Study of the protective effects of taurine against drug toxicities

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of oral taurine on the incidence of methotrexate, carbamazepine and gentamicin-induced adverse effects in patients. Materials and methods: Thirty two participants from each group finished the study. The study population was randomized in a double blind manner to receive either taurine or placebo (2 g/day PO). Life quality and side effects were assessed using a questionnaire. Blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum bilirubin, transaminases, urea and creatinine concentrations were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s Chi square, independent sample t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The results indicated that taurine attenuates chemotherapy and carbamazepine induced adverse effects. The levels of white blood cells were significantly (P<0.05) increased in taurine-treated groups. Taurine administration improved liver and kidney functions, indicated by decline in serum bilirubin, transaminases, urea and creatinine respectively in comparison to the controls (P<0.05). Moreover, taurine significantly reduced serum malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase and superoxide dismutase levels, and also significantly elevated serum glutathione levels (P<0.05). Discussion and conclusions: In conclusion, this study proposes that supplemental taurine could decrease the risk of chemotherapy induced adverse effects. It could also elevate white blood cells count by increasing the proliferation of lymphocytes and inhibition of the apoptosis in leukocytes. Additionally, taurine reduced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity because of its antioxidant and membrane stabilizer activities. Moreover, taurine could prevent the accumulation of gentamicin in kidney. This effect may be due to increasing the stability of cell membrane or interacting with calcium by taurine.