title: A role for reactive oxygen species in the antibacterial properties of carbon monoxide-releasing molecules.
abstract: Carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CO-RMs) are, in general, transition metal carbonyl complexes that liberate controlled amounts of CO. In animal models, CO-RMs have been shown to reduce myocardial ischaemia, inflammation and vascular dysfunction, and to provide a protective effect in organ transplantation. Moreover, CO-RMs are bactericides that kill both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas 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-RMs induce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contribute to the antibacterial activity of these compounds.
authors: Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal.
authors: Ana Filipa N
authors: AF
authors: Tavares
authors: Lígia S
authors: LS
authors: Nobre
authors: Lígia M
authors: LM
authors: Saraiva
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial / Q000187:drug effects; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D002248:Carbon Monoxide