Effects of taurine on hepatic lipid metabolism and anti-inflammation in chronic alcohol-fed rats
Journal
Food Chemistry
Journal Volume
135
Journal Issue
1
Start Page
24
End Page
30
ISSN
0308-8146
1873-7072
Date Issued
2012-11
Author(s)
Abstract
The effects of taurine (Tau) in regulation of lipid metabolism and decreasing inflammation in chronic alcohol-fed rats was investigated. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: (1) isocaloric solution; (2) 3 g alcohol/kg BW/day; (3) 3 g alcohol/kg BW/day + 1 g Tau/kg BW/day for 6 weeks. Liver size and serum/liver lipids of alcohol-fed rats were decreased (p < 0.05) by Tau supplementation, but daily fecal lipid/bile acid outputs were increased (p < 0.05). Regarding de novo lipogenesis, Tau downregulated (p < 0.05) fatty-acid biosynthesis and upregulated (p < 0.05) cholesterol metabolism (CYP7A1) and energy expenditure (PPAR-α). Serum AST and ALT, and hepatic TNF-α levels and MMP-9 activity of alcohol-fed rats were decreased (p < 0.05) by Tau supplementation which may be related to the maintenance of higher (p < 0.05) antioxidant levels (lower thiobarbituric-acid-reactive-substances values and higher trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) in serum and livers. Our study indicates that Tau downregulates lipogenesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in chronic alcohol-fed rats.
Highlights
► Taurine regulates liver lipid metabolism in chronic alcohol-fed rats.
► Taurine decreases liver inflammatory cytokines in chronic alcohol-fed rats.
► Taurine decreases liver damage indices in chronic alcohol-fed rats.
Subjects
Alcohol
Liver damage
Lipid metabolism
Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
Matrix metalloproteinases
Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity
Publisher
Elsevier
Type
journal article