Ozone Therapy Shows Promise in Preventing Lung Transplant Rejection
Background
Lung transplantation is a critical, life-saving intervention for patients suffering from end-stage pulmonary diseases like cystic fibrosis or pulmonary fibrosis. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and immunosuppressive regimens, allograft rejection—where the recipient's immune system attacks the transplanted organ—remains a formidable obstacle to long-term graft survival. Current immunosuppressants, while effective, often come with severe side effects, including increased susceptibility to infections, nephrotoxicity, and malignancy, underscoring the urgent need for alternative or complementary therapies. This study specifically addresses the knowledge gap regarding whether medical ozone therapy, recognized for its potent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, can effectively protect against acute rejection in a preclinical lung transplantation model.