Abstract
Objective: The present study evaluates the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic potency of taurine (2-amino ethane sulfonic acid) when administered orally to hypercholesterolemia induced atherosclerotic rats.Methods: The experimental atherosclerosis was induced by feeding rats with an atherogenic diet comprising of the normal rat chow supplemented with 4 % cholesterol, 1 % cholic acid and 0.5 % thiouracil (CCT diet) for 20 d. Treatment with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg body weight) and taurine (2 % in drinking water) was given to atherosclerotic rats to study antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase), lipid peroxidation in liver, glutathione reductase and protein carbonyl content, extent of DNA damage using the alkaline comet assay, assaying pro-inflammatory cytokines and quantifying atherosclerotic lesions.Results: Oral supplementation of 2 % taurine to hypercholesterolemic rats modulated antioxidant status and significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P<0.05). The extent of DNA damage was also significantly reduced as observed by a reduction in the comet tail index (P<0.05). Taurine exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by significantly inhibiting TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor) and IL-1α (inter leukine) and also inhibited atherosclerotic lesions by clearing lipid deposits on the intimal surface of the rat aorta.Conclusion: Oral administration of taurine to rats showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity by modulating oxidants in favor of reducing oxidative stress and also showed anti-atherosclerotic activity in hypercholesterolemia-induced atherosclerosis.
Highlights
One of a major health concern is hypercholesterolemia and is the main cause of the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) [1]
The pathogenesis includes endothelium damage followed by low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) formation and its oxidation
A significant decrease in liver lipid peroxidation (LPO) was observed in rats treated with atorvastatin and taurine (Groups III and IV) as compared to hypercholesterolemic rats (Group II)
Summary
One of a major health concern is hypercholesterolemia and is the main cause of the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) [1]. Elevated blood lipid levels, such as total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are directly associated with hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis [2]. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, occurring due to prolonged hyperlipidemia. The pathogenesis includes endothelium damage followed by low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) formation and its oxidation. Due to this monocyte reaching at the site, transform into macrophages and accumulate lipids leading to atherosclerotic plaques in the walls of the arteries. Evidence suggests that progression of atherosclerosis increase the risk of the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) [3]. Increased ROS production results in oxidative damage to intracellular components. The focus is being given to various natural dietary components for protecting the cells from these deleterious free radicals
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
