Hypochlorous acid decreases antioxidant power, inhibits plasma membrane redox system and pathways of glucose metabolism in human red blood cells

Abstract

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is generated at a high concentration by activated neutrophils at sites of inflammation in a myeloperoxidase catalyzed reaction. The increased and sustained production of HOCl at inflammatory sites may lead to tissue injury and this process is believed to play an important role in the progression of several diseases like chronic inflammation, atherosclerosis and some types of cancers. We have examined the effect of HOCl on human red blood cells (RBCs) under in vitro conditions. Treatment of RBC with different concentrations of HOCl (0.05–2.5 mM) at 37°C resulted in decreased activities of major antioxidant enzymes while the antioxidant power of RBC was weakened, as shown by lowered metal-reducing and free radical quenching ability of HOCl treated cells. RBC plasma membrane redox system was also inhibited suggesting membrane damage. The enzymes of glucose metabolism were inhibited indicating deranged energy metabolism. Electron microscopic images showed gross morphological changes in HOCl treated RBC. These results show that HOCl causes major alterations in the cellular antioxidant defense system and inhibition of glycolytic pathways, which increase the susceptibility of RBC to oxidative damage.

Synergistic effect of two formulations of hypochlorous acid in the treatment of 346 chronic ulcers

“…Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) has been used to treat ulcers and wounds of various etiologies including those with arterial, venous, pressure, surgery, or diabetic foot origin, among others, 1–7 since it combines antiseptic properties with those of non‐cytotoxicity to the underlying tissue, which is key to healing these skin lesions 8–17 . In addition, the treatment has anti‐inflammatory and antipruritic effects, 18,19 which also help healing.…”

“…or diabetic foot origin, among others, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] since it combines antiseptic properties with those of non-cytotoxicity to the underlying tissue, which is key to healing these skin lesions. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] In addition, the treatment has anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects, 18,19 which also help healing.…”

Hypochlorous acid in a double formulation (liquid plus gel) is a key prognostic factor for healing and absence of infection in chronic ulcers. A nonrandomized concurrent treatment study

“…In addition, the treatment has anti‐inflammatory and antipruritic effects, which also help alleviate underlying conditions. Many of the HOCl formulations are of the liquid type, but some are also in gel form, which gives them more versatility as they can be applied to wounds, bedsores, ulcers, and so on, creating a hydrated medium that also maintains an antimicrobial effect for a long time (one or more days), which is very important to achieving healing 6–18 …”

“…They can have multiple etiologies including arterial or venous vascular problems, diabetes, pressure, neoplasms, neurological pathologies, and so on. It is assumed they can affect more than 10% of the population, especially individuals over 70 years of age with any of the pathologies listed above 1–7 . Up to half of all ulcers may be infected at the time that treatment is begun.…”

“…Many of the HOCl formulations are of the liquid type, but some are also in gel form, which gives them more versatility as they can be applied to wounds, bedsores, ulcers, and so on, creating a hydrated medium that also maintains an antimicrobial effect for a long time (one or more days), which is very important to achieving healing. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Using an in vitro model based on a germ carrier with or without biofilm, we concluded in 2020 19 that a more concentrated and stable formulation of HOCl was more effective than other antiseptics, such as iodines, surfactants, and biguanides. The broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of HOCl has been experimentally confirmed both in vitro and in vivo by Palau et al 20 We then wondered if a faster, more effective, and safer healing of ulcers could be achieved by treating them with two different formulations of HOCl in two successive steps.…”