Ozonized Sunflower Oil Research Articles

Comparative Study of the Efficacy and Safety of the Ozonated Sunflower oil, Ketoconazole and Terbinafine in Patients with Dermatophytosis

Background: Dermatophytosis are the leading cause of fungal infections worldwide. Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of ozonated sunflower oil versus ketoconazole and terbinafine in patients with dermatophytosis. Methods: Multicenter Phase III study, it had an open, randomized, comparative design, with three parallel group to which ozonated sunflower oil was apply, or ketoconazole, or terbinafine, twice a day for 6 weeks. The effect on the clinical and mycological cure rate was prefix as the primary efficacy variable. The effect on treatment time to achieve cure was consider as a secondary efficacy variable. All data were analyzed by the intention-to-treat method. Results: The study included 300 patients of both sexes with a diagnosis of dermatophytosis, who were randomly distributed into three groups that received ozonated sunflower oil, or ketoconazole, or terbinafine, respectively. Treatment with ozonated sunflower oil produced a total clinical and mycological cure rate in 78% of patients, similar to ketoconazole (78%) and terbinafine (77%) treatment. Complete mycological cure was achieved in 87% of patients treated with ozonated sunflower oil, similar to ketoconazole (88%) and terbinafine (89%) treatments. Regarding the healing time, of the 233 patients with complete clinical cure, 10 patients (4.3%) were completely cure after 2 weeks of treatment, 58 patients (24.9%) after 4 weeks and 164 patients (70.4%) after 6 weeks. The treatments were safe and well tolerated.

Liposomal Ozonated Oil Ensures a Further Reduction in the Microbial Load Before Intravitreal Injection: the "OPERA" Study.

This was a prospective study to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of a novel ophthalmic solution comprising ozonated sunflower oil in liposomes plus hypromellose in conjunction with liposomal foam (BlefOX), in patients undergoing intravitreal injection, in comparison to povidone iodine 5%. The study employed a paired-eye design with n = 195 patients and a total of n = 390 eyes divided into two groups. Conjunctival swabs were collected from both eyes of each patient at baseline (T0-3 days before the injection). The study group underwent home therapy, which included instilling two drops of an isotonic ophthalmic solution containing 0.5% ozonated sunflower oil in liposomes plus hypromellose (Ozodrop) four times daily and applying liposomal foam twice daily to the eye undergoing intravitreal injections. In contrast, the control group (contralateral eyes) received treatment with povidone iodine 5%. This treatment regimen was maintained for 3days. At T1 (10min before injection), all patients instilled one drop of a topical solution of povidone iodine 5% into the conjunctival sac of both eyes. After 30seconds had elapsed, a conjunctival swab was obtained for each eye in both study groups. The results, derived from conjunctival swabs, exhibited a significant reduction in the microbial load of the study group on both chocolate agar and blood agar (p ≤ 0.007). The study demonstrated that the combination of povidone iodine 5% + Ozodrop + BlefOX provides a greater reduction in microbial load than povidone iodine 5% alone on both chocolate agar (141 [72.31%] vs. 98 [50.26%], p < 0.0001) and blood agar (130 [66.67%] vs. 97 [49.74%], p = 0.0007). The combination of povidone iodine 5% + Ozodrop + BlefOX resulted in the killing of approximately 41% to 49% of bacteria compared to povidone iodine 5% alone on the chocolate agar and blood agar, respectively. Liposomal ozonated oil treatment, coupled with liposomal foam, in patients undergoing intravitreal injection led to a substantial reduction in conjunctival microbial load compared to eyes treated solely with povidone iodine 5%.

La eficacia de los aceites ozonizados en el tratamiento de pacientes con micosis superficiales.

