Substance P and NK-1R in Dengue: A First Serological Investigation

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Dengue fever lacks specific biomarkers for its complex pathophysiology.
• Substance P (SP) and its receptor, Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R), are implicated in inflammation and vascular permeability during viral infections.
• The role of SP and NK1R in dengue remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum levels of SP and NK1R in dengue patients.
• To explore the potential association of SP and NK1R with dengue pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure SP and NK1R levels in serum samples.
• Convenience sampling included 40 dengue patients and 12 healthy controls.
• Complete blood count (CBC) parameters were also analyzed.

Main Results:

• Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) levels were significantly lower in dengue patients (0.57 ± 0.131) compared to healthy controls (2.681 ± 3.147) (p < 0.0001).
• Substance P (SP) levels showed no significant difference between male and female dengue patients (Mann-Whitney U = 85, p = 0.899).

Conclusions:

• Lower NK1R levels in dengue patients suggest a potential role in disease pathogenesis.
• NK1R may be involved in vascular permeability, immune activation, and cytokine responses in dengue.
• These findings highlight a possible link between NK1R and dengue's underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.