Taurine Alleviates Experimental Colitis by Enhancing Intestinal Barrier Function and Inhibiting Inflammatory Response through TLR4/NF-κB Signaling.

Taurine (Tau) is a semiessential amino acid in mammals with preventive and therapeutic effects on several intestinal disorders. However, the exact function of taurine in ulcerative colitis (UC) is still largely unclear. In this study, we used two taurine-deficient mouse models (CSAD-/- and TauT-/- mice) to explore the influence of taurine on the progression of UC in both dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and LPS-stimulated Caco-2 cells. We found that cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSAD) and taurine transporter (TauT) expressions and taurine levels were markedly reduced in colonic tissues of mice treated with DSS. The CSAD and TauT knockouts exacerbated DSS-induced clinical symptoms and pathological damage and aggravated the intestinal barrier dysfunction and the colonic mucosal inflammatory response. Conversely, taurine pretreatment enhanced the intestinal barrier functions by increasing goblet cells and upregulating tight junction protein expression. Importantly, taurine bound with TLR4 and inhibited the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, ultimately reducing proinflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-6) and oxidative stress. Our findings highlight the essential role of taurine in maintaining the intestinal barrier integrity and inhibiting intestinal inflammation, indicating that taurine is a promising supplement for colitis treatment.

Curcumin, Piperine and Taurine Combination Enhances the Efficacy of Transarterial Chemoembolization Therapy in patients with Intermediate Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of the majority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients occurs at intermediate to advanced stages, with a few curative therapeutic options being available. It is therefore strongly urgent to discover additional adjuvant therapy for this lethal malignancy. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of curcumin (C), piperine (P) and taurine (T) combination as adjuvant agents on serum levels of IFN-γ, immunophenotypic and molecular characterization of mononuclear leukocytes (MNLs) in HCC patients treated with Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum and MNLs were collected from 20 TACE-treated HCC patients before (baseline-control samples) and after treatment with 5 g curcumin capsules , 10 mg piperine and 0.5 mg taurine taken daily for three consecutive months. Immunophenotypic and molecular characterization of MNLs were determined by flow cytometry and quantitative real time PCR, respectively. In addition, serum IFN-γ level was quantified by ELISA. RESULTS: After receiving treatment with CPT combination, there was a highly significant increase in IFN- γ levels in the sera of patients when compared to basal line control samples. Additionally, the group receiving combined therapy demonstrated a downregulation in the expression levels of PD-1, in MNLs as compared to controls. MNLs' immunophenotyping revealed a significant decline in CD4+CD25+cells (regulatory T lymphocytes). Furthermore, clinicopathological characteristics revealed a highly significant impact of CPT combination on aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alpha feto protein (AFP) levels. CONCLUSION: This study introduces a promising adjuvant CPT combined treatment as natural agents to enhance the management of HCC patients who are candidates to TACE treatment.

The effect of 8-day oral taurine supplementation on thermoregulation during low-intensity exercise at fixed heat production in hot conditions of incremental humidity.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of taurine supplementation on sweating and core temperature responses, including the transition from compensable to uncompensable heat stress, during prolonged low-intensity exercise of a fixed-heat production (~ 200W/m2) in hot conditions (37.5 °C), at both fixed and incremental vapour-pressure. METHODS: Fifteen females (n = 3) and males (n = 12; 27 ± 5 years, 78 ± 9 kg, V ˙ O2max 50.3 ± 7.8 mL/kg/min), completed a treadmill walking protocol (~ 200W/m2 heat production [Hprod]) in the heat (37.5 ± 0.1 °C) at fixed-(16-mmHg) and ramped-humidity (∆1.5-mmHg/5-min) following 1 week of oral taurine supplementation (50 mg/kg/bm) or placebo, in a double-blind, randomised, cross-over design. Participants were assessed for whole-body sweat loss (WBSL), local sweat rate (LSR), sweat gland activation (SGA), core temperature (Tcore), breakpoint of compensability (Pcrit) and calorimetric heat transfer components. Plasma volume and plasma taurine concentrations were established through pre- and post-trial blood samples. RESULTS: Taurine supplementation increased WBSL by 26.6% and 5.1% (p = 0.035), LSR by 15.5% and 7.8% (p = 0.013), SGA (1 × 1 cm) by 32.2% and 29.9% (p < 0.001) and SGA (3 × 3 cm) by 22.1% and 17.1% (p = 0.015) during the fixed- and ramped-humidity exercise periods, respectively. Evaporative heat loss was enhanced by 27% (p = 0.010), heat-storage reduced by 72% (p = 0.024) and Pcrit was greater in taurine vs placebo (25.0-mmHg vs 21.7-mmHg; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Taurine supplementation increased sweating responses during fixed Hprod in hot conditions, prior to substantial heat strain and before the breakpoint of compensability, demonstrating improved thermoregulatory capacity. The enhanced evaporative cooling and reduced heat-storage delayed the subsequent upward inflection in Tcore-represented by a greater Pcrit-and offers a potential dietary supplementation strategy to support thermoregulation.

