Homeostatic and endocrine responses as the basis for systemic therapy with medical gases: ozone, xenon and molecular hydrogen

Abstract

Among medical gases, including gases used therapeutically, this review discusses the comparative physiological activity of three gases – ozone (O3), xenon (Xe) and molecular hydrogen (H2), which together form representatives of three types of substances – typical oxidizing, inert, and typical reducing agents. Upon analysis of published and proprietary data, we concluded that these three medical gases can manipulate the neuroendocrine system, by modulating the production or release of hormones via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal, hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid, hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axes, or the gastrointestinal pathway. With repeated administration of the gases over time, these modulations become a predictable consequence of conditioned homeostatic reflexes, resulting in regulation of physiological activity. For example, the regular activation of the unconditioned defense reflex in response to repeated intoxication by ozone leads to the formation of an anticipatory stable conditioned response, which counteracts the toxic action of O3. The concept of a Pavlovian conditioned reflex (or hormoligosis) is a brief metaphor for the understanding the therapeutic effect of systemic ozone therapy.

Study details

Article type

Review

Disease / injury model

General (multiple diseases and physiological states discussed)

Dose comparison

The article discusses dose-dependent effects, noting that high doses of medical gases can cause toxicity, while low doses have therapeutic effects. For example, H2 up to 8 ppm in water or 2–4% inhalation is considered therapeutic.

Outcome

Mixed

Findings

The review concludes that ozone, xenon, and molecular hydrogen can manipulate the neuroendocrine system, modulating hormone production or release via major endocrine axes, and that repeated administration leads to conditioned homeostatic reflexes, resulting in regulation of physiological activity and potential therapeutic effects.