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Bkaily G, Simon Y, Abou Abdallah J, Ouertane C, Essalhi A, Khalil A, Jacques D. Short Communication: Taurine Long-Term Treatment Prevents the Development of Cardiac Hypertrophy, and Premature Death in Hereditary Cardiomyopathy of the Hamster Is Sex-Independent. Nutrients 2024; 16:946. [PMID: 38612980 PMCID: PMC11013228 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, we reported that during the hypertrophic phase (230 days old) of hereditary cardiomyopathy of the hamster (HCMH), short-term treatment (20 days) with 250 mg/kg/day of taurine prevents the development of hypertrophy in males but not in females. However, the mortality rate in non-treated animals was higher in females than in males. To verify whether the sex-dependency effect of taurine is due to the difference in the disease's progression, we treated the 230-day-old animals for a longer time period of 122 days. Our results showed that long-term treatment with low and high concentrations of taurine significantly prevents cardiac hypertrophy and early death in HCMH males (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively) and females (p < 0.01 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Our results demonstrate that the reported sex dependency of short-term treatments with taurine is due to a higher degree of heart remodeling in females when compared to males and not to sex dependency. In addition, sex-dependency studies should consider the differences between the male and female progression of the disease. Thus, long-term taurine therapies are recommended to prevent remodeling and early death in hereditary cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghassan Bkaily
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (Y.S.); (J.A.A.); (C.O.); (A.E.); (D.J.)
| | - Yanick Simon
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (Y.S.); (J.A.A.); (C.O.); (A.E.); (D.J.)
| | - Joe Abou Abdallah
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (Y.S.); (J.A.A.); (C.O.); (A.E.); (D.J.)
| | - Chaimaa Ouertane
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (Y.S.); (J.A.A.); (C.O.); (A.E.); (D.J.)
| | - Amina Essalhi
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (Y.S.); (J.A.A.); (C.O.); (A.E.); (D.J.)
| | - Abdelouahed Khalil
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada;
| | - Danielle Jacques
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (Y.S.); (J.A.A.); (C.O.); (A.E.); (D.J.)
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Santulli G, Kansakar U, Varzideh F, Mone P, Jankauskas SS, Lombardi A. Functional Role of Taurine in Aging and Cardiovascular Health: An Updated Overview. Nutrients 2023; 15:4236. [PMID: 37836520 PMCID: PMC10574552 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Taurine, a naturally occurring sulfur-containing amino acid, has attracted significant attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits. Found in various foods and often used in energy drinks and supplements, taurine has been studied extensively to understand its impact on human physiology. Determining its exact functional roles represents a complex and multifaceted topic. We provide an overview of the scientific literature and present an analysis of the effects of taurine on various aspects of human health, focusing on aging and cardiovascular pathophysiology, but also including athletic performance, metabolic regulation, and neurological function. Additionally, our report summarizes the current recommendations for taurine intake and addresses potential safety concerns. Evidence from both human and animal studies indicates that taurine may have beneficial cardiovascular effects, including blood pressure regulation, improved cardiac fitness, and enhanced vascular health. Its mechanisms of action and antioxidant properties make it also an intriguing candidate for potential anti-aging strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Santulli
- Department of Medicine, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA; (U.K.); (S.S.J.); (A.L.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Cardiology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA; (F.V.); (P.M.)
| | - Urna Kansakar
- Department of Medicine, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA; (U.K.); (S.S.J.); (A.L.)
| | - Fahimeh Varzideh
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Cardiology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA; (F.V.); (P.M.)
| | - Pasquale Mone
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Cardiology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA; (F.V.); (P.M.)
| | - Stanislovas S. Jankauskas
- Department of Medicine, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA; (U.K.); (S.S.J.); (A.L.)
| | - Angela Lombardi
- Department of Medicine, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA; (U.K.); (S.S.J.); (A.L.)
