Possible applications of radon therapy in veterinary care for oxidative stress-induced kidney damage

Oxidative stress in the body is considered an imbalance between the production and removal of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ischemic acute renal failure, chronic renal failure, uremia, glomerulonephritis, and diabetic nephropathy are ROS-related diseases. In the veterinary field, a few studies of chronic kidney failure related to oxidative stress have been reported. Radon therapy has been used in Japan and Europe, and has been shown to have beneficial effects on ROS-related diseases such as bronchial asthma, arteriosclerosis, osteoarthritis, and pain-related diseases. We have demonstrated that radon inhalation increases antioxidative functions in kidney, and inhibits oxidative stress-induced kidney damage in animals. In addition, radon exposure systems for pets have already been developed. Therefore, we review the possible applications of radon therapy in veterinary care for oxidative stress-induced kidney damage.