Taurine Supplementation Ameliorates Arsenic-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Mouse

We previously reported that taurine treatment inhibited arsenic (As)-induced apoptosis in the liver of mice. This study was designed to explore the effect of taurine on liver function and its underlying mechanism in As-exposed mice. Mice were randomly divided into 3 groups, ten mice in each group. Group 1, control group, only orally received drinking water alone. Group 2, As intoxication group, was exposed to 4 mg/L As₂O₃ via drinking water for 60 days. Group 3, taurine protection group, was treated with 4 mg/L As₂O₃ and 150 mg/kg both. Taurine administration significantly revered the increases of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities in serum. The decrease of glutathione (GSH) was inhibited with taurine treatment in the liver of As-exposed mice. At the same time, taurine significantly inhihibited As-induced enhancement of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver. Here we show that taurine protective effect on liver function in As-exposed mice maybe involve lipid peroxidation.