Hydrogen peroxide and viral infections: A literature review with research hypothesis definition in relation to the current covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

We reviewed the literature concerning the innate response from nasal and oral epithelial cells and their reaction to hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). Hydrogen peroxide is produced physiologically by oral bacteria and plays a significant role in the balance of oral microecology since it is an important antimicrobial agent. In the epithelial cells, the enzyme superoxide dismutase catalyzes a reaction leading from hydrogen peroxide to the ion superoxide. The induced oxidative stress stimulates a local innate response via activation of the toll-like receptors and the NF-κB. Those kinds of reactions are also activated by viral infections. Virus-induced oxidative stress plays an important role in the regulation of the host immune system and the specific oxidant-sensitive pathway is one of the effective strategies against viral infections. Therefore, nose/mouth/throat washing with hydrogen peroxide may enhance those local innate responses to viral infections and help protect against the current coronavirus pandemic. We strongly encourage the rapid development of randomized controlled trials in both SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative subjects to test the preliminary findings from the in-vitro and in-vivo observational studies that we identified.

Use of mouthwashes against COVID-19 in dentistry

“…Gently gargle for 30 seconds in the oral cavity and 30 seconds in the back of the throat with: 1.5% 17 or 3% 47 H 2 O 2 15 ml; PVP-I, 0.2%, 17 0.4%, 45 or 0.5% 46 , 48 9 ml; 0.12% CHX 15 ml; 6 or 0.05% CPC 15 ml. 31 , 35 …”

Comparison of In Vitro Inactivation of SARS CoV‐2 with Hydrogen Peroxide and Povidone‐Iodine Oral Antiseptic Rinses

“…Hydrogen peroxide oral rinse is a popular rinse anecdotally used by dentists due to its long history of use in teeth whitening procedures. 18,19 It has also been recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) as a preprocedural rinse op-tion during the COVID-19 pandemic. 10 Some of the advantages of H 2 O 2 include easy accessibility, low cost, and longtrack record in dentistry.…”

“…10 Some of the advantages of H 2 O 2 include easy accessibility, low cost, and longtrack record in dentistry. 18,19 However its disadvantages include its potential for toxicity under routine use by dental professionals, 18 gastric and colon disturbances, 20 inactivation in the mouth due to host catalase activity in the saliva, 21 and absence of any clinical or in vitro evidence for viricidal activity against SARS-CoV-2. 12 The purpose of this study was to compare in vitro inactivation of SARS CoV-2 with hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and povidone-iodine (PVP-I) oral antiseptic rinses at clinically recommended concentrations and clinically convenient timescales.…”

Uso de Peróxido de Hidrógeno como Enjuague Bucal Previo a la Consulta Dental para Disminuir la Carga Viral de COVID-19. Revisión de la Literatura

“…La literatura de estudios inmunológicos in vitro señala claramente que la aplicación de peróxido de hidrógeno en las células epiteliales de la nariz, la garganta y la boca puede ser extremadamente efectiva contra los virus, incluidos los coronavirus. (Caruso et al, 2020).…”