On the origin of reactive oxygen species and antioxidative mechanisms in Enterococcus faecalis

Redox Rep. 2010;15(5):202-6. doi: 10.1179/135100010X12826446921581.

Abstract

Enterococci cause serious infections due to a number of virulence factors and wide-spread antibiotic resistance. A molecular mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of enterococcal infections is oxidative stress. Enterococcus faecalis produces a variety of antioxidative enzymes involved in the oxidative stress response, a process that is regulated by several transcriptional regulators. In addition, direct production of free radicals derived from oxygen has been proved and hypothesized, respectively, to contribute to the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer and periodontitis. The understanding of molecular mechanisms behind the production of free radicals and the antioxidative status in E. faecalis might suggest new alternatives for the treatment of enterococcal infections and related diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / metabolism*
  • Enterococcus faecalis / enzymology*
  • Enterococcus faecalis / genetics
  • Enterococcus faecalis / pathogenicity
  • Free Radicals / metabolism
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Free Radicals
  • Reactive Oxygen Species