Abstract. Superficial mycoses are one of the main reasons for consulta-tion in the dermatological area. In recent years, the therapeutic effectiveness of ozonated oils in fungal infections has been verified in different countries due to its broad germicidal and antifungal spectrum. The objective is to evaluate the efficacy of the use of ozonated sunflower oil in the treatment of superficial mycoses in patients of the Mycology consultation at the Dermatology Service of the Hospital Vargas de Caracas, Instituto Autonómo de Biomedicina “Dr. Ja-cinto Convit”. A cross-sectional descriptive, experimental study was conducted, where 36 patients diagnosed with superficial mycosis and ten healthy subjects were evaluated. Of the group of 36 patients, 26 were treated with ozonated sun-flower oil (AGO) and ten patients with non-ozonized sunflower oil (AGNO). Ten healthy individuals represented the AGO sensitivity control. The most frequent superficial mycosis evaluated in the AGO group was tinea corporis (31%), fol-lowed by denture stomatitis (23%) and for the AGNO group, tinea pedis (50%). Regarding the etiological agent, an improvement with the AGO treatment of 86% for Candida albicans and 60% for the Trichophyton rubrum complex was evidenced at week eight of treatment. It is concluded that the antifungal effect of AGO is more significant for the genus Candida spp than for dermatophytes, evidencing a total improvement of the lesions with six weeks of treatment.

Antifungal and Antibiofilm Activities of Ozonated Sunflower Oil against Candida albicans Strains: A Pilot Study and Clinical Perspectives

Antifungal and Antibiofilm Activities of Ozonated Sunflower Oil against Candida albicans Strains: A Pilot Study and Clinical Perspectives

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity in contaminated root canals and cytotoxicity of ozonized products: an ex-vivo study

Pulp and periapical diseases originate from microbial colonization of root canals. The development of new technologies and instrumentation techniques has provided more effective shaping of the root canal system. Even so, sodium hypochlorite and calcium hydroxide remain examples of auxiliary substances for endodontic treatment. Recently, ozone has emerged as promising in endodontic therapy. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of ozonized water and ozonized oils in root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, in addition to the cytotoxicity of ozonized products. 224 human lower premolars were used, divided into 4 groups according to the microorganism tested, challenged with ozonized medications and compared to sodium hypochlorite and calcium hydroxide. The antimicrobial activities of ozonized oils were comparable to those established by sodium hypochlorite and calcium hydroxide. Ozonated sunflower oil and olive oil exhibited lower cytotoxicity and showed promise for understanding new metabolic routes and additional approaches in Endodontics.

Oral Supplementation of Ozonated Sunflower Oil Augments Plasma Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Abilities with Enhancement of High-Density Lipoproteins Functionality in Rats.

Research on ozonated sunflower oil (OSO) is mostly restricted to its topical application, whereas the functional and toxicological assessment of oral OSO consumption is yet to be solved. Herein, OSO was orally supplemented in rats to assess the impact on plasma antioxidant status, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Also, the functionality of HDL from the OSO-supplemented rats (OSO-HDL) was tested against carboxymethyllysine (CML)- induced hyperinflammation in embryo and adult zebrafish. The results revealed that four weeks of OSO supplementation (3 g/kg BW/day) had no adverse effect on rats' hematological and blood biochemical profiles. Nonetheless, decreased interleukin (IL)-6, and LDL-C levels, along with enhanced ferric ion reduction ability (FRA) and sulfhydryl content, were observed in the plasma of OSO-supplemented rats compared to the control and sunflower oil (SO) supplemented group. In addition, OSO supplementation stabilized apoA-I/HDL and augmented HDL-allied paraoxonase (PON)-1 activity. The microinjection of OSO-HDL (10 nL, 2 mg/mL) efficiently prevented the CML (500 ng)-induced zebrafish embryo mortality and developmental deformities. Similarly, OSO-HDL thwarted CML-posed neurotoxicity and demonstrated a significant hepatoprotective effect against CML-induced fatty liver changes, hepatic inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, as well as exhibiting a noticeable influence to revert CML-induced dyslipidemia. Conclusively, OSO supplementation demonstrated no toxic effects on rats, ameliorated plasma antioxidant status, and positively influenced HDL stability and functionality, leading to a protective effect against CML-induced toxicity in zebrafish.

