Oxidative bactericidal mechanisms

Oxidative deiodination of T4 in a process that includes ether link cleavage produces DIT, I-, and iodinated protein. Since this mechanism accounts for 40-50% of all T4 degradation during human leukocyte phagocytosis, the suggestion has been made that this process may contribute to the bactericidal capacity of the leukocyte50. 

In neutral and slightly alkaline media, MPO-compound I can react directly with iodides, bromides, chlorides (K16), thiocyanates, Al-acetylmethionine, cysteine, pyridine nucleotides (S20), and phenols (K16), including tyrosine (H14) and thyroid hormones. Some of these reactions have certain biological importance. In extensive studies, Klebanoff el al. investigated the potential function of MPO as an iodide-oxidizing enzyme (K16). It was found that iodide is rapidly oxidized, forming a bactericidal derivative which produces a fall in the number of viable Escherichia coli 10 times more effectively than bromide and 100 times more effectively than chloride, if used as MPO substrates. Extremely low concentrations of iodides and bromides in leukocytes and blood plasma, however, seem to limit the importance of iodide oxidation in bacteria killing mechanisms. 

The mechanism of antibacterial action of the furan derivatives is unknown. However, the reduced forms of nitrofurans are highly reactive and are thought to inhibit many bacterial enzyme systems, including the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate to acetylcoenzyme A. Nitrofurans (see list in Table 1.7) are bacteriostatic but, at high concentrations, can be bactericidal to sensitive organisms. Both chromosomal and plasmid-mediated mechanisms of resistance to nitrofurantoin occur, and these most commonly involve the inhibition of nitrofuran reductase. 

Zinc oxide-eugenol is a somewhat old-fashioned material, but it is widely used as an endodontic sealer [18]. It has relatively poor mechanical properties, but is easy to use in the dental clinic [19] and outcomes are good, which explains its continuing popularity. When set, it is biocompatible towards dental hard tissues, though it is cytotoxic towards soft tissues [20]. Zinc oxide-eugenol is susceptible to hydrolysis, which causes the material to decompose and release eugenol. It is this latter substance which is responsible for the cement s adverse effects on soft tissues, but which also makes the material bactericidal. 

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