A novel antimicrobial agent reduces oxidative stress in cells

Abstract

1,3,5-Tris[(1E)-2′-(4′′-benzoic acid)vinyl]benzene] (Ramizol™) is a potent and non-toxic synthetic antimicrobial agent, and we now establish that it is also a potent inhibitor of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, with similar antioxidant activity to α-tocopherol (Vitamin E), which is a standard antioxidantdrug. The results show that Ramizol™ decreases ROS to basal levels in PC12 cells and mouse and guinea pig myocytes, and demonstrate its protective nature from oxidative damage to the cells. The continuing challenge to discover antibiotics with no or few side effects makes Ramizol™ a very attractive candidate for the potential treatment of infections.