Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) enhances superoxide production in acute liver failure (ALF): an in vivo effect

Methods

The in vitro ability of G-CSF to improve neutrophil superoxide production has been previously demonstrated in ALF patients [1]. However, the in vivo effect on neutrophil function is unknown. Therefore G-CSF was given to three groups of ALF patients (n = 6) as a daily infusion at four different dosages (25, 50, 100 and 150 µg/m²). Superoxide production was measured after fMLP stimulation, before and at 24 and 96 h.

Results

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G-CSF significantly enhanced superoxide production at 96 h (P < 0.05). Furthermore, this effect was observed at doses below the standard therapeutic dose of 150 µg/m². Further studies are needed to determine the therapeutic value of G-CSF in the prevention and treatment of infection in ALF patients.

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