Ozonated Sunflower Oil Embedded within Spray-Dried Chitosan Microspheres Cross-Linked with Azelaic Acid as a Multicomponent Solid Form for Broad-Spectrum and Long-Lasting Antimicrobial Activity.

Multicomponent solid forms for the combined delivery of antimicrobials can improve formulation performance, especially for poorly soluble drugs, by enabling the modified release of the active ingredients to better meet therapeutic needs. Chitosan microspheres incorporating ozonated sunflower oil were prepared by a spray-drying method and using azelaic acid as a biocompatible cross-linker to improve the long time frame. Two methods were used to incorporate ozonated oil into microspheres during the atomization process: one based on the use of a surfactant to emulsify the oil and another using mesoporous silica as an oil absorbent. The encapsulation efficiency of the ozonated oil was evaluated by measuring the peroxide value in the microspheres, which showed an efficiency of 75.5-82.1%. The morphological aspects; particle size distribution; zeta potential; swelling; degradation time; and thermal, crystallographic and spectroscopic properties of the microspheres were analyzed. Azelaic acid release and peroxide formation over time were followed in in vitro analyses, which showed that ozonated oil embedded within chitosan microspheres cross-linked with azelaic acid is a valid system to obtain a sustained release of antimicrobials. In vitro tests showed that the microspheres exhibit synergistic antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans and A. brasiliensis. This makes them ideal for use in the development of biomedical devices that require broad-spectrum and prolonged antimicrobial activity.

Topical application of ozonated sunflower oil accelerates the healing of lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis in mice under meglumine antimoniate treatment.

Besides being scarce, the drugs available for treating cutaneous leishmaniasis have many adverse effects. Ozone is an option to enhance the standard treatment due to the wound-healing activity reported in the literature. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of ozonated sunflower oil as an adjuvant in treating cutaneous lesions caused by Leishmania amazonensis. BALB/c mice were infected with L. amazonensis, and after the lesions appeared, they were treated in four different schedules using the drug treatment with meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®), with or without ozonated oil. After thirty days of treatment, the lesions' thickness and their parasitic burden, blood leukocytes, production of NO and cytokines from peritoneal macrophages and lymph node cells were analyzed. The group treated with ozonated oil plus meglumine antimoniate showed the best performance, improving the lesion significantly. The parasitic burden showed that ozonated oil enhanced the leishmanicidal activity of the treatment, eliminating the parasites in the lesion. Besides, a decrease in the TNF levels from peritoneal macrophages and blood leukocytes demonstrated an immunomodulatory action of ozone in the ozonated oil-treated animals compared to the untreated group. Thus, ozonated sunflower oil therapy has been shown as an adjuvant in treating Leishmania lesions since this treatment enhanced the leishmanicidal and wound healing effects of meglumine antimoniate.

Prolonged Supplementation of Ozonated Sunflower Oil Bestows an Antiaging Effect, Improves Blood Lipid Profile and Spinal Deformities, and Protects Vital Organs of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) against Age-Related Degeneration: Two-Years Consumption Study.

Ozonated sunflower oil (OSO) is renowned for its diverse therapeutic benefits. Nonetheless, the consequences of extended dietary intake of OSO have yet to be thoroughly investigated. Herein, the effect of 2-year dietary supplementation of OSO was examined on the survivability, obesity, skeletal deformities, swimming behavior, and liver, kidney, ovary, and testis function of zebrafish. Results showed that the zebrafish feed supplemented with 20% (wt/wt) OSO for 2 years emerged with higher survivability and body weight management compared to sunflower oil (SO) and normal diet (ND)-supplemented zebrafish. Radio imaging (X-ray)-based analysis revealed 2.6° and 15.2° lower spinal curvature in the OSO-supplemented groups than in the SO and ND-supplemented groups; consistently, OSO-supplemented zebrafish showed better swimming behavior. The histology analysis of the liver revealed the least fatty liver change and interleukin (IL)-6 generation in the OSO-supplemented group. Additionally, a significantly lower level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptotic, and senescent cells were observed in the liver of the OSO-supplemented zebrafish. Also, no adverse effect on the kidney, testis, and ovary morphology was detected during 2 years of OSO consumption. Moreover, lower senescence with diminished ROS and apoptosis was noticed in the kidney and ovary in response to OSO consumption. The OSO supplementation was found to be effective in countering age-associated dyslipidemia by alleviating total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C) and elevating high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C)/TC levels. Conclusively, prolonged OSO consumption showed no adverse effect on the morphology and functionality of vital organs; in fact, OSO supplementation displayed a protective effect against age-associated detrimental effects on spinal deformities, vital organ functionality, cell senescence, and the survivability of zebrafish.