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Endogenous Taurine Downregulation Is Required for Renal Injury in Salt-Sensitive Hypertensive Rats via CBS/H 2S Inhibition. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:5530907. [PMID: 34484563 PMCID: PMC8413057 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5530907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Although taurine is known to exert an antihypertensive effect, it is unclear whether it is involved in the mechanism for hypertension-related target organ injury. To reveal the role of endogenous taurine in renal injury formation during salt-sensitive hypertension and clarify its mechanisms, both salt-sensitive Dahl rats and salt-resistant SS-13BN rats were fed a high-salt diet (8% NaCl) and given 2% taurine for 6 weeks. Rat systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by the tail-cuff method and artery catheterization. Kidney ultrastructure was observed under an electron microscope. Taurine content and mRNA and protein levels of taurine synthases, cysteine dioxygenase type 1 (CDO1) and cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSAD), were decreased in Dahl rats fed a high-salt diet. However, taurine supplementation and the resulting increase in renal taurine content reduced the increased SBP and improved renal function and structural damage in high-salt diet-fed Dahl rats. In contrast, taurine did not affect SS-13BN SBP and renal function and structure. Taurine intervention increased the renal H2S content and enhanced cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) expression and activity in Dahl rats fed a high-salt diet. Taurine reduced the renin, angiotensin II, and aldosterone contents and the levels of oxidative stress indices in Dahl rat renal tissues but increased antioxidant capacity, antioxidant enzyme activity, and protein expression. However, taurine failed to achieve this effect in the renal tissue of SS-13BN rats fed a high-salt diet. Pretreatment with the CBS inhibitor HA or renal CBS knockdown inhibited H2S generation and subsequently blocked the effect of taurine on renin, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) levels in high-salt-stimulated Dahl renal slices. In conclusion, the downregulation of endogenous taurine production resulted in a decrease in the renal CBS/H2S pathway. This decrease subsequently promoted renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation and oxidative stress in the kidney, ultimately contributing to renal injury in salt-sensitive Dahl rats.
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Abstract
Hypertension is a leading risk factor for disease burden worldwide. The kidneys, which have a high specific metabolic rate, play an essential role in the long-term regulation of arterial blood pressure. In this review, we discuss the emerging role of renal metabolism in the development of hypertension. Renal energy and substrate metabolism is characterized by several important and, in some cases, unique features. Recent advances suggest that alterations of renal metabolism may result from genetic abnormalities or serve initially as a physiological response to environmental stressors to support tubular transport, which may ultimately affect regulatory pathways and lead to unfavorable cellular and pathophysiological consequences that contribute to the development of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongmin Tian
- grid.43169.390000 0001 0599 1243The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi China
| | - Mingyu Liang
- grid.30760.320000 0001 2111 8460Center of Systems Molecular Medicine, Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI USA
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Mensegue MF, Burgueño AL, Tellechea ML. Perinatal taurine exerts a hypotensive effect in male spontaneously hypertensive rats and down-regulates endothelial oxide nitric synthase in the aortic arch. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2020; 47:780-789. [PMID: 31958174 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Essential hypertension is considered to be a result of the interaction between genetic and environmental factors, including perinatal factors. Different advantageous perinatal factors proved to have beneficial long-lasting effects against an abnormal genetic background. Taurine is a ubiquitous sulphur-containing amino acid present in foods such as seafood. The antihypertensive effects of taurine have been reported in experimental studies and in human hypertension. We aimed to investigate the effects of perinatal treatment with taurine in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), a known model of genetic hypertension. Female SHR were administered with taurine (3 g/L) during gestation and lactation (SHR-TAU). Untreated SHR and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) were used as controls. Long-lasting effects in offspring were investigated. Addition of taurine to the mother's drinking water reduced blood pressure in adult offspring. No differences were observed in cardiac hypertrophy. Findings on morphometric evaluations suggest that perinatal treatment with taurine would be partially effective in improving structural alterations of the aorta. Modifications in gene expression of Bcl-2 family members and upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the aorta of 22-week-old male offspring were found. No differences were observed on relative telomere length in different cardiovascular tissues between SHR and SHR-TAU. Altogether results suggest that taurine programming, albeit sex specific, is associated with gene expression changes which ultimately may lead to improvement of aortic remodelling and enhanced endothelial function because of augmented nitric oxide (NO) production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melisa F Mensegue
- Institute of Medical Research A. Lanari, University of Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Biology of Complex Diseases, Institute of Medical Research (IDIM), National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adriana L Burgueño
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana L Tellechea
- Institute of Medical Research A. Lanari, University of Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Biology of Complex Diseases, Institute of Medical Research (IDIM), National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Vildmyren I, Drotningsvik A, Oterhals Å, Ween O, Halstensen A, Gudbrandsen OA. Cod Residual Protein Prevented Blood Pressure Increase in Zucker fa/fa Rats, Possibly by Inhibiting Activities of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme and Renin. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10121820. [PMID: 30469459 PMCID: PMC6315726 DOI: 10.3390/nu10121820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and prevention of high blood pressure through diet and lifestyle should be a preferred approach. High intake of fish is associated with lower blood pressure, possibly mediated through the proteins since peptides with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibiting capacities have been identified in fish skin, backbone, and fillet. The effects of cod meals made from residual materials and fillet on blood pressure were investigated in obese Zucker fa/fa rats which spontaneously develop high blood pressure. Rats were fed diets containing water-soluble (stickwater) or water-insoluble (presscake) fractions of protein-rich meals from cod residual materials (head, gut, backbone with muscle residuals, skin, trimmings) or fillet. Rats were fed diets containing 25% of total protein from cod meal and 75% of protein from casein, or casein as the sole protein source (control group) for four weeks. Results show that a diet containing residual presscake meal with high gut content prevented blood pressure increase, and this cod residual meal also showed the strongest in vitro inhibitions of ACE and renin activities. In conclusion, a diet containing water-insoluble proteins (presscake meal) with high gut content prevented increase in blood pressure in obese Zucker fa/fa rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iselin Vildmyren
- Dietary Protein Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway.
