RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a major scientific breakthrough, a research team from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) has collaborated with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to ), together with researchers from the United Kingdom, the United States, and India, discovered genetic factors that are crucial in the prevention and treatment of malaria. A genetic factor called PfAP2-MRP is essential in the replication process of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes the deadliest strains of malaria.
Using advanced laboratory techniques, the researchers were able to inhibit the PfAP2-MRP genetic element, demonstrating its key role in the life cycle of the malaria parasite within red blood cells. When inhibited, the parasite’s ability to reproduce is severely disrupted, thereby reducing the severity of disease symptoms and hindering its spread. The discovery has important implications as it relates to Plasmodium falciparum malaria, a disease that kills more than half a million people each year.
“This discovery paves the way for more effective treatments for the most lethal Plasmodium falciparum malaria strains,” said Dr. Ashraf Dada, Chairman of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and leader of the study at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. Moreover, this study strengthens the The scientific community’s understanding of disease progression and its interaction with the human immune system is improving efforts to combat this malaria parasite, which is widespread in Africa.
Furthermore, studies have shown that the PfAP2-MRP genetic factor regulates the production of diverse protein receptors, allowing the parasite to evade the host’s immune system. This mechanism plays an important role in the global spread of malaria and highlights the importance of this genetic factor in developing treatment strategies in the future.
This important study, published in the prestigious journal Nature, is part of a close collaboration between KFSH&RC and KAUST to conduct innovative research activities that will improve the diagnosis of microorganisms, bacteria and parasites and highlight the global efforts to combat pathogens. and efforts to improve human health.
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center ranks among the world’s leaders in specialized healthcare, driving innovation and becoming a center for advanced medical research and education. Through strategic partnerships with renowned local, regional and international institutions, the hospital is committed to advancing the development of medical technology and raising global healthcare standards.
About King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC):
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) is a leading medical institution in the Middle East, committed to being the best choice for every patient seeking professional medical services. The hospital has a long history of treating cancer, cardiovascular disease, organ transplantation, neuroscience and genetics.
In 2023, Brand Finance ranked King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center as the top academic medical center in the Middle East and Africa and among the top 20 globally. Additionally, in 2022, it was named one of the world’s leading healthcare providers by Newsweek magazine.
On December 21, 2021, Saudi Arabia issued a royal decree to transform hospitals into independent, not-for-profit, government-owned entities as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, paving the way for a comprehensive transformation plan through Excellence and innovation in achieving global leadership in healthcare.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available here
CONTACT: Contact Information For further information please contact: Mr Essam Al-Zahrani, Head of Media Affairs, 0555254429 Mr Abdullah Al-Awn, Head of Media Coordination, 0556294232
2024-02-07 08:58:18
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