Alleviation of taurine on liver injury of type 2 diabetic rats by improving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a serious metabolic disease characterized by insulin resistance and reduced insulin production, which causes abnormally elevated blood glucose. It has been reported that T2DM can enhance oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and stimulate a variety of complications including liver injury. Studies have shown that taurine has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can not only ameliorate diabetes but also alleviate liver injury caused by various diseases. However, its effect on liver injury in T2DM is not clear. In our study, a high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce liver injury in T2DM rats, and taurine was given as a treatment. Through the use of HE staining on paraffin sections, ELISA, and qRT-PCR, the effects of taurine on liver pathological alterations, antioxidant capacity, and inflammatory response were investigated. We found that: hepatic transaminase levels of rats were reduced significantly following taurine administration; histopathological observations revealed that the morphology of rat hepatocytes was close to normal, and the number of inflammatory cells around liver vessels was significantly reduced; antioxidant-related indicators were significantly increased, including SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and T-AOC, while related factors of the Nrf2 signalling pathway and its downstream HO-1, NQO1 and γ-GCS were significantly increased; the expression of the JAK2-STAT1 signalling pathway, TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway and NLRP3 inflammatory vesicle-related factors were significantly reduced. Our results suggest taurine can alleviate T2DM-induced liver injury by improving the antioxidant capacity of the liver and inhibiting macrophage M1-type polarization and the inflammatory response mediated thereby.

Short Communication: Taurine Long-Term Treatment Prevents the Development of Cardiac Hypertrophy, and Premature Death in Hereditary Cardiomyopathy of the Hamster Is Sex-Independent

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.

Taurine Prevents Angiotensin II-Induced Human Endocardial Endothelium Morphological Remodeling and the Increase in Cytosolic and Nuclear Calcium and ROS

Endocardial endothelium (EE) is a layer of cells covering the cardiac cavities and modulates cardiomyocyte function. This cell type releases several cardioactive factors, including Angiotensin II (Ang II). This octopeptide is known to induce cardiac hypertrophy. However, whether this circulating factor also induces EE hypertrophy is not known. Taurine is known to prevent cardiac hypertrophy. Whether this endogenous antioxidant prevents the effect of Ang II on human EE (hEE) will be verified. Using quantitative fluorescent probe imaging for calcium and reactive oxygen species (ROS), our results show that Ang II induces (10-7 M, 48 h treatment) an increase in hEE cell (hEEC) volume and its nucleus. Pretreatment with 20 mM of taurine prevents morphological remodeling and increases intracellular calcium and ROS. These results suggest that the reported Ang II induces cardiac hypertrophy is associated with hEEC hypertrophy. This later effect is prevented by taurine by reducing intracellular calcium and ROS overloads. Thus, taurine could be an excellent tool for preventing Ang II-induced remodeling of hEECs.

Nontargeted metabolomic insights into the behavioral effects of 5-MeO-MiPT in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

5-Methoxy-N-methyl-N-isopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-MiPT) is a novel psychoactive substance exhibiting a tryptamine structure. Despite its increasing prevalence, the environmental impact of 5-MeO-MiPT remains unexplored. Our prior investigation revealed that 5-MeO-MiPT induced inhibited spontaneous movement and prompted anxiety-like behavior in adult zebrafish-a validated toxicological model. To elucidate this phenomenon and establish a correlation between metabolomics and behavioral changes induced by 5-MeO-MiPT, zebrafish were administered varying drug concentrations. Zebrafishes were subjected to injections of different 5-MeO-MiPT concentrations. Subsequent metabolomic analysis of endogenous metabolites affected by the drug unveiled substantial variations in metabolic levels between the control group and the drug-injected cohorts. A total of 22 distinct metabolites emerged as potential biomarkers. Further scrutiny identified seven pathways significantly influenced by 5-MeO-MiPT. A focused exploration into amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and energy metabolism unveiled that the metabolic repercussions of 5-MeO-MiPT on zebrafish resulted in observable brain damage. Notably, the study identified a consequential disruption in the liver-brain pathway. The comprehensive metabolomic approach employed herein effectively discerned the impact of 5-MeO-MiPT on zebrafish metabolism. This approach also shed light on the mechanism underpinning the anxiety-like behavior observed in zebrafish post-drug injection. Specifically, our findings indicate that 5-MeO-MiPT induces brain damage, particularly within the liver-brain pathway.

