Hypoglycaemic, antioxidative and nephroprotective effects of taurine in alloxan diabetic rabbits

Effects of In Ovo Taurine Injection on Embryo Development, Antioxidant Status, and Bioactive Peptide Content in Chicken Embryos (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Stress in birds disrupts the homeostasis of the organism, leading to an inability to neutralize reactive oxygen species. Taurine, an effective antioxidant, affects various cellular mechanisms, including cation modulation, protein phosphorylation, and cell proliferation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of colloid with taurine applied in ovo to Albumin on embryonic development, oxidative stress indicators and the content of bioactive peptides-carnosine and anserine-in the pectoral muscle. The research materials were eggs of the parent flock (Ross 308) divided into four groups (K (without injection), T50-concentration of taurine hydrocolloid 50 ppm (mg/L); T100-colloid concentration 100 ppm (mg/L) taurine; T500-colloid concentration of 500 ppm (mg/L) taurine). The experimental solutions were injected in an amount of 0.3 mL into egg white. Eggs were incubated under standard incubation conditions. The addition of 100 and 500 ppm taurine had a highly significant (p = 0.001) effect on the plasma antioxidant potential in chicks. The level of anserine increased with increasing concentrations of taurine. These changes were highly significant (p = 0.007). The level of anserine in the T2 and T3 groups was determined to be 2.5 times higher than in the pectoral muscles of embryos not treated with taurine colloid. An analysis of the results showed that the administration of an increased dose of hydrocolloid with taurine increased the content of carnosine and anserine in the pectoral muscle. Colloid with taurine applied in ovo to chicken white egg reduces oxidative stress and increases homeostasis of the organism.

Untargeted metabolomics based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/MS reveals the lipid-lowering mechanism of taurine in hyperlipidemia mice

Introduction

Taurine has a prominent lipid-lowering effect on hyperlipidemia. However, a comprehensive analysis of the effects of taurine on endogenous metabolites in hyperlipidemia has not been documented. This study aimed to explore the impact of taurine on multiple metabolites associated with hyperlipidemia.

Methods

The hyperlipidemic mouse model was induced by high-fat diet (HFD). Taurine was administered via oral gavage at doses of 700  mg/kg/day for 14  weeks. Evaluation of body weight, serum lipid levels, and histopathology of the liver and adipose tissue was performed to confirm the lipid-lowering effect of taurine. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS)-based metabonomics analyses of serum, urine, feces, and liver, coupled with multivariate data analysis, were conducted to assess changes in the endogenous metabolites.

Results and discussion

Biochemical and histological examinations demonstrated that taurine administration prevented weight gain and dyslipidemia, and alleviated lipid deposition in the liver and adipose tissue in hyperlipidemic mice. A total of 76 differential metabolites were identified by UPLC-MS-based metabolomics approach, mainly involving BAs, GPs, SMs, DGs, TGs, PUFAs and amino acids. Taurine was found to partially prevent HFDinduced abnormalities in the aforementioned metabolites. Using KEGG database and MetaboAnalyst software, it was determined that taurine effectively alleviates metabolic abnormalities caused by HFD, including fatty acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, diacylglycerol metabolism, amino acid metabolism, bile acid and taurine metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism. Moreover, DGs, GPs and SMs, and taurine itself may serve as active metabolites in facilitating various anti-hyperlipidemia signal pathways associated with taurine. This study provides new evidence for taurine to prevent hyperlipidemia.

Taurine amino acid supplementation impacts performance, blood hematology, oxidative stress, and jejunum morphology in broiler chickens

Excess levels of free radicals cause oxidative damage to cells. Taurine is a rare amino acid with antioxidant effects whose dietary deficiency increases oxidative damage to the cell membrane. To investigate the effects of dietary taurine supplementation on performance, blood hematology, oxidative stress, and jejunum morphology in broilers, 300 broilers (Ras 308, 1D of age) were randomly allocated into 4 groups with 5 replicates of 15 birds. The experimental treatments included basic diet (control treatment) and basic diet with 1, 3, and 6 g/kg taurine amino acid. During 1 to 45 days, the inclusion of taurine supplementation in diets improved the body weight gain (BWG), feed consumption (FC), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers (P < 0.05). In CBC tests, the experimental treatments were significantly different concerning the red blood cell (RBC) count, the average hemoglobin in the cell, the RBC width in the curve, and the hematocrit (P < 0.05). Despite the significance of oxidative stress among the treatments, the control and fourth treatments showed the highest and the lowest oxidative stress, respectively (P < 0.05). Also, in jejunum morphology, the fourth treatment showed the best performance in terms of villus length and width and the villus length to crypt depth (V/C) ratio (P < 0.05). Overall, 6 g/kg taurine addition to the diet reduced oxidative stress and positive features in the jejunum morphology while improving the functional traits of broilers.

The renoprotective effects of taurine against diabetic nephropathy via the p38 MAPK and TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathways

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a severe diabetes complication, causes kidney morphological and structural changes due to extracellular matrix accumulation. This accumulation is caused mainly by oxidative stress. Semi-essential amino acid derivative taurine has powerful antioxidant and antifibrotic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the renoprotective effects of taurine through its possible roles in oxidative stress, extracellular matrix proteins, and the signaling pathways associated with the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in DN rats. 29 Wistar albino rats were randomly separated into control, taurine, diabetes, and diabetes + taurine groups. Diabetes animals were injected 45 mg/kg streptozosine. Taurine is given by adding to drinking water as 1% (w/v). Urine, serum, and kidney tissue were collected from rats for biochemical and histological analysis after 12 weeks. According to the studies, taurine significantly reduces the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), and protein expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) that increase in diabetic kidney tissue. Also, decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity levels significantly increased with taurine in diabetic rats. Moreover, increased mRNA and protein levels of fibronectin decreased with taurine. The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activities and their mRNA levels increased significantly, and this increase was significantly summed with taurine. There was a decrease in mRNA expression of Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN). Taurine significantly increased this decrease. Diabetes increased mRNA expressions of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and Smad2/3. Taurine significantly reduced this induction. TGF-β protein expression, p38, and Smad2/3 activations were also inhibited, but taurine was suppressed significantly. All these findings indicate that taurine may be an effective practical strategy to prevent renal diabetic injury.

Dose-dependent effects of taurine against testicular damage in a streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus rat model

OBJECTIVES

Testicular dysfunction has been associated with chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus patients. We investigated taurine's possible mechanisms and protective effects against testicular damage using a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

METHODS

Wistar rats (N = 56) were divided into seven equal groups. Untreated control rats received saline, and treated control rats received taurine 50 mg/kg orally. To induce diabetes, rats received a single dose of streptozotocin. Metformin-treated diabetic rats received metformin at a dose of 300 mg/kg. Taurine-treated groups received 10, 25, or 50 mg/kg. All treatments were provided orally once a day for 9 weeks following the streptozotocin injection. Levels of blood glucose, serum insulin, cholesterol, testicular tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) were examined. Sperm count, progressive sperm motility, and sperm abnormalities were examined. Body and relative reproductive gland weights were assessed. Histopathological examinations of the testes and epididymis were performed.

