Browsing by Author "Fiamitia, Carrin"

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Interleukin-6-Mediated Inflammation on Telomere Length Dynamics in Malaria Infection
(NIPES-Journal of Science and Technology, Research Vol. 7, 2025) Afolabi, Israel Sunmola; Fiamitia, Carrin
—Malaria, an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium species, remains a significant global health concern, contributing to millions of deaths annually, particularly in endemic regions. In 2023, approximately 263 million malaria cases were reported, according to the World Malaria Report. Malaria infection triggers an inflammatory response critical to its pathogenesis, with cytokines as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Among these, interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a crucial role in disease progression, immune regulation, and severity. Emerging evidence suggests that chronic inflammation induced by malaria infection may accelerate telomere attrition. Telomere length, a key biomarker of cellular aging, naturally declines with age; however, malaria-associated inflammation appears to expedite this process. Telomere shortening can be counteracted by Telomerase, an enzyme whose activity is tightly regulated by human Telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). Telomerase and hTERT contribute to genomic stability and cellular longevity, with hTERT expression modulated by IL-6 through activation of the Janus kinase signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway. Despite this understanding, the relationship between telomerase activity, telomere length, IL-6 levels, hTERT expression, and malaria infection remains poorly understood. This review synthesizes current findings on IL-6-mediated inflammation and its potential impact on telomere length, telomerase activity, and hTERT expression. We examine studies exploring how persistent inflammation in malaria may drive cellular senescence, telomere dysfunction, and disease severity. Gaining knowledge of how IL-6 regulates Telomerase may help identify new biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and immune based interventions for malaria-induced immune dysregulation. Future research should focus on elucidating the precise molecular mechanisms linking inflammation to telomere dynamics and exploring strategies to mitigate immune cell senescence in malaria patients.
Knowledge, practices, and perceptions towards malaria prevention and control among Residents of Canaanland and surrounding areas in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
(Frontiers in Tropical Diseases, 2025-10-13) Wakai, Theophilus N.; Fiamitia, Carrin; Kintung, Irrinus; Johngwe, Mac; Chinedu, Shalom; Afolabi, Israel S.
Malaria infection and telomere length: A review
(Microbial Pathogenesis, 2025) Wakai, Theophilus N.; Fiamitia, Carrin; Oba, Emmanuel B.; Chinedu, Shalom N.; Afolabi, Israel S.
Telomere shortening is a key hallmark of cellular aging, and its association with various infectious diseases is well-documented. However, the role of telomere dynamics in malaria pathogenesis remains underexplored. In addition to its influence, malaria infection not only modulates signals within immune cells but also drives telomere shortening in these cells via diverse mechanisms, potentially leaving long-term imprints on human health. Acute malaria infections initiate rapid telomere degradation, promote accelerated cellular senescence, and suppress telomerase expression with possible partial recovery as the parasite clears during treatment. Conversely, prolonged exposure to Plasmodium infection, prevalent among individuals residing in highly endemic regions like Africa, is often aggravated by coexisting infections, potentially exacerbating malaria pathogenesis, accelerating telomere length shortening, and increasing susceptibility to age-related ailments. Herein, we review recent findings into the effects of malaria on telomere attrition, shedding light on possible mechanisms and key factors contributing to this process. Additionally, we present an overview of how oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators contribute to telomere length shortening in malaria. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of telomere length as a biomarker for malaria severity and treatment outcomes.