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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: diabetes; diabetic nephropathy; renal transplantation; taurine.

Figure 1

Protective effects of taurine on type 1 diabetes-induced complications. Taurine confers protection against diabetes through reduction of signals mediated by hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. STZ, streptozotocin; AGEs, advanced glycation end-products.

Figure 2

Therapeutic properties of taurine against hyperglycemia. In the diabetic liver, hepatic glucose uptake is increased and the blood glucose level, as well liver disease are induced. Taurine protects against hyperglycemia via inducing distinct pathways. Purple arrows indicate upregulation and red arrows indicate downregulation. TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α; IL, interleukin; CYP2E1, cytochrome P450 2E1; LPO, lipid peroxidation; ROS, reactive oxygen species; FFAs, free fatty acids; SREBP-1c, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c; LXR, liver X receptor; PI3K, phosphoinositide 3-kinase; GLUT2, glucose transporter 2; NEFAs, non-esterified fatty acids; TGs, triglycerides; CETP, cholesteryl-ester transfer protein; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; VLDL, very-low-density lipoprotein; ox-LDL, oxidized low-density lipoprotein.

Figure 3

Effects of taurine on diabetic nephropathy. Diabetes triggers impaired kidney function via the mentioned pathways, which are downregulated via treatment with taurine. ECM, extracellular matrix; TGF-β1, transforming growth factor β1; ox-LDL, oxidized low-density lipoprotein; CYP2E1, cytochrome P450 2E1; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; VCAM-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1; ICAM-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1; LPO, lipid peroxidation; AGEs, advanced glycation end-products; ROS, reactive oxygen species.