부산대학교 도서관

Systems medicine is founded on a mechanism-based approach and identifies in this way specific therapeutic targets. This approach has been applied for the transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2). Nrf2 plays a central role in different pathologies including neurodegenerative disorders (NDs), which are characterized by common pathogenetic features. We here present wide scientific background indicating how a natural bioactive molecule with antioxidant/anti-apoptotic and pro-autophagy properties such as the ozone (O 3 ) can represent a potential new strategy to delay neurodegeneration. Our hypothesis is based on different evidence demonstrating the interaction between O 3 and Nrf2 system. Through a meta-analytic approach, we found a significant modulation of O 3 on endogenous antioxidant-Nrf2 (p < 0.00001, Odd Ratio (OR) = 1.71 95%CI:1.17-2.25) and vitagene-Nrf2 systems (p < 0.00001, OR = 1.80 95%CI:1.05-2.55). O 3 activates also immune, anti-inflammatory signalling, proteasome, releases growth factors, improves blood circulation, and has antimicrobial activity, with potential effects on gut microbiota. Thus, we provide a consistent rationale to implement future clinical studies to apply the oxygen-ozone (O 2 -O 3 ) therapy in an early phase of aging decline, when it is still possible to intervene before to potentially develop a more severe neurodegenerative pathology. We suggest that O 3 along with other antioxidants (polyphenols, mushrooms) implicated in the same Nrf2-mechanisms, can show neurogenic potential, providing evidence as new preventive strategies in aging and in NDs.
(Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)