Last Updated: 30/04/2025
Study of vascular permeability in malaria-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome
Objectives
This project aims to identify mechanisms to increase vascular permeability, with an emphasis on the study of interendothelial junctions, changes in the cytoskeleton and their signaling pathways, in addition to early diagnosis methods and therapeutic interventions.
Malaria is a parasitic infectious disease considered a public health problem and poses a risk to the most diverse populations. Present in 97 countries, considered as endemic areas, this disease puts 40% of the world’s population at risk. Infections with Plasmodium spp. may lead to severe respiratory symptoms, with pulmonary complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This syndrome is characterized by acute inflammation, damage to the alveolar endothelium and pulmonary parenchyma, dysfunction and increased permeability of the pulmonary alveolar-capillary barrier and, consequently, edema formation. The mechanisms for regulating the permeability of endothelial cells that involve dynamic interactions and structural changes in the components of the cytoskeleton play a critical role in modulating the inflammatory response and in maintaining the pulmonary endothelium. Understanding these aspects is crucial for the development of prophylactic strategies and for the treatment of ARDS associated with malaria.
Jul 2017 — Dec 2019
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