The Association between Malaria and β-Carotene Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

• Main Authors: Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui (Author), Aongart Mahittikorn (Author), Polrat Wilairatana (Author), Frederick Ramirez Masangkay (Author), Manas Kotepui (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2023-08-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.3390/antiox12091687; 2076-3921
• Keywords: malaria; oxidative stress; β-carotene; vitamin A; carotenoid; systematic review; Therapeutics. Pharmacology; RM1-950
• Source: Antioxidants, Vol 12, Iss 9, p 1687 (2023)

Background: β-Carotene, which is a prominent carotenoid with notable antioxidant properties, may play a role in countering the oxidative stresses induced by malaria. The association between β-carotene levels and malaria is not yet fully understood, prompting this systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A rigorous search of databases, including Nursing and Allied Health Premium, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, was undertaken to collate studies that focused on β-carotene levels in malaria patients. The selected studies underwent critical appraisal, followed by data extraction for a meta-analysis. Results: Of the 2498 records initially identified, 10 were deemed suitable for synthesis. A considerable number of these studies indicated a pronounced reduction in β-carotene levels among malaria patients in contrast with uninfected individuals. The meta-analysis, encompassing 421 malaria patients and 240 uninfected controls, revealed a significant correlation between reduced β-carotene levels and malaria (<i>p</i> < 0.01, Hedges's g: −1.26, 95% CI: −2.00-(−0.53), I²: 93.86%, seven studies). Conclusions: The conducted systematic review and meta-analysis corroborated the correlation between lower β-carotene levels and malaria. The intricate relationship between malaria and β-carotene merits deeper exploration. A comprehensive understanding of this association might pave the way for innovative therapeutic approaches leveraging the antioxidant attributes of β-carotene to combat malaria-induced oxidative stress.