Taurine Alleviates Brain Tissue Markers of Oxidative Stress in a Rat Model of Hepatic Encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a serious clinical complication, which could lead to coma and death if not appropriately managed. There is agreement on the predominant role of ammonia in the etiology of HE. Brain is one of the most critical organs affected by ammonia. The critical role of oxidative stress and its consequences in the pathogenesis of ammonia-induced brain injury have been revealed before. On the other hand, there is no promising therapeutic option against ammonia neurotoxicity. Taurine is one of the most abundant amino acids in the human body. Several pharmacological roles including brain protecting properties have been attributed to this amino acid. The current study was designed to evaluate the role of taurine supplementation on HE-induced oxidative stress in the brain tissue. Animals received thioacetamide (400 mg/kg, i.p, for three consecutive days at 24-hr intervals) as a model of acute liver failure and hyperammonemia. Several serum biochemical parameters, in addition to plasma and brain ammonia level, were monitored. Moreover, markers of oxidative stress in the brain of hyperammonemic animals were assessed. It was found that plasma and brain ammonia was increased, and serum markers of liver injury were significantly elevated in the thioacetamide-treated group. On the other hand, an increase in markers of oxidative stress, including reactive oxygen formation, lipid peroxidation, glutathione depletion, and decreased tissue antioxidant capacity, was detected in the brain tissue of thioacetamide-treated animals. It was found that taurine treatment (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg, i.p) alleviated brain tissue markers of oxidative stress and decreased serum biomarkers of liver injury. Furthermore, lower plasma and brain ammonia were detected in taurine-treated animals. These data suggest taurine as a potential protective agent with therapeutic capability against HE-associated central nervous system complications.