Hypochlorous acid exposure impairs skeletal muscle function and Ca signalling: implications for Duchenne muscular dystrophy pathology.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal X-linked disease characterised by severe muscle wasting. The mechanisms underlying the DMD pathology likely involve the interaction between inflammation, oxidative stress and impaired Ca signalling. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a highly reactive oxidant produced endogenously via myeloperoxidase; an enzyme secreted by neutrophils that is significantly elevated in dystrophic muscle.