Hydroxide ion (OH-)

Hydroxyl ions (OH-), also known as hydroxide ions, are fundamental inorganic anions that play a critical role in maintaining the body's acid-base homeostasis and determining physiological pH [2, 8]. While not a traditional macromolecular target like a protein receptor, hydroxyl ions are the subject of therapeutic modulation in various clinical contexts, particularly in the management of pH-related disorders and infections [8, 13]. In the treatment of metabolic alkalosis, hydroxyl ions are the target of acidifying agents such as ammonium chloride, which provide protons to neutralize excess alkalinity [2, 8]. Conversely, hydroxyl ions serve as the active therapeutic agent in antacids used to neutralize gastric acid, and in endodontic treatments where calcium hydroxide creates a highly alkaline environment to eliminate bacteria by denaturing their proteins and disrupting membranes [1, 3, 7]. Emerging oncology research also explores the use of antibody-enzyme conjugates like L-DOS47 to generate hydroxyl ions within the tumor microenvironment, aiming to reverse tumor acidity and induce cancer cell death through localized alkalosis [4, 14]. Monitoring hydroxyl ion balance is essential, as deviations can lead to life-threatening conditions such as metabolic alkalosis or caustic tissue damage [8, 13].

Other names

Hydroxyl ionHydroxyl anionHydroxide

Neutralization of hydroxyl ions by acidifying agents to treat metabolic alkalosis; therapeutic administration of hydroxyl ions to neutralize gastric acid or provide antimicrobial effects; enzymatic generation of hydroxyl ions to induce localized alkalosis in the tumor microenvironment.