Taurine and Camel Milk Modulate Neurobehavioral and Biochemical Changes in Aluminum Chloride-Induced Alzheimer's Disease in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with deficiency in motor coordination, cognitive impairment, and excessive reactive oxygen species production in the brain. OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated effects of taurine and camel milk (CM) on neurobehavior, amyloid-beta peptide 1-42 (Aß) expression, acetylcholinesterase, and superoxide dismutase activities in aluminum chloride (AlCl3) model of Alzheimer's disease in rats. METHODS: Thirty-five female Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (n = 5): Normal saline (0.2 mL/kg body weight); AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) (AD); CM (33 mL/kg); Taurine (50 mg/kg); AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) + CM (33 mL/kg); AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) + Taurine (50 mg/kg); and AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) + CM (33 mL/kg) + Taurine (50 mg/kg). The administration lasted for eight weeks via oral gavage. After the eighth week, neurobehavior assessments were performed. Rats were sacrificed, and brain and blood samples collected for analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant (p < 0.0001) increase in the duration of motor endurance in AD + CM rats, compared to AD rats. Duration of forced swimming time was lowest (p < 0.0001) in AlCl3 + Taurine rats, compared to that of AD rats. Concentration of Aß peptide decreased (p < 0.05) in AD rats, treated with CM and/or combination. In taurine-treated rats, superoxide dismutase activity was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in AD rats. Treatment with taurine + CM increased (p < 0.05) acetylcholinesterase activity compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Taurine and CM enhanced cognition and sensorimotor activity by decreasing Aß peptide concentration and increasing superoxide dismutase and acetylcholinesterase activities in AD rats.

Taurine supplementation protects lens against glutathione depletion.

OBJECTIVE: Cataract which is defined as opacification of eye lens forms approximately 40% of total blindness causes all through the world. Age is the biggest risk factor for cataracts and oxidative stress is known to be one of the most important factors causing cataract formation. Age-related nuclear cataract (ARN) is associated with a loss of glutathione in the center of the lens. Taurine is an important antioxidant in lens tissue. Although, there is a high amount of taurine in lenses in early life, its concentration declines with age. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of supplemental taurine in lens tissues in an in vivo oxidative stress model which is induced by glutathione depletion to mimic ARN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Glutathione depletion was induced in rabbits subcutaneously with l-Buthionine -(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO)- a glutathione inhibitor and the rabbits were treated with taurine. Total GSH, reduced GSH, GSH/GSSG ratio and MDA levels were measured. RESULTS: BSO lowered the reduced GSH and total GSH levels and GSH/GSSG ratio. Taurine reversed these effects. On the other hand, BSO enhanced MDA level which is normalized by taurine. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that glutathione depletion with BSO may be a useful model to mimic ARN and dietary intake of taurine, may have an important role in decelerating the process of cataract formation.

Taurine supplementation in conjunction with exercise modulated cytokines and improved subcutaneous white adipose tissue plasticity in obese women.

