Effects of Malaria on Galectin-3 And Insulin Resistance in Diabetics and Non-Diabetic Respondents within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

Abstract

Malaria stands as the primary cause of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Besides, Sub-Saharan Africa also has the largest type 2 diabetes mellitus rate growth. Malaria causes insulin resistance in adults. Galectin-3 on the other hand has been explored in numerous conditions such as diabetes, inflammation, fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, certain cancers and heart failure. Considering the many pathophysiological processes associated with galectin-3, it might play a vital role in malaria infection. However, scientific information on the impact of malaria on circulating gelactin-3 levels and its relationship with insulin resistance in the context of development of T2DM is unknown. Hence, this study aimed at investigating the effect of malaria on galectin-3 and insulin resistance in 160 patients with and without T2DM who had malaria or not within the Tema metropolis in the Greater Accra region. Under fasting conditions, body measurements of weight and height were taken to calculate the individual's body mass index (BMI). Additionally, blood pressure, waist circumferences (WC) and hip circumferences (HC) of each participant was measured following the standard protocol. Above all, blood glucose (FBG), full blood count (FBC), lipid profile, serum insulin and galectin-3 of each patient were measured. Homeostatic models assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR) and beta cell function (HOMAB) formulas were utilized to arrive at the aforementioned results Compared to controls, diabetics without malaria exhibited statistically significant (P < 0.05) increases in mean age, BMI, WC, HC, SBP, DBP, FBG, insulin, galectin-3, HOMAIR and HOMAB. Diabetics with malaria were significantly (𝑃 < 0.05) of high age with higher mean values of FBG, SBP, DBP, galectin-3 and HOMAIR but decreased mean values of insulin and HOMAB compared to controls. Malaria was associated with dyslipidemia, characterized by low total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL but high levels of triglycerides in both T2DM and non-diabetic respondents. Insulin resistance within the study population was aggravated by malaria in both study groups. Malaria was associated with high serum galectin-3 levels in both study group.