Protective role of taurine against oxidative stress (Review)

Abstract

Taurine is a fundamental mediator of homeostasis that exerts multiple roles to confer protection against oxidant stress. The development of hypertension, muscle/neuro‑​associated disorders, hepatic cirrhosis, cardiac dysfunction and ischemia/reperfusion are examples of some injuries that are linked with oxidative stress. The present review gives a comprehensive description of all the underlying mechanisms of taurine, with the aim to explain its anti‑oxidant actions. Taurine is regarded as a cytoprotective molecule due to its ability to sustain normal electron transport chain, maintain glutathione stores, upregulate anti‑oxidant responses, increase membrane stability, eliminate inflammation and prevent calcium accumulation. In parallel, the synergistic effect of taurine with other potential therapeutic modalities in multiple disorders are highlighted. Apart from the results derived from research findings, the current review bridges the gap between bench and bedside, providing mechanistic insights into the biological activity of taurine that supports its potential therapeutic efficacy in clinic. In the future, further clinical studies are required to support the ameliorative effect of taurine against oxidative stress.

Keywords: cardiotoxicity; hepatotoxicity; neurotoxicity; oxidative stress; taurine; therapeutics.

Figure 1.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-oxidant action of taurine. A decline in respiration slows electron flux along the respiratory chain and promotes the diversion of electrons to oxygen to form superoxide. Excessive superoxide generation overwhelms cellular antioxidants, thereby causing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress in turn causes cellular damage and results in more reactive oxygen species being produced; a vicious cycle that contributes to a progressive decline in cellular function. Taurine reverses all the adverse effects derived from excessive oxidative stress via various mechanisms. Purple arrows indicate upregulation and green arrows indicate downregulation. tRNA, transfer RNA; H₂O₂, hydrogen peroxide; O₂⁻, superoxide anion; OH, hydroxyl radicals; NO, nitric oxide; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase.