Effect of idebenone on hemorheologic variables in geriatric patients with cerebral infarction

Abstract

The effects of idebenone (6-(10-hydroxydecyl)-2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone) on hemorheologic variables were evaluated in 7 geriatric patients with cerebral infarction, 3 men and 4 women (ages 61–83, mean age 70.7 years). Idebenone was given orally at a dose of 30–60mg three times daily after meals for 12 weeks. The hemorheologic variables were determined twice prior to the administration and at 8 and 12 weeks after the administration. Hemorheologic measurements included erythrocyte deformability was determined according to the method based on the examination of passing erythrocytes through a filter containing pores smaller than the undeformed cells. Erythrocyte aggregation was measured by the method based on the increase of the light transmission through whole blood that occurs when individual cells aggregate into rouleaux or rouleaux-rouleaux complexes. Erythrocyte deformability was increased and erythrocyte aggregation measured at a high shear rate and a low shear rate, plasma viscosity and collagen-induced platelet aggregation were also decreased after the administration. Thus the improvement of hemorheologic variables in cerebral infarction may prevent from disturbing blood flow and may contribute to prevention of formation and progression of thrombosis and atherosclerosis in geriatric patients with cerebral infarction.