Biochemical and histomorphometric comparison of antioxidant (Taurine) and ozone therapy effects on ESWL-induced oxidative damage in rabbit kidney tissue

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the role of free radicals in kidney injury induced by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and to compare the protective effects of taurine and ozone therapy.Methods: Thirty male New Zealand rabbits were divided into five groups: control, ESWL, ESWL + ozone, ESWL + taurine, and ESWL + ozone + taurine. ESWL was applied in a single session at 14 kV and 2500 shocks. Ozone was administered intraperitoneally and taurine orally for 15 days. Histopathological evaluations and biochemical analyses, including MDA, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px levels, were performed on renal tissues.Results: ESWL significantly increased tissue MDA levels and decreased antioxidant enzyme levels. Taurine and ozone treatments reduced oxidative stress by lowering MDA levels and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity. Histologically, less tissue damage was observed in the treatment groups.Conclusion: Taurine and ozone therapies effectively reduced ESWL-induced kidney damage both biochemically and histologically. These findings support the potential protective role of these agents in clinical settings.