Interplay Between Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Pathways in Malaria, Diabetes, and Arthritis: Implications for Novel Therapeutic Targets

Kabazzi Douglas T.

Department of Pharmaceutics Kampala International University Uganda

Email: t.kabazzi@studwc.kiu.ac.ug

ABSTRACT

Oxidative stress and inflammation are interconnected biological processes that underlie the pathogenesis of many chronic and infectious diseases. In malaria, diabetes, and arthritis, the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and antioxidant defense mechanisms triggers a cascade of inflammatory signaling, tissue injury, and metabolic dysfunction. This review explores the mechanistic interplay between oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways across these disease conditions, emphasizing shared molecular mediators such as NF-κB, Nrf2, TNF-α, IL-6, and nitric oxide synthase. The roles of mitochondria, endothelial dysfunction, and lipid peroxidation in disease progression are also examined. Furthermore, we discuss how understanding these cross-linked mechanisms could guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies, including antioxidant-based therapies, phytochemical interventions, and pathway-specific inhibitors. This integrative overview highlights the potential for targeting redox-inflammatory crosstalk to improve clinical outcomes in malaria, diabetes, and arthritis.

Keywords: Oxidative stress, inflammation, malaria, diabetes, arthritis, therapeutic targets

CITE AS: Kabazzi Douglas T. (2026). Interplay Between Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Pathways in Malaria, Diabetes, and Arthritis: Implications for Novel Therapeutic Targets. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES 6(1):109-113. https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJSES/2026/61109113