Changes in protein turnover and resting energy expenditure after treatment of malaria in Gambian children

Abstract

To explore the changes in resting energy expenditure (REE) and whole body protein turnover induced by malaria, 23 children aged 6 to 14 y (23.9 ± 1.0 kg, 1.3 ± 0.02 m) were studied on three separate days after treatment (d 1, d 2, and 15 d later). REE was assessed by indirect calorimetry (hood), whereas whole body protein turnover was estimated using a single dose of [15N]glycine administered p.o. by measuring the isotopic enrichment of [15N]ammonia in urine over 12 h. Within the first 3.5 h after treatment, the body temperature dropped from 39.8 ± 0.1 to 37.8 ± 0.1°C (p < 0.0001), and REE followed the same pattern, decreasing rapidly from 223 ± 6 to 187 ± 4 kJ/kg/d (p < 0.0001). Whole body protein synthesis and breakdown were significantly higher during the 1st day (5.65 ± 0.38 and 6.21 ± 0.43 g/kg/d, respectively) than at d 15 (2.95 ± 0.17 and 2.77 ± 0.2 g/kg/d). It is concluded that Gambian children suffering from an acute episode of malaria have an increased REE averaging 37% of the control value (d 15) and that this was associated with a substantial increase (by a factor of 2) in whole body protein turnover. A rapid normalization of the hypermetabolism and protein hypercatabolism states after treatment was observed.