Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha release during endotoxic shock by ozone oxidative preconditioning in mice

Ozone oxidative preconditioning is a prophylactic approach, which favors the antioxidant-prooxidant balance for preservation of the cell redox state by increasing antioxidant endogenous systems in both in vivo and in vitro experimental models. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of ozone oxidative preconditioning on the level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the serum of mice treated with lipopolysaccaride (LPS). Pretreatment with an ozone/oxygen gaseous mixture was administered intraperitoneally (0.2, 0.4 and 1.2 mg/kg) or by rectal application (0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg) once daily during five days before LPS (0.1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). TNF-alpha was measured by cytotoxicity on L-929 cells. One hour after LPS injection, a significant mean increase of TNF-alpha in mouse serum was observed. Ozone/oxygen gaseous mixture reduced serum TNF-alpha levels in a dose-dependent manner. Statistically significant decreases in TNF-alpha levels after LPS injection were observed either with ozone intraperitoneal applications at 0.2 (78 %), 0.4 (98.5 %) and 1.2 (98.6 %) mg/ kg or by rectal application at 0.2 (46.2 %) and 0.4 (97.4 %) mg/kg. These results indicate that ozone oxidative preconditioning inhibits TNF-alpha production.