Modulatory effects of taurine on metabolic and oxidative stress parameters in a mice model of muscle overuse
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Anand Thirupathi1, Sharon Freitas1, Helen R Sorato1
1Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Physiology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the regulatory effects of taurine on the biochemical parameters of muscle injury by overuse.
Methods:
Male Swiss mice were divided into four groups: control (Ctrl), overuse (Ov), taurine (Tau), and overuse plus taurine (OvTau). High-intensity exercise sessions were administered for 21 d with concomitant subcutaneous injections of taurine (150 mg/kg). The mice were then sacrificed. The quadriceps muscles were surgically removed for subsequent histologic analysis and evaluation of mitochondrial function, oxidative stress parameters, tissue repair, and DNA damage markers.
Results:
The Ov group showed significant differences compared with the Ctrl group (all P <0.05). The fiber area decreased by 49.34%, whereas the centralized nuclei contents (Ctrl = 1.33%; Ov = 28.67%), membrane potential (Ctrlsuc = 179.05 arbitrary fluorescence units (AFUs), Ctrlsuc+ADP = 198.11 AFUs; Ovsuc = 482.95 AFUs, Ovsuc+ADP = 461.6 AFUs), complex I activity (Ctrl = 20.45 nmol ⋅ min ⋅ mg protein, Ov = 45.25 nmol ⋅ min ⋅ mg protein), hydrogen peroxide (Ctrlsuc = 1.08 relative fluorescence unit (RFU) ⋅ sec ⋅ mg protein, Ctrlsuc+ADP = 0.23 RFU ⋅ sec ⋅ mg protein; Ovsuc = 5.02 RFU ⋅ sec ⋅ mg protein, Ovsuc+ADP = 0.26 RFU ⋅ sec ⋅ mg protein) and malondialdehyde (Ctrl = 0.03 nmol ⋅ mg ⋅ protein, Ov = 0.06 nmol ⋅ mg ⋅ protein) levels, and DNA damage (Ctrlfreq = 7.17%, Ovfreq = 31.17%; Ctrlindex = 4.17, Ovindex = 72.5) were increased. Taurine administration reduced the number of centralized nuclei (OvTau = 5%), hydrogen peroxide levels (OvTausuc = 2.81 RFU ⋅ sec ⋅ mg protein, OvTaussuc+ADP = 1.54 RFU ⋅ sec ⋅ mg protein), membrane potential (OvTausuc = 220.18 AFUs, OvTaussuc+ADP = 235.28 AFUs), lipid peroxidation (OvTau = 0.02 nmol/mg protein), and DNA damage (OvTaufreq = 21.33%, OvTauindex = 47.83) and increased the fiber area by 54% (all P <0.05).
Conclusion:
Taken together, these data suggest that taurine supplementation modulates various cellular remodeling parameters after overuse-induced muscle damage, and that these positive effects may be related to its antioxidant capacity.
Insights
Taurine supplementation helps muscle repair after overuse injuries by reducing oxidative stress and DNA damage. This study shows taurine improves muscle fiber area and cellular remodeling, aiding recovery.
Area of Science:
- Muscle physiology and biochemistry
- Exercise-induced muscle damage
- Nutritional interventions for muscle health
Background:
- Overuse injuries commonly affect muscle tissue, leading to cellular damage and impaired function.
- Oxidative stress and DNA damage are key contributors to muscle injury pathology.
- Taurine, an amino acid, is known for its antioxidant properties and potential role in cellular protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulatory effects of taurine on biochemical parameters of muscle injury induced by overuse.
- To evaluate taurine's impact on histological changes, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, tissue repair, and DNA damage in overworked muscles.
Main Methods:
- Male Swiss mice were divided into control, overuse, taurine, and overuse plus taurine groups.
- High-intensity exercise and taurine injections were administered over 21 days.
- Quadriceps muscles were analyzed for histological changes, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and DNA damage markers.
Main Results:
- Overuse significantly decreased muscle fiber area and increased centralized nuclei, oxidative stress markers (hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde), and DNA damage.
- Taurine administration counteracted these effects, significantly increasing fiber area and reducing centralized nuclei, oxidative stress, and DNA damage.
- Taurine also improved mitochondrial membrane potential and complex I activity in overworked muscles.
Conclusions:
- Taurine supplementation effectively modulates cellular remodeling parameters in response to overuse-induced muscle damage.
- The positive effects of taurine are likely attributed to its potent antioxidant capacity.
- These findings suggest taurine as a potential therapeutic agent for managing muscle injuries.
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