The Effect of Intraperitoneal Ozone Therapy onthe Number and Diameter of Placental Terminalis Villi in Wistar Rats Induced Preeclampsia Model with Deoxycorticosterone Acetate (DOCA)

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication marked by hypertension and organ dysfunction, with impaired placental development, especially terminal villi, which are major contributing factors. Intraperitoneal ozone therapy improves blood circulation and tissue oxygenation. This study examined the effect of intraperitoneal ozone therapy on the number and diameter of placental terminal villi in Wistar rats in DOCA-induced preeclampsia model. Methods: This experimental laboratory study used a randomized posttest control only group design. Thirty-six pregnant femaleWistar rats were divided into two groups: control (no ozone therapy) and treatment (ozone injection of 1.2 mg with a 95%:5% oxygen/ozone gas mixture). On day 21 of pregnancy, the rats were sacrificed for placental collection. The number and diameter of terminal villi were examined histopathologically under a 40x microscope. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test for number and T-test for diameter. Results: The treatment group had a significantly higher number and larger diameter of terminal villi than the control group (p<0.05). Intraperitoneal ozone therapy enhances placental villi growth and differentiation. Discussion: The increase in villus number and diameter is likely due to enhanced blood circulation and oxygen delivery, along with the stimulation of antioxidant enzymes that protect cells from oxidative stress. These effects improve placental function in preeclampsia. Conclusion: Intraperitoneal ozone therapy significantly increased placental terminal villi in a DOCA-induced preeclampsia model, offering potential as an adjunct therapy to reduce maternal and fetal complications.