- K. Halstensen AS, P.O. Box 103, 5399 Bekkjarvik, Norway.
| | - Aslaug Drotningsvik
- Dietary Protein Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway.
- TripleNine Vedde AS, 6030 Langevåg, Norway.
| | - Åge Oterhals
- Nofima AS, P.B. 1425 Oasen, 5844 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Ola Ween
- Møreforsking Ålesund AS, P.O. Box 5075, 6021 Ålesund, Norway.
| | - Alfred Halstensen
- K. Halstensen AS, P.O. Box 103, 5399 Bekkjarvik, Norway.
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Oddrun Anita Gudbrandsen
- Dietary Protein Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway.
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7
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Effect of taurine and potential interactions with caffeine on cardiovascular function. Amino Acids 2014; 46:1147-57. [PMID: 24615238 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-014-1708-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The major impetus behind the rise in energy drink popularity among adults is their ability to heighten mental alertness, improve physical performance and supply energy. However, accompanying the exponential growth in energy drink usage have been recent case reports and analyses from the National Poison Data System, raising questions regarding the safety of energy drinks. Most of the safety concerns have centered on the effect of energy drinks on cardiovascular and central nervous system function. Although the effects of caffeine excess have been widely studied, little information is available on potential interactions between the other active ingredients of energy drinks and caffeine. One of the active ingredients often mentioned as a candidate for interactions with caffeine is the beta-amino acid, taurine. Although taurine is considered a conditionally essential nutrient for humans and is thought to play a key role in several human diseases, clinical studies evaluating the effects of taurine are limited. However, based on this review regarding possible interactions between caffeine and taurine, we conclude that taurine should neutralize several untoward effects of caffeine excess. In agreement with this conclusion, the European Union's Scientific Committee on Food published a report in March 2003 summarizing its investigation into potential interactions of the ingredients in energy drinks. At the cardiovascular level, they concluded that "if there are any interactions between caffeine and taurine, taurine might reduce the cardiovascular effects of caffeine." Although these interactions remain to be further examined in humans, the physiological functions of taurine appear to be inconsistent with the adverse cardiovascular symptoms associated with excessive consumption of caffeine-taurine containing beverages.
