Intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and Vascular adhesion molecule-1 profile in uncomplicated malaria cases in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: High levels of endothelial activation markers have been reported mostly in severe malaria cases and associated with several malaria syndromes following Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes sequestration into blood vessels of deep tissues and organs. Data on their roles in uncomplicated malaria is scarce. This study evaluated levels of vascular endothelial adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in uncomplicated malaria and their relationship with host factors. Results: Mean levels of ICAM-1 (1.03x10⁶±20689.2 pg/ml) and median level of VCAM-1 (1.11x10⁶ pg/ml, range 3,725-6,273,725 pg/ml) were both significantly increased in malaria cases compared to the malaria negative group (p<0.01). The geometric mean parasite density was 11,183 parasites /μl, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels did not correlate with parasite density, p=0.125, p=0.945; r=0.138, r=0.006 respectively. Mean PCV was significantly lower (P=0.042) in malaria positive cases than negative cases. A negative correlation was seen between ICAM-1 and PCV (r = -0.167, p =0.026; VCAM-1) and PCV (r=-0.173, p = 0.021). However, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels were negatively associated with age (r =-0.314, p= 0.000; r = -0.160, p=0.033) respectively. This study showed increased VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels in uncomplicated malaria, an indication of endothelial activation, which plays a significant role in malaria pathogenesis.