Interventions that can modulate subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) function, such as exercise training and nutritional components, like taurine, modulate the inflammatory process, therefore, may represent strategies for obesity treatment. We investigated the effects of taurine supplementation in conjunction with exercise on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in plasma and scWAT of obese women. Sixteen obese women were randomized into two groups: Taurine supplementation group (Tau, n = 8) and Taurine supplementation + exercise group (Tau + Exe, n = 8). The intervention was composed of daily taurine supplementation (3 g) and exercise training for 8 weeks. Anthropometry, body fat composition, and markers of inflammatory and oxidative stress were determined in plasma and scWAT biopsy samples before and after the intervention. We found that, although taurine supplementation increased taurine plasma levels, no changes were observed for the anthropometric characteristics. However, Tau alone decreased interleukin-6 (IL-6), and in conjunction with exercise (Tau + Exe), increased anti-inflammatory interleukins (IL-15 and IL10), followed by reduced IL1ß gene expression in the scWAT of obese women. Tau and Tau + Exe groups presented reduced adipocyte size and increased connective tissue and multilocular droplets. In conclusion, taurine supplementation in conjunction with exercise modulated levels of inflammatory markers in plasma and scWAT, and improved scWAT plasticity in obese women, promoting protection against obesity-induced inflammation. TRN NCT04279600 retrospectively registered on August 18, 2019.

Caffeinated energy drinks in the Canadian context: health risk assessment with a focus on cardiovascular effects.

In Canada, caffeinated energy drinks (CEDs) currently sold under Temporary Marketing Authorizations must meet strict eligibility criteria. These criteria, which include compositional and labelling requirements, were developed based on the outcome of a health risk assessment conducted by Health Canada (HC) in 2013. HC updated its assessment by reviewing new information with the focus on potential cardiovascular effects associated with the consumption of CEDs available for sale in Canada. Due to limited data on CED consumption among Canadians to derive accurate exposure information, the composition of a typical CED was characterized to assess the potential effects of single ingredients and synergistic interactions between ingredients on the cardiovascular system. Surveillance data on potential adverse effects related to CED consumption was also analyzed. After extensive review, HC's updated assessment confirms the current risk management approach for CEDs is health protective for Canadian consumers, including the potential for cardiovascular effects. The available evidence supports that moderate consumption (up to 500 mL per day) of a typical CED authorized for sale in Canada is safe for the general population of healthy adults and adolescents. It also re-confirms that vulnerable sub-populations (i.e., children, pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, and caffeine-sensitive individuals) should not consume CEDs. Novelty: Consumption up to 500 mL per day of a typical CED is not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular effects. Children, pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, and caffeine-sensitive individuals should not consume CEDs.

Taurine attenuates valproic acid-induced hepatotoxicity via modulation of RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL-mediated necroptosis signaling in mice.

Valproic acid (VPA) is known as a common drug in seizure and bipolar disorders treatment. Hepatotoxicity is the most important complication of VPA. Taurine (Tau), an amino acid, has antioxidant effects. The present research was conducted to evaluate the protective mechanisms of Tau on VPA-induced liver injury, especially focusing on the necroptosis signaling pathway. The sixty-four male NMRI mice were divided into eight groups with eight animals per each. The experiment groups pretreated with Tau (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg) and necrostatine-1 (Nec-1, 1.8 mg/kg) and then VPA (500 mg/kg) was administered for 14 consecutive days. The extent of VPA-induced hepatotoxicity was confirmed by elevated ALP (alkaline phosphatase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase) levels, and histological changes as steatosis, accumulation of erythrocytes, and inflammation. Additionally, VPA significantly induced oxidative stress in the hepatic tissue by increasing ROS (reactive oxygen species) production and lipid peroxidation level along with decreasing GSH (glutathione). Hepatic TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor) level, mRNA and protein expression of RIPK1 (receptor-interacting protein kinase 1), RIPK3, and MLKL (mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase) were upregulated. Also, the phosphorylation of MLKL and RIPK3 increased in the VPA group. Tau could effectively reverse these events. Our data suggest which necroptosis has a key role in the toxicity of VPA through TNF-α-mediated RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling and oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that Tau protects the liver tissue against VPA toxicity via inhibiting necroptosis signaling pathway mediated by RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL and suppressing oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

