Seiichi Araki

Highly purified vitamin B2 presents a promising therapeutic strategy for sepsis and septic shock.

ABSTRACT Highly purified vitamin B2 (riboflavin 5′-sodium phosphate; purity > 97%) treatment by intravenous infusion at doses above those used clinically to treat vitamin B2 deficiency showed therapeutic effects in mice not only in cases of endotoxin- and exotoxin-induced shock but also in cases of gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial infection even after the toxemia had already begun.

Effects of dihydroheptaprenol on neutrophil functions in calves.

Microemulsified dihydroheptaprenol (DHP) was administered intramuscularly to clinically healthy calves at doses of 4, 6 and 8 mg/kg body weight. Marked increase of neutrophil counts was observed 0.5, 1 and 2 days after the injection at a dose of 6 mg/kg. Nitroblue tetrazolium reducing activity of neutrophils was also obviously enhanced 1, 2 and 3 days after DHP administration. Phagocytic killing of Staphylococcus aureus by neutrophils was further enhanced markedly 1, 2 and 3 days after the drug injection at 6 mg/kg.

Enhancement of phagocytosis and bactericidal activity of neutrophils in miniature pigs by dihydroheptaprenol, a synthetic polyprenol derivative

Dihydroheptaprenol (DHP), a synthetic polyprenol derivative, markedly stimulated the generation of peripheral blood neutrophils after intramuscular injection in miniature pigs. The generated neutrophils exhibited enhanced phagocytic activity against latex particles and also enhanced killing activity against Escherichia coli. The effective dose in miniature pigs (1.4 mg/kg) was markedly less than that required in mice (100 mg/kg). These results indicate that DHP induces resistance to some bacterial infections in pigs, suggesting the applicability of DHP for humans.