RESULTS

Metformin as well as taurine (in a dose-dependent manner) resulted in significant improvements in body and relative reproductive gland weights, blood glucose, serum cholesterol, and insulin levels, as well as cytokine and oxidative parameters. These findings were associated with significant improvement in sperm count, progressive sperm motility, sperm abnormalities, and histopathological lesions in the testes and epididymis.

CONCLUSION

Taurine can potentially improve hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and testicular damage associated with diabetes mellitus, possibly by controlling inflammation and oxidative stress.

Cysteamine-supplemented diet for cashmere goats: A potential strategy to inhibit rumen biohydrogenation and enhance plasma antioxidant capacity

Cysteamine (CS), as a feed supplement, can increase the level of growth hormone (GH) in the blood, promote animal growth. However, little attention has been paid to the effects of CS on the rumen microbiome and metabolic profile in cashmere goats. This study aimed to assess the effects of rumen microbiota, metabolites, and plasma antioxidative capacity induced by CS supplementation in cashmere goats. We selected 30 Inner Mongolia white cashmere goat ewes (aged 18 months), and randomly separate the goats into three groups (n = 10 per group) to experiment for 40 days. Oral 0 (control group, CON), 60 (low CS, LCS), or 120 mg/kg BW^-1 (high CS, HCS) coated CS hydrochloride every day. Using 16S and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we identified 12 bacterial and 3 fungal genera with significant changes among the groups, respectively. We found a significant increase in rumen NH₃-N and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentrations in the LCS and HCS groups compared with the CON. With untargeted LC-MS/MS metabolomics, we screened 59 rumen differential metabolites. Among the screened metabolites, many unsaturated and saturated fatty acids increased and decreased with CS treatment, respectively. CS supplementation increased the levels of plasma total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), GH, and insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the abundance of U29-B03, Lactococcus, and Brochothrix were positively associated with the levels of δ2-THA, TVFA and antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, CS significantly affected rumen microbiota and fermentation parameters, and ultimately inhibited the biohydrogenation of rumen metabolites, enhanced plasma antioxidant capacity, and regulated some hormones of the GH-IGF-1 axis. This study provides an overall view into the CS application as a strategy to improve health production in cashmere goats.

Effect of taurine on glycaemic, lipid and inflammatory profile in individuals with type 2 diabetes: study protocol of a randomised trial

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia. Despite the efficacy of conventional pharmacotherapy, some individuals do not reach glycaemic goals and require adjuvant therapies. Taurine, a semi-essential amino acid, decreases blood glucose and cholesterol levels in rodents and humans. However, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) has not been evaluated in randomised controlled trials after taurine treatment for more than 12 weeks. This study aims to evaluate the effect of taurine administration on glycaemic, lipid, inflammatory, anthropometric and dietary parameters in individuals with T2DM. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial will be conducted at the Clinical Research Center of a tertiary public hospital. Participants with T2DM (n 94) will be recruited and randomised to receive 3 g of taurine or placebo, twice/day, orally, for 12 weeks. Blood samples will be collected before and after 12 weeks of treatment, when HbA1c, fasting glucose, insulin, albuminuria, creatinine, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, TNF-α, IL 1, 4, 5, 6, 10 and 13 will be evaluated. Anthropometric parameters and 24-hour food recall will also be evaluated. The study will evaluate the effect of taurine treatment on biochemical and anthropometric parameters in individuals with T2DM. These results will guide the decision-making to indicate taurine treatment as an adjunct in individuals with T2DM who have not reached their glycaemic goal.

The effects of taurine supplementation on diabetes mellitus in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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The first meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the effects of taurine supplementation on diabetic patients.

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Statistical significance in HbA1C, Fasting Blood Sugar, HOMA-IR after oral supplemental of taurine by diabetic patients than that of placebo.

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Taurine is expected to be a new option for the management of diabetes.

Objective

The ameliorative effect of taurine on diabetes has received extensive attention in recent years. Despite promising data from animal studies, the efficacy of taurine supplementation in human studies has been inconsistent. We thus did a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the effect of taurine supplement on glycemic indices, serum lipids, blood pressure, body composition in patients with diabetes.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, FDA.gov, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials (published from inception to January 15, 2022; no language restrictions) about the effect of taurine supplement on diabetes. Values of Standardized Mean Differences (SMD) were determined for continuous outcomes.

Results

Of 2206 identified studies, 5 randomized controlled trials were eligible and were included in our analysis (N = 209 participants). Compared with the control group, taurine could significantly reduce HbA1c (SMD −0.41[95% CI: −0.74, −0.09], p = 0.01), Fasting Blood Sugar (SMD − 1.28[95% CI: −2.42, −0.14], p = 0.03) and HOMA-IR (SMD − 0.64[95% CI: −1.22, −0.06], p = 0.03). In addition, taurine also reduced Insulin (SMD −0.48 [95% CI: −0.99, 0.03], p = 0.06) and TG (SMD −0.26 [95% CI: −0.55, 0.02], p = 0.07), but did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

Taurine supplementation is beneficial in reducing glycemic indices, such as HbA1c, Fasting Blood Sugar, HOMA-IR in diabetic patients, but has no significant effect on serum lipids, blood pressure and body composition in diabetic patients. Taurine emerges as a new option for the management of patients with diabetes. Further studies are needed to understand the potential effect of taurine in diabetic patients.

Maternal Nutrition During Late Gestation and Lactation: Association With Immunity and the Inflammatory Response in the Offspring

The immature immune system at birth and environmental stress increase the risk of infection in nursing pigs. Severe infection subsequently induces intestinal and respiratory diseases and even cause death of pigs. The nutritional and physiological conditions of sows directly affect the growth, development and disease resistance of the fetus and newborn. Many studies have shown that providing sows with nutrients such as functional oligosaccharides, oils, antioxidants, and trace elements could regulate immunity and the inflammatory response of piglets. Here, we reviewed the positive effects of certain nutrients on milk quality, immunoglobulin inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and intestinal microflora of sows, and further discuss the effects of these nutrients on immunity and the inflammatory response in the offspring.

A systematic review of preclinical studies on the taurine role during diabetic nephropathy: focused on anti-oxidative, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptotic effects

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most important and growing diseases globally and the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality in these patients. Taurine is an amino acid that has pleiotropic protective properties on some diseases. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of taurine in the treatment of diabetes-induced nephropathy. To achieve the aim of the present study, a comprehensive systematic search based on PRISMA guidelines has been conducted up to August 2021. A total of 382 articles were found in the electronic databases based on search keywords. After doing the screening, 14 articles were included in the present systematic review. The dated demonstrated elevation of oxidative stress, inflammatory and apoptotic pathways, and changes in other molecules' function plays an essential role in diabetes-induced renal tissue damage. Due to its multiple protective effects, taurine significantly prevented the activation of the pathways mentioned above and altered the function of molecules involved in these pathways, resulting in alleviating diabetic nephropathy. According to the obtained results, it was found that taurine can mitigate diabetes-induced nephropathy, mainly through its anti-oxidant activity, which is an essential factor in activating inflammation and apoptosis pathways.