The effect of intracerebroventricular amyloid beta 1-42 application on cognitive functions in aged rats supplemented with taurine and the change of peroxisomal proteins in this process.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to investigate the change of peroxisomal proteins in the neurodegenerative and oxidative process caused by the neurotoxicity of Aß 1-42 in aged rats supplemented with taurine and to show the possible positive effects of taurine in this process. METHODS: 30 Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 5 groups as control, sham, Aß 1-42, taurine, and Aß 1-42+taurine. Taurine administration continued for 6 weeks (1000 mg/kg/day with drinking water). Stereotaxic surgery was applied to all groups (intracerebroventricular per lateral ventricle needle only or 5 µl, PBS, or Aß 1-42). Spatial learning and memory performances of the animals were evaluated with Morris water maze and elevated plus maze. The levels of MDA and GSH were measured as oxidative stress parameters in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Expressions of CAT, PEX14, PMP70 of peroxisomal membrane proteins were indicated by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Our results showed that injection of Aß 1-42 decreased the spatial learning and memory performance, cortex CAT and hippocampus PEX14, PMP70 and GSH levels, and increased cortex and hippocampus MDA levels (p < 0.05). Although the administration of taurine partially ameliorated the adverse effects of Aß 1-42 injection, a significant difference was found only at the hippocampus GSH levels (p < 0.05). Also, taurine caused anxiety at this dose (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: In conclusion, decreased peroxisomal proteins and antioxidant capacity in neurodegenerative and oxidative processes induced by intracerebroventricular Aß 1-42 injection showed that peroxisomes may play a role in this process and taurine supplementation may have positive effects especially in increasing antioxidant capacity.

Cost-effectiveness of taurolidine locks to prevent recurrent catheter-related blood stream infections in adult patients receiving home parenteral nutrition: a 2-year mirror-image study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The use of long-term taurolidine locks (LTTL) seems to be effective in preventing catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSI), especially in patients on home parenteral nutrition (HPN). This work targets the cost-effectiveness of LTTL in a cohort of adult HPN patients. METHODS: A monocentric mirror-image design study was conducted in our referral centre among long-term HPN patients experiencing recurrent CRBSI. From 7th January 2011, LTTL were started after the third CRBSI episode within 12 months. CRBSI data was prospectively collected until 7th January 2013, in the same way as it had retrospectively been done before initiating LTTL. A cost-effective analysis was conducted to estimate the incremental costs and effects on CRBSI with LTTL. The efficacy of LTTL on CRBSI rate was assessed over 1000 days of catheter use. RESULTS: A total of 31,100 catheter days were analysed in 37 patients (median [interquartile range (IQR)]) aged 58 [42-68] years. The mean ± SD proven CRBSI rate was 3.18 ± 3.51 per 1000 catheter days before the introduction of LTTL and 0.39 ± 1.50 per 1000 catheter days after its introduction (p < 0.0001). Considering both proven and probable CRBSI requiring hospital management, LTTL reduced by (mean [bootstrap CI 95%]) -2.63 [-3.26 to -2.06] infections per patient (from 2.89 [2.31 to 3.49] before to 0.26 [0.13 to 0.41] after) as well as incremental costs by -7 258 [-10 450 to -4 016] € (from 11 176 [8 004 to 14 968] € before to 3 918 [2 390 to 5 445] € after). CONCLUSION: Implementing LTTL to prevent recurrent CRBSI is cost-effective by dramatically decreasing their incidence.

Effects of long-term taurine supplementation on age-related changes in skeletal muscle function of Sprague-Dawley rats.

Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a free amino acid found abundantly in mammalian tissues. Increasing evidence suggests that taurine plays a role in the maintenance of skeletal muscle function and increase of exercise capacity. Most energy drinks contain this amino acid; however, there is insufficient research on the effects of long-term, low-dose supplementation of taurine. In this study, we investigated the effects of long-term administration of taurine at low doses on aging in rodents. In Experiment 1, we examined age-related changes in aging Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (32-92 weeks old) that O2 consumption and spontaneous activity decreased significantly with aging. In Experiment 2, we examined the effects of long-term (21-week) administration of taurine on healthy aging SD rats. SD rats were stabilized for 32-34 weeks and divided into three groups, administrated water (control), 0.5% taurine (25 mg/kg  body weight (BW)/day), or 1% taurine (50 mg/kg  BW/day) from age 34 to 56 weeks (5 days/week, 5 mL/kg BW). Our findings suggest that long-term administration of taurine at relatively low dose could attenuate the age-related decline in O2 consumption and spontaneous locomotor activity. Upon intestinal absorption, taurine might modulate age-related changes in respiratory metabolism and skeletal muscle function via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), cytochrome c (Cycs), myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A), glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), and myoglobin, which are regulated by the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This article examines the mechanism underlying the effects of taurine on age-related changes, which may have potential clinical implications.

