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Review
. 2024 Nov 25;25(23):12657.
doi: 10.3390/ijms252312657.

Low-Dose Ozone as a Eustress Inducer: Experimental Evidence of the Molecular Mechanisms Accounting for Its Therapeutic Action

Manuela Malatesta  1 , Gabriele Tabaracci  2 , Carlo Pellicciari  3
Affiliations
Review

Low-Dose Ozone as a Eustress Inducer: Experimental Evidence of the Molecular Mechanisms Accounting for Its Therapeutic Action

Manuela Malatesta et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Ozone (O3) is an unstable, highly oxidative gas that rapidly decomposes into oxygen. The therapeutic use of O3 dates back to the beginning of 20th century and is currently based on the application of low doses, inducing moderate oxidative stress that stimulates the antioxidant cellular defences without causing cell damage. In recent decades, experimental investigations allowed the establishment of some basic mechanisms accounting for the therapeutic effects of eustress-inducing low-dose O3. In this review, special attention was given to the impact of O3 administration on the cell oxidant-antioxidant status, O3 anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, efficacy in improving tissue regeneration, and potential anticancer action. Low O3 concentrations proved to drive the cell antioxidant response mainly by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. The anti-inflammatory effect relies on the downregulation of pro-inflammatory factors and the modulation of cytokine secretion. The painkilling action is related to anti-inflammatory processes, inhibition of apoptosis and autophagy, and modulation of pain receptors. The regenerative potential depends on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and pro-proliferative capabilities, as well as fibroblast activation. Finally, the anticancer potential is based on oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the inhibition of cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and the induction of apoptosis.

Keywords: Nrf2; apoptosis; autophagy; cancer; cytokines; inflammation; oxidative stress; ozone; pain; tissue regeneration.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Low-dose O3-driven cell mechanisms involved in antioxidant properties.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Low-dose O3-driven cell mechanisms involved in anti-inflammatory properties.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Low-dose O3-driven cell mechanisms involved in painkilling properties.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Low-dose O3-driven cell mechanisms involved in pro-regenerative properties.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Low-dose O3-driven cell mechanisms involved in anticancer properties.
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