Alterations in hemodynamics and plasma concentrations of urokinase plasminogen activator and pro-adrenomedullin among malaria-infected adults at Nauth, Nnewi, Nigeria

Malaria remains a significant public health issue, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions like Nigeria. This study evaluates the impact of malaria infection on anthropometric variables, blood pressure, and plasma levels of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and pro-adrenomedullin (pro-ADM) in adults attending the General Outpatient Department (GOPD) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study involving 90 participants aged 18-45 years was conducted, including 23 male and 22 female malaria-infected adults, and 22 male and 23 female non-malaria-infected controls. Plasma samples were analyzed for uPA and pro-ADM levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Significant elevations in uPA and pro-ADM levels were found in malaria-infected adults compared to controls (p < 0.05). Elevated blood pressure and biomarker levels suggest malaria’s role in cardiovascular dysfunction and systemic inflammation, highlighting the potential of uPA and pro-ADM as biomarkers for malaria.