OxyFile #397

Studies on the biological effects of ozone: 6. Production of 
transforming growth factor 1 by human blood after ozone treatment. 

Bocci V; Luzzi E; Corradeschi F; Silvestri S 

Institute of General Physiology and Nutritional Sciences, Siena, 
Italy. 

J Biol Regul Homeost Agents, 8: 4, 1994 Oct-Dec, 108-12 

Abstract

After exposing human whole blood from normal volunteers to ozone 
concentrations ranging from 22 to 156 micrograms/ml, we have shown 
that, upon incubation of up to 8 hours, there is a significant 
release of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta 1). In 
comparison to TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2 production is not influenced 
by ozone concentrations. In line with our previous findings it 
appears that blood, in the presence of heparin and 5mM Ca,2+ 
allows a consistent production of tumor necrosis factor a (TNF 
alpha) and the release of low and non-hazardous levels of free 
hemoglobin. These data support the contention that autohemotherapy 
performed after treating blood with ozone followed by reinfusion 
into the donor, may represent a valuable therapeutic approach for 
achieving immunoregulatory effects.