Oxidant-scavenging activities of beta-lactam agents.

The relative antioxidant effect of ampicillin, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, and cefuroxime on oxygenreactive species was examined in vitro using stimulated human polymorphonuclear neutrophils. There was no evidence that any of the β-lactam agents tested had an effect on superoxide or H₂O₂ generation. In contrast, all of the β-lactam agents prevented hypochlorous acid (HOCl) chlorination of 1,1-dimethyl-4-chloro-3,5-cyclo-hexanedione in a cell-free system at concentrations of <10 μg/ml. Furthermore, all antibiotics provided dose-dependent protection against HOCl cytotoxicity to 16HBE140 bronchial epithelial cells. Taken together, these data indicate a possible therapeutic role for β-lactam agents in protecting host tissues from HOCl-induced oxidative damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]