Some cells in the human body can generate hypochlorite—the same chemical used to kill bacteria and viruses in household bleach.
When hypochlorite is over-produced in the body it contributes to health problems associated with arthritis, coronary artery disease, Alzheimer’s disease and many other inflammatory conditions.
However, new research from Flinders University and the University of Cambridge has demonstrated that some biological molecules are regulated by reacting with hypochlorite in helpful rather than harmful ways.
“The reaction of hypochlorite with biological molecules is typically considered a form of ‘collateral damage‘ within the body,” explains Dr. Amy Wyatt, senior lecturer in Biochemistry at Flinders University’s College of Science and Engineering.
“We believe it plays a more complex role in human health. Our data shows that hypochlorite neutralizes a molecule