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Vasdev S, Stuckless J. Antihypertensive effects of dietary protein and its mechanism. Int J Angiol 2012; 19:e7-e20. [PMID: 22477579 DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1278362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Individuals with hypertension are at increased risk of stroke, heart disease and kidney failure. Both genetic and lifestyle factors, particularly diet, have been attributed an important role in the development of hypertension. Reducing dietary sugar and salt intake can help lower blood pressure; similarly, adequate protein intake may also attenuate hypertension. Observational, cross-sectional and longitudinal epidemiological studies, and controlled clinical trials, have documented significant inverse associations between protein intake and blood pressure. Human and animal studies have shown that specific amino acids within proteins may have antihypertensive effects. Cysteine, glutathione (a tripeptide), glutamate and arginine attenuate and prevent alterations that cause hypertension including insulin resistance, decreased nitric oxide bioavailability, altered renin angiotensin system function, increased oxidative stress and formation of advanced glycation end products. Leucine increases protein synthesis in skeletal muscle and improves insulin resistance by modulating hepatic gluconeogenesis. Taurine and tryptophan attenuate sympathetic nervous system activity. Soy protein helps lower blood pressure through its high arginine content and antioxidant activity exhibited by isoflavones. A diet containing an ample amount of protein may be a beneficial lifestyle choice for individuals with hypertension; one example is the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which is low in salt and saturated fat; includes whole grains, lean meat, poultry, fish and nuts; and is rich in vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy products, which are good sources of antioxidant vitamins, minerals and fibre. Including an adequate supply of soy in the diet should also be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudesh Vasdev
- Discipline of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
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Hano T, Kasano M, Tomari H, Iwane N. Taurine Suppresses Pressor Response Through the Inhibition of Sympathetic Nerve Activity and the Improvement in Baro-Reflex Sensitivity of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2009; 643:57-63. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-75681-3_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
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10
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Hu J, Xu X, Yang J, Wu G, Sun C, Lv Q. Antihypertensive Effect of Taurine in Rat. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2009; 643:75-84. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-75681-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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11
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The effect of taurine on mesenteric blood flow and organ injury in sepsis. Amino Acids 2007; 35:403-10. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-007-0622-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2007] [Accepted: 09/08/2007] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Li F, Abatan OI, Kim H, Burnett D, Larkin D, Obrosova IG, Stevens MJ. Taurine reverses neurological and neurovascular deficits in Zucker diabetic fatty rats. Neurobiol Dis 2006; 22:669-76. [PMID: 16624563 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2006.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2005] [Revised: 01/08/2006] [Accepted: 01/15/2006] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). However, the efficacy of antioxidant therapy on DPN complicating type 2 diabetes remains unexplored. We therefore determined the ability of the antioxidant taurine to reverse deficits of hind limb sciatic motor and digital sensory nerve conduction velocity (NCV), nerve blood flow (NBF), and sensory thresholds in hyperglycemic Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. Experimental groups comprised lean nondiabetic (ND), ND treated with taurine (ND + T), untreated ZDF diabetic (D), and D rats treated with taurine (D + T). Compared to ND rats, 23%, 15% and 56% deficits of motor NCV, sensory NCV and NBF, respectively as well as thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia were reversed by taurine. An 84% deficit of dorsal root ganglion neuron calcitonin gene-related peptide in D rats was prevented by taurine. In summary, the antioxidant taurine reverses neurological and neurovascular deficits in experimental type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Abebe W, Mozaffari MS. Effect of taurine deficiency on adenosine receptor-mediated relaxation of the rat aorta. Vascul Pharmacol 2003; 40:219-28. [PMID: 14746829 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2003.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
We recently demonstrated that chronic taurine supplementation or deficiency causes alterations in reactivity of the rat aorta to several vasoactive agents. In the present investigation, we examined the effects beta-alanine-induced endogenous taurine deficiency on the mechanical responsiveness of the isolated rat aorta to adenosine receptor stimulation with 2-chloroadenosine (CAD), 5'-N-ethylcarboxyamidoadenosine (NECA), and N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA). The adenosine analogs produced concentration-dependent (1 x 10(-9)-3 x 10(-3) M) relaxations of aortas from both control and beta-alanine-treated rats with the rank order of potencies NECA>CAD>CPA, which was consistent with A(2) receptor identification. CAD and NECA induced both endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxations of the aortas. The endothelium-dependent responses to both agents and the independent responses to CAD were significantly attenuated by beta-alanine treatment. The relaxation responses of the aortas from control and taurine-deficient rats to CAD and NECA were markedly antagonized by ZM241385 (10(-5) M), suggesting the involvement of A(2A) adenosine receptors. Further, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 10(-5) M) significantly attenuated the endothelium-mediated relaxation produced by CAD and NECA in both groups. However, the inhibitory effect of L-NAME was less on the beta-alanine-treated tissues, providing evidence that the effect of taurine deficiency was linked to a reduction in nitric oxide generation. As in the aorta, CAD produced both endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation responses in the rat superior mesenteric artery, and both responses were inhibited by chronic beta-alanine treatment, suggesting that not only similar responses can be generated by a given adenosine agonist in different vascular beds, but also beta-alanine treatment modulates these responses. On the other hand, while CPA elicited only endothelium-independent aortic relaxation, this response was not altered by taurine deficiency. The results indicate that endogenous taurine deficiency causes differential inhibitory effects on adenosine receptor-mediated vasorelaxation, depending upon the agonists used. Given the recognized role of adenosine in the vasculature, these alterations suggest taurine-mediated modulation of blood flow regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Worku Abebe
- Department of Oral Biology and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, CB 3710, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912-1128, USA.