Integrated metabolomics and proteomics reveal biomarkers associated with hemodialysis in end-stage kidney disease

Background: We hypothesize that the poor survival outcomes of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis are associated with a low filtering efficiency and selectivity. The current gold standard criteria using single or several markers show an inability to predict or disclose the treatment effect and disease progression accurately. Methods: We performed an integrated mass spectrometry-based metabolomic and proteomic workflow capable of detecting and quantifying circulating small molecules and proteins in the serum of ESKD patients. Markers linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) were validated on human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes. Results: We identified dozens of elevated molecules in the serum of patients compared with healthy controls. Surprisingly, many metabolites, including lipids, remained at an elevated blood concentration despite dialysis. These molecules and their associated physical interaction networks are correlated with clinical complications in chronic kidney disease. This study confirmed two uremic toxins associated with CVD, a major risk for patients with ESKD. Conclusion: The retained molecules and metabolite-protein interaction network address a knowledge gap of candidate uremic toxins associated with clinical complications in patients undergoing dialysis, providing mechanistic insights and potential drug discovery strategies for ESKD.

Deficiency of Pdk1 drives heart failure by impairing taurine homeostasis through Slc6a6

3-Phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (Pdk1) as a serine/threonine protein kinase plays a critical role in multiple signaling pathways. Analysis of the gene expression omnibus database showed that Pdk1 was significantly downregulated in patients with heart diseases. Gene set enrichment analysis of the proteomics dataset identified apoptotic- and metabolism-related signaling pathways directly targeted by Pdk1. Previously, our research indicated that Pdk1 deletion-induced metabolic changes might be involved in the pathogenesis of heart failure; however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated that deficiency of Pdk1 resulted in apoptosis, oxidative damage, and disturbed metabolism, both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, profiling of metabonomics by 1 H-NMR demonstrated that taurine was the major differential metabolite in the heart of Pdk1-knockout mice. Taurine treatment significantly reduced the reactive oxygen species production and apoptosis, improved cardiac function, and prolonged the survival time in Pdk1 deficient mice. Proteomic screening identified solute carrier family 6 member 6 (Slc6a6) as the downstream that altered taurine levels in Pdk1-expression cells. Consistently, cellular apoptosis and oxidative damage were rescued by Slc6a6 in abnormal Pdk1 expression cells. These findings collectively suggest that Pdk1 deficiency induces heart failure via disturbances in taurine homeostasis, triggered by Slc6a6.

Bibliometric and Visual Analysis of Global Research on Taurine, Creatine, Carnosine, and Anserine with Metabolic Syndrome: From 1992 to 2022

Red meat and animal-sourced protein are often disparaged as risk factors for developing metabolic syndrome, while emerging research has shown the beneficial effects of dietary taurine, creatine, carnosine, and anserine which are all exclusively abundant in red meat. Thus, it is imperative to highlight the available evidence to help promote red meat as part of a well-balanced diet to optimize human health. In this study, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to investigate the current research status of dietary taurine, creatine, carnosine, and anserine with metabolic syndrome, identify research hotspots, and delineate developmental trends by utilizing the visualization software CiteSpace. A total of 1094 publications were retrieved via the Web of Science Core Collection from 1992 to 2022. There exists a gradual increase in the number of publications on this topic, but there is still much room for research papers to rise. The United States has participated in the most studies, followed by China and Japan. The University of Sao Paulo was the research institute contributing the most; Kyung Ja Chang and Sanya Roysommuti have been identified as the most prolific authors. The analysis of keywords reveals that obesity, lipid profiles, blood pressure, and glucose metabolism, as well as ergogenic aid and growth promoter have been the research hotspots. Inflammation and diabetic nephropathy will likely be frontiers of future research related to dietary taurine, creatine, carnosine, and anserine. Overall, this paper may provide insights for researchers to further delve into this field and enlist the greater community to re-evaluate the health effects of red meat.

