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H. Paul Redmond, MCh, FRCSI; Jiang Huai Wang, MD, PhD; David Bouchier-Hayes, MCh, FRCSI

Arch Surg. 1996;131(12):1280-1288.

Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the potential role of the semiamino acid taurine in the prevention of hepatocyte (HC) apoptosis and necrosis mediated by nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen intermediates.

Design
Isolated rat HCs were cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), antioxidants, taurine, and sodium nitroprusside to examine the effect of these agents on HC injury.

Results
Lipopolysaccharide, in the presence of antioxidants, led to HC apoptosis, while LPS alone failed to induce HC apoptosis. Taurine significantly attenuated LPS plus antioxidant—mediated HC apoptosis, and this correlated with taurine-mediated NO inhibition. Taurine also significantly reduced LPS-mediated hepatocellular enzyme release and HC necrosis, and this correlated with HC free radical and peroxynitrite inhibition. However, taurine did not prevent sodium nitroprusside—mediated HC apoptosis and necrosis.

Conclusions
Taurine attenuates HC apoptosis and necrosis through inhibition of both NO and reactive oxygen intermediate. While taurine acts directly as an antioxidant, its effects on NO may occur at the messenger RNA level. Our findings indicate a potential prophylactic and therapeutic role for this amino acid during systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

Arch Surg. 1996;131:1280-1288

Author Affiliations
From The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

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