Ozone: A Multifaceted Molecule with Unexpected Therapeutic Activity.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Sciences
• Pharmacology
• Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

• Current understanding of ozone toxicity is flawed, often based on non-physiological conditions.
• Ozone's biological effects are concentration- and system-dependent, similar to other therapeutic gases.
• Chronic oxidative stress underlies various severe diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the dual activity of ozone (toxic vs. stimulatory) in biological systems.
• To clarify the factors influencing ozone's divergent effects.
• To advocate for ozone therapy's integration into pharmaceutical sciences.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on ozone's biological effects.
• Analysis of studies investigating ozone's interaction with biological compartments.
• Comparison of ozone's effects with other gasotransmitters (NO, CO, H2S, H2).

Main Results:

• Ozone's toxicity is context-dependent, not absolute.
• Ozone can elicit beneficial biological responses, mirroring other therapeutic gases.
• The dual effect of ozone depends on concentration and the specific biological system.

Conclusions:

• Ozone therapy shows significant potential as an adjuvant treatment for chronic diseases.
• Conditions like cardiovascular diseases, COPD, multiple sclerosis, and AMD benefit from ozone therapy.
• Ozone therapy should be integrated into pharmaceutical sciences, meeting quality, efficacy, and safety standards.