Impact of locking solutions on conditioning biofilm formation in tunnelled haemodialysis catheters and inflammatory response activation.

INTRODUCTION: The surface of tunnelled cuffed catheters provides an optimal environment for the development of biofilms, which have recently been described as conditioning films because of the presence of adherent biological materials. These biofilms are associated with infection and thrombosis and potentially increase patients' inflammatory response. These complications could be reduced by the use of locking solutions. OBJECTIVE: To analyse biofilm formation, using confocal and electron microscopy, in tunnelled cuffed catheters locked with three different solutions and to determine the relationship between these solutions and inflammatory response. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective study included 35 haemodialysis patients with tunnelled cuffed catheter removal for non-infection-related reasons. The participants were divided into three groups according to the lock solution used: (1) heparin 1: 5000 IU; (2) citrate 4%; and (3) taurolidine 1.35%, citrate 4% and heparin 500 IU (taurolock); in the latter group, 25,000 IU taurolidine-urokinase was used in the last weekly session. All tunnelled cuffed catheters were cultured, and the inner surface was evaluated with confocal and electron microscopy. The inflammatory profile of included patients was determined at tunnelled cuffed catheter removal. RESULTS: There were no differences in clinical or demographic variables between the three subgroups. Biofilm thickness was lower in the taurolidine group than in the citrate 4% and heparin groups (28.85 ± 6.86 vs 49.99 ± 16.56 vs 56.2 ± 15.67 µm, respectively; p < 0.001), as was biofilm volume (1.01 ±1.18 vs 3.7 ± 2.15 vs 5.55 ±2.44, µm3, respectively; p < 0.001). The mean interleukin-6 value was 39%, which was 50% lower than in the citrate and heparin groups, but without significance differences. CONCLUSION: Our results show that biofilms were found in all tunnelled cuffed catheters, but the thickness and volume were significantly lower in tunnelled cuffed catheters locked with taurolidine solution. Therefore, the type of locking solution used in tunnelled cuffed catheters should maintain tunnelled cuffed catheter sterility and prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections. No significant difference was observed in the inflammatory profile according to the type of locking solution.

Taurine supplementation associated with exercise increases mitochondrial activity and fatty acid oxidation gene expression in the subcutaneous white adipose tissue of obese women.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of taurine supplementation associated or not with chronic exercise on body composition, mitochondrial function, and expression of genes related to mitochondrial activity and lipid oxidation in the subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) of obese women. METHODS: A randomized and double-blind trial was developed with 24 obese women (BMI 33.1 ± 2.9 kg/m2, 32.9 ± 6.3 y) randomized into three groups: Taurine supplementation group (Tau, n = 8); Exercise group (Ex, n = 8); Taurine supplementation + exercise group (TauEx, n = 8). The intervention was composed of 3 g of taurine or placebo supplementation and exercise training for eight weeks. Anthropometry, body fat composition, indirect calorimetry, scWAT biopsy for mitochondrial respiration, and gene expression related to mitochondrial activity and lipid oxidation were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: No changes were observed for the anthropometric characteristics. The Ex group presented an increased resting energy expenditure rate, and the TauEx and Ex groups presented increased lipid oxidation and a decreased respiratory quotient. Both trained groups (TauEx and Ex) demonstrated improved scWAT mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Regarding mitochondrial markers, no changes were observed for the Tau group. The TauEx group had higher expression of CIDEA, PGC1a, PRDM16, UCP1, and UCP2. The genes related to fat oxidation (ACO2 and ACOX1) were increased in the Tau and Ex groups, while only the TauEx group presented increased expression of CPT1, PPARa, PPARγ, LPL, ACO1, ACO2, HSL, ACOX1, and CD36 genes. CONCLUSION: Taurine supplementation associated with exercise improved lipid metabolism through the modulation of genes related to mitochondrial activity and fatty acid oxidation, suggesting a browning effect in the scWAT of obese women.

Role of Hypotaurine in Protection against UVA-Induced Damage in Keratinocytes.