Taurine as a Natural Antioxidant: From Direct Antioxidant Effects to Protective Action in Various Toxicological Models

Natural antioxidants have received tremendous attention over the last 3 decades. At the same time, the attitude to free radicals is slowly changing, and their signalling role in adaptation to stress has recently received a lot of attention. Among many different antioxidants in the body, taurine (Tau), a sulphur-containing non-proteinogenic β-amino acid, is shown to have a special place as an important natural modulator of the antioxidant defence networks. Indeed, Tau is synthesised in most mammals and birds, and the Tau requirement is met by both synthesis and food/feed supply. From the analysis of recent data, it could be concluded that the direct antioxidant effect of Tau due to scavenging free radicals is limited and could be expected only in a few mammalian/avian tissues (e.g., heart and eye) with comparatively high (>15-20 mM) Tau concentrations. The stabilising effects of Tau on mitochondria, a prime site of free radical formation, are characterised and deserve more attention. Tau deficiency has been shown to compromise the electron transport chain in mitochondria and significantly increase free radical production. It seems likely that by maintaining the optimal Tau status of mitochondria, it is possible to control free radical production. Tau's antioxidant protective action is of great importance in various stress conditions in human life, and is related to commercial animal and poultry production. In various in vitro and in vivo toxicological models, Tau showed AO protective effects. The membrane-stabilizing effects, inhibiting effects on ROS-producing enzymes, as well as the indirect AO effects of Tau via redox balance maintenance associated with the modulation of various transcription factors (e.g., Nrf2 and NF-κB) and vitagenes could also contribute to its protective action in stress conditions, and thus deserve more attention.

Ameliorative effect of taurine against diabetes and renal-associated disorders (Review)

To develop novel therapeutic methods for both diabetic and renal disorders, scientists had initially focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of taurine in established cell lines and mouse models. Although a large amount of data have been revealed, taurine has been confirmed to be the next step of novel promising therapeutic interventions against diabetic disorders. Taurine appears to ameliorate diabetes 1-related complications in various organs through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hormonal actions. In type 2 diabetes, taurine has been positively implicated in glucose homeostasis, exerting potent hypoglycemic, anti-obesity, hypotensive and hypolipidemic effects. Of particular interest is that taurine provides protection against renal dysfunction, including hypertension and proteinuria, specific glomerular and tubular disorders, acute and chronic renal conditions, and diabetic nephropathy. The ameliorative effects of taurine against renal disorders are based on its osmoregulatory properties, its association with signaling pathways and its association with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Further clinical studies are required to ensure the importance of research findings.

Taurine and coenzyme Q10 synergistically prevent and reverse chlorpromazine-induced psycho-neuroendocrine changes and cataleptic behavior in rats

Over the years, mounting evidences have suggested a strong association between chronic chlorpromazine therapy, a popular first-generation antipsychotic drug, and psycho-neuroendocrine changes. In this study, we aim to examine whether treatment with taurine and coenzyme Q10 (COQ-10), compounds with steroidogenic-gonadotropin hormone-enhancing properties, can attenuate the negative impacts of chlorpromazine on steroidogenic, gonadotropin, thyroid and HPA-axis hormones, dopamine levels, catalepsy behavior and neuronal cells of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the preventive and reversal treatments in male Wister rats. In the drug treatment alone or preventive protocol, rats received oral administration of saline (10 mL/kg), taurine (150 mg/kg/day), COQ-10 (10 mg/kg/day), or both (taurine + COQ-10/day) alone for 56 consecutive days, or in combination with oral chlorpromazine (30 mg/kg/day) treatment from days 29 to 56. In the reversal protocol, the animals received chlorpromazine or saline for 56 days prior to taurine, COQ-10, or the combination from days 29 to 56. Thereafter, serum prolactin, steroidogenic (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone), gonadotropin (luteinizing hormone, LH, follicle-stimulating hormone, FSH), thyroid (thyrotropin-stimulating hormone, tetraiodothyronine, triiodothyronine) hormones, corticosterone, brain dopamine levels and cataleptic behavior were investigated. The histopathological features of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland were also evaluated. Taurine, COQ-10, or their combination prevented and reversed chlorpromazine-induced hyperprolactinemia, decrease in FSH, LH, testosterone, progesterone and dopamine concentrations, as well as the increase in estrogen levels. Taurine and COQ-10 reduced the changes in thyroid hormones, corticosterone release, histological distortions of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland of chlorpromazine-treated rats. Taurine and COQ-10 attenuated chlorpromazine-induced catalepsy. The study showed that taurine and COQ-10 prevented and reversed chlorpromazine-induced changes in reproductive, thyroid hormones, dopamine level, corticosterone release, neurodegenerations, and cataleptic behavior in rats.

DHEA-pretreatment attenuates oxidative stress in kidney-cortex and liver of diabetic rabbits and delays development of the disease

In view of reported discrepancies concerning antioxidant activity of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a widely used dietary supplement, the current investigation was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant properties of DHEA in both kidney-cortex and liver of alloxan (ALX)-induced diabetic rabbits, as this diabetogenic compound exhibits the ROS-dependent action. ALX was injected to animals following 7 days of DHEA administration. Four groups of rabbits were used in the experiments: control, DHEA-treated control, diabetic and DHEA-treated diabetic. Our results show for the first time, that in kidney-cortex DHEA resulted in normalization of hydroxyl free radicals (HFR) levels and restoration of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities to near the control values, while in liver DHEA prevented the malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and normalized glutathione reductase (GR) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activities. Moreover, in both kidney-cortex and liver DHEA supplementation prevented GSSG elevation accompanied by a decrease in GSH/GSSG ratio. Although DHEA attenuated oxidative stress in both kidney-cortex and liver of ALX-induced diabetic rabbits and significantly delayed the onset of diabetes in time, it did not protect against the final development of diabetes. In conclusion, the current investigation underscores the complexity of the antioxidant action of DHEA. The data are of clinical interest since DHEA supplementation could prevent the deleterious effects of ROS and delay, or even prevent the onset of many diseases. However, in view of the reported pro-oxidant effects of high DHEA doses, the potential use of this agent as a supplement needs a careful evaluation.

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-1β (IL-1β), 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-1β, 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.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Taurine on Cardiovascular Disease

Taurine is a non-protein amino acid that is expressed in the majority of animal tissues. With its unique sulfonic acid makeup, taurine influences cellular functions, including osmoregulation, antioxidation, ion movement modulation, and conjugation of bile acids. Taurine exerts anti-inflammatory effects that improve diabetes and has shown benefits to the cardiovascular system, possibly by inhibition of the renin angiotensin system. The beneficial effects of taurine are reviewed.

