Cirrhosis-induced oxidative stress in erythrocytes: The therapeutic potential of taurine

Abstract

Aim of the study: Cholestasis/cirrhosis could induce erythrocyte lysis. The incidence of various types of anemia in cirrhosis is approx. 75%. Several studies have mentioned the pivotal role of oxidative stress in this complication. Taurine (TAU) is the human body's most abundant free amino acid. TAU is known as a robust cell membrane stabilizer. Many studies have mentioned that TAU could counteract oxidative stress in various experimental models. The current study was intended to evaluate the effect of TAU on erythrocytes in cirrhotic rats. Material and methods: Bile duct ligation (BDL) surgery was carried out on rats. Then, complete blood count (CBC), hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (HTC), and erythrocytes' G6PD, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured. Moreover, biomarkers of oxidative stress were assessed, and the erythrocytes' morphological changes were monitored in the cirrhotic mice exposed to TAU (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% w : v in drinking water). Results: Significant changes in the assessed erythrocyte parameters (G6PD activity, Hgb, HTC, and erythrocyte count) and red blood cells (RBC) morphological alterations were detected on day 42 after BDL surgery. Biomarkers of oxidative stress also did not change at the time points, except on post-BDL days 28 and 42. A significant decrease in blood parameters was evident at post-BDL day 42. All doses of TAU (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% w : v in drinking water) significantly improved erythrocyte parameters and encountered oxidative stress in the erythrocytes of cirrhotic animals. Conclusions: These data indicate that TAU could be a safe agent to mitigate cirrhosis-induced erythrocyte damage and anemia. Further investigations are necessary to prove this in clinical settings.

Functional Role of Taurine in Aging and Cardiovascular Health: An Updated Overview

“…Taurine has also been shown to be involved in calcium (Ca 2+ ) signaling, modulation of ion channels, and neurotransmission, affecting neural excitability and synaptic transmission. Intriguingly, this amino acid exhibits important antioxidant properties, protecting cells from oxidative and nitrosative stress by scavenging free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) [36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44]. These antioxidant actions certainly contribute to its potential benefits in terms of neuroprotection and cardiovascular health [45].…”

Mitochondrial Impairment and Oxidative Stress Are Essential Mechanisms Involved in the Pathogenesis of Acute Kidney Injury

“…was treated with 1 mL of TBARS assay reagent (a mixture of 0.4% w:v of thiobarbituric acid, 50% w:v of trichloroacetic acid, and 1% w:v of meta-phosphoric acid, pH = 2) (9,42,(63)(64)(65)(66)(67)(68)(69)(70). Samples were vortexed (1 min) and heated (100 C water bath) for 45 min.…”