Photoageing and skin cancer are major causes of morbidity and are a high cost to society. Interest in the development of photoprotective agents for inclusion in topical cosmetic and sunscreen products is profound. Recently, amino acids with a sulfinic group, notably hypotaurine, have been included as ingredients in cosmetic preparations. However, the mechanism of action of hypotaurine as a possible anti-aging agent is unknown, despite its use as a free radical scavenger. To address this issue, we investigated hypotaurine uptake in a human keratinocyte model and examined its effect on UVR-induced cytotoxicity. Hypotaurine was taken up by keratinocytes in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, with levels remaining significantly above baseline 48 h after washout. A cytoprotective effect of pre-incubation with 2.5-5 mMhypotaurine was shown as indicated by increased cell viability when keratinocytes were irradiated with UVA at 5 or 10 Jcm-2 , with the level of hypotaurine also significantly reduced. These findings indicate a potential cytoprotective effect of hypotaurine against the deleterious effects of UVA irradiation. This provides support for further studies to evaluate the potential photoprotective benefits of hypotaurine supplementation of topical cosmetic and sunscreen products.

Dietary taurine modulates hepatic oxidative status, ER stress and inflammation in juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) fed high carbohydrate diets.

This study was conducted to explore the beneficial role of taurine against chronic high carbohydrate diet-induced oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inflammation, and to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms in turbot. Two 10-week feeding trials were simultaneously conducted. For the one, six experimental diets with graded levels of taurine supplementation (0, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2%, 1.6% and, 2.0%, respectively) and 15% of carbohydrate were used. For the other one, three graded levels of dietary taurine supplementation (0.4%, 1.2% and 2.0%, respectively) with 21% of carbohydrate were used. The results showed that higher expression level of inflammation cytokines and ER stress related genes were detected in higher dietary carbohydrate group. In both feeding trials, 1.2% of dietary taurine supplementation improved anti-oxidative status by decreasing the content of malondialdehyde, increasing the catalase activity and total anti-oxidative capacities. In feeding trial 1, appropriate taurine supplementation lowered contents of tumour necrosis factor-a, interleukin-6, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in plasma, and decreased the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-8 (il-8) and interferon-γ (ifn-γ). Furthermore, dietary taurine reduced ER stress by decreasing the mRNA levels of activating transcription factor 6, protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase and G protein-coupled receptor 78. The optimal dietary taurine content was estimated as 1.40% based on the analysis of specific growth rate. In feeding trial 2, dietary taurine supplementation attenuated liver inflammation partly referring to significantly down-regulated mRNA levels of nuclear transcription factor-κB p65, ifn-γ, interleukin1ß and up-regulate the transcript of ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1. Dietary taurine supplementation in feeding trial 2 significantly increased the Nrf2-related factor 2 protein level and decreased the NFκB p65 protein level only at 21% of dietary carbohydrate level. Taurine can alleviate the oxidative damage and inflammation caused by 21% of dietary carbohydrate to a certain degree. Overall, the present study confirmed that dietary taurine supplementation improved growth performance and anti-oxidative response, and reduced liver inflammatory and ER stress processes induced by high dietary carbohydrate in turbot.

The role of taurine on chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity: A systematic review of non-clinical study.

AIMS: Although chemotherapeutic agents have highly beneficial effects against cancer, they disturb the body's normal homeostasis. One of the critical side effects of chemotherapeutic agents is their deleterious effect on the cardiac system, which causes limitations of their clinical usage. Taurine constitutes more than 50% of the amino acids in the heart. The use of taurine might prevent chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. This systematic study aims to evaluate the protective role of taurine against cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in databases up to November 2020, and the review is designed on PRISMA guidelines. The search keywords were selected based on our study target and were searched in the title and abstract. After the consecutive screening, out of a whole of 94 articles, 8 articles were included according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria. KEY FINDINGS: According to the study results, chemotherapy decreases body and heart weight and increases mortality. Also, it induces some biochemical and histological changes compared to the control group. By co-administration of taurine with chemotherapy, alterations returned near to the average level. These protective effects of taurine are mediated through anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. SIGNIFICANCE: Based on evaluated non-clinical studies, taurine ameliorates chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, but its possible interaction with the efficacy of anti-cancer medicines that mostly act through induction of oxidants remains to be elucidated in the future. This needs conducting well-designed studies to assess the effectiveness and safety of this combination simultaneously.