Ozonated Sunflower Oil (OSO) Alleviates Inflammatory Responses in Oxazolone-Induced Atopic Dermatitis (AD)-Like Mice and LPS-Treated RAW 264.7 Cells.

Ozone, a highly reactive oxidant molecule, is widely used as a complementary therapy for various skin diseases, including wound healing, pressure ulcers, diabetic foot, and infections. However, there is limited research on the effectiveness of ozone for atopic dermatitis (AD). Ozonated sunflower oil (OSO) is an active ingredient obtained from partially ozonated sunflower oil (SO). OSO markedly reduced the LPS-induced increase in IL-1β and nitric oxide (NO) levels in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells. Oxazolone (OXZ) was applied to hairless mice to induce AD-like skin symptoms and immune response. OSO significantly alleviated the OXZ-induced increases in the number of infiltrating mast cells, epidermal thickness, AD symptoms, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and filaggrin, as well as the serum levels of NO, IgE, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Furthermore, OSO inhibited the IL-4/STAT3/MAPK pathway and the expression of NF-κB. Our results suggest that OSO treatment could relieve AD-mediated skin damage through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Therefore, it can be used as a therapeutic agent against AD-related skin diseases.

Effects of ozone therapy applied topically, by bagging, or both on the healing of clean wounds induced in rat's skin.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ozone therapy applied topically and/or by bagging on the healing of clean wounds induced in rat's skin. One hundred and twenty male rats of about 16 weeks old was divided into five groups: G1) saline solution (0.9%); G2) sunflower oil; G3) ozonated sunflower oil; G4) ozone bagging; G5) association of ozonated sunflower oil and ozone bagging. The wounds were evaluated through macroscopic, morphometric, histopathologic, and tensile strength analyses. Analysis among groups showed a lower percentage of wound contraction in G1 compared to G4 only in M7D. The tensile strength of the wounds showed differences among groups in the seventh (M7D) and the 14th (M14D) postoperative day, and among time points in G1 (M14D > M7D). The elongation of the wounds showed differences in G3 (M7D > M14D). Histological evaluation of the wounds showed significant change in bleeding, mixed to mononuclear infiltrate, congestion, and tissue disorganization for tissue organization between groups and time points. Ozone therapy applied topically and/or by bagging was not deleterious to the healing of clean wounds induced in rat's skin, but ozone bagging showed the best contribution to the healing process.

In vitro and ex vivo anti-Pythium insidiosum potential of ozonated sunflower oil.

This study sought to evaluate the in vitro and ex vivo susceptibility of Pythium insidiosum to ozonized sunflower oil (OSO) and verify the morphological alterations of OSO-exposed hyphae. Susceptibility assays were performed according to the broth microdilution protocol M38-A2/CLSI, and the minimal inhibitory (MIC) and minimal oomicidal (MOC) concentrations were also determined. Non-ozonated sunflower oil (SO) was used as the oil control. Additionally, kunkers from equine pythiosis were exposed to OSO. Damages caused by OSO and SO on P. insidiosum hyphae ultrastructure were verified using scanning electron microscopy. The MIC range for OSO was 7000 to 437.5mg/mL, and the values for SO were higher, ranging from 56000 to 14000mg/mL. The MOC was equal to MIC for both oil formulations. The OSO fully inhibited the oomycete growth from kunkers, although there was P. insidiosum growth in the kunker control in 24h of incubation. The SEM analyses showed that both OSO and SO caused morphological alterations in P. insidiosum hyphae, highlighting the presence of cavitation along the hyphae with loss of continuity of the cell wall, which was more evident in the OSO-treated hyphae. The OSO had the best oomicidal activity, leading us to believe that our findings may support future research containing this formulation to be applied in integrative medicine protocols to control pythiosis in animals and humans.

