Individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency have increased resistance to malaria because the parasite does not survive well in cells with oxidative stress.
What is the link between G6P deficiency and malaria?
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked recessive disorder.
- G6PD protects cells from oxidative damage especially the RBCs whose main function is to carry oxygen.
- Mutation in the gene results in G6PD deficiency leading to oxidative stress which can lead to anemia (iron deficiency) as there is breakdown of RBCs.
- However, G6PD deficiency is quite common in parts of Africa, Middle East, and South Asia, which are the regions of high malaria endemism.
- This is due to natural selection in which G6PD deficiency is not eliminated from the population as it can protect people from malaria infection.
- Malaria parasite Plasmodium species does not survive well in cells with oxidative stress.
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