Oxygen-Ozone Therapy in Medicine: An Update

Abstract

Oxygen-ozone therapy, initially started as an empirical approach, has now reached a stage where most of the biological mechanisms of action of ozone have been clarified, showing that they are in the realm of orthodox biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology. Here we have reviewed a few relevant clinical applications and have shown that ozone therapy is particularly useful in cardiovascular disorders and tissue ischemia. In chronic viral infections, it is unable to eliminate the viremia but it may display supportive help by stimulating the immune system. Recently, its use has been successfully extended to the herniated disk pathology and therapy of primary caries in children.

Adjuvant combined ozone therapy for extensive wound over tibia

“…Ozone therapy has been shown both to improve wound healing, modulate immune system, and act as an antibacterial agent 11. In our case, the nonhealing and necrotic wound seen postcompartment syndrome may be associated with continued tissue ischemia, reperfusion injury, and imbalanced tissue homeostasis and microcirculation 12.…”

“…In our case, the patient was 59 years old and immunosenescence may also be a cause of impaired wound healing 21. Ozone AHT induces release of cytokines, such as TNF-α and interleukins, which activate the neutrophils and lymphocytes 3112223. These reinfused ozonated lymphocytes further activate other cells in a paracrine manner, causing widespread immune stimulation 311.…”

“…In our case, the nonhealing and necrotic wound seen postcompartment syndrome may be associated with continued tissue ischemia, reperfusion injury, and imbalanced tissue homeostasis and microcirculation 12. In blood, ozone almost immediately disintegrates forming reactive oxygen species and lipid oxidation products 311. The lipid oxidation products cause vasodilatation by acting on the endothelium, causing release of prostacyclin, interleukin-8, and nitric oxide 2313–15.…”

“…Ozone AHT is also shown to improve the hemorrheologic properties and increase the oxygen delivery to the more ischemic tissues 317. The therapeutic oxidative stress caused by the AHT also leads to upregulation of the intracellular antioxidant enzymes and production of heme oxygenase-1 and heat-stable protein-70, which help in protecting the tissues from ischemia/reperfusion and inflammation and also play a role in wound healing 31118–20. In our case, the patient was 59 years old and immunosenescence may also be a cause of impaired wound healing 21.…”

“…Ozone AHT induces release of cytokines, such as TNF-α and interleukins, which activate the neutrophils and lymphocytes 3112223. These reinfused ozonated lymphocytes further activate other cells in a paracrine manner, causing widespread immune stimulation 311. Although ozone has excellent bactericidal, virucidal, and also antiprotozoal properties, this action is nullified by the presence of endogenous antioxidant in the plasma, making ozone ineffective in sterilizing blood 324.…”