Highly Ozonated Sunflower Oil Dose May Cause Oxidative Stress and Impact the Quality of Life After Palatal Graft Removal: Secondary Endpoints of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of highly ozonated sunflower oil on postoperative pain and quality of life in patients undergoing removal of a free gingival graft (FGG) in the donor area of the palate. After graft removal, the palatal wound was treated with highly ozonated sunflower oil with a peroxide index between 510 and 625 meq/kg in the test group (n = 14) and with non-ozonated sunflower oil in the control group (n = 14). These are the secondary endpoints of a randomized clinical trial. Questionnaires assessing oral health impact on quality of life (OHIP-14) and postoperative pain (VAS scale) were applied to all participants at day 7. The results did not reveal a statistically significant difference in the postoperative pain between groups in all periods (P>0.05). There was a significant positive correlation in both groups for pain and amount of analgesic consumption (P<0.0001). It was found that participants in the test group showed a higher overallscore for OHIP-14 than the control group (P < 0.05), with impact on unsatisfactory diet, meal interruptions and irritability (P < 0.05). MDA levels measured 7 days post-treatment were higher in the test group compared to those of the control group (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that high dose and overapplication of the ozonated sunflower oil had a negative impact on the quality of life of individuals after palatal graft removal, which might have been aggravated by oxidative stress. Trial Registration number NCT05620550/Date of registration: November 16, 2022

Ozonated Oil in Liposome Eyedrops Reduces the Formation of Biofilm, Selection of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, and Adhesion of Bacteria to Human Corneal Cells.

The recent attention to the risk of potential permanent eye damage triggered by ocular infections has been leading to a deeper investigation of the current antimicrobials. An antimicrobial agent used in ophthalmology should possess the following characteristics: a broad antimicrobial spectrum, prompt action even in the presence of organic matter, and nontoxicity. The objective of this study is to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of widely used ophthalmic antiseptics containing povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine, and liposomes containing ozonated sunflower oil. We determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on various microbial strains: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 33591), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027), and Escherichia coli (ATCC 873). Furthermore, we assessed its efficacy in controlling antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and bacterial adhesion. All three antiseptic ophthalmic preparations showed significant anti-microbicidal and anti-biofilm activity, with the liposomes containing ozonated sunflower oil with the highest ability to control antibiotic resistance and bacteria adhesion to human corneal cells.

Ozonated Sunflower Oil Exerted Potent Anti-Inflammatory Activities with Enhanced Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration Abilities against Acute Toxicity of Carboxymethyllysine in Zebrafish with Improved Blood Lipid Profile.

Ozonated sunflower oil (OSO) is an established therapeutic agent and nutraceutical harboring various therapeutic values, including antiallergic, derma-protective, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Conversely, the medicinal aspects of OSO for wound healing, tissue regeneration, and treatment of inflammation in dyslipidemia have yet to be fully elucidated. Herein, a comparative effect of OSO and sunflower oil (SO) was investigated to heal cutaneous wound and tissue regeneration of zebrafish impediment by carboxymethyllysine (CML) toxicity, following impact on hepatic inflammation and blood lipid profile. After OSO (final 2%, 1 μL) and SO's (final 2%, 1 μL) treatment, substantial healing was elicited by OSO in the cutaneous wound of zebrafish impaired by CML (final 25 μg). As an important event of wound healing, OSO scavenges the reactive oxygen species (ROS), rescues the wound from oxidative injury, and triggers the essential molecular events for the wound closer. Furthermore, the intraperitoneal injection of OSO was noted to counter the CML-induced adversity and prompt tissue regeneration in the amputated tail fin of zebrafish. Additionally, OSO counters the CML-induced neurotoxicity and rescues the zebrafish from acute mortality and paralysis, along with meticulous recovery of hepatic inflammation, fatty liver changes, and diminished ROS and proinflammatory interleukin (IL)-6 production. Moreover, OSO efficiently ameliorated CML-induced dyslipidemia by alleviating the total blood cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and increasing high-density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL-C). The outcome of multivariate assessment employing principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis supports a superior therapeutic potential of OSO over SO against the clinical manifestation of CML. Conclusively, OSO owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, counters CML-induced toxicity and promotes wound healing, tissue regeneration, hepatoprotection, improved blood lipid profile, and survivability of zebrafish.