Dietary taurine supplementation attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses and oxidative stress of broiler chickens at an early age.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of taurine as a prophylactic treatment on antioxidant function and inflammatory responses of broilers challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A total of 256 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four treatments with eight replicates of eight birds (eight birds per cage). Four treatment groups were designated as follows: 1) in the CON group, broilers fed a basal diet; 2) in the LPS group, LPS-challenged broilers fed a basal diet; 3) in the LPS + T1 group, LPS-challenged broilers fed a basal diet supplemented with 5.0 g/kg taurine; and 4) in the LPS + T2 group, LPS-challenged broilers fed a basal diet supplemented with 7.5 g/kg taurine. The LPS-challenged broilers were intraperitoneally injected with 1 mg/kg body weight (BW) of LPS at 16, 18, and 20 d of age, whereas the CON group received an injection of sterile saline. The results showed that broilers injected with LPS exhibited decreased (P < 0.05) the average daily gain (ADG) and the 21-d BW (P < 0.05), while taurine supplementation alleviated the negative effects of LPS. Additionally, the LPS-induced increases (P < 0.05) in serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities were reversed by taurine supplementation. The taurines could alleviate the hepatic oxidative stress, with the presence of lower content of malondialdehyde (P < 0.05), higher content of glutathione (P < 0.05), and an increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (P < 0.05). The concentrations of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the liver were measured by ELISA kits, and the result showed that dietary taurine supplementation prevented these cytokines increases in the liver of LPS-induced broilers. Taurine reduced the genes expression of IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, whereas it boosted the expression levels of antioxidant-related genes (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase-1, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, and GSH-Px) in the liver of LPS-induced broilers. In conclusion, dietary taurine supplementation in broilers mitigated LPS-induced defects in ADG, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses.

Taurine with combined aerobic and resistance exercise training alleviates myocardium apoptosis in STZ-induced diabetes rats via Akt signaling pathway.

AIM: The aim of this study was considering the effects of taurine supplementation with combined aerobic and resistance training (CARE) on myocardial apoptosis and Protein Kinase B (akt) level changes in diabetic rat. MAIN METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided in to 5 groups of 8 animals in each: 1) control, 2) Diabetes Mellitus (DM), 3) DM with taurine supplementation (DM/T), 4) DM with CARE (DM/CARE), and 5) DM with combination of taurine and CARE (DM/T/CARE). DM was induced by injection of streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotine amid (NA) for 2, 3, 4 and 5 groups. Supplement groups received taurine in gavage, 100 mg/kg of body weight, 6 day per weeks, 8 weeks. CARE was performed at maximal speed and 1RM (40-60% of maximum for both). KEY FINDINGS: The results of this study showed that DM significantly increased blood glucose and caspase 3, caspase 9 expressions and apoptosis cells in heart tissue and reduced Akt expression (p < 0.001). However, taurine and CARE interventions significantly decreased apoptosis markers (caspase 3 and caspase 9) and significantly increased Akt in heart of diabetic rats compare to DM groups (p < 0.05). The highest improvement observed in DM/T/CARE group (p < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: Based on these results, it seems that the use of taurine with combined aerobic and exercise training minimize the cardiac damage caused by diabetes (especially apoptosis) trough increasing protein kinase Akt expression. This could improve cardiac remodeling after diabetes. However, more research is needed, especially on the human samples.

In-vitro effects of taurolidine alone and in combination with mitoxantrone and/or piroxicam on canine transitional cell carcinoma.

