Search Results (155)

Aging is accompanied by progressive gastrointestinal structural and functional decline, increased intestinal permeability, dysbiosis, and impaired mucosal immunity, collectively elevating susceptibility to infections, chronic inflammation, and multimorbidity. These age-related changes are further exacerbated by polypharmacy, metabolic disorders, and lifestyle factors, positioning the gastrointestinal tract as a central driver of systemic physiological decline. Gut-centered interventions have emerged as critical strategies to mitigate these vulnerabilities and support healthy aging. Dietary modulation, prebiotic and probiotic supplementation, and microbiota-targeted approaches have demonstrated efficacy in improving gut microbial diversity, enhancing short-chain fatty acid production, restoring epithelial integrity, and modulating immune signaling in older adults. Beyond nutritional strategies, non-nutritional interventions such as molecular hydrogen and medical ozone offer complementary mechanisms by selectively neutralizing reactive oxygen species, reducing pro-inflammatory signaling, modulating gut microbiota, and promoting mucosal repair. Hydrogen-based therapies, administered via hydrogen-rich water or inhalation, confer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective effects, while ozone therapy exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, enhances tissue oxygenation, and stimulates epithelial and vascular repair. Economic considerations further differentiate these modalities, with hydrogenated water positioned as a premium wellness product and ozonated water representing a cost-effective, scalable option for geriatric gastrointestinal care. Although preclinical and early clinical studies are promising, evidence in older adults remains limited, emphasizing the need for well-designed, age-specific trials to establish safety, dosing, and efficacy. Integrating dietary, microbiota-targeted, and emerging non-nutritional gut-centered interventions offers a multimodal framework to preserve gut integrity, immune competence, and functional health, potentially mitigating age-related decline and supporting overall health span in older populations. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy in women. Metastatic breast cancer is considered a treatable but incurable condition, with a median overall survival of only 2–3 years. Among its subtypes, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for a high proportion of breast cancer-related deaths. It is characterized by an aggressive clinical course, early recurrence, and a strong propensity for visceral and brain metastases. Case Presentation: We report the case of a Caucasian woman who developed systemic disease recurrence with lung and mediastinal lymph node metastases, occurring two years after her primary diagnosis and treatment for TNBC. The patient received three months of chemotherapy combined with an adjuvant integrative protocol consisting of melatonin, cannabidiol, and oxygen–ozone therapy. This combined approach led to the complete disappearance of the lung nodules. Subsequently, stereotactic radiotherapy was performed and, in association with the ongoing integrative treatment, resulted in a significant reduction in mediastinal adenopathy. Introduction of immunotherapy, supported continuously by the same adjuvant strategy, achieved a complete and durable remission. Strikingly, the patient remained disease-free five years after the diagnosis of lung and mediastinal metastases. Conclusions: This clinical case highlights the potential benefit of using melatonin, cannabidiol, and oxygen–ozone therapy as part of an integrative approach in patients with aggressive metastatic TNBC. While it is not possible to establish causality from a single case, the sustained remission observed suggests that such unconventional adjuvant strategies could play a supportive role in enhancing the efficacy of standard oncologic therapies. Full article

Background: This retrospective study evaluated the association between the number of intra-articular ozone injection sessions and clinical outcomes in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Data from 54 patients (65 hips) with Tönnis grade 1–2 hip OA treated at a tertiary algology clinic between 2022 and 2024 were analyzed. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the number of ozone sessions received (1, 2, or 3). Pain and functional status were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index at baseline and at 4, 12, and 24 weeks post-procedure.Results: All groups demonstrated significant improvements in VAS and WOMAC scores compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Although the three-session group showed more pronounced numerical improvements in both early and late follow-ups, intergroup differences did not consistently reach statistical significance across all time points.Conclusions: Intra-articular ozone application is associated with favorable clinical trends in pain reduction and functional recovery. Our findings suggest that a three-session regimen may provide more pronounced clinical improvement compared to fewer sessions. These findings warrant validation through rigorous, randomized controlled trials. Full article