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Abstract
We recently showed that chronic taurine supplementation is associated with attenuation of contractile responses of rat aorta to norepinephrine and potassium chloride. However, the potential involvement of endogenous taurine in modulation of vascular reactivity is not known. Therefore, we examined the effect of β-alanine-induced taurine depletion on the in vitro reactivity of rat aorta to selected vasoactive agents. The data indicate that both norepinephrine- and potassium-chloride-induced maximum contractile responses of endothelium-denuded aortae were enhanced in taurine-depleted rats compared with control animals. However, taurine depletion did not affect tissue sensitivity to either norepinephrine or potassium chloride. By contrast, sensitivity of the endothelium-denuded aortae to sodium nitroprusside was attenuated by taurine depletion. Similarly, taurine deficiency reduced the relaxant responses of endothelium-intact aortic rings elicited by submaximal concentrations of acetylcholine, and this effect was associated with decreased nitric oxide production. Taken together, the data suggest that taurine depletion augments contractility but attenuates relaxation of vascular smooth muscle in a nonspecific manner. Impairment of endothelium-dependent responses, which is at least in part associated with reduced nitric oxide generation, may contribute to the attenuation of the vasorelaxant responses. These vascular alterations could be of potential consequence in pathological conditions associated with taurine deficiency.Key words: rat aorta, β-alanine, taurine depletion, vascular reactivity.
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MESH Headings
- Acetylcholine/pharmacology
- Animals
- Aorta/drug effects
- Aorta/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- In Vitro Techniques
- Male
- Models, Animal
- Muscle Contraction/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiology
- Nitric Oxide Donors/pharmacology
- Nitroprusside/pharmacology
- Norepinephrine/pharmacology
- Potassium Chloride/pharmacology
- Rats
- Rats, Inbred WKY
- Taurine/antagonists & inhibitors
- Taurine/metabolism
- beta-Alanine/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Worku Abebe
- Department of Oral Biology and Maxillofacial Pathology, CB 3710, School of Dentistry, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912-1128, USA.
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Nittynen L, Nurminen ML, Korpela R, Vapaatalo H. Role of arginine, taurine and homocysteine in cardiovascular diseases. Ann Med 1999; 31:318-26. [PMID: 10574504 DOI: 10.3109/07853899908995898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Arginine, taurine and homocysteine are amino acids which have been shown to affect the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in humans. Arginine and taurine may protect against cardiovascular diseases while homocysteine may be a risk factor for them. Both arginine and taurine seem to lower blood pressure, arginine may also inhibit atherogenesis, and taurine may have antioxidant properties. However, the evidence of the beneficial effects of arginine and taurine supplementation from human studies is insufficient. Elevated levels of plasma homocysteine may be associated with atherosclerotic and thromboembolic cardiovascular diseases. Supplementation with folic acid seems to be effective in reducing hyperhomocysteinaemia, but there is an insufficient number of studies showing that lowering of homocysteine levels with vitamin supplementation will reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In conclusion, further research is needed to determine the optimal levels for taurine and arginine in the human diet in order to decrease the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, and to whom supplementation with folic acid should possibly be recommended to reduce hyperhomocysteinaemia. Even though the use of arginine and taurine supplements to reduce cardiovascular risk factors is an interesting possibility, the reported health-promoting effects and the safety of such a supplementation should first be confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Nittynen
- Valio Ltd, Research and Development, Helsinki, Finland
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Trachtman H, Sturman JA. Taurine: A therapeutic agent in experimental kidney disease. Amino Acids 1996; 11:1-13. [DOI: 10.1007/bf00805717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/1995] [Accepted: 12/13/1995] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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17
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Dawson R, Eppler B, Patterson TA, Shih D, Liu S. The effects of taurine in a rodent model of aging. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 1996; 403:37-50. [PMID: 8915339 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-0182-8_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R Dawson
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA
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