title: Antibacterial properties of L-amino acid oxidase: mechanisms of action and perspectives for therapeutic applications.
abstract: Venom, the mucus layer covering the body surface, ink glands, mammary glands, milk, and various animal secretory functions as both a physical and chemical defense barrier against bacteria and virus infections. Previously, several studies reported that L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs) present in animal secretary fluids have strong antimicrobial activities and selective cytotoxic activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, various pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasite species. These LAAOs catalyze oxidative deamination of an L-amino acid substrate with the generation of hydrogen peroxide. The antibacterial activity of LAAOs is completely inhibited by catalase; thus, LAAOs kill bacteria by the hydrogen peroxide generated from the oxidation of L-amino acid substrates. This review focuses on the selective, specific, and local antibacterial actions of various LAAOs that may be used as novel therapeutic agents against infectious diseases. LAAOs that are suitable leads for combating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections are also studied.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathologic Analysis, Division of Medical Life Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki University, Aomori, Japan.
authors.forename: Kosuke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kasai
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ishikawa
authors.forename: Toshiya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.forename: Tomisato
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Miura
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D050830:L-Amino Acid Oxidase / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D050830:L-Amino Acid Oxidase