Cell function functionality is good when they efficiently consume oxygen for their vital functions and at the same time are able to inactivate the intermediate aggressive species that derive from it.

The fact is that during the metabolic reactions required for the production of ATP the so called reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other cytotoxic substances are formed.

Under normal conditions, cells neutralize these substances through two types of mechanisms: an endogenous one linked to enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, and an exogenous one requiring use of antioxidants in the diet.

In particular situations, such as acute and/or chronic inflammatory states, hypooxygenation states, enzyme deficit due to psychological-physical stress or hyponutrition, excessive exposure to pollution and ultraviolet rays, cells produce excessive ROS which cannot be neutralized by enzymatic activity.

Excess free radicals interact with the unsaturated fatty acids that are present in the cells resulting in lipoperoxidation, an effect linked to ageing. The positive effect induced by low ozone concentrations on cellular oxidative stress was proposed by Leon Fernandez in 2000 at the International Congress of Pharmacology in Florence.

The theory is based on the fact that low non-toxic doses of ozone increase the production of activity of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and SOD.

The hypothesis is supported by Rao and Shaha, who have demonstrated the shown that the formation of glutathione S-transferase after exposure to hydrogen peroxide.

A further proof of the protective action induced by low concentrations of ozone was presented by Professor Lamberto Red at the congress organized in London in 2001 by the International Ozone Association. This theory attributes to ozone an antigenic property similar to that of a vaccine, obtained by removing the pathogenic power of a substance, leaving only the function of stimulus.

The revitalizing effect of ozonides is due to improved metabolism of oxygen as well as of sugars and lipids: more energy is produced and the excessive accumulation of unused nutrients is avoided.

These effects are achieved by means of the normal metabolic systems of “controlled combustion”: glycolysis, fatty acid cycle and respiratory chain.

In the linking of the enzymatic cycle in figure 2 we can observe, for example, the induction of activation signals by the glutathione via the pentose pathways of glycolysis:

Once inside the cell, the ozone metabolites produce activation of the enzyme Glutathione peroxidase which reduces them to alcohol at the expense of Reduced glutathione (GSH).

Glutathione Reductase is also activated and it reduces Glutathione (GSSC) to GSH at the expense of NADPH.

To neutralize oxidizing stress, GSH/GSSG ratio in cytoplasm should be maintained at the optimal value of approximately 97:1 and this is possible thanks to the action of the activated Glutathione Reductase, coupled to the NADPH/NADP system, with consequent proportionate increase in NADPH.

This causes an acceleration of glycolysis with production of ATP and consequent increase in energy availability for cells.

These effects of reactivation of the various enzymatic cycles lead to an increase in metabolism levels of fatty acids, lipids and phospholipids, contributing to the elimination of fats and greater energy availability by the cell.

The increase in available energy also enables recovery of optimal cell functionality, improving their vitality and contrasting the effects of ageing.

In red blood cells one of the other effects observed is increased absorption of oxygen (fig.3), which is then transferred to other cells in the organism:

It is therefore feasible to assume improved prevention of degenerative diseases of the epidermal tissue, defence against infections and enhanced metabolic processes.

There are also antibacterial and antiviral effects. In chronic infections, the body’s normal defensive processes are unable to destroy bacteria, due to an inadequate production of hydrogen peroxide by leucocytes.

It is at this level that we see the positive influence of the peroxides produced during the ozone treatment.

The gas is also able to inactivate the viruses making them unable to adhere with their receptors to the target cell and thus replicate.

The main biological effects of ozone and its metabolites therefore are:

• Anti-inflammatory action
• Increase of subcutaneous blood flow in the zone of application
• Anti-irritant and decongestant action
• Anti-stress and anti-fatigue action