Dapagliflozin-affected endothelial dysfunction and altered gut microbiota in mice with heart failure

Aim

To investigate the potential microbiome profile of a mouse model with heart failure (HF) during dapagliflozin treatment.

Method

An HF model was constructed in 8-week-old male mice, and cardiac tissues were analyzed using histological staining. Hemodynamic indexes were measured, and fecal samples were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing. Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson were used for α-diversity analysis. b-Diversity analysis was conducted using principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) based on the Bray-Curtis distance. Linear discriminant analysis coupled with effect size measurements (LEfSe) was used to identify signature gut microbiota, and phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) was used to predict the function of altered gut microbiota.

Result

Dapagliflozin treatment reduced inflammation, infarction area, and cardiac fibrosis in HF mice. It also increased endothelial-dependent dilation and inflammation in mice with HF. Dapagliflozin decreased the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, which was increased in HF mice. There was no significant statistical difference in α-diversity among the control, HF, and HF+dapagliflozin groups. Desulfovibrio, AF12, and Paraprevotella were enriched in HF+dapagliflozin, while Rikenella and Mucispirillum were enriched in HF based on LEfSe. KEGG analysis revealed that altered gut microbiota was associated with fermentation, amino acid biosynthesis, nucleoside and nucleotide biosynthesis/degradation, fatty acid and lipid biosynthesis, carbohydrate biosynthesis/degradation, and cofactor/prosthetic group/electron carrier/vitamin biosynthesis.

Conclusion

Understanding the microbiome profile helps elucidate the mechanism of dapagliflozin for HF. The signature genera identified in this study could be used as a convenient method to distinguish between HF patients and healthy individuals.

Combination of Taurine and Black Pepper Extract as a Treatment for Cardiovascular and Coronary Artery Diseases

The shift in modern dietary regimens to "Western style" and sedentary lifestyles are believed to be partly responsible for the increase in the global burden of cardiovascular diseases. Natural products have been used throughout human history as treatments for a plethora of pathological conditions. Taurine and, more recently, black pepper have gained attention for their beneficial health effects while remaining non-toxic even when ingested in excess. Taurine, black pepper, and the major terpene constituents found in black pepper (i.e., β-caryophyllene; α-pinene; β-pinene; α-humulene; limonene; and sabinene) that are present in PhytoCann BP^® have been shown to have cardioprotective effects based on anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-hypertensive and anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms. This comprehensive review of the literature focuses on determining whether the combination of taurine and black pepper extract is an effective natural treatment for reducing cardiovascular diseases risk factors (i.e., hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia) and for driving anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms to combat coronary artery disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and atherosclerotic disease.

Calcium Homeostasis, Transporters, and Blockers in Health and Diseases of the Cardiovascular System

Calcium is a highly positively charged ionic species. It regulates all cell types' functions and is an important second messenger that controls and triggers several mechanisms, including membrane stabilization, permeability, contraction, secretion, mitosis, intercellular communications, and in the activation of kinases and gene expression. Therefore, controlling calcium transport and its intracellular homeostasis in physiology leads to the healthy functioning of the biological system. However, abnormal extracellular and intracellular calcium homeostasis leads to cardiovascular, skeletal, immune, secretory diseases, and cancer. Therefore, the pharmacological control of calcium influx directly via calcium channels and exchangers and its outflow via calcium pumps and uptake by the ER/SR are crucial in treating calcium transport remodeling in pathology. Here, we mainly focused on selective calcium transporters and blockers in the cardiovascular system.