Background: Autologous platelet concentrates, including platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) matrices, have been proposed as biologically active scaffolds for vital pulp therapy. Evidence on the clinical use of different solid PRF matrices for direct pulp capping remains limited. Objective: The aim of this study is to describe and monitor two clinical cases of reversible pulpitis treated with direct pulp capping using two PRF membranes prepared by different centrifugation approaches, namely advanced platelet-rich fibrin plus (A-PRF+) and horizontal platelet-rich fibrin plus (H-PRF). Methods: In Case 1, A-PRF+ was prepared using a fixed-angle centrifugation protocol; in Case 2, H-PRF was prepared using a horizontal centrifugation protocol. In both cases, deep carious lesions with small carious pulp exposures (<1.5 mm) were managed by caries removal, ozone-assisted dentin disinfection, and direct pulp capping with the respective PRF membrane, followed by temporary calcium-silicate cement definitive coronal restoration. Clinical and radiographic follow-up, including cone-beam computed tomography, was performed for up to 12 months. Results: In Case 1 (A-PRF+), reparative dentin bridge formation was confirmed at 90 days, with a thickness of 0.2 mm. In Case 2 (H-PRF), reparative dentin was observed within 46 days, with a thickness of 0.28 mm. In both cases, pulp vitality was maintained, and no clinical symptoms or periapical changes were detected during the 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: These two cases suggest that direct pulp capping using PRF membranes (A-PRF+ or H-PRF), combined with ozone-assisted dentin disinfection and adequate coronal sealing, may be associated with maintained pulp vitality and hard-tissue repair after carious pulp exposure diagnosed as reversible pulpitis. Due to the descriptive two-case design and major confounding factors (including age and lesion characteristics), no comparative conclusions can be drawn. Prospective controlled clinical studies with standardized protocols are warranted. Full article

Background/Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, systemic skin disease. Although topical and systemic drugs with proven effectiveness are used in the treatment, ozone therapy is also applied as a treatment option based on clinical personal experience and with limited published knowledge. In this project, the aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of major ozone therapy in psoriasis patients together with biomarkers in serum. Methods: A total of 26 psoriasis patients and 19 healthy controls were included in the study. The disease severity was evaluated by the psoriasis area severity index score and grouped as mild, moderate/severe. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), sialic acid, and Sialic acid binding Ig-like Lectin-14 (Siglec-14) levels were investigated in controls and psoriasis patients. Results: Psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score decreased significantly in psoriasis patients after ozone autohemotherapy application (p < 0.005). The values of IL-1β, sialic acid, and Siglec-14 after treatment in healthy subjects were statistically significantly higher than in psoriasis patients. It was found that Hs-CRP and Siglec-14 decreased in all patients after treatment, Hs-CRP decreased more significantly in mild psoriasis patients, and Siglec-14 decreased in both mild and moderate-severe groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our research results suggest that ozone autohemotherapy has clinical efficacy in psoriasis patients, inflammation also has a role in the mechanism of action, and its effectiveness in treatment can be evaluated with inflammation markers. Full article

Limb wounds in horses represent a significant therapeutic challenge due to poor vascularization, reduced skin elasticity, and high risk of complications such as exuberant granulation tissue. Conventional treatments sometimes fail to provide satisfactory healing outcomes, leading to prolonged recovery and increased costs. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical ozone therapy using the bagging method in promoting the epithelialization and contraction of chronic distal limb wounds in horses refractory to conventional management. Eight horses, aged 3–21 years, with chronic wounds averaging 48.79 ± 21.20 cm², were treated exclusively with ozone (50 μg/mL) administered by bagging for 30 min every 48 h until complete healing. All cases achieved full wound closure within 27–91 days without systemic medication or major complications. Macroscopic evaluation showed favorable healing, with the restoration of skin pigmentation and hair growth in most cases, while only minimal fibrous scarring was observed in a few patients. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in epithelialization, particularly during the last four weeks of treatment. These findings suggest that ozone bagging therapy is a simple, cost-effective, and well-tolerated method that may enhance the healing of chronic distal limb wounds in horses. Further controlled trials are needed to standardize treatment protocols and compare ozone with conventional therapies. Full article

Background/Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of oxygen-based adjunct therapies in patients with periodontitis, including ozone therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and local oxygen delivery, as adjuncts to subgingival instrumentation. These interventions have been proposed to counteract tissue hypoxia and inflammation, which sustain an environment favorable to anaerobic pathogens in periodontitis. Methods: An electronic search was conducted in MEDLINE PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and SciELO. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2. Standardized mean difference was calculated for gains in clinical attachment level, and a random effects model was applied due to high variability. Results: The meta-analysis of adjunct ozone therapies presented a pooled standardized mean difference of 0.53 (95% CI [−0.14, 1.19]), indicating a clinically relevant medium effect in favor of ozone therapies, though this effect was not statistically significant and substantial heterogeneity was observed (I² = 70%, p < 0.01). Meta-analysis was restricted to adjunct ozone therapies due to the limited availability of qualifying studies for hyperbaric oxygen therapy and local oxygen therapies. Conclusions: While the medium effect size in favor of ozone therapies could be clinically relevant, the statistical non-significance underscores the need for more evidence before widespread adoption. Individual studies reported significant benefits for adjunct HBOT and ozonated olive oil, but comparison between oxygen delivery modes was not possible due to heterogeneous protocols. Full article

