Hypothiocyanite OSCN-, Hypoiodite, and others.
Only available
from Qures Group Ltd
A brief explanation
The hypothiocyanite ion is one of the most important effector elements in our innate immune system, and is a major initial defence against infection. Present in many secretions including milk, tears, saliva, and airway and gut surface fluids, this ion has an incredibly broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, viruses and fungi (Pruitt & Reiter ’85). It is important for the control of microorganisms in milk from lactating animals, and is critically involved in cell-mediated pathogen killing.
This defence system utilises the commonly present thiocyanate ions as one substrate to produce OSCN‾ (hypothiocyanite) ions. These ions are extremely toxic to virtually all microorganisms. They inhibit glycolysis and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)–dependent reactions in bacteria (Reiter & Perraudin ’91). They also oxidize the thiocyanate residues present on many viruses (Mangold & Streeck ‘93), thus breaking up the viral coat structure (Almeida et al ‘79).
These are impressive modes of pathogen-killing, but OSCN‾ is also important in protecting host tissues.
The other substrate used in the synthesis of hypothiocyanite ions is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is produced by a number of bacterial species and by inflammatory sites through reactions mounted by the host, being responsible for much tissue damage. By preventing hydrogen peroxide build up, OSCN‾ synthesis is a doubly important defence mechanism.
Hypothiocyanite ions are not toxic to human cells, and have little if any effect on probiotic species, making them a near-perfect antimicrobial system. And it is very difficult indeed for microorganisms to acquire resistance to OSCN‾. If it was easy for pathogens to develop resistance to OSCN‾ we would not have survived as a species because this key element in our immune system would have been disabled.
The bactericidal effects of OSCN‾ can be effectively mimicked and amplified by delivering hypothiocyanite ions directly. This technology has been adopted by the WHO for bulk milk sterilisation. It has most recently been utilised as a therapeutic strategy in the UK and in Finland, where it is widely used by the dental profession in the prevention and management of periodontal disease. In our product we deliver the OSCN‾ either orally or by inhalation.
©PRClayton. RGStead 31st March 2024