Biological Mechanisms and Clinical Protocols of Rectal Ozone Therapy

Article Title: Ozone Therapy through Rectal Insufflation: Mechanisms of Action, Clinical Uses and Protocols

Article Abstract: Ozone therapy (ozone rectal insufflation) consists of inserting ozone-oxygen and humidified low concentration gas into the rectum and large bowel via a sterile catheter (immediately). Providing local rectal treatment and also supporting bodywide systemic circulation via many capillary vascular networks in contact with the rectal and colonic mucosa results in a rapid absorption of ozone molecules through the mucosa into circulation. Although ozone intravenous (IV) therapy delivers ozone directly to blood, statistically 65% to 70% of the total amount of ozone has an musculosa to bloodstream absorption compared to IV ozone therapy, resulting in more stable therapeutic results because of a lesser chance of acute oxidative adverse reactions. Ozone has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions that determine how it works. When the ozone molecule reacts with intestinal mucus and mucosal cells, it produces oxygen free radicals and peroxides, which stimulate the endogenous properties of the body producing antioxidants, resulting in a down-regulation of the inflammatory cascade by decreasing the up-regulation of proinflammatory factors (e.g., IL-1β, TNF-α). As reported in laboratory studies, ozone therapy through O3-RI has rapidly reduced pathogenic bacteria and restored normal levels of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract (i.e., Bacteroides), and improved the organization of the intestinal microflora, enhancing the integrity of intestinal barrier by up-regulating mucosal tight junction proteins, including occludins. Therefore, as O3-RI optimizes the structure of intestinal microflora, it will regulate intestinal metabolite secretion, maintain homeostasis of intestinal metabolism, and inhibit pathways of inflammation caused by intestinal dysbiosis, facilitating the healing of chronic intestinal and systemic lesions.