Findings from University of Melbourne advance knowledge in atherosclerosis
2009 JUL 12 - (NewsRx.com) -- According to recent research from Heidelberg, Australia, "We sought to determine whether taurine could specifically protect against coronary artery disease during an atherogenic diet and whether taurine affects the lipid profile, metabolites of methionine, and endothelial atherogenic systems. Rabbits were fed one of the following diets for 4 weeks: (1) control diet; (2) 0.5% cholesterol + 1.0% methionine; or (3) 0.5% cholesterol + 1.0% methionine + 2.5% taurine." "Endothelial function was examined, and the left main coronary artery atherosclerosis was quantified by stereology and semiquantitative immunohistochemistry to determine the endothelial expression of proteins related to the NO, renin-angiotensin, endoplasmic reticulum, and oxidative stress systems, as well as apoptosis. Taurine normalized hyperhomocysteinemia (P < 0.05) and significantly reduced hypermethioninemia (P < 0.05) but not lipidemia. The intima: media ratio was reduced by 28% (P = 0.034), and atherosclerosis was reduced by 64% (P = 0.012) and endothelial cell apoptosis by 30% (P < 0.01). Endothelial cell CCAATenhancer binding protein homologous protein was normalized (P < 0.05). Taurine failed to improve hyperlipidemia, endothelial function, or endothelial proteins related to the NO, renin-angiotensin, and oxidative stress systems. Taurine reduces left main coronary artery wall pathology associated with decreased plasma total homocysteine, methionine, apoptosis, and normalization of CCAAT enhancer binding protein homologous protein," wrote A. Zulli and colleagues, University of Melbourne. The researchers concluded: "These results elucidate the antiapoptotic and antiatherogenic properties of taurine, possibly via normalization of endoplasmic reticulum stress. (Hypertension. 2009; 53:1017-1022.)'." Zulli and colleagues published their study in Hypertension (High Dietary Taurine Reduces Apoptosis and Atherosclerosis in the Left Main Coronary Artery Association With Reduced CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein Homologous Protein and Total Plasma Homocysteine but not Lipidemia. Hypertension, 2009;53(6):1017-U226). For additional information, contact A. Zulli, University of Melbourne, Dept. of Cardiology, Vascular Laboratory, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Vic, Australia. Publisher contact information for the journal Hypertension is: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA. Keywords: Australia, Heidelberg, Angiology, Angiotensin, Apoptosis, Atherosclerosis, Cardiology, Coronary Artery Disease, Enzyme Research, Heart Disease, Hyperhomocysteinemia, Hypertension, Renin, University of Melbourne. This article was prepared by Heart Disease Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Heart Disease Weekly via NewsRx.com.
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