Multifunctional capabilities of СО2 for providing pharmacodynamics of carboxytherapy

Abstract

Background. To identify potential opportunities for carboxytherapy, it is necessary to assess the importance of various signaling mechanisms of sensitivity to СО2 and summarize the knowledge about the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial and safe effects of carboxytherapy. High level of СО2 activates the mechanisms that convert hypoxia into the mode of survival and physiological homeostasis. The balance between the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory phases in inflammation also shifts towards homeostasis when tissue СО2 level increases, which is very important for wound and fracture healing. The physiological properties of СО2 provide oxygenation, enhancement of angiogenesis, mitochondrial biogenesis, blood flow in tissues, anti-inflammatory effect, and reduction of oxidative stress. These pro-perties of СО2 determine the potential use of carboxytherapy as a therapeutic approach in tissue hypoxia, to accelerate tissue repair and reduce inflammation. Methods. Тhe search for scientific information on the possibilities of СО2 in medicine was conducted in the PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases. Results. Literature data on СО2 studies aimed at the mechanisms of pharmacological action of carboxytherapy were found, which have been investigated in animal models in vivo and in research with human participants. Conclusions. This review presents the scientific evidence supporting the clinical benefits of therapeutic exposure to СО2 (carboxytherapy).