Effects of taurine on serum cholesterol levels and development of atherosclerosis in spontaneously hyperlipidaemic mice

Abstract

1. The effects of two naturally occurring substances, namely taurine and catechins, on serum cholesterol levels and on the progression of atherosclerotic lesions were evaluated using spontaneously hyperlipidaemic (SHL) mice as an animal model of atherogenesis. 2. Twelve weeks treatment of SHL mice with taurine (1% in drinking water) significantly elevated serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels without affecting levels of low-density lipoprotein- and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. In addition, taurine suppressed the development of atherosclerotic lesions by 29%, as determined by oil red O-stained areas in cross-sections of the aorta. 3. In contrast, 12 weeks treatment with a catechin mixture had no apparent effect on serum cholesterol levels and on the progression of atherosclerosis. 4. Serum levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, an index of oxidized substances, significantly decreased from 9.6 to 6.7 nmol/mL following taurine treatment. 5. We suggest that retardation of atherosclerosis by taurine in SHL mice may be related to decreases in oxidized substances and increases in serum HDL-C levels.

Effect of taurine and bile acid supplementation and their interaction on performance, serum components, ileal viscosity and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

“…There were no significant differences in the (HDL) among birds fed different levels of Tau at 21 d. At 42 d of age, only Chol and HDL concentration were affected by Tau levels, birds which received 0.25 or 0.50% Tau had higher Chol and HDL concentrations than 0.0% Tau. Several earlier studies showed that taurine supplementation had clear effect on reducing serum and liver cholesterol, triglycerides and atherosclerotic lipid accumulation (Matsushima et al, 2003;Militante & Lombardini, 2004). These results are consistent with the findings of Shim (2010) who observed that Tau supplementation improved serum total cholesterol and triglyceride concentration of laying hens fed high fat diet.…”

Effect of a Taurine Treatment on the Regression of Existing Atherosclerotic Lesions in Rabbits Fed on a High-cholesterol Diet

“…10,17,18) On the other hand, there is no information in the literature as to whether taurine has any regressive effect on existing atherosclerotic lesions and oxidative stress in experimental animals fed on an HC diet. However, a taurine treatment has been observed to decrease existing aortic lesions and lipid accumulation, as well as lipid peroxide levels in the plasma and aorta without affecting the plasma cholesterol levels in apo-E deficient mice, 19) spontaneously hyperlipidaemic (SHL) mice 20) and Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHLL) rabbits, 21) all animal models with severe hypercholesterolemia and extensive atherosclerosis.…”

Japanese Wild Mice: A Rich Resource for New Disease Models

“…The set of original SHL mice and their con- genic mouse strains are highly promising resources for developing a strategy for tailor-made medicine for these diseases. Recently, this set has been used to evaluate the effects of functional food on the lipid metabolism [1,2,8,16,19].…”