In addition, taurine and its analogues have been observed to exert antineurotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects, and inhibit tumour cell proliferation ( 10– 14). Taurine has also been reported to protect visual function during diabetes ( 10) and improve immunocompetence ( 11). Recently, it was shown to be an effective agent in the treatment of alcoholism, fatigue and myotonia ( 8, 9). Taurine deficiency is associated with anxiety, epilepsy, hyperactivity and depression taurine supplementation can relieve these symptoms ( 7). Furthermore, taurine is involved in the maintenance of homeostasis of intracellular Na + and intracellular Ca 2+ concentrations ( i), and in the balance of neurotransmitters ( 4– 6). For example, it is known to play a role in bile salt formation and fat digestion. It is now well established that taurine is involved in many diverse biological and physiological functions ( 1, 3). High concentrations of taurine are found in the heart and retina, whereas smaller amounts are found in the brain, kidneys, intestine and skeletal muscle ( 2). Although it can be synthesized from methionine and cysteine in the presence of vitamin B 6 ( 1, 2), taurine can be obtained from the diet, predominantly through eggs, meat and seafood. Taurine is the most abundant intracellular sulphur-containing amino acid ( 1). However, double-blind long-term clinical trials need to be conducted before taurine can be unequivocally recommended as a nutritional intervention for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular disease. There is a wealth of experimental information and some clinical evidence available in the literature suggesting that taurine could be of benefit in cardiovascular disease of different etiologies. The present review will address the potential beneficial actions of taurine in congestive heart failure, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis and diabetic cardiomyopathy. Taurine was found to exhibit diverse biological actions, including protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury, modulation of intracellular calcium concentration, and antioxidant, antiatherogenic and blood pressure-lowering effects. Although it can be synthesized endogenously, the major source of taurine is from the diet. Taurine (2-aminoethanesulphonic acid), a sulphur-containing amino acid, is found in most mammalian tissues.
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