Effects of taurine on hepatic lipid metabolism and anti-inflammation in chronic alcohol-fed rats

The effects of taurine (Tau) in regulation of lipid metabolism and decreasing inflammation in chronic alcohol-fed rats was investigated. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: (1) isocaloric solution; (2) 3 g alcohol/kg BW/day; (3) 3 g alcohol/kg BW/day + 1 g Tau/kg BW/day for 6 weeks. Liver size and serum/liver lipids of alcohol-fed rats were decreased (p < 0.05) by Tau supplementation, but daily fecal lipid/bile acid outputs were increased (p < 0.05). Regarding de novo lipogenesis, Tau downregulated (p < 0.05) fatty-acid biosynthesis and upregulated (p < 0.05) cholesterol metabolism (CYP7A1) and energy expenditure (PPAR-α). Serum AST and ALT, and hepatic TNF-α levels and MMP-9 activity of alcohol-fed rats were decreased (p < 0.05) by Tau supplementation which may be related to the maintenance of higher (p < 0.05) antioxidant levels (lower thiobarbituric-acid-reactive-substances values and higher trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) in serum and livers. Our study indicates that Tau downregulates lipogenesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in chronic alcohol-fed rats.