Clinical implications of taurine in breast cancer.
Journal
Biochemistry and biophysics reports
Journal Volume
44
Start Page
Article number 102315
ISSN
2405-5808
Date Issued
2025-12
Author(s)
Chen, Linyi
Abstract
Taurine, an amino acid with documented anti-cancer properties, has shown potential in breast cancer treatment. This review focuses on taurine's role in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis by influencing cellular metabolism and enhancing immune responses. Taurine affects energy production pathways and intracellular amino acid levels, leading to reduced tumor growth. It also detoxifies reactive oxygen species in mitochondria and enhances the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, taurine modulates the immune system by increasing antitumor cytokines like IFN-γ and decreasing tumor-promoting cytokines such as IL-10. Furthermore, taurine enhances the effectiveness of CD8 cytotoxic T cells and other effector T-cell subsets, while altering the immunological profile of CD4CD25 regulatory T cells (T regs) that suppress immune defenses. This combined immune modulation and metabolic influence of taurine promote tumor cell apoptosis by upregulating pro-apoptotic proteins (PUMA, Bax) and downregulating anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2), potentially preventing metastasis and improving outcomes for breast cancer patients. Factors such as extracellular osmolarity, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient levels (such as folate) can influence taurine uptake. Our review shows taurine's potential as an adjuvant therapy in breast cancer treatment and advocates for more clinical trials to validate its therapeutic benefits. Further research is necessary to determine its clinical efficacy, optimal dosage, and long-term safety.
Subjects
Breast cancer
Cancer metastasis
Immune modulation
Taurine
Taurine homeostasis
Type
journal article