Ozone: complicated effects in central nervous system diseases

Zhang, Xu#; Wang, Shi-Jun#; Wan, Si-Cen#; Li, Xiang*; Chen, Gang*.

Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China

Abstract

Oxidative stress is closely related to various diseases. Ozone can produce redox reactions through its unique response. As a source of the oxidative stress response, the strong oxidizing nature of ozone can cause severe damage to the body. On the other hand, low ozone concentrations can activate various mechanisms to combat oxidative stress and achieve therapeutic effects. Some animal experiments and clinical studies have revealed the potential medical value of ozone, indicating that ozone is not just a toxic gas. By reviewing the mechanism of ozone and its therapeutic value in treating central nervous system diseases (especially ischemic stroke and Alzheimer’s disease) and the toxic effects of ozone, we find that ozone inhalation and a lack of antioxidants or excessive exposure lead to harmful impacts. However, with adequate antioxidants, ozone can transmit oxidative stress signals, reduce inflammation, reduce amyloid β peptide levels, and improve tissue oxygenation. Similar mechanisms to those of possible new drugs for treating ischemic stroke and Alzheimer’s disease indicate the potential of ozone. Nevertheless, limited research has restricted the application of ozone. More studies are needed to reveal the exact dose–effect relationship and healing effect of ozone.

摘要：氧化应激与各种疾病密切相关。臭氧可通过其独特的反应产生氧化还原反应。作为氧化应激反应的来源，臭氧的强氧化性会对身体造成严重损伤。然而，另一方面，低浓度的臭氧可通过激活多种机制来对抗氧化应激并达到治疗效果。已有大量的动物实验和临床研究发现了臭氧的潜在医学价值，这表明臭氧不仅仅是一种有毒气体。此次综述通过回顾臭氧的机制及其在中枢神经系统疾病（特别是缺血性脑卒中和阿尔茨海默病）中的治疗价值以及臭氧的毒性作用。然而，存在足够的抗氧化剂的条件下，臭氧可传递氧化应激信号，减轻炎症反应，减少Aβ，改善组织氧合反应。与缺血性脑卒中和阿尔茨海默病中可能的新药类似的机制表明了臭氧的潜在治疗作用。然而，目前臭氧的应用还在探索中。需要更多的研究来揭示臭氧的确切剂效关系和治疗效果。