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High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein: possible amplification signal in the pathogenesis of falciparum malaria

L M Alleva1, H Yang, K J Tracey

  • 1School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|January 18, 2005
PubMed

Insights

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein levels were elevated in children with falciparum malaria, particularly in fatal cases. This suggests HMGB1 may worsen inflammation and illness in malaria.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a DNA-binding protein involved in inflammation.
  • HMGB1 acts as a pro-inflammatory cytokine when released from cells.
  • HMGB1 is an amplification signal in various inflammatory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of HMGB1 in falciparum malaria.
  • To determine if HMGB1 serum concentrations correlate with malaria severity and outcome.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples were collected from sixteen African children with falciparum malaria upon admission.
  • HMGB1 concentrations were measured in serum samples.
  • Serum HMGB1 levels were compared between fatal cases, non-fatal cases, and healthy controls.

Main Results:

  • Serum HMGB1 concentration was significantly increased in children with falciparum malaria compared to healthy adults.
  • HMGB1 levels were higher in fatal malaria cases than in those who recovered.
  • Both non-fatal and fatal malaria cases showed significantly elevated HMGB1 compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • Malaria is characterized by a systemic inflammatory state, with HMGB1 playing a significant role.
  • Elevated HMGB1 may contribute to the exacerbation and prolongation of inflammatory processes in malaria.
  • HMGB1's role in malaria warrants further investigation, similar to its established role in sepsis.

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