A cell-penetrating PHLPP peptide improves cardiac arrest survival in murine and swine models

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the US, with a mortality rate over 90%. Preclinical studies demonstrate that cooling during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is highly beneficial, but can be challenging to implement clinically. No medications exist for improving long-term cardiac arrest survival. We have developed a 20-amino acid peptide, TAT-PHLPP9c, that mimics cooling protection by enhancing AKT activation via PH domain leucine-rich repeat phosphatase 1 (PHLPP1) inhibition. Complementary studies were conducted in mouse and swine. C57BL/6 mice were randomized into blinded saline control and peptide-treatment groups. Following a 12-minute asystolic arrest, TAT-PHLPP9c was administered intravenously during CPR and significantly improved the return of spontaneous circulation, mean arterial blood pressure and cerebral blood flow, cardiac and neurological function, and survival (4 hour and 5 day). It inhibited PHLPP-NHERF1 binding, enhanced AKT but not PKC phosphorylation, decreased pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphorylation and sorbitol production, and increased ATP generation in heart and brain. TAT-PHLPP9c treatment also reduced plasma taurine and glutamate concentrations after resuscitation. The protective benefit of TAT-PHLPP9c was validated in a swine cardiac arrest model of ventricular fibrillation. In conclusion, TAT-PHLPP9c may improve neurologically intact cardiac arrest survival without the need for physical cooling.

Dysregulated amino acid metabolism in heart failure: role of gut microbiome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The importance of amino acid metabolism in heart failure has often been overlooked, especially in advanced stages. Metabolism of dietary compounds by gut microbiota generates a wide range of metabolites that can directly or indirectly modulate end-organ functions in their hosts. Herein, we describe recently discovered mechanistic links between various gut microbial metabolic pathways of amino acids and their derivatives in the pathophysiology of heart failure.

RECENT FINDINGS

Growing evidence points to incremental prognostic value in amino acid profiling in patients with heart failure. Reducing branched-chain amino acid levels in the failing heart may have a cardioprotective role. Gut microbiome-related amino acid, including amino acid supplementation, dietary interventions, or microbial enzyme inhibition, can be targeted to modify cardiovascular risks.

SUMMARY

Interplay between the gut microbiome and amino acid metabolism may contribute to disease progression in heart failure. Further investigations are warranted to uncover opportunities for intervention.

New metabolic signature for Chagas disease reveals sex steroid perturbation in humans and mice

The causative agent of Chagas disease (CD), Trypanosoma cruzi, claims thousands of lives each year. Current diagnostic tools are insufficient to ensure parasitological detection in chronically infected patients has been achieved. A host-derived metabolic signature able to distinguish CD patients from uninfected individuals and assess antiparasitic treatment efficiency is introduced. Serum samples were collected from chronic CD patients, prior to and three years after treatment, and subjected to untargeted metabolomics analysis against demographically matched CD-negative controls. Five metabolites were confirmed by high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Several database matches for sex steroids were significantly altered in CD patients. A murine experiment corroborated sex steroid perturbation in T. cruzi-infected mice, particularly in male animals. Proteomics analysis also found increased steroidogenesis in the testes of infected mice. Metabolic alterations identified in this study shed light on the pathogenesis and provide the basis for developing novel assays for the diagnosis and screening of CD patients.

Caffeine, D-glucuronolactone and Taurine Content in Energy Drinks: Exposure and Risk Assessment

The consumption of energy drinks (EDs) is increasing globally while the evidence and concern about the potential health risks are also growing. Caffeine (generally 32 mg/100 mL) together with a wide variety of other active components such as taurine (usually 4000 mg/L) and D-glucuronolactone (generally 2400 mg/L) are the main ingredients of EDs. This study aims to assess the exposures to caffeine, taurine and D-glucuronolactone from EDs in various consumption scenarios and consumer profiles and to characterize the risks by evaluating caffeine and taurine intakes with their reference values and by calculating the margin of safety (MOS) for D-glucuronolactone. While the exposure assessment results showed that caffeine intakes from EDs ranged from 80 to 160 mg (1.14-4 mg/kg b.w.) for the considered scenarios, the risk characterization estimated some risks that could be managed with consumption recommendations such as limiting EDs in 40, 60 and 80 kg b.w. consumers to 175, 262.5 and 350 mL, respectively, to prevent sleep disturbances and to 375, 562.5 and 750 mL to prevent general caffeine adverse health risks, respectively. Dietary exposure to D-glucuronolactone from EDs ranged from 600 to 1200 mg (7.5-30 mg/kg b.w.). As D-glucuronolactone MOS ≥ 100 is only observed when EDs consumption is limited to 250 mL, for individuals weighing above 60 kg, some risks were observed in some of the studied scenarios. A taurine exposure from EDs varied from 1000 to 2000 mg (12.5-50 mg/kg b.w.) and consumptions over 500 mL were estimated to generate intakes above the reference value. In conclusion, the management of these risks requires a European legal framework for EDs with maximum limits for the active components, volume size limitations and labeling improvements along with the development of education and awareness programs and risk communication actions in collaboration with the industry and society.

