Abstract
BackgroundIt has been demonstrated that taurine is one of the most abundant free amino acids in the male reproductive system, and can be biosynthesized by male reproductive organs. But the effect of taurine on male reproduction is poorly understood.MethodsTaurine and β-alanine (taurine transport inhibitor) were offered in water to male rats of different ages. The effects of taurine on reproductive hormones, testis marker enzymes, antioxidative ability and sperm quality were investigated.ResultsThe levels of T and LH were obviously increased by taurine supplementation in rats of different ages, and the level of E was also significantly elevated in baby rats. The levels of SOD, ACP, SDH and NOS were obviously increased by taurine administration in adult rats, but the levels of AKP, AST, ALT and NO were significantly decreased. The levels of SOD, ACP, LDH, SDH, NOS, NO and GSH were significantly elevated by taurine administration in aged rats, but the levels of AST and ALT were significantly decreased. The motility of spermatozoa was obviously increased by taurine supplement in adult rats. The numbers and motility of spermatozoa, the rate of live spermatozoa were significantly increased by taurine supplement in aged rats.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that a taurine supplement could stimulate the secretion of LH and T, increase the levels of testicular marker enzymes, elevate testicular antioxidation and improve sperm quality. The results imply that taurine plays important roles in male reproduction especially in aged animals.
Highlights
Taurine, 2-aminoethane sulphonic acid, is one of the most abundant low-molecular-weight organic constituents in human and many animals
The levels of T and luteinizing hormone (LH) were obviously decreased by b-alanine administration, but the levels of E and Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) showed no difference compared with the control group
The level of E was significantly decreased by b-alanine treatment in adult rats, but the levels of T, FSH and LH had no changes
Summary
2-aminoethane sulphonic acid, is one of the most abundant low-molecular-weight organic constituents in human and many animals. As a semi-essential amino acid, taurine is rich in many tissues, and can be biosynthesized by many tissues, such as the central nervous system [2], liver [3], kidney [4], It is well known that aging results in a significant decline in male reproduction. The correlation between the decline of taurine content and aged male reproduction was evaluated in the present study. It has been demonstrated that taurine is one of the most abundant free amino acids in the male reproductive system, and can be biosynthesized by male reproductive organs. The effect of taurine on male reproduction is poorly understood
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