Antibiotics acting as neuroprotectants via mechanisms independent of their anti-infective activities

Neuropharmacology. 2013 Oct:73:174-82. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.04.059. Epub 2013 Jun 4.

Abstract

This review considers available evidence that some antibiotics have ancillary neuroprotective effects. Notably, β-lactam antibiotics are believed to increase the expression of glutamate transporter GLT1, potentially relieving the neurological excitotoxicity that characterizes disorders like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Minocycline has shown promise in reducing the severity of a number of neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, most likely by reducing apoptosis and the expression of inflammatory mediators in the brain. Rapamycin inhibits the activity of a serine/threonine protein kinase that has a role in the pathogenesis of numerous neurologic diseases. Herein we examine the unique neuroprotective aspects of these drugs originally developed as anti-infective agents.

Keywords: Antibacterial; Antifungal; Neuroprotection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Minocycline / pharmacology
  • Minocycline / therapeutic use
  • Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Sirolimus / pharmacology
  • Sirolimus / therapeutic use
  • beta-Lactams / pharmacology
  • beta-Lactams / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • beta-Lactams
  • Minocycline
  • Sirolimus