UPLC/Q-TOF MS-Based Urine Metabonomics Study to Identify Diffuse Axonal Injury Biomarkers in Rat

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) represents a frequent traumatic brain injury (TBI) type, significantly contributing to the dismal neurological prognosis and high mortality in TBI patients. The increase in mortality can be associated with delayed and nonspecific initial symptoms in DAI patients. Additionally, the existing approaches for diagnosis and monitoring are either low sensitivity or high cost. Therefore, novel, reliable, and objective diagnostic markers should be developed to diagnose and monitor DAI prognosis. Urine is an optimal sample to detect biomarkers for DAI noninvasively. Therefore, the DAI rat model was established in this work. Meanwhile, the ultraperformance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight hybrid mass spectrometry- (UPLC/Q-TOF MS-) untargeted metabolomics approach was utilized to identify the features of urine metabolomics to diagnose DAI. This work included 57 metabolites with significant alterations and 21 abnormal metabolic pathways from the injury groups. Three metabolites, viz., urea, butyric acid, and taurine, were identified as possible biomarkers to diagnose DAI based on the great fold changes (FCs) and biological functions during DAI. The present study detected several novel biomarkers for noninvasively diagnosing and monitoring DAI and helped understand the DAI-associated metabolic events.

Short-Communication: Short-Term Treatment with Taurine Prevents the Development of Cardiac Hypertrophy and Early Death in Hereditary Cardiomyopathy of the Hamster and Is Sex-Dependent

Premature death due to heart failure is a major health problem. Taurine is a non-essential amino acid that has received much attention. However, although many studies have been carried out on the beneficial effects of taurine in cardiac pathophysiology, no studies have investigated the effect of taurine treatment on the development of hereditary cardiomyopathy (HCM) associated with hypertrophy, heart failure, and early death. This study aims to verify whether short-term treatment (20 days) with taurine in tap water prevents the development of hypertrophy and premature death in hereditary cardiomyopathy of the hamster (HCMH) of the line UM-X7.1 and if its effect is sex-dependent. Our results show that treatment for 20 days with taurine (250 mg/kg/day or 25 mg/animal/day) during the development of the hypertrophic phase (220 days old) significantly decreased (p < 0.01) the heart weight to body weight ratio in male HCMHs without affecting the female. During the 20 days (220−240 days old), there were nearly 40% premature deaths in non-treated males HCMHs and 50% in female HCMHs. Treatment for 20 days wholly and significantly prevented early death in both males and females HCMHs. Our results demonstrate that short-term treatment with taurine prevents the development of cardiac hypertrophy associated with HCM in a sex-dependent manner; however, it prevents early death in a sex-independent fashion. Our results suggest that taurine supplementation could be used to treat HCM.

A Key Metabolic Regulator of Bone and Cartilage Health

Taurine, a cysteine-derived zwitterionic sulfonic acid, is a common ingredient in energy drinks and is naturally found in fish and other seafood. In humans, taurine is produced mainly in the liver, and it can also be obtained from food. In target tissues, such as the retina, heart, and skeletal muscle, it functions as an essential antioxidant, osmolyte, and antiapoptotic agent. Taurine is also involved in energy metabolism and calcium homeostasis. Taurine plays a considerable role in bone growth and development, and high-profile reports have demonstrated the importance of its metabolism for bone health. However, these reports have not been collated for more than 10 years. Therefore, this review focuses on taurine-bone interactions and covers recently discovered aspects of taurine's effects on osteoblastogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, bone structure, and bone pathologies (e.g., osteoporosis and fracture healing), with due attention to the taurine-cartilage relationship.