Research Subject: Primary and secondary immunodeficiencies represent a growing clinical and public health challenge due to increased susceptibility to infections, impaired immune regulation, chronic inflammation, and disturbances in redox homeostasis. The pathophysiology of these disorders involves dysfunction of innate and adaptive immunity, altered cytokine production, oxidative stress, and reduced activity of antioxidant defense mechanisms. In recent years, attention has increasingly focused on the role of oxidative imbalance and chronic inflammation in weakening immune function. Ozone therapy, when used at controlled low doses, induces a hormetic response that triggers adaptive antioxidant pathways, modulates cytokine profiles, and enhances the activity of immune cells. Due to these properties, ozone has emerged as a potential adjunctive therapy aimed at restoring immune homeostasis and improving clinical outcomes in patients with immune disorders. Aim of Study: The aim of this review is to discuss the role of oxidative stress and immune dysregulation in the pathogenesis of immunodeficiencies and to provide an updated overview of current evidence regarding the therapeutic potential of ozone therapy. This article summarizes molecular mechanisms, biochemical effects, and clinical findings related to ozone-based interventions, with particular emphasis on cytokine modulation, redox balance, macrophage function, regulatory T cells (Treg), and NK cell activity. Materials and Methods: This review is based on scientific data retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Included sources comprise randomized clinical trials, observational studies, meta-analyses, mechanistic studies, and review articles published between 1996 and 2025. Keywords used during the literature search included: “ozone therapy”, “immunomodulation”, “oxidative stress”, “inborn errors of immunity”, “secondary immunodeficiency”, “Treg cells”, “redox homeostasis”. Results: Analysis of current studies shows that controlled low-dose ozone (typically 10–40 µg/mL) activates the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant pathway, increases enzymatic defense (SOD, catalase, GPx), and reduces levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Clinical trials report improved lymphocyte profiles, enhanced macrophage phagocytic function, increased Treg activity, and reinforced NK cell responses. Patients receiving ozone therapy demonstrate reductions in inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, D-dimer), improved redox balance, decreased infection frequency, and better overall immune performance. The therapy is generally well tolerated when administered within established safety guidelines. Conclusions: Available evidence indicates that ozone therapy may serve as a valuable adjunct in the management of immunodeficiencies by modulating immune responses, reducing oxidative stress, and restoring homeostatic balance. Although current clinical outcomes are promising, further multicenter randomized trials are needed to standardize dosing protocols, assess long-term effectiveness, and confirm safety. Full article