Effects of taurine on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism in broiler chickens

To investigate the effects of dietary taurine supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant status, and lipid metabolism in broilers, 384 male broilers (Arbor Acres, 1 D of age) were randomly allocated into 4 groups with 8 replicates of 8 birds. Dietary treatments were supplemented with taurine at the level of 0.00, 2.50, 5.00, and 7.50 g/kg of the diet (denoted as CON, TAU1, TAU2, TAU3, respectively). The BW gain from 1 to 21 D and from 22 to 42 D were all increased linearly (linear, P < 0.001) by taurine supplementation. Throughout the trial period, the highest BW gain and favorable gain-to-feed ratio were observed in the TAU2 group. Taurine supplementation increased the antioxidant enzyme activities and decreased (linear, P < 0.001) the content of malondialdehyde in both serum and the liver of broilers and alleviated oxidative damage through enhancing (P < 0.05) the hepatic genes expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Correspondingly, in serum, the activities of hepatic lipase and total lipase were decreased linearly and quadratically (linear and quadratic, P < 0.001) with the increasing inclusion of taurine in the diet. Meanwhile, in serum, the content of triglycerides was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and except for TAU3, the total cholesterol content was also significantly decreased (P < 0.05) by taurine supplementation. In addition, the hepatic content of triglycerides was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the TAU1 and TAU2 groups. Compared with the CON group, the hepatic genes expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα), silent 1, (SIRT1) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1) were all increased (P < 0.05), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) expression was decreased (P < 0.05) in the TAU2 group. These results indicated that taurine supplementation improved the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism of broilers.

The Effects of Taurine Supplementation on Metabolic Profiles, Pentosidine, Soluble Receptor of Advanced Glycation End Products and Methylglyoxal in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

Advanced glycation end products, along with methylglyoxal (MGO) as their precursor, play a major role in increased complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Taurine (2-aminoethanesulphonic acid), a conditionally essential amino acid, is found in most mammalian tissues. Taurine is known as an antiglycation compound. This study was designed to investigate the effects of taurine supplementation on metabolic profiles, pentosidine, MGO and soluble receptors for advanced glycation end products in patients with T2DM.

METHODS

In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, 46 patients with T2DM were randomly allocated into taurine and placebo groups. Participants received either 3,000 mg/day taurine or placebo for 8 weeks. Metabolic profiles, pentosidine, MGO and soluble receptors for advanced glycation end products levels were assessed after 12 h of fasting at baseline and completion of the clinical trial. Independent t test, paired t test, Pearson correlation and analysis of covariance were used for analysis.

RESULTS

The mean serum levels of fasting blood sugar (p=0.01), glycated hemoglobin (p=0.04), insulin (p=0.03), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (p=0.004), total cholesterol (p=0.01) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p=0.03) significantly were reduced in the taurine group at completion compared with the placebo group. In addition, after completion of the study, pentosidine (p=0.004) and MGO (p=0.006) were significantly reduced in the taurine group compared with the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this trial show that taurine supplementation may decrease diabetes complications through improving glycemic control and advanced glycation end products.

Dissociation of Adaptive Thermogenesis from Glucose Homeostasis in Microbiome-Deficient Mice

Recent studies suggest that a key mechanism whereby the gut microbiome influences energy balance and glucose homeostasis is through the recruitment of brown and beige adipocytes, primary mediators of the adaptive thermogenic response. To test this, we assessed energy expenditure and glucose metabolism in two complementary mouse models of gut microbial deficiency, which were exposed to a broad range of thermal and dietary stresses. Neither ablation of the gut microbiome, nor the substantial microbial perturbations induced by cold ambient temperatures, influenced energy expenditure during cold exposure or high-fat feeding. Nevertheless, we demonstrated a critical role for gut microbial metabolism in maintaining euglycemia through the production of amino acid metabolites that optimized hepatic TCA (tricarboxylic acid) cycle fluxes in support of gluconeogenesis. These results distinguish the dispensability of the gut microbiome for the regulation of energy expenditure from its critical contribution to the maintenance of glucose homeostasis.

Serum and urine metabolomics reveal potential biomarkers of T2DM patients with nephropathy

Background

Diabetes is a metabolic disease and is often accompanied by severe microvascular and macrovascular complications. A comprehensive understanding of its complex mechanisms can help prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complications, such as diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Methods

To reveal the systemic metabolic changes related to renal injury, clinical information of T2DM patients with or without nephropathy was collected, and it was found that serum urea levels of DN patients were significantly higher in T2DM patients without nephropathy. Further along the disease progression, the serum urea levels also gradually increased. We used gas chromatograph coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS) metabolomics to analyze the serum and urine metabolites of T2DM patients with or without nephropathy to study the metabolic changes associated with the disease.

Results

Finally, we identified 61 serum metabolites and 46 urine metabolites as potential biomarkers related to DN (P<0.05, VIP >1). In order to determine which metabolic pathways were major altered in DN, we summarized pathway analysis based on P values from their impact values and enrichment. There were 9 serum metabolic pathways and 12 urine metabolic pathways with significant differences in serum and urine metabolism, respectively.

Conclusions

This study emphasizes that GC-TOFMS-based metabolomics provides insight into the potential pathways in the pathogenesis and progression of DN.

A light microscopic investigation of the renoprotective effects of α-lipoic acid and α-tocopherol in an experimental diabetic rat model

We investigated the effects of α-lipoic acid (AL) and α-tocopherol (AT) on renal histopathology in a streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat model. Adult male rats were divided into six groups: group 1, saline only; group 2, AL only; group 3, AT only; group 4, STZ only; group 5, STZ + AL; group 6 STZ + AT. Experimental diabetes was induced by STZ. AL and AT were administered for 15 days. Kidney sections were examined using a light microscope after hematoxylin and eosin (H & E), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and caspase-3 staining. Histological damage to glomeruli, tubule epithelial cells and basement membrane was observed in group 4. Administration of AT and AL reduced renal injury in the diabetic rats. Group 5 exhibited a greater curative effect on diabetic rats than group 6. AT and AL may be useful for preventing diabetic renal damage.

Response of gut microbiota in type 2 diabetes to hypoglycemic agents

PURPOSE

Accumulated evidence has indicated that the gut microbiome affected the pharmacology of anti-diabetic agents, and their metabolic products induced by the agents transformed the structure of gastrointestinal microbiota in return. However, the studies around heredity, ethnicity, or living condition, referring to human microbiome were mostly represented by an occidental pattern partial and rare studies that focused on the effect of several first-line hypoglycemic agents on the gut flora in a single medical center. Therefore, we aimed to explore the interaction between gut microbiome and type 2 diabetes (T2D) or hypoglycemics in Chinese population.

METHODS

A total of 130 T2D patients with a specific hypoglycemic treatment and 50 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Gut microbiome compositons were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene-based sequencing protocol.

