Oxidative Stress as a Converging Mechanism in Malaria and Metabolic Disorders: From Molecular Crosstalk to Therapeutic Intervention

Bwanbale Geoffrey David

Faculty of Pharmacy Kampala International University Uganda

                                                                                               ABSTRACT
Oxidative stress represents a pivotal biochemical imbalance that underlies the pathophysiology of diverse diseases, ranging from infectious conditions such as malaria to chronic metabolic disorders including diabetes mellitus, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Despite differing etiologies, both malaria and metabolic disorders share overlapping pathogenic pathways characterized by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired antioxidant defenses. During malaria infection, oxidative stress arises from parasite metabolism, host immune activation, and hemoglobin degradation, which together induce lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and inflammation. Similarly, metabolic disorders exhibit sustained oxidative stress driven by hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and chronic inflammation, leading to vascular dysfunction and tissue injury. The convergence of these redox pathways highlights oxidative stress as a central molecular interface linking
infection-induced and metabolic pathologies. Understanding this crosstalk provides a unique opportunity to develop integrated therapeutic strategies targeting redox imbalance. This review comprehensively explores the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress in malaria and metabolic disorders, discusses the shared signaling networks, and examines emerging antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic interventions aimed at mitigating oxidative injury. Finally, it highlights future perspectives on redox-based therapeutic approaches that may bridge the
management of infectious and metabolic diseases.

Keywords: Oxidative stress, malaria, metabolic disorders, inflammation, antioxidant therapy

CITE AS: Bwanbale Geoffrey David. (2026). Oxidative Stress as a Converging Mechanism in Malaria and Metabolic Disorders: From Molecular Crosstalk to Therapeutic Intervention. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PHARMACY,7(1):45-50.
https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJPP/2026/714550