Oxygen–ozone (O₂–O₃) therapy is widely used for treating lumbar disc herniation. However, controversy remains regarding the safest and most effective route of administration. While intradiscal injection is purported to show clinical efficacy, it has also been associated with serious complications. In contrast, the intramuscular route can exhibit a more favourable safety profile and comparable pain outcomes, suggesting its potential as a safer alternative in selected patient populations. This mixed-method study combined computed tomography (CT) imaging, biophysical diffusion modelling, and a meta-analysis of clinical trials to evaluate whether intramuscular O₂–O₃ therapy can achieve disc penetration and therapeutic efficacy comparable to intradiscal nucleolysis, while minimizing procedural risk. Literature searches across PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases identified seven eligible studies (four randomized controlled trials and three cohort studies), encompassing a total of 120 patients. Statistical analyses included Hedges’ g, odds ratios, and number needed to harm (NNH). CT imaging demonstrated gas migration into the intervertebral disc within minutes after intramuscular injection, confirming the plausibility of diffusion through annular micro-fissures. The meta-analysis revealed substantial pain reduction with intramuscular therapy (Hedges’ g = −1.55) and very high efficacy with intradiscal treatment (g = 2.87), though the latter was associated with significantly greater heterogeneity and higher complication rates. The relative risk of severe adverse events was 6.57 times higher for intradiscal procedures (NNH ≈ 1180). O₂–O₃ therapy offers a biologically plausible, safer, and effective alternative to intradiscal injection, supporting its adoption as a first-line, minimally invasive strategy for managing lumbar disc herniation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Wound management remains a clinical challenge, particularly in chronic and refractory conditions. Ozone, due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-regenerative properties, has emerged as promising adjuvant therapy. This integrative re-view aimed to critically analyze the therapeutic effects, routes of administration, benefits, and limitations of ozone in wound treatment. Methods: The review followed the Joanna Briggs In-stitute methodology and the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies were identified through compre-hensive search in the SCOPUS, CINAHL Ultimate, MEDLINE Ultimate, and MedicLatina data-bases, with no time restrictions. Inclusion criteria encompassed primary studies involving adults (≥18 years) with wounds treated with ozone. The methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed using the tools recommended by JBI. Results: Nine reports published between 2019 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria. The findings consistently demonstrated clinical benefits of ozone therapy, including accelerated wound healing, pain reduction, and infection control. The forms of application included ozonated water, ozonated olive oil, and gaseous ozone. However, heterogeneity was observed in ozone concentration, frequency, and treatment duration. The methodological quality of the included studies ranged from moderate to high. Conclusions: The available evidence indicates that ozone may represent promising adjuvant treatment for certain types of wounds; however, the quality and independence of the existing studies are limited, and the lack of standardized protocols as well as methodological variability restrict the generalizability of the findings. Therefore, more robust clinical trials are needed to strengthen the evidence base and support its clinical implementation. Full article

Background: Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) affect millions worldwide and rank among the most frequent causes of orofacial pain unrelated to dental disease. Beyond discomfort, they can restrict mandibular motion and impair chewing efficiency. Arthrocentesis has been adopted as a favored surgical approach after conservative therapy fails since joint lavage can reduce inflammation and restore mobility with minimal invasiveness. A variety of irrigants are available for this procedure, including normal saline, Ringer’s lactate, and ozonated water, each offering potential therapeutic advantages. However, the comparative effectiveness of these solutions in terms of pain reduction and functional recovery has not been clearly established, warranting systematic evaluation. Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA recommendations, a literature search was conducted in PubMed and ScienceDirect between 10 October and 14 November 2024. The search focused on studies published in English within the past ten years that examined arthrocentesis for temporomandibular joint disorders using normal saline, Ringer’s lactate, or ozonated water as the irrigant. Results: Seven clinical trials involving 220 patients were included, of which three provided data suitable for meta-analysis. Qualitative synthesis indicated that all irrigants reduced pain (VAS) and improved maximum mouth opening (MMO), with ozonated water showing the greatest mean improvements (VAS reduction 6.2 points; MMO gain 12.9 mm). Ringer’s lactate and saline also demonstrated clinically relevant effects. Quantitative analysis revealed no baseline group differences (VAS p = 0.800; MMO p = 0.935). Short-term (≤1 month) random effects models showed non-significant changes for VAS (Fisher’s z = 1.32; 95% CI −2.64 to 0.00) and MMO (z = 0.04; 95% CI −0.14 to 0.21). At 3–6 months, ozonated water produced a statistically significant reduction in pain (z = −0.34; 95% CI −0.53 to −0.15), whereas MMO remained unchanged (z = 0.05; 95% CI −0.13 to 0.22). Conclusions: Arthrocentesis with any irrigant improves TMD symptoms. Ozonated water demonstrated the strongest long-term analgesic effect, but MMO improvements did not reach significance. Larger, standardized randomized trials are required to validate these findings. Full article

Background: Chronic pelvic toxicity induced by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy (R/CIPT) is a debilitating sequela in gynecological cancer survivors, often refractory to conventional treatments and potentially linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis. Ozone therapy (OT), particularly rectal insufflation, demonstrates anti-inflammatory and redox-modulating effects through hormetic mechanisms (Nrf2 activation/NF-κB inhibition). We hypothesize that its clinical benefit is mediated, in part, by restoring gut microbial homeostasis. Objective: This manuscript proposes a clinical study to evaluate the impact of rectal OT on the gut microbiota of patients with gynecological cancers and chronic R/CIPT. Proposed Methods: A prospective, observational study of 38 patients is outlined: 19 with CTCAE v5.0 Grade ≥2 chronic R/CIPT receiving compassionate rectal OT (~40 sessions over 4 months), and 19 matched controls without toxicity. Stool samples for 16S rRNA sequencing will be collected from the OT group pre- and post-intervention and once from controls. Primary endpoints are changes in microbiota composition/diversity and pelvic toxicity scores (CTCAE v5.0, EORTC QLQ-CX24). Secondary endpoints include quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30, EQ-5D-5L), anxiety/depression (HADS), and serum inflammatory/oxidative stress biomarker analysis. Anticipated Results and Conclusion: This will be the first study to prospectively investigate whether rectal OT’s effect correlates with a beneficial shift in the gut microbiota, specifically an increase in commensals (e.g., short-chain fatty acids producers) and a decrease in pathobionts. If successful, OT could be assessed as a novel, microbiota-targeting intervention for R/CIPT. The findings from this pilot study will provide the necessary groundwork for a future randomized controlled trial to definitively establish causality and efficacy. Full article