RESULTS

Hypoglycemic agents contributed to the alteration of specific species in gut bacteria rather than its total diversity. Metformin increased the abundance of Spirochaete, Turicibacter, and Fusobacterium. Insulin also increased Fusobacterium, and α-glucosidase inhibitors (α-GIs) contributed to the plentitude of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Both metformin and insulin improved taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, and α-GI promoted several amino acid pathways. Although the community of gut microbiota with metformin and insulin showed similarity, significant differences were available in each diabetic group with hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Gut microbiota is significantly associated with anti-diabetic agents. The gut microbiome and metabolism have shown respective characteristics in different T2D groups, which were also significantly different from the healthy group. This study provides some new insights for identification and exploration of the pathogenesis of T2D.

Intra- and inter-individual metabolic profiling highlights carnitine and lysophosphatidylcholine pathways as key molecular defects in type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus is a complex metabolic disease commonly caused by insulin resistance in several tissues. We performed a matched two-dimensional metabolic screening in tissue samples from 43 multi-organ donors. The intra-individual analysis was assessed across five key metabolic tissues (serum, visceral adipose tissue, liver, pancreatic islets and skeletal muscle), and the inter-individual across three different groups reflecting T2D progression. We identified 92 metabolites differing significantly between non-diabetes and T2D subjects. In diabetes cases, carnitines were significantly higher in liver, while lysophosphatidylcholines were significantly lower in muscle and serum. We tracked the primary tissue of origin for multiple metabolites whose alterations were reflected in serum. An investigation of three major stages spanning from controls, to pre-diabetes and to overt T2D indicated that a subset of lysophosphatidylcholines was significantly lower in the muscle of pre-diabetes subjects. Moreover, glycodeoxycholic acid was significantly higher in liver of pre-diabetes subjects while additional increase in T2D was insignificant. We confirmed many previously reported findings and substantially expanded on them with altered markers for early and overt T2D. Overall, the analysis of this unique dataset can increase the understanding of the metabolic interplay between organs in the development of T2D.

Analysis of serum metabolomics among biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy, type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy controls

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T₂DM) has a rising prevalence and diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of T₂DM. Metabolomics could provide novel insights into the pathogenesis, so we aimed to explore serum metabolomic profiles from DN to T₂DM. Serum samples were collected from 14 biopsy-proven DNs, 14 age/gender-matched T₂DMs without renal diseases (DM), 14 age/gender-matched healthy controls (CTRL) and household contacts of DM group (HH). Serum metabolomics was analyzed by untargeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS) assays. There were a total of 1470 metabolites identified from all serum samples. 45 metabolites with significantly different intensity were found between DN and DM, e.g., biliverdin and taurine were reduced while l-arginine was increased in DN comparing to DM. DN could be distinguished from age/gender matched DM patients by l-arginine (AUC = 0.824) or taurine levels (AUC = 0.789). The metabolic pathways affected by metabolite distinctions between DN and DM also existed, among which taurine and hypotaurine metabolism exhibited the highest pathway impact. l-Methionine, deethylatrazine, l-tryptophan and fumaric acid were reduced in DM comparing with those of CTRL, but had no different intensity in DM and HH groups. The changes were demonstrated in the metabolomic profiles of biopsy-proven DN compared to DM. Biopsy-proven DN patients could be distinguished from age/gender matched DM by l-arginine or taurine levels in serum metabolomic profiles. Taurine and hypotaurine metabolism pathway had the highest impact in pathway set enrichment analysis, which potentially affected the pathogenesis of DN from T₂DM.

Metabolites between healthy controls (CTRL)/type 2 diabetes mellitus without renal diseases (DM), and DM/diabetic nephropathy (DN).

The footprints of mitochondrial impairment and cellular energy crisis in the pathogenesis of xenobiotics-induced nephrotoxicity, serum electrolytes imbalance, and Fanconi's syndrome: A comprehensive review

Fanconi's Syndrome (FS) is a disorder characterized by impaired renal proximal tubule function. FS is associated with a vast defect in the renal reabsorption of several chemicals. Inherited and/or acquired conditions seem to be connected with FS. Several xenobiotics including many pharmaceuticals are capable of inducing FS and nephrotoxicity. Although the pathological state of FS is well described, the exact underlying etiology and cellular mechanism(s) of xenobiotics-induced nephrotoxicity, serum electrolytes imbalance, and FS are not elucidated. Constant and high dependence of the renal reabsorption process to energy (ATP) makes mitochondrial dysfunction as a pivotal mechanism which could be involved in the pathogenesis of FS. The current review focuses on the footprints of mitochondrial impairment in the etiology of xenobiotics-induced FS. Moreover, the importance of mitochondria protecting agents and their preventive/therapeutic capability against FS is highlighted. The information collected in this review may provide significant clues to new therapeutic interventions aimed at minimizing xenobiotics-induced renal injury, serum electrolytes imbalance, and FS.

Effects of Dietary Taurine Supplementation to Gilts during Late Gestation and Lactation on Offspring Growth and Oxidative Stress

Simple Summary

Previous studies showed that gilts had elevated oxidative stress during late gestation and lactation, and could affect offspring growth. Taurine (Tau) is an important regulator of oxidative stress and possesses growth-enhancing properties. Our results suggested that taurine supplementation during late gestation and lactation of gilts increased growth performance in piglets through improved milk quality of gilts and intestinal morphology and barrier function of offspring.

Abstract

Birth is one of the most important events of animal production agriculture, as newborns are abruptly forced to adapt to environmental and nutritional disruptions that can lead to oxidative damage and delay in growth. Taurine (Tau) is an important regulator of oxidative stress and possesses growth-enhancing properties. In the present study, we investigated the effects of dietary Tau supplementation in gilts during late gestation and lactation on the growth performance of piglets by assessing intestinal morphology and barrier function, and oxidative stress status. Sixteen gilts were randomly allocated to the Con (basal diet) and Tau (basal diet with 1% Tau) groups from 75 d of gestation to weaning. Maternal dietary Tau supplementation significantly increased weaning weight and average daily gain weight in piglets. Piglets in the Tau group had higher villus height and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (VCR), ZO-1 protein expression, and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) content in the jejunum. Meanwhile, Tau bebeficial affected the milk quality of gilts, as indicated by decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and increased total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), total antioxidative capability (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activity. Furthermore, Tau supplementation increased T-SOD activity in plasma and SOD2 protein expression in the jejunum in the piglets. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that dietary Tau supplementation to gilts improves growth performance in piglets, owing to improved intestinal morphology and barrier function, as well as inhibition of oxidative stress.

Protective Effect of Taurine on Apoptosis of Spinal Cord Cells in Diabetic Neuropathy Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a condition characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, which leads to diabetic neuropathy and apoptosis in the spinal cord. Taurine has been found to ameliorate the diabetic neuropathy and control apoptosis in various tissues. However, there are few reports that discuss the direct relationship between spinal cord and anti-apoptotic effect of taurine. In this study, DM was induced in male SD rats with STZ @ 25 mg/Kg of body weight in combination with high fat diet. After 2 weeks, they were divided into four groups as DM: diabetic rats, T1 (0.5%), T2 (1%) and T3 (2%) taurine solution, while control group was non-diabetic rats (no treatment). The results showed that DM increased apoptosis, decreased phosphorylated Akt and Bad. DM decreased expression of Bcl-2 and increased the Bax. Moreover, the release of cytochrome c into cytosol was increased in DM and activation of caspase-3 was also increased. However, taurine reversed all these abnormal changes in a dose dependent manner. Our results suggested the involvement of Akt/Bad signaling pathway and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in protective effect of taurine against apoptosis in the spinal cord of diabetic rats. Therefore, taurine may be a potential medicine against diabetic neuropathy by controlling apoptosis.

