Key takeaways
- Ozone Dialysis (EBO2 Therapy) activates the Nrf2-HO-1 pathway, enhancing antioxidant defenses and reducing chronic inflammation.
- Supports Healthy Aging: Improves immune function, slows cellular senescence, and protects against age-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
- Regenerative and Anti-Aging Benefits: Boosts red blood cell health, lowers oxidative stress, and promotes systemic cellular rejuvenation.
Understanding Inflammaging: The Hidden Driver of Age-Related Disease
As the global population ages, more people than ever are living well beyond 50. Along with longer life comes a rise in age-related conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and neurodegenerative disorders.
At the heart of this health challenge is inflammaging, a slow, chronic, low-grade inflammation that accumulates over time. Imagine a small, persistent fire inside the body. It doesn’t hurt immediately, but over years, this inflammation damages cells, accelerates aging, and contributes to nearly every chronic illness.
What Causes Inflammaging?
Several interconnected biological factors drive chronic inflammation:
- Oxidative Stress – Aging cells produce more reactive oxygen species (ROS) while antioxidant defenses weaken, damaging DNA, proteins, and lipids.
- DAMPs (Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns) – Injured or stressed cells release DAMPs, signaling inflammation even without infection.
- Cellular Senescence – Aging cells may enter a “zombie” state called senescence, stopping division but continuing to release harmful inflammatory compounds.
- SASP (Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype) – Senescent cells secrete inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, spreading inflammation to nearby tissues.
- Immunosenescence – Aging immune cells become less effective at fighting infections and more prone to releasing inflammatory signals, amplifying inflammaging.
Your Body’s Natural Defense: The Nrf2-HO-1 Pathway
The body has an internal mechanism to combat oxidative stress and inflammation: the Nrf2-HO-1 pathway. Think of Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) as a master switch for cellular defense. When activated, it triggers protective genes, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione, and superoxide dismutase (SOD).
Why HO-1 Matters for Healthy Aging
HO-1 protects cells by breaking down heme, a pro-oxidant, into:
- Biliverdin/Bilirubin – potent antioxidants
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) – anti-inflammatory signaling molecule in small amounts
- Iron/Ferritin – safely stores iron, preventing oxidative damage
High HO-1 levels help cells resist oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue damage, all critical for slowing aging and reducing chronic disease risk.

The Challenge: Nrf2 Declines with Age
As we age, Nrf2 activity naturally decreases, creating a cycle of inflammation and oxidative stress, known as the Oxi-Inflamm-Aging Loop:
- Oxidative stress triggers inflammation
- Inflammation generates more ROS
- ROS causes further cellular damage
This cycle accelerates cellular aging and contributes to many chronic illnesses.
Ozone Dialysis: Reawakening Nrf2 and HO-1
What is Ozone Dialysis?
Ozone Dialysis, also referred to as EBO2 Therapy (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation), is an advanced regenerative therapy that:
- Withdraws a small portion of your blood
- Exposes it to a precise mixture of oxygen and ozone
- Returns the treated blood to your body
While the procedure is simple, its effects on cellular health are profound, stimulating the Nrf2-HO-1 pathway, enhancing antioxidant defenses, and reducing chronic inflammation.
How Ozone Dialysis Activates Nrf2-HO-1
Hormetic Stress Response – Mild oxidative stress from ozone triggers protective genes, similar to how exercise strengthens muscles.
Enhanced Nrf2 Activation – Ozone stimulates multiple pathways that keep Nrf2 active for days, prolonging antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Increased HO-1 Production – Boosts HO-1 levels in circulating blood cells, enhancing cellular protection.
Systemic Anti-Inflammatory Effects – HO-1 byproducts such as bilirubin, CO, and ferritin reduce cytokine activity, neutralize ROS, and lower inflammation body-wide.
Slows Cellular Aging – Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, decreases senescent cell accumulation, and supports healthier immune function.
Immune System Rejuvenation – Improves regulatory T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell activity while calming overactive inflammatory responses.
Red Blood Cell Health – Enhances RBC flexibility, oxygen delivery, and anti-inflammatory properties to support tissue repair and overall vitality.
Potential Benefits of Ozone Dialysis and Nrf2 Activation
Ozone Dialysis and EBO2 therapy have been shown to support multiple health areas:
- Heart and Vascular Health: Reduces oxidized LDL and vascular inflammation
- Autoimmune Disorders: Balances immune response without suppressing essential function
- Brain Health: Reduces neuroinflammation linked to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
- Metabolic Health: Improves insulin sensitivity and lowers inflammation in fat tissues
The Future of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine
Ozone Dialysis is emerging as a key component of personalized longevity medicine. Future advancements may include:
- Combining ozone dialysis with targeted Nrf2 activators
- Tailoring therapy based on individual inflammation and oxidative stress profiles
- Preventive protocols for those at risk of age-related disease
Schedule Your Ozone Dialysis Appointment Today
You can receive professional, medically supervised Ozone Dialysis at BionwoRx: Center for Functional and Regenerative Medicine, conveniently located in Carmel, Indiana, just north of Indianapolis.
We proudly serve patients from Carmel, Westfield, Fishers, Zionsville, Noblesville, and the greater Indianapolis area.