Ozonated sunflower oil in wound healing in a cat: Case report

Therapies with the use of ozone have been increasingly applied in both human and veterinary medicine due to its high oxygenating and antioxidant power. These factors stimulate the formation of deoxygenating substances within pathogens, which release oxygen into oxyhemoglobins, increasing its migration to epithelial tissues, thus being used in fungal, bacterial, viral and skin lesions. This work aims to report a clinical case of a feline whose veterinary medical clinic’s routine utilized ozone therapy in the primary treatment via ozonized sunflower oil in the tissue repair process. This method can help with the dermal secondary intention healing, having a good acceptance, not causing discomfort or stress to the animal and contributing to its well-being.

Long-Term Supplementation of Ozonated Sunflower Oil Improves Dyslipidemia and Hepatic Inflammation in Hyperlipidemic Zebrafish: Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation against Carboxymethyllysine Toxicity.

Ozonated sunflower oil (OSO) is a well-known functional oil with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-allergic, and skin-moisturizing properties. However, studies on the effects of OSO on high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-induced metabolic disorders have been scarce. In the current study, we aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of OSO on lipid metabolism in adult hypercholesterolemic zebrafish and its embryos. Microinjection of OSO (final 2%, 10 nL) into zebrafish embryos under the presence of carboxymethyllysine (CML, 500 ng) protected acute embryo death up to 61% survival, while sunflower oil (final 2%) showed much less protection at around 42% survival. The microinjection of OSO was more effective than SO to inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis in the CML induced embryo toxicity. Intraperitoneal injection of OSO under the presence of CML protected acute death from CML-induced neurotoxicity with improved hepatic inflammation, less detection of ROS and interleukin (IL)-6, and lowering blood total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG), while the SO-injected group did not protect the CML-toxicity. Long-term supplementation of OSO (final 20%, wt/wt) with HCD for 6 months resulted in higher survivability than the HCD alone group or HCD + SO group (final 20%, wt/wt) with significant lowering of plasma TC and TG levels. The HCD + OSO group showed the least hepatic inflammation, fatty liver change, ROS, and IL-6 production. In conclusion, short-term treatment of OSO by injection exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity against acute neurotoxicity of CML in zebrafish and their embryo. Long-term supplementation of OSO in the diet also revealed the highest survivability and blood lipid-lowering effect through potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Use of ozonated sunflower oil in the treatment of infectious endometritis in mares