Antioxidant and Anti-Stress Effects of Taurine Against Electric Foot-Shock-Induced Acute Stress in Rats

In the present study, we evaluated the antioxidant and anti-stress activities of taurine in electric foot-shock stress model rats. Taurine supplementation markedly increased the hepatic glutathione (GSH) levels, compared to the levels in the stress group. In addition, activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were improved in the taurine-treated group. Plasma cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) levels were significantly reduced in the taurine-supplemented group compared to those in the stress group. In contrast, the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were markedly increased in the taurine or betaine-treated group compared to those in the stress group. It may be concluded that taurine produces beneficial effects in the form of antioxidant status and biochemical alterations in foot-shock-induced acute stress in rats.

Molecular signaling mechanisms of renal gluconeogenesis in nondiabetic and diabetic conditions

The kidneys are as involved as the liver in gluconeogenesis which can significantly contribute to hyperglycemia in the diabetic condition. Substantial evidence has demonstrated the overexpression of rate-limiting gluconeogenic enzymes, especially phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose 6 phosphatase, and the accelerated glucose release both in the isolated proximal tubular cells and in the kidneys of diabetic animal models and diabetic patients. The aim of this review is to provide an insight into the mechanisms that accelerate renal gluconeogenesis in the diabetic conditions and the therapeutic approaches that could affect this process in the kidney. Increase in gluconeogenic substrates, reduced insulin concentration or insulin resistance, downregulation of insulin receptors and insulin signaling, oxidative stress, and inappropriate activation of the renin-angiotensin system are likely to participate in enhancing renal gluconeogenesis in the diabetic milieu. Several studies have suggested that controlling glucose metabolism at the renal level favors effective overall glycemic control in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, renal gluconeogenesis may be a promising target for effective glycemic control as a therapeutic strategy in diabetes.

Effects of Replacement of Methionine in Diets with Taurine on Growth Performance and Blood Index in Broilers

We studied effects of replacement of methionine with taurine on growth performance and blood index of AA+ broilers. Six hundred 1 day broilers were divided into 5 groups, with 3 replicates of 40 broilers in each. The experiment lasted for 42 days.The control group were fed on formulated diets containing 2% methionine; the other groups were offered feed with equal nitrogen and calories to the control group, but contained 25, 50, 75 and 100% taurine in place of methionine.Compared with the control group, no significant differences were observed in growth performance of 1-21 days broilers, or the serum LDL-C, TC, IgG and SOD of the experimental groups (P> 0.05). ADG and F/G from days 1-42, ADG, ADFI and F/G from days 22-42 were significantly different between the experimental groups and the control group (P < 0.05). ADFI and Mortality in 50, 75 and 100% taurine groups were significantly different compared with the control group (P < 0.05). IgM and GSH-PX of 50 and 75% taurine groups were significantly different compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Serum HDL-C, T-AOC levels in 50, 75 and 100% taurine groups were significantly different compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Based on the quadratic regression analysis, the best replacement ratios were 58%, 61% and 61% on days 1-21, 22-42, and 1-42, respectively. In conclusion, appropriate levels of taurine supplement can improve growth performance, immune system, T-AOC, and lipid metabolism.

The Effect of Metformin and Taurine, Alone and in Combination, on the Oxidative Stress Caused by Diabetes in the Rat Brain

This study has compared the effects of metformin (MET) and taurine (TAU), singly and in combination, on the oxidative stress caused by diabetes in the rat brain. For this purpose, male Sprague-Dawley rats, 200-225 g in weight, assigned to groups of 6, were intraperitoneally (i.p.) treated with the diabetogen streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg, in citrate buffer pH 4.5) on day 1 and, after 14 days, orally (p.o.) with either MET, TAU or MET-TAU (each at 2.4 mM/kg, in water). Control rats received only citrate buffer pH 4.5 (2 mL) or only STZ on day 1 by the i.p. route. All the animals were sacrificed by decapitation on day 57 and their brains collected by the freeze clamp technique. Blood samples were placed in heparinized tubes and used for the assay of the plasma glucose (GLC) and blood insulin (INS) levels. Immediately thereafter, the brains were surgically removed and a portion was used to prepare a homogenate in 0.1 M PBS pH 7.4, which was used for the assay of indices of oxidative stress. Diabetes raised the plasma GLC level (+313%) but lowered that of the blood INS (-76%) compared to corresponding values from nondiabetic rats. In addition it raised the brain malondialdehyde level (+59%) but lowered the reduced/disulfide glutathione ratio (-46%), and activities of catalase (-43%), glutathione peroxidase (-48%), superoxide dismutase (-65%), glutathione reductase (-50%) and glutathione S-transferase (-51%) significantly (all at p < 0.001). Except for the greater decrease in GLC (+90% vs. +22%) and increase in INS (-26% vs. -52%) levels seen in rats receiving MET than in rats receiving TAU, these compounds protected the brain against oxidative stress to significant (p ≤ 0.05%) and rather similar extents. Furthermore, the concurrent administration of MET and TAU to the diabetic rats led to brain values of indices of oxidative stress that were lower than those attained with MET alone, although generally not to a statistically significant degree.

Comparison of Toxicity of Taurine and GABA in Combination with Alcohol in 7-Day-Old Mice

Previously, we described the combined toxicity of taurine and alcohol, and assumed hypoglycemia to be one reason of this toxicity. To understand whether taurine-ethanol combined toxicity is exclusively connected to taurine or whether other inhibitory amino acids may have similar effects when combined with ethanol, we tested different doses of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in combination with ethanol in 7-day-old mice. The minimal dose of GABA in combination with 5 g/kg ethanol which could kill a mouse was 2 g/kg. GABA combined with ethanol at doses of 3 g/kg, 4 g/kg, 6 g/kg induced lethality of 30%, 90% and 100%, correspondingly. Taurine at the doses of 4 and 6 g/kg combined with ethanol induced death in 60 and 100% of mice. Ethanol (5 g/kg), taurine (6 g/kg), GABA (4 g/kg) administered alone and the combination of ethanol (5 g/kg) with taurine (3 g/kg) have no lethal effects. GABA (6 g/kg) applied alone induced 90% lethality. Taurine or GABA alone decreased blood glucose in a dose-depending manner. Ethanol potentiated GABA- and taurine-induced decrease in blood glucose and in some animals it dropped from 8.8 (intact) to a hypoglycemic level 3.1-3.3 mmol/L (GABA 4 g/kg, taurine 6 g/kg), but this may not be considered a single reason of death. We conclude that the combination of GABA and ethanol has a lethal effect and this is stronger than the combined toxicity of ethanol and taurine.