Versatile Triad Alliance: Bile Acid, Taurine and Microbiota

Taurine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body, and is mainly derived from the diet, but can also be produced endogenously from cysteine. It plays multiple essential roles in the body, including development, energy production, osmoregulation, prevention of oxidative stress, and inflammation. Taurine is also crucial as a molecule used to conjugate bile acids (BAs). In the gastrointestinal tract, BAs deconjugation by enteric bacteria results in high levels of unconjugated BAs and free taurine. Depending on conjugation status and other bacterial modifications, BAs constitute a pool of related but highly diverse molecules, each with different properties concerning solubility and toxicity, capacity to activate or inhibit receptors of BAs, and direct and indirect impact on microbiota and the host, whereas free taurine has a largely protective impact on the host, serves as a source of energy for microbiota, regulates bacterial colonization and defends from pathogens. Several remarkable examples of the interaction between taurine and gut microbiota have recently been described. This review will introduce the necessary background information and lay out the latest discoveries in the interaction of the co-reliant triad of BAs, taurine, and microbiota.

NMR-Based Metabolomic Analysis of Sera in Mouse Models of CVB3-Induced Viral Myocarditis and Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Viral myocarditis (VMC) is an inflammatory heart condition which can induce dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of VMC into DCM remain exclusive. Here, we established mouse models of VMC and DCM by infecting male BALB/c mice with Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), and performed NMR-based metabonomic analyses of mouse sera. The mouse models covered three pathological stages including: acute VMC (aVMC), chronic VMC (cVMC) and DCM. We recorded ¹D ¹H-NMR spectra on serum samples and conducted multivariate statistical analysis on the NMR data. We found that metabolic profiles of these three pathological stages were distinct from their normal controls (CON), and identified significant metabolites primarily responsible for the metabolic distinctions. We identified significantly disturbed metabolic pathways in the aVMC, cVMC and DCM stages relative to CON, including: taurine and hypotaurine metabolism; pyruvate metabolism; glycine, serine and threonine metabolism; glycerolipid metabolism. Additionally, we identified potential biomarkers for discriminating a VMC, cVMC and DCM from CON including: taurine, valine and acetate for aVMC; glycerol, valine and leucine for cVMC; citrate, glycine and isoleucine for DCM. This work lays the basis for mechanistically understanding the progression from acute VMC to DCM, and is beneficial to exploitation of potential biomarkers for prognosis and diagnosis of heart diseases.

Sensing of oxidative stress biomarkers: The cardioprotective effect of taurine & grape seed extract against the poisoning induced by an agricultural pesticide aluminum phosphide

Aluminum phosphide is a well-known hazardous agent used as an agricultural pesticide to protect stored grains from insect damage. However, accidental consumption of a trivial amount of it caused irreversible damage to the human body or even death in acute cases. The present study used taurine and grape seed extract as a natural cardioprotective medicine against aluminum phosphide poisoning by decreasing oxidative stress. The activity of oxidative stress biomarkers (Malondialdehyde, Catalase, Protein carbonyl, and Superoxide dismutase) were evaluated in the cell line model on Human Cardiac Myocyte cells. In the beginning, to clarify the pure impact of aluminum phosphide poison, taurine, and grape seed extract on the human heart cells, their effects on the biomarkers quantity in cell line were measured. Subsequently, the effect of taurine and grape seed extract with various concentrations as a treatment on the oxidative stress biomarkers of the poisoned heart cells were studied. Data analysis reveals that taurine and grape seed extract treatment can successfully diminish the poisoning effect by their antioxidant properties. The oxidative markers values of the poisoned cells were recovered by taurine and grape seed extracts treatment. Taurine (2 g/l) can recover Malondialdehyde, Catalase, Protein carbonyl, and Superoxide dismutase by 56%, 78%, 88%, 78%, when the recovering power of grape seed extract (100 g/l) for the aforementioned enzymes are 56%, 0.71%,74%, 51%, respectively. Therefore, it is clear that the performance of taurine in the recovery of the biomarkers' value is better than grape seed extract.