Endometritis can be classified as infectious or non-infectious, clinical or sub-clinical. It is one of the important causes of infertility and sub-fertility in mares. Taking into account the antimicrobial, immuno-stimulating capacity and the low cost of therapies with the combination oxygen-ozone (O2-O3), we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ozonized sunflower oil as a possible alternative treatment for endometritis in mares. Mares (n=20) with a known reproductive history of uterine infection and inflammation were selected and distributed into 2 groups: Control (n = 10), treated with non-ozonized sunflower oil and Treatment (n = 10), treated with oil of ozonated sunflower oil (Ozone & Life). Pre- and post-uterine changes were identified by means of transrectal ultrasound examination (B mode) and confirmed by cytological examination (cytological brush) and microbiological analysis (swab) through bacterial and fungalcultures. Collection of samples and treatment applications were performed during estrus. An insemination pipette coupled to a syringe filled with the respective oil (60ml) was inserted directly into the body of the uterus. The oil was left in the uterus for 24 hours, after which the uterus was washed with Ringer Lactate solution until a completely translucent flushing was obtained. Preliminary results demonstrate that ozonized sunflower oil has the potential to treat fungal and bacterial endometritis; one case of uterine infection caused by Aspergillus spp and 7of 9 cases of bacterial endometritis resolved. Bacteria involved in these infections were Staphylococcus delphini, Staphylococcus intermedius, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter bugandensis, Staphylococcus chromogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus sciuri. In the control group, there were no significant differences between pre and post treatment samples.

Anti-biofilm action of ozonized sunflower oil against bacteria isolated from the uterus of mares susceptible to endometritis

Biofilm formation in the equine reproductive tract is thought to be involved with chronic endometritis, inhibiting any response to antibiotic therapy. No publications correlate the action of ozonized oils with the breakdown of biofilm mass from bacterial isolates. This work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of ozonated sunflower oil in breaking biofilm produced in vitro by bacteria isolated from the uterus of susceptible mares. Uterine samples from 41 mares with a history of subfertility (negative embryo collections or pregnancy for three consecutive cycles) were used. Samples were collected using a cytological brush and stored in BHI broth and 0.9% saline, then submitted for microbial culture and identification and in vitro sensitivity at LABRAPE-UFRPE, Brazil. Biofilm production was evaluated by the crystal violet method using 96-well polystyrene microplates. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by the microdilution method, where concentrations of ozonated sunflower oil ranging from 12.71 to 203.43 mEq of peroxide were used. To evaluate the action of the ozonated oil in breaking the biofilm, bacteria were subjected to a concentration of 203.43 mEq of peroxide, with the use of extra virgin sunflower oil as a negative control. The results were submittedto Student's T-Test for paired samples, and the significance level was P<0.05. The test was performed using the statistical software BioEstat 5.0®. Overall, 75.6% of the samples had positive microbiological isolation, while 24.4% were negative. Of the 21 isolates subjected to biofilm production, 76.2% (16/21) showed positive production, with 43.75% (7/16) weak producers, 31.25% (5/16) moderate producers, and 25% (4/16) strong producers. After the action of the ozonized oil on the previously formed biofilm, of the six samples of Gram-negative bacilli tested, only one sample from the genus Klebsiella spp. showed no statistical difference in biofilm formation, while the others showed biofilm breakage after treatment, which corresponded to a reduction in biofilm mass to 0.098 (0.209 ± 0.054). However, in assessment of biofilm mass after treatment, for Gram-positive cocci, five samples showed no change, three samples showed a reduction, and two samples showed an increase. In conclusion, ozonized sunflower oil (concentration of 203.43 mEq of peroxide) demonstrated satisfactory results in breaking the in vitro biofilm produced by Gram-negative bacteria. It proved to be inefficient in breaking the mass of biofilm produced by Gram-positive bacteria. The efficiency of ozonized sunflower oil is directly linked to its peroxide concentration.

Uso de óleo de girassol ozonizado no tratamento de lesão cutânea em hamster sírio (Mesocricetus auratus) - relato de caso

ABSTRACT Hamster breeding is becoming increasingly popular, mainly because of the simplicity of breeding, low cost, and characteristics of these animals: they are small, quiet, and do not require a large space. Because of this ease of keeping, some people choose to keep more than one animal of the same species in a single enclosure. In some cases, this sociability can lead to fights, because hamsters are extremely territorial animals, which can cause significant injuries. Knowledge of the most efficient methods for wound healing is essential in medicine for wild and exotic animals, as it allows faster clinical treatment and thus, stress reduction. The present case report refers to the therapeutic treatment of an extensive skin lesion in a golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) using ozonized sunflower oil. The treatment, which lasted 23 days, allowed complete healing of the lesion.