Medical ozone modifies D-dimer, interleukin-6, lactic acid and oxidative stress levels: A possibility for the comprehensive treatment of COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Background: SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammation in COVID-19 is mediated by cytotoxic and pro-oxidant effects that potentiate alveolar, endothelial and immune tissue damage. Objective: We investigated the effect of medicinal ozone administration on the oxidative stress markers; in addition to D-dimer, lactic acid and interleukin-6 as markers of endothelial injury and inflammation process. Methodology: Medicinal ozone with oligo metals was administered in vivo (major autohemotherapy) and in vitro (peripheral blood), to subsequently determine the levels of: H₂O₂, NO, GPx, CAT, TAP, TBARs, D-dimer, lactic acid and interleukin-6. Results: Medicinal ozone administration with oligo metals induced changes in oxidative stress markers both in vitro and in vivo. The H₂O₂ and TBARs levels decreased, in turn, NO levels increased (cardiovascular function marker). On the other hand, the levels of the antioxidant enzymes (GPx and CAT) show slightly increase, which indicates an antioxidant enzyme system regulation that counteracts the pro-oxidative effect of the infection. Furthermore, interleukin-6 levels decreased indicating the regulation of the systemic inflammatory process. Finally, lactic acid and D-dimer levels were decreased, establishing an improvement of energy metabolism and endothelial function respectively. Conclusion: The medicinal ozone administration induce decrease in the markers levels of oxidative stress, inflammation and cellular damage, improving the enzymatic antioxidant capacity and cellular metabolism with decrease plaque aggregation that contribute to reducing the risk of vascular endothelial damage. These benefits could be feasible to integrate in the treatment of endothelial injury in COVID-19 patients.