A Key Metabolic Regulator of Bone and Cartilage Health

Abstract

Taurine, a cysteine-derived zwitterionic sulfonic acid, is a common ingredient in energy drinks and is naturally found in fish and other seafood. In humans, taurine is produced mainly in the liver, and it can also be obtained from food. In target tissues, such as the retina, heart, and skeletal muscle, it functions as an essential antioxidant, osmolyte, and antiapoptotic agent. Taurine is also involved in energy metabolism and calcium homeostasis. Taurine plays a considerable role in bone growth and development, and high-profile reports have demonstrated the importance of its metabolism for bone health. However, these reports have not been collated for more than 10 years. Therefore, this review focuses on taurine-bone interactions and covers recently discovered aspects of taurine's effects on osteoblastogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, bone structure, and bone pathologies (e.g., osteoporosis and fracture healing), with due attention to the taurine-cartilage relationship.

Metabolomic Evaluation of Air Pollution-related Bone Damage and Potential Mediation

“…39 Similar results were observed in White pre-menopausal women in the USA, Japanese women with low estradiol and BMD levels, and older Chinese adults with low BMD. 40 Metabolomic signatures associated with age-related BMD reductions go further than our intended research. Further research about the potential implications of taurine in bone metabolism for air pollutionrelated bone mineral reductions is guaranteed.…”

Metabolomics analysis of the potential mechanism of Yi-Guan-Jian decoction to reverse bone loss in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

“…There is also evidence that taurine promotes osteoclastogenesis and increase ALP activity and calcium deposition [ 29 ]. In addition, the regulatory effects of taurine on osteoclasts and osteoblasts have also been explained [ 30 ]. Uric acid is a more powerful endogenous antioxidant, but the role of uric acid in osteoporosis remains controversial.…”