Research progress of methylene blue in the treatment of sepsis and septic shock

Abstract

Sepsis and septic shock have high morbidity and mortality. The key point is that huge amount of nitric oxide (NO) is releasing into circulation, inducing marked dilation of blood vessels, and continuously decreased of blood pressure. The central link is inflammation and oxidative stress. Methylene blue can effectively inhibit NO, remove excessive NO and block the signal transduction pathway named inducible nitric oxide synthase-NO-soluble guanylate cyclase-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (iNOS-NO-sGC-cGMP). Meanwhile, it also play a role in inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation. This paper reviews the mechanism of methylene blue in the treatment of sepsis and septic shock, as well as its treatment time window, optimal dose, administration mode and potential adverse reactions, to provide new ideas for clinical treatment.