Open AccessA role for reactive oxygen species in the antibacterial properties of carbon monoxide‐releasing molecules
Author(s) -
Tavares Ana Filipa N.,
Nobre Lígia S.,
Saraiva Lígia M.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2012.02633.x
Subject(s) - pseudomonas aeruginosa , reactive oxygen species , carbon monoxide , chemistry , bacteria , oxygen , microbiology and biotechnology , molecule , antibacterial activity , staphylococcus aureus , biochemistry , biology , organic chemistry , catalysis , genetics
Carbon monoxide‐releasing molecules ( CO ‐ RM s) are, in general, transition metal carbonyl complexes that liberate controlled amounts of CO. In animal models, CO ‐ RM s have been shown to reduce myocardial ischaemia, inflammation and vascular dysfunction, and to provide a protective effect in organ transplantation. Moreover, CO ‐ RM s are bactericides that kill both G ram‐positive and G ram‐negative bacteria such as S taphylococcus aureus and P seudomonas aeruginosa . Herein are reviewed the microbial genetic and biochemical responses associated with CO ‐ RM ‐mediated cell death. Particular emphasis is given to the data revealing that CO ‐ RM s induce the generation of reactive oxygen species ( ROS ), which contribute to the antibacterial activity of these compounds.