Depression is becoming more common in the face of modern life’s obstacles. Antidepressants are a fast-expanding pharmaceutical category. Antidepressant residues in water must be closely monitored and kept at levels that do not endanger human health, just like those of other psychotropic medications. Additionally, research has shown that these pollutants severely hinder aquatic life’s ability to migrate, reproduce, and interact with one another when they enter natural ecosystems. Antidepressants released into the natural environment can therefore be expected to have an impact on exposed fish and other aquatic species. There is a lot of information available about how exposure affects fish, but much of it is for exposure levels higher than those seen in their natural habitats. Antidepressants can bioaccumulate in fish tissues, and some behavioral effects have been documented for exposures that are relevant to the environment. As a result, antidepressant residue removal methods must be incorporated into contemporary wastewater treatment plant technology. In addition to covering a wide range of suggested treatment options and their ecotoxicological consequences on non-target organisms, this study discusses recent efforts to accomplish this goal. First, a thorough analysis of the harmful impacts on non-target people is provided. This work describes a variety of adsorptive methods that can make use of modern materials like molecularly imprinted polymers or ion-exchange resins or can rely on well-known and efficient adsorbents like silicates or activated carbon. Although extractive methods are also taken into consideration, they are now impractical due to the lack of reasonably priced and ecologically suitable solvents. Lastly, sophisticated oxidation methods are discussed, such as electrochemical alternatives, UV and gamma radiation, and ozone therapy. Notably, some of these techniques could totally mineralize antidepressant toxicants, either alone or in combination. Lastly, the topic of biological treatment with microorganisms is covered. This method can be very specific, but it usually prevents full mineralization. Full article

Musculoskeletal disorders are a major cause of lameness in horses, often necessitating innovative regenerative strategies to restore joint function and improve quality of life. This study investigated the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), ozonized PRP, hyaluronic acid, paracetamol, and polyacrylamide hydrogel (NOLTREX^®) on the behavior of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from equine synovial fluid. Synovial fluid samples were collected under strict cytological criteria to ensure viability, followed by in vitro expansion and phenotypic characterization of MSCs. Cultures were supplemented with the tested preparations, and cellular proliferation and viability were evaluated at 24 h, 72 h, and 7 days. PRP significantly promoted MSC proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner, with maximal effect at 10%. Hyaluronic acid stimulated growth, most pronounced at 1 mg/mL, while paracetamol induced a concentration-dependent proliferative response, strongest at 100 μg/mL. NOLTREX displayed a biphasic effect, initially inhibitory at high concentrations but stimulatory at 7 days. Ozonized PRP showed concentration-dependent redox activity, with lower doses maintaining viability and higher doses producing an initial suppression followed by delayed stimulation. Collectively, these findings support the therapeutic potential of PRP and related biologic preparations as intra-articular regenerative therapies in equine medicine, while underscoring the importance of dose optimization and standardized protocols to facilitate clinical translation. Full article

Introduction: In clinical practice, the presence of abnormal physiological root resorption frequently results in the retention of deciduous teeth. Also, unilateral mastication may contribute to the altered physiological process of root resorption. This delayed exfoliation and retention of deciduous teeth may compromise the integrity of adjacent soft tissue. In recent years, ozone therapy can be considered a promising strategy in accelerating healing and reducing pain in both traumatic and autoimmune ulcers. Case Presentation: This case report describes a 12 year-old male patient with localized damaged gingival tissue resulting from chronic trauma due to the retention of a deciduous tooth. Following the application of gaseous ozone therapy, complete mucosal healing was achieved. Conclusions: This case supports the potential of ozone therapy in paediatric soft tissue management. Full article