Hypochlorous acid and taurine-N-monochloramine in periodontal diseases.

Chronic periodontitis is a multi-factorial disease involving anaerobic bacteria and the generation of an inflammatory response, including the production of metalloproteinases, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and eicosanoids. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and taurine-N-monochloramine (TauCl) are the end-products of the neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) respiratory burst. They act synergistically to modulate the inflammatory response.