Effect of malaria infection on biomarker of lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde) and lipid profile in pregnant women

Abstract

Malaria infection has been found to be associated with lipid peroxidation accompanying reduction in antioxidant capacity of infected patients. This study determined the effects of malaria infection on malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipid profile of pregnant women in Dutse, Jigawa State. A total of 103 pregnant women (15-40 years) were enrolled. Blood samples were collected from each consented pregnant women during ante-natal clinic for malaria test, MDA and lipid profile. The mean MDA was significantly higher (p<0.05) in malaria positive primigravidae and secundigravidae than in multigravidae. The mean total cholesterol,  high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglyceride levels were higher in malaria positive than in malaria negative primigravidae and secundigravidae (p>0.05). The mean total cholesterol level was significantly (p<0.05) higher in primigravidae than in malaria positive secundigravidae and multigravidae. Albumin and Total protein were significantly (p<0.05) lowered in the severe than in mild and control groups. The result of this study shows that primigravidae and secungravidae are susceptible to malaria infection and the tendency of having atherosclerosis is higher in malaria positive primigravidae due to increased LDL and total cholesterol. Supplementation of diet with antioxidants along anti-malaria drugs during treatment of malaria pregnant women is recommended.