Abstract

In a previous work we have shown that heparin, in the presence of ozone (O₃), promotes a dose-dependent platelet aggregation, while after Ca²⁺ chelation with citrate, platelet aggregation is almost negligible. These results led us to think that aggregation may enhance the release of platelet components. We have here shown that indeed significantly higher amount of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-8(IL-8) are released in a dose-dependent manner after ozonation of heparinised platelet-rich plasma samples. These findings may explain the enhanced healing of torpid ulcers in patients with chronic limbischemia treated with O₃ autohaemoteraphy (O₃-AHT).