Metabolomic profiling of plasma from middle-aged and advanced-age male mice reveals the metabolic abnormalities of carnitine biosynthesis in metallothionein gene knockout mice

Metallothionein (MT) is a family of low molecular weight, cysteine-rich proteins that regulate zinc homeostasis and have potential protective effects against oxidative stress and toxic metals. MT1 and MT2 gene knockout (MTKO) mice show shorter lifespans than wild-type (WT) mice. In this study, we aimed to investigate how MT gene deficiency accelerates aging. We performed comparative metabolomic analyses of plasma between MTKO and WT male mice at middle age (50-week-old) and advanced age (100-week-old) using liquid chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-TOF-MS). The concentration of N6,N6,N6-trimethyl-L-lysine (TML), which is a metabolic intermediate in carnitine biosynthesis, was consistently higher in the plasma of MTKO mice compared to that of WT mice at middle and advanced age. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) analysis revealed remarkably lower mRNA levels of Tmlhe, which encodes TML dioxygenase, in the liver and kidney of male MTKO mice compared to that of WT mice. L-carnitine is essential for β-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids in mitochondria, the activity of which is closely related to aging. Our results suggest that reduced carnitine biosynthesis capacity in MTKO mice compared to WT mice led to metabolic disorders of fatty acids in mitochondria in MTKO mice, which may have caused shortened lifespans.

Heavy burden of toxic dilated cardiomyopathy among young adults: A retrospective study and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a well-described entity for heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Recently, drugs and other substance of abuse have been recognized as potential triggers for DCM. The aim of this study was to assess the survival in patients under 65 years old with toxic cardiomyopathy (TCM). Left ventricular remodeling and the potential usefulness of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was also assessed.

METHODS

Single center retrospective study from January 2003 to August 2019 at a tertiary care cardiology center identified 553 patients younger than 65 years old with LVEF <40%.

RESULTS

Two hundred and one patients (36%) had a diagnosis of idiopathic DCM. Further analysis identified 38 patients (19%) for which a TCM was the most likely etiology (amphetamine [50%], cocaine [37%], anabolic steroids [8%], and energy drinks [5%]). Despite a mean LVEF of 17±8% at presentation, most patients (n=27, 71%) had an event-free survival with guideline-directed medical therapy, and 61% (n=23) recovered a LVEF ≥40% after a median follow-up of 21±23 months. Seven patients (18%) required a LVAD and 1 (3%) patient a transplantation. All LVAD were explanted or decommissioned after a median support time of 11±4 months following partial or complete LVEF recovery.

CONCLUSION

TCM induced by substance abuse is a frequent cause of HF accounting for almost 20% of all patients with DCM of unknown etiology under 65 years of age. Treatment must be tailored on an individual basis. Mechanical circulatory support demonstrated its usefulness in carefully selected patients.

Gut Microbiota as Early Predictor of Infectious Complications before Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Pilot Study

Cardiac surgery remains a field of medicine with a high percentage of postoperative complications, including infectious ones. Modern data indicate a close relationship of infectious disorders with pathological changes in the composition of the gut microbiome; however, the extent of such changes in cardiac surgery patients is not fully clarified. In this prospective, observational, single center, pilot study, 72 patients were included, 12 among them with the infectious complications. We analyzed the features of the fecal microbiota before and in the early postoperative period, as one of the markers for predicting the occurrence of bacterial infection. We also discovered the significant change in microbial composition in the group of patients with infectious complications compared to the non-infectious group before and after cardiac surgery, despite the intra-individual variation in composition of gut microbiome. Our study demonstrated that the group of patients that had a bacterial infection in the early postoperative period already had an altered microbial composition even before the surgery. Further studies will evaluate the clinical significance of the identified proportions of individual taxa of the intestinal microbiota and consider the microbiota as a novel target for reducing the risk of infectious complications.

