Taurine Promotes Differentiation and Maturation of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells from the Subventricular Zone via Activation of GABA(A) Receptors

Taurine and Berberine: Nutritional Interventions Targeting Cellular Mechanisms of Aging and Longevity

Aging is a multifaceted biological process characterized by progressive physiological decline and increased susceptibility to diseases. Central to this process are molecular and cellular changes that contribute to hallmark features of aging, including mitochondrial dysfunction, genomic instability, telomere attrition, and cellular senescence. Emerging research highlights the role of nutrient deficiencies in accelerating aging, bringing dietary supplements such as taurine and berberine into focus. Taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, plays a critical role in cellular protection, osmoregulation, and antioxidant defense, with evidence linking its deficiency to cellular senescence, mitochondrial dysfunction, and stem cell exhaustion. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, exerts antiaging effects by modulating key signaling pathways, including adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/mechanistic target of rapamycin and sirtuin 1, and promoting mitohormesis. This review explores the mechanisms by which taurine and berberine mitigate aging processes, highlighting their effects on cellular metabolism, stress response, and longevity. Animal studies demonstrate their potential to enhance health span and lifespan although human clinical trials remain limited. Future research should focus on elucidating their molecular pathways, evaluating their combined effects with other interventions such as caloric restriction, and optimizing dosage for clinical applications. Taurine and berberine represent promising therapeutic candidates for addressing fundamental aspects of aging and advancing strategies for healthy aging and lifespan extension.

Comparative Efficacy of Botryocladia leptopoda Extracts in Scar Inhibition and Skin Regeneration: A Study on UV Protection, Collagen Synthesis, and Fibroblast Proliferation

Botryocladia leptopoda is a red macroalga known for its bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-regenerative properties. The study aimed to examine their effects on UV protection, collagen synthesis, fibroblast proliferation, and pigmentation modulation. Bioactive compounds were extracted using two solvents, producing ethanol extract (FE) and alkaline extracts (AE). Methods involved characterizing extracts using mass spectrometry and assessing their effects on human fibroblasts under UVB-induced damage. UV absorbance, ROS production, and collagen synthesis were evaluated. The FE extract, which comprised 4-hydroxyquinoline, phytosphingosine, and docosapentaenoic acid, reinstated procollagen type I synthesis to 113% of baseline levels and reduced TGF-β1-mediated fibroblast proliferation to 87.78%. FE also suppressed Smad2 and α-SMA by 71% and 68%, respectively, indicating modulation of fibrosis-associated pathways. AE, containing 4-hydroxyquinoline and phenylalanine betaine, demonstrated dose-responsive cellular repair, reducing fibroblast proliferation to 97.86% and collagen Type I expression by 73% at 1000 μg/mL. Both extracts decreased ROS production, with FE and AE reducing levels by 21.4% and 19.7%, respectively, under UVB-induced oxidative stress. FE showed superior scar inhibition, while AE excelled in skin regeneration and pigmentation management.

Taurine ameliorates radiation-induced oxidative stress in bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells and promotes osteogenesis

Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ) is a severe complication following head and neck radiotherapy that significantly impacts the quality of life of patients. Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the microenvironmental factors involved in ORNJ. In this study, we reveal the activation of taurine metabolism in irradiated mandibular stromal cells using scRNA-Seq and demonstrate a decrease in taurine levels in irradiated bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) through metabolomics. Compared with unirradiated BMSCs, taurine uptake in irradiated BMSCs increases. Taurine concentrations in the peripheral blood and jaws of irradiated mice are significantly lower than those in unirradiated mice (P = 0.0064 and 0.0249 respectively). Supplementation with taurine promotes osteogenic differentiation, reduces oxidative stress, and decreases DNA damage in irradiated BMSCs. Oral administration of taurine significantly improves the survival rate of irradiated mice and enhances osteogenesis in irradiated jaws. Our study highlights the role of taurine in the recovery from radiation-induced jaw injury, and suggests its potential as a non-invasive therapeutic option for combating ORNJ.

The bidirectional role of GABAA