[Research progress on B vitamins in the treatment of sepsis]

Sepsis is a prevalent form of acute and critical illness encountered in intensive care unit (ICU), characterized by a high mortality and cognitive impairments among survivors. The pathogenesis of sepsis primarily involves immune dysfunction and excessive oxidative stress. Consequently, immune modulation, along with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant strategies, has emerged as a focal point in the treatment of sepsis. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of B vitamins to modulate immune cell activity while exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thereby garnering significant interest regarding their therapeutic efficacy in sepsis management. Notably, vitamin B2 and vitamin B9 are recognized for their roles in regulating immune cells and facilitating immune modulation. Vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12 demonstrate notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Specifically, vitamin B1 exerts its antioxidant influence through the regulation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle while mitigating inflammation by modulating inflammatory factor levels in septic patients-an application that has been integrated into clinical practice. The anti-inflammatory action of vitamin B2 is achieved through the regulation of inflammatory mediators in septic patients alongside reducing inflammasome activation within macrophages. Vitamin B6 contributes to both anti-inflammatory responses and antioxidative defense by scavenging free radicals and enhancing the production of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, vitamins B1, B6, B9, and B14 have shown promise in improving neurocognitive function among individuals suffering from sepsis. This article reviews the immunomodulatory functions as well as the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects associated with various B vitamins while exploring their applications within sepsis treatment to propose novel therapeutic avenues.