Cold spark discharge plasma treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in an animal model of ulcerative colitis

Abstract

Cold plasma discharges have been shown to have medically-relevant therapeutic effects when applied to living tissues, including blood coagulation and wound healing; thus, plasma treatment of inflamed tissues in ulcerative colitis disease may be an effective approach to reduce adverse consequences if not cure the disease. Here we discuss results of the first experimental study of cold plasma treatment of ulcerative colitis in a mouse model. As a plasma source, a cold spark discharge has been used. The results show that plasma treatment of experimental model of ulcerative colitis in mice has some beneficial effects by suppressing the progression of the disease while no damage to colon tissues is observed; and these effects are comparable to standard therapy. © 2011 by Begell House, Inc.