Insulin-Induced Cardiomyocytes Hypertrophy That Is Prevented by Taurine via β-alanine-Sensitive Na+-Taurine Symporter

Although insulin-induced cardiac hypertrophy is reported, very little information is available on the hypertrophic effect of insulin on ventricular cardiomyocytes and the regulation of sodium and calcium homeostasis. Taurine is a non-essential amino acid synthesized by cardiomyocytes and the brain and is present in low quantities in many foods, particularly seafood. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether chronic exposure to insulin induces hypertrophy of ventricular cardiomyocytes that are associated with changes in Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ homeostasis and whether taurine pre-treatment prevents these effects. Our results showed that chronic treatment with insulin leads to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy that is associated with an increase in basal intracellular Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ levels. Furthermore, long-term taurine treatment prevents morphological and ionic remodeling induced by insulin. In addition, blocking the Na⁺-taurine co-transporter prevented the taurine antihypertrophic effect. Finally, the insulin-induced remodeling of cardiomyocytes was associated with a decrease in the ratio of phospho-CREB (pCREB) to total cAMP response element binding protein (CREB); taurine prevented this effect. In conclusion, our results show that insulin induces ventricular cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via downregulation of the pCREB/tCREB level and that chronic taurine treatment prevents this effect.

On the mechanisms of taurine in alleviating electrocardiographic, hemodynamic, and biochemical parameters following aluminum phosphide cardiotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Aluminum phosphide (AlP) causes severe cardiotoxicity. Taurine has been chosen for the present study because of its positive known effects on cardiac injuries.

METHOD

To evaluate AlP-induced cardiotoxicity, the animals were divided into seven groups, including the control group, the taurine group (500 mg/kg), AlP with LD50 dose, AlP + taurine 20, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg group. To assess cardiac hemodynamic parameters, Wistar rats received taurine intraperitoneally 60 min after AlP gavage. Cardiac hemodynamic parameters were evaluated for 180 min. To study biochemical parameters, 24 h after AlP treatment, the animals were sacrificed, and heart tissues were collected.

RESULT

ECG, BP, and HR abnormalities of AlP poisoning were improved by taurine treatment. AlP induced biochemical alterations including complexes I and IV activities, the ADP/ATP ratio, mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome C release, and oxidative stress biomarkers ameliorated by taurine. Moreover, taurine improved apoptosis, as well as lessened CK-MB and troponin I levels. Also, there were no significant changes between taurine 500 mg/kg and the control group in tests.

CONCLUSION

The present findings showed that taurine could be a possible candidate for AlP cardiotoxicity treatment via the effect on mitochondrial electron transfer chain and maintaining intracellular ATP balance.

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.

A Comparative Study of Rat Urine 1H-NMR Metabolome Changes Presumably Arising from Isoproterenol-Induced Heart Necrosis Versus Clarithromycin-Induced QT Interval Prolongation

Cardiotoxicity remains a challenging concern both in drug development and in the management of various clinical situations. There are a lot of examples of drugs withdrawn from the market or stopped during clinical trials due to unpredicted cardiac adverse events. Obviously, current conventional methods for cardiotoxicity assessment suffer from a lack of predictivity and sensitivity. Therefore, there is a need for developing new tools to better identify and characterize any cardiotoxicity that can occur during the pre-clinical and clinical phases of drug development as well as after marketing in exposed patients. In this study, isoproterenol and clarithromycin were used as prototypical cardiotoxic agents in rats in order to evaluate potential biomarkers of heart toxicity at very early stages using ¹H-NMR-based metabonomics. While isoproterenol is known to cause heart necrosis, clarithromycin may induce QT interval prolongation. Heart necrosis and QT prolongation were validated by histological analysis, serum measurement of lactate dehydrogenase/creatine phosphate kinase and QTc measurement by electrocardiogram (ECG). Urine samples were collected before and repeatedly during daily exposure to the drugs for ¹H-NMR based-metabonomics investigations. Specific metabolic signatures, characteristic of each tested drug, were obtained from which potential predictive biomarkers for drug-induced heart necrosis and drug-induced QT prolongation were retrieved. Isoproterenol-induced heart necrosis was characterized by higher levels of taurine, creatine, glucose and by lower levels of Krebs cycle intermediates, creatinine, betaine/trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), dimethylamine (DMA)/sarcosine. Clarithromycin-induced QT prolongation was characterized by higher levels of creatinine, taurine, betaine/TMAO and DMA/sarcosine and by lower levels of Krebs cycle intermediates, glucose and hippurate.