Antioxidant and DNA protection effects of taurine by electron spin resonance spectroscopy

Taurine may play an important role in protecting cells against toxic injury by an antioxidant. However, there is a lack of evidence to support this hypothesis. The objective of this study was to examine the in vitro antioxidant properties of taurine against different reactive species at various concentrations. The radical scavenging effects of taurine on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, hydroxyl radical, superoxide radical, and alkyl radical were investigated using a spin-trapping electron method and compared with the electron spin resonance (ESR) signal intensity. ESR assays showed that DPPH radical scavenging activity of taurine at various concentrations (0.0625 ∼ 1 mg/mL) was elevated with a decrease of ESR signals in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, taurine exhibited the radical scavenging activities against hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, and alkyl radicals. Findings from this study suggest that taurine may be a useful radical scavenger and a potential supplement for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries as well as feed and/or antibiotic because of its potent antioxidant capacities against various reactive radicals.