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

Dengue fever lacks reliable biomarkers to explain its complex pathophysiology. Substance P (SP) and its receptor, the Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R), known regulators of inflammation and vascular permeability in viral infections, may play a role in dengue but remain unexplored.

To investigate the levels of SP and NK1R in serum samples of diagnosed dengue patients.

Participants were selected from a pool of diagnosed dengue fever patients using a convenience sampling technique (n = 40), along with a control group of healthy individuals (n = 12). Serum samples were collected, and SP and NK1R levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Complete blood count (CBC) parameters were also evaluated.

The mean NK1R levels in the control and case groups were 2.681 ± 3.147 and 0.57 ± 0.131, respectively. NK1R levels were significantly lower in dengue patients compared with controls (p < 0.0001). SP levels did not differ significantly between male and female dengue patients (Mann-Whitney U = 85, p = 0.899).

NK1R may be associated with dengue pathogenesis through its potential involvement in vascular permeability, immune activation, and cytokine responses. These findings suggest a possible connection between NK1R and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying dengue infection.