General Interest
9/13/2009 10:38:01 PM EST
One key to antibiotic resistance in bacteria is elucidated in a new study
Partner, Ropers Majeski Kohn & Bentley
The researchers showed that the generated NO increases the resistance of bacteria to a broad spectrum of antibiotics, enabling the bacteria to survive and share habitats with antibiotic-producing microorganisms. Thus, what developed as a mechanism for addressing the chemicals launched by other occupants of the ecosystem provides a means for bacteria to resist human administered antibiotics. NO-mediated resistance is achieved through both the chemical modification of antibiotic and other “toxic” compounds and by the alleviation of the oxidative stress imposed by many antibiotics.
The researchers found the enzymes responsible for producing nitric oxide were activated specifically in response to the presence of the antibiotics. They also showed that nitric oxide alleviates damage caused by the drugs as well as helping to neutralize many of the toxic compounds within the antibiotic. Finally, they were able to demonstrate that eliminating nitric oxide production in the bacteria allowed the antibiotics to work at lower, less toxic doses.
The authors note that the results of their study suggest that the inhibition of NO activity may increase the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy.
Create an account or login to post comments.