Comparison of the Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen and Ozone Therapy on Acute Lung Injury Induced in Rats

Objective While the inflammatory and physiological changes caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the lungs are well-documented, studies investigating the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and ozone therapies remain limited. The oxygenation-enhancing, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenesis-promoting effects of HBO and ozone therapies have highlighted their potential benefits in ARDS. This study aimed to compare the effects of HBO and ozone therapies on lung injury in the treatment of ARDS. Materials and Methods Thirty-two female Wistar-Albino rats were divided into four groups: saline (Group S), cefepime (Group C), cefepime and HBO (Group HBO), and cefepime and ozone therapy (Group OT). Following intratracheal Escherichia coli injection, a five-day treatment regimen was administered. Levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), partial pressure of oxygen (PO ₂ ), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO ₂ ), and lactate in serum and lung tissue were measured, and histopathological evaluations were conducted. Results TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were significantly higher in Group S compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). PO ₂ levels were significantly elevated in Groups HBO and OT (p < 0.001). VEGF levels were significantly higher in Group OT compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion This study suggests that ozone therapy supports angiogenesis by increasing VEGF levels, while HBO therapy improves oxygenation. Ozone therapy also has the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of hyperoxia and accelerate recovery. However, further studies are required to determine the optimal duration and dosage of treatment ARDS.