Food restriction promotes damage reduction in rat models of type 2 diabetes mellitus

There are several animal models of type 2 diabetes mellitus induction but the comparison between models is scarce. Food restriction generates benefits, such as reducing oxidative stress, but there are few studies on its effects on diabetes. The objective of this study is to evaluate the differences in physiological and biochemical parameters between diabetes models and their responses to food restriction. For this, 30 male Wistar rats were distributed in 3 groups (n = 10/group): control (C); diabetes with streptozotocin and cafeteria-style diet (DE); and diabetes with streptozotocin and nicotinamide (DN), all treated for two months (pre-food restriction period). Then, the 3 groups were subdivided into 6, generating the groups CC (control), CCR (control+food restriction), DEC (diabetic+standard diet), DER (diabetic+food restriction), DNC (diabetic+standard diet) and DNR (diabetic+food restriction), treated for an additional two months (food restriction period). The food restriction (FR) used was 50% of the average daily dietary intake of group C. Throughout the treatment, physiological and biochemical parameters were evaluated. At the end of the treatment, serum biochemical parameters, oxidative stress and insulin were evaluated. Both diabetic models produced hyperglycemia, polyphagia, polydipsia, insulin resistance, high fructosamine, hepatic damage and reduced insulin, although only DE presented human diabetes-like alterations, such as dyslipidemia and neuropathy symptoms. Both DEC and DNC diabetic groups presented higher levels of protein carbonyl groups associated to lower antioxidant capacity in the plasma. FR promoted improvement of glycemia in DNR, lipid profile in DER, and insulin resistance and hepatic damage in both diabetes models. FR also reduced the protein carbonyl groups of both DER and DNR diabetic groups, but the antioxidant capacity was improved only in the plasma of DER group. It is concluded that FR is beneficial for diabetes but should be used in conjunction with other therapies.

Effects and Mechanisms of Taurine as a Therapeutic Agent

Taurine is an abundant, β-amino acid with diverse cytoprotective activity. In some species, taurine is an essential nutrient but in man it is considered a semi-essential nutrient, although cells lacking taurine show major pathology. These findings have spurred interest in the potential use of taurine as a therapeutic agent. The discovery that taurine is an effective therapy against congestive heart failure led to the study of taurine as a therapeutic agent against other disease conditions. Today, taurine has been approved for the treatment of congestive heart failure in Japan and shows promise in the treatment of several other diseases. The present review summarizes studies supporting a role of taurine in the treatment of diseases of muscle, the central nervous system, and the cardiovascular system. In addition, taurine is extremely effective in the treatment of the mitochondrial disease, mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), and offers a new approach for the treatment of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, and inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis. The review also addresses the functions of taurine (regulation of antioxidation, energy metabolism, gene expression, ER stress, neuromodulation, quality control and calcium homeostasis) underlying these therapeutic actions.

Taurine improves glucose tolerance in STZ-induced insulin-deficient diabetic mice

Blood glucose levels fluctuate considerably in diabetic patients with reduced secretion of endogenous insulin. We previously reported that glucagon is secreted excessively in these patients and that taurine increases glucagon secretion in vitro. Therefore, we hypothesized that glucose tolerance would further deteriorate when taurine was administered to diabetic mice incapable of insulin secretion. We generated four groups of streptozotocin (STZ)-treated C57BL/6J mice (STZ-mice): STZ-mice without taurine treatment (STZ-Con), STZ-mice treated with 0.5% (w/v) taurine (STZ-0.5% Tau), STZ-mice treated with 1% (w/v) taurine (STZ-1% Tau), and STZ-mice treated with 2% (w/v) taurine (STZ-2% Tau). Mice were treated for 4 weeks, and then, we evaluated glucose tolerance, pancreatic β-cell area and α-cell area, pancreatic insulin and glucagon content, and daily blood glucose variability. As a result, following the administration of taurine, glucose tolerance improved, both pancreatic β- and α-cell area increased, and both insulin and glucagon content increased. In the 1% taurine administration group, blood glucose variability decreased. These unexpected results suggest that taurine improves glucose tolerance, in spite of its subsequent increased glucagon production, partly by increasing pancreatic β-cells and insulin production in vivo.

Ameliorative effects of taurine against diabetes: a review

Diets in rats and humans have shown promising results. Taurine improved glucagon activity, promoted glycemic stability, modified glucose levels, successfully addressed hyperglycemia via advanced glycation end-product control, improved insulin secretion and had a beneficial effect on insulin resistance. Taurine treatment performed well against oxidative stress in brain, increased the secretion of required hormones and protected against neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy in diabetes compared with the control. Taurine has been observed to be effective in treatments against diabetic hepatotoxicity, vascular problems and heart injury in diabetes. Taurine was shown to be effective against oxidative stress. The mechanism of action of taurine cannot be explained by one pathway, as it has many effects. Several of the pathways are the advanced glycation end-product pathway, PI3-kinase/AKT pathway and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. The worldwide threat of diabetes underscores the urgent need for novel therapeutic measures against this disorder. Taurine (2-aminoethane sulfonic acid) is a natural compound that has been studied in diabetes and diabetes-induced complications.

Broad bean (Vicia faba L.) pods: a rich source of bioactive ingredients with antimicrobial, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, anti-diabetic and health-promoting properties

Broad bean pods have been proven to be a functional food with promising in vitro and in vivo biological activities.

Chronic oscillating glucose challenges disarrange innate immune homeostasis to potentiate the variation of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in rats with or without hidden diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been considered as an inflammatory marker in various disorders, but it is not clear whether the NLR is also elevated with hidden diabetes (HD), which is normal in fasting blood glucose (FBG) but abnormal in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An HD animal model for 27 days and an animal model with oscillating glucose (OG) for 7 days were applied on adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. OGTT, leukogram analysis, histology, and immunohistochemistry were carried out.

RESULTS

In HD rats, the percentage of neutrophils increased but the percentage of lymphocytes decreased; hence, the NLR rose relative to sham. This may be a result of the OG levels often experienced by diabetic subjects, as normal rats given OG (6 g/kg/6 h) for 7 days had significantly reduced lymphocyte numbers and increased NLR compared with the values before and 1 h after oral glucose administration during OGTT. Glucose-induced disarrangement of partitions of circulating immune cells and NLR was involved in the increase in oxidative stress, as these changes were totally blocked by the antioxidant glutathione (GSH). GSH (50 mg/kg/6 h) totally blocked the glucose-induced alterations in lymphocyte and NLR values.

CONCLUSION

HD associated with elevation of NLR values may be partly attributed to a homeostasis disorder of the innate inflammatory state, caused by oscillating hyperglycemia. Acute high glucose administration produced a significant decrease in lymphocyte number. OG administration potentiated this effect and increased the NLR value, which was blocked by GSH, suggesting that reactive oxygen species play a critical role in maintaining lymphocyte numbers.

