Effects of ozone on nerve regeneration by intraperitoneal method after the sciatic nerve cut injury: ultrastructural, biochemical, electromyographic and functional analysis

ABSTRACT Several kinds of peripheric nerve injury models have been well studied in terms of neuroprotective and antioxidative effects of ozone. Nevertheless, definitive experimental studies are lacking on 35-40 ug/ml 5 cc intraperitoneal effects of ozone with intraperitoneal in peripheric nerve cut injuries. The aim of our study is investigate the effects of ozone on nerve healing in rat peripheral nerve cut model. In this study, the effects of intraperitoneal ozone on the rat sciatic nerve cut injury were examined by footprint analysis, electron microscopic, electrophysiologic and biochemical methods. Studies conducted have come into question for medical usage of ozone. In our study, a hundred adult, male, Rattus norvegicus. Wistar albino rats weighting 400-450 gr were divided into four groups. Groups were planned as follows: In group control (n=20) no cut injury was produced and no other treatment was given; in group sham-operated (n=20) only operation stress was performed; in group 1 (n=30) after the dissection of nerve, cut injury was performed and and no other treatment was given; in group 2 (n=30) after the dissection of nerve, cut injury was performed and ozone was given 35-40 ug/ml and 5 cc with intraperitoneal for 2 months. Before the beginning of experiment and after EMG (electromyography) test were performed and postoperation 1th day, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th months SFI (sciatic functional index) and WRL (withdrawal refleks) were measured for each group. Motor functional analysis showed that in group 2 postoperation 2nd month=-80±5,19 and postoperation 4th month=-37± 6.11 and pinch analysis showed that postoperation 2nd month p=0,035. p<0.05. SFI values of the 2nd group showed significant deference (p<0.05) compared with the 1th group. As a result of electrophysiologic analysis revealed that components p min, p max, p-p, std. dev. were significantly (p<0.001) increased in group 2 compared with group 1. Electron microscopic analysis revealed more schwann cells and cytoplasm organelles. Biochemical analysis showed that treatment with ozone in cut injury groups induced a significant increase in plasma SOD (superoxyde dismutase), CAT (catalase) and GPx (glutathione peroxidase) activities (p<0.001). Repetition of ozone administration creates resistance against oxidative stress via inducing antioxidative system. It was determined that ozone improves regeneration of experimental peripheral nerve cut with both biochemistry, electrophysiological, ultrastructural and functional procedure. In conclusion, application of ozone can improve nerve healing in ozone group. Key words: Intraperitoneal, Ozone, Ozone Therapy