Abstract

 Oxidative stress represents a pivotal biochemical imbalance that underlies the pathophysiology of diverse diseases, 
ranging from infectious conditions such as malaria to chronic metabolic disorders including diabetes mellitus, 
obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Despite differing etiologies, both malaria and metabolic disorders share 
overlapping pathogenic pathways characterized by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, 
mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired antioxidant defenses. During malaria infection, oxidative stress arises from 
parasite metabolism, host immune activation, and hemoglobin degradation, which together induce lipid 
peroxidation, DNA damage, and inflammation. Similarly, metabolic disorders exhibit sustained oxidative stress 
driven by hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and chronic inflammation, leading to vascular dysfunction and tissue injury. 
The convergence of these redox pathways highlights oxidative stress as a central molecular interface linking 
infection-induced and metabolic pathologies. Understanding this crosstalk provides a unique opportunity to develop 
integrated therapeutic strategies targeting redox imbalance. This review comprehensively explores the molecular 
mechanisms of oxidative stress in malaria and metabolic disorders, discusses the shared signaling networks, and 
examines emerging antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic interventions aimed at mitigating oxidative 
injury. Finally, it highlights future perspectives on redox-based therapeutic approaches that may bridge the 
management of infectious and metabolic diseases.