Taurine — an underrated ally of the heart?

Aim of the study: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Taurine, an amino acid, shows promise for cardiovascular health through mechanisms such as calcium regulation, blood pressure reduction, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Despite these potential benefits, previous studies have produced inconsistent results.

Results: The analysis included a pooled sample of 808 participants from 20 randomized controlled trials. Taurine significantly reduced HR (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -3.579 bpm, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -6.044 to -1.114, p = 0.004), SBP (WMD = -3.999 mm Hg, 95% CI = -7.293 to -0.706, p = 0.017), DBP (WMD: -1.435 mm Hg, 95% CI: -2.484 to -0.386, p = 0.007), and NYHA (WMD: -0.403, 95% CI: -0.522 to -0.283, p < 0.001), and significantly increased LVEF (WMD: 4.981%, 95% CI: 1.556 to 8.407, p = 0.004). Meta-regression indicated dose-dependent reductions in HR (coefficient = -0.0150 per g, p = 0.333), SBP (coefficient = -0.0239 per g, p = 0.113), DBP (coefficient = -0.0089 per g, p = 0.110), and NYHA (coefficient = -0.0016 per g, p = 0.111), and a positive correlation with LVEF (coefficient = 0.0285 per g, p = 0.308). No significant adverse effects were observed compared with controls.

Aim of the study: Taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid vital for cardiovascular health, has been suggested as a promising intervention for reducing cardiometabolic disease risk. In this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we sought to evaluate the effects of taurine on cardiometabolic risk factors.

Results: Taurine supplementation may effectively improve cardiometabolic risk factors in adults, highlighting its potential to reduce the incidence of cardiometabolic diseases.

Aim of the study: Taurine (T) was first noted to be beneficial for stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in genetic rat models, stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). The preventive mechanisms of T were attributed to sympathetic modulation that reduces blood pressure (BP) and anti-inflammatory action.

Results: John's, Newfoundland, Canada, where the mean levels of both 24U-T and -M were high or low, respectively. The former and the latter had low and high CVD risks, respectively. Australian Aboriginal people living in coastal areas of Victoria were thought to have eaten T- and M-rich bush and sea foods and to have been free from CVD 200 years ago, but they now have nearly the highest CVD risks. This suggests that seafood, vegetables, fruits, nuts, milk, etc., containing T and/or M, similar to the food eaten by prehistoric hunters and gatherers, may help prevent CVD. The preventive effects of T, which is beneficial to health and longevity, were first noted experimentally and were also demonstrated epidemiologically in humans.

Aim of the study: Taurine, a naturally occurring sulfur-containing amino acid, has attracted significant attention in recent years because of its potential health benefits. Found in various foods and often used in energy drinks and supplements, taurine has been studied extensively to understand its effects on human physiology.

Results: We provide an overview of the scientific literature and analyze the effects of taurine on various aspects of human health, focusing on aging and cardiovascular pathophysiology, while also covering athletic performance, metabolic regulation, and neurological function. In addition, our report summarizes current recommendations for taurine intake and addresses potential safety concerns. Evidence from both human and animal studies indicates that taurine may have beneficial cardiovascular effects, including blood pressure regulation, improved cardiac fitness, and enhanced vascular health. Its mechanisms of action and antioxidant properties also make it an intriguing candidate for potential anti-aging strategies.

Aim of the study: Obesity is a global health challenge that significantly increases the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Effective prevention and treatment require targeting early pathological changes, particularly obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction (ED).

Results: Obesity-induced ED in NHO patients was not correlated with many traditional cardiovascular risk factors. MHO and MUO individuals showed similar ED and metabolomic profiles. Serum metabolomics identified bile acids (BAs), particularly chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), as negatively correlated with ED in NHO patients. Taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA), a taurine-conjugated derivative of CDCA, protected against obesity-induced ED and hypertension. Mechanistically, deletion of endothelial Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) aggravated obesity-induced ED and hypertension, negating the beneficial effects of bariatric surgery or TCDCA treatment. TCDCA-FXR activation in endothelial cells increased ATF4 transcription, which was suppressed by PHB1, thereby enhancing serine and one-carbon metabolism. This study suggests that CDCA may be a promising biomarker for identifying obesity-induced ED.

Aim of the study: Taurine, a conditionally essential amino acid with unique sulfur-containing groups, plays a role in many fundamental physiological processes, including osmoregulation and bile acid conjugation. Atherosclerosis (AS) can lead to numerous severe vascular events, such as stroke, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction, posing a significant threat to human health.

Results: It regulates lipid metabolism, reduces platelet activation and aggregation, and suppresses uncontrolled proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. It also has antioxidant effects and promotes vascular health through vasodilation and endothelial repair, making it a promising cardiovascular protective agent. Furthermore, its interactions with the gut microbiome offer new insights into its potential for managing conditions that contribute to AS. Current evidence supports the use of taurine as a dietary supplement to improve intestinal and cardiovascular health, thereby reducing the risk of AS.

Aim of the study: Previous findings on the association between fish intake and related metabolites and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) are inconsistent and limited. Fish and shellfish consumption is high in Japan, where they account for one fourth of protein intake. We aimed to investigate the relationship between fish and fish-related metabolites and MetS risk factors in a community-dwelling Japanese population.

Results: Mean fish intake was 47.0 (SD 28.8) g per 1000 kcal. Urinary trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and taurine, and serum creatine and threonine, were significantly correlated with fish intake, while homarine was associated with shellfish intake (p < 0.01). Significant inverse associations were found between triglycerides and total fish intake, low omega-3 fish, urinary TMAO, and taurine, as well as between urinary taurine and systolic blood pressure. Direct associations were found between urinary TMAO and serum threonine and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. We found several metabolites related to fish intake and MetS risk factors in Japan, a country where fish is commonly eaten. When results were grouped by seafood type, raw and high omega-3 fish intake showed the strongest associations with urinary and serum metabolomes, while fried fish had weaker or non-significant correlations, suggesting that cooking methods may affect the bioavailability or metabolic effects of fish nutrients.

Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of taurine supplementation on the lipid profile of male hypothyroid Wistar rats.

Results: Hypothyroidism increased serum total cholesterol (TC) and LDL levels, which were reduced by taurine supplementation. Hepatic diacylglycerol concentration increased with taurine supplementation, but this effect was not observed in hypothyroid animals. Taurine increased AMPK and ACC phosphorylation in the liver independently of thyroid hormone levels. Hypothyroidism causes changes in the lipid profile, particularly increases in TC and LDL cholesterol. Taurine supplementation in hypothyroid rats partially reversed these lipid changes and increased AMPK and ACC phosphorylation in the liver, suggesting metabolic benefits.