The objective of this in-vitro study was to evaluate taurolidine as a therapy for transitional cell carcinomas in canine patients. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common cancer of the urinary bladder in dogs and accounts for approximately 2% of reported malignancies in this species. There is no cure for this neoplasm and most dogs are lost from complications associated with progression of the local disease. Taurolidine has been shown to have anti-tumor and antiangiogenic effects against a variety of neoplasms in human and animal models. Four canine TCC cell lines were treated with various concentrations of taurolidine, mitoxantrone, and piroxicam alone. In addition, combinations of taurolidine/mitoxantrone, taurolidine/piroxicam, mitoxantrone/piroxicam, and taurolidine/mitoxantrone/piroxicam were assessed. Susceptibility of the TCC cell lines was based on a 72-hour growth inhibition assay using resazurin with absorbance measured at λ530/590. The ability of taurolidine to induce apoptosis was evaluated on 2 of the cell lines with an Annexin-V/propidium iodide assay. All cell lines were susceptible to treatment with taurolidine, mitoxantrone, and piroxicam alone. The results of the combination therapies of the 3 drugs were dependent on cell line and concentration and revealed no change in cell growth inhibition, a subadditive relationship, or a synergistic relationship. Taurolidine induced apoptosis in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion. Taurolidine alone showed significant effects on cell viability in vitro in canine TCC cell lines and these effects can be potentially enhanced with the addition of mitoxantrone and/or piroxicam.

Le carcinome à cellules transitionnelles est le cancer le plus fréquent de la vessie urinaire du chien et compte pour approximativement 2 % des tumeurs malignes rapportées chez cette espèce. Il n'existe présentement pas de cure pour cette tumeur et la plupart des chiens succombent des complications associées à la progression de la tumeur au niveau de la vessie. La taurolidine est une substance avec des propriétés anticancéreuses et anti-angiogéniques contre plusieurs cancers chez l'humain et différents modèles animaux. Cette étude in vitro a évalué la taurolidine comme thérapie pour le carcinome à cellules transitionnelles chez le chien. Quatre lignées cellulaires de carcinome à cellules transitionnelles canins ont été traitées avec différentes concentrations de taurolidine, mitoxantrone, et piroxicam, seul et en combinaisons (taurolidine-mitoxantrone, taurolidine-piroxicam, mitoxantrone-piroxicam et taurolidine-mitoxantrone-piroxicam). La susceptibilité des lignées cellulaires a été déterminée par l'inhibition de croissance en 72 heures et la viabilité cellulaire a été évaluée par l'absorbance de la résazurine mesurée à λ530/590. La capacité de la taurolidine à induire l'apoptose a été évaluée avec l'essai à l'Annexin-V/Iodate de Propidium. Toutes les lignées cellulaires étaient sensibles au traitements avec la taurolidine, le mitoxantrone, et le piroxicam seul. Les résultats des traitements de combinaisons de médicaments étaient dépendants des lignées cellulaires et des concentrations des médicaments. Les combinaisons avaient soit aucun effect comparé au médicaments seuls, ou un effet sous-additif ou synergique. La taurolidine a induite l'apoptose de façon dépendante à sa concentration et temps d'exposition. La taurolidine seule a démontré des effets significatifs sur la viabilité in vitro chez chacune des quatre lignées cellulaires de carcinome à cellules transitionnelles canins. Ces effets peuvent potentiellement être améliorés par l'ajout du mitoxantrone ou piroxicam.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Dietary taurine incorporation to high plant protein-based diets improved growth, biochemical, immunity, and antioxidants biomarkers of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (B.).

Plant protein (PP) sources are generally used in high levels in fish diets. Mostly, PP sources are deficient in taurine; hence, there is a need for its supplementation to fish fed high PP diets. Therefore, effects of dietary taurine were examined on growth performance, feed utilization, immunity, and antioxidant parameters of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (B.). Fish (10.3 ± 0.4 g) were fed on diets (40% crude protein) containing different taurine levels of 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, or 40 g/kg diet for 12 weeks. Fish fed a taurine-free diet (the control) with high PP sources showed poor growth as compared with these fed taurine-enriched diets where taurine stimulatory effects were observed on fish growth and feed intake. Feed conversion ratio and fish survival rate were not significantly differed among different treatments. Fish fed taurine-enriched diets showed also higher levels of serum glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, and creatinine over that fed the control diet. Furthermore, lysozyme and respiratory burst activities as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were significantly elevated in fish fed taurine-enriched diets (P < 0.05) and their highest levels were observed in fish fed 30 g/kg diet. Additionally, taurine deposition in fish muscles was positively correlated with dietary taurine levels (P < 0.05). The present study concludes that taurine is a limiting factor for growth, immunity, and antioxidants responses of African catfish fed high PP-based diets and it should be incorporated in its diets with an optimum level of 20 g/kg diet.