Prophylactic role of taurine and its derivatives against diabetes mellitus and its related complications

Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid present in the body in free form. Mammalian taurine is synthesized in the pancreas via the cysteine sulfinic acid pathway. Anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation are two main properties through which it exerts its therapeutic effects. Many studies have shown its excellent therapeutic potential against diabetes mellitus and related complications like diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, hematological dysfunctions, reproductive dysfunctions, liver and pancreas related complications etc. Not only taurine, a number of its derivatives have also been reported to be important in ameliorating diabetic complications. The present review has been aimed to describe the importance of taurine and its derivatives against diabetic metabolic syndrome and related complications.

Glutamine dipeptide and cortisol change the liver glucose metabolism and reduce the severity of insulin-induced hypoglycaemia in untreated T1DM Swiss mice

CONTEXT

Glutamine is conditionally essential in type 1 diabetes mellitus, and might be useful to counteract hypoglycaemia.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the systemic and hepatic effects of counter-regulatory hormones and glutamine dipeptide (GDP) during hypoglycemic episodes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Diabetic Swiss mice made hypoglycaemic by insulin injection (1 U/kg) were given counter-regulatory hormones and/or GDP. Sixty minutes later, liver histology, liver glucose metabolism and plasma were assessed.

RESULTS

Combined, cortisol and GDP improved the hypoglycemic profile. During liver perfusion, gluconeogenesis was possibly the major pathway leading to glucose release. Perfusion with gluconeogenic precursors after glycogen depletion by adrenaline increased liver glucose and urea release.

DISCUSSION

The less severe hypoglycaemia could result from cortisol stimulating periportal gluconeogenesis and GDP inhibiting pericentral glycogenolysis, both favouring liver glucose release.

CONCLUSIONS

At least some benefits of GDP and cortisol during hypoglycaemia came from their hepatic actions, and their use in diabetic patients should be explored.

Protective effect of L-glutamine against diabetes-induced nephropathy in experimental animal: Role of KIM-1, NGAL, TGF-β1, and collagen-1

Diabetic nephropathy is a serious microvascular complication and one of the main causes of end-stage renal disease. L-Glutamine (LG) is naturally occurring amino acids with antidiabetic and antioxidant potential. The aim of present investigation was to evaluate the potential of LG against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) in laboratory rats. DN was induced in male Wistar rats (200-220 g) by intraperitoneal administration of STZ (55 mg/kg). Animals were treated orally with either distilled water (10 mg/kg) or LG (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) or Sitagliptin (5 mg/kg). Various biochemical, molecular, and histological (hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome stain) parameters were assessed. Administration of LG (500 and 1000 mg/kg) significantly inhibited (p < .05) STZ-induced alterations in serum and urine biochemistry (urine creatinine, uric acid, albumin, and BUN). It also significantly increased creatinine clearance rate. STZ induced increase in renal oxidonitrosative stress was significantly decreased (p < .05) by LG (500 and 1000 mg/kg) treatment. Upregulated renal KIM-1, NGAL, TGF-β1, and collagen-1 mRNA expression after STZ administration was significantly inhibited (p < .05) by LG (500 and 1000 mg/kg) treatment. Correlation analysis also revealed that antidiabetic potential of LG attenuates STZ-induced elevated renal KIM-1, NGAL, TGF-β1, and collagen-1 mRNA expression. Histopathological alteration induced by STZ in renal tissue was ameliorated by LG treatment. In conclusion, results of present investigation suggest that treatment with LG ameliorated STZ-induced DN via the inhibition of oxidonitrosative stress as well as downregulation of KIM-1, NGAL, TGF-β1, and collagen-1 mRNA expressions.

Effects of cysteamine supplementation on the intestinal expression of amino acid and peptide transporters and intestinal health in finishing pigs

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cysteamine supplementation on the expression of jejunal amino acid and peptide transporters and intestinal health in finishing pigs. Sixty barrows were allocated into two experimental diets consisting of a basal control diet supplemented with 0 or 142 mg/kg cysteamine. After 41 days, 10 pigs per treatment were slaughtered. The results showed that cysteamine supplementation increased the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) (P < 0.05) and the trypsin activity in jejunal digesta (P < 0.01). Cysteamine supplementation also increased the messenger RNA abundance of SLC7A7, SLC7A9 and SLC15A1, occludin, claudin-1 and zonula occludens protein-1 (P < 0.001) in the jejunum mucosa. Increased glutathione content (P < 0.01) and glutathione peroxidase activity (P < 0.05) and decreased malondialdehyde content (P < 0.01) were observed in pigs receiving cysteamine. Additionally, cysteamine supplementation increased the concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) (P < 0.05), IgM (P < 0.001) and IgG (P < 0.001) in the jejunal mucosa. It is concluded that cysteamine supplementation could influence protein digestion and absorption via increasing trypsin activity, enhancing the digestibility of CP, and promoting the expression of jejunal amino acid and peptide transporters. Moreover, cysteamine improved intestinal integrity, antioxidant capacity and immune function in the jejunum, which were beneficial for intestinal health.

Metforminium Decavanadate as a Potential Metallopharmaceutical Drug for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

New potential drugs based on vanadium are being developed as possible treatments for diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. In this regard, our working group developed metforminium decavanadate (MetfDeca), a compound with hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. MetfDeca was evaluated in models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, on male Wistar rats. Alloxan-induction was employed to produce DM1 model, while a hypercaloric-diet was employed to generate DM2 model. Two-month treatments with 3.7 μg (2.5 μM)/300 g/twice a week for DM2 and 7.18 μg (4.8 μM)/300 g/twice a week for DM1 of MetfDeca, respectively, were administered. The resulting pharmacological data showed nontoxicological effects on liver and kidney. At the same time, MetfDeca showed an improvement of carbohydrates and lipids in tissues and serum. MetfDeca treatment was better than the monotherapies with metformin for DM2 and insulin for DM1. Additionally, MetfDeca showed a protective effect on pancreatic beta cells of DM1 rats, suggesting a possible regeneration of these cells, since they recovered their insulin levels. Therefore, MetfDeca could be considered not only as an insulin-mimetic agent, but also as an insulin-enhancing agent. Efforts to elucidate the mechanism of action of this compound are now in progress.

The beneficial effects of taurine in preventing metabolic syndrome

A review of the data fromin vitro, animal and limited human studies of the beneficial effects of taurine on obesity, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus and hypertension, as well as the possible metabolic and molecular mechanisms for the prevention of metabolic syndrome by taurine.

Present and future in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Albuminuria is recognized as the most important prognostic factor for chronic kidney disease progression. For this reason, blockade of renin-angiotensin system remains the main recommended strategy, with either angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. However, other antiproteinuric treatments have begun to be studied, such as direct renin inhibitors or aldosterone blockers. Beyond antiproteinuric treatments, other drugs such as pentoxifylline or bardoxolone have yielded conflicting results. Finally, alternative pathogenic pathways are being explored, and emerging therapies including antifibrotic agents, endothelin receptor antagonists, or transcription factors show promising results. The aim of this review is to explain the advances in newer agents to treat diabetic kidney disease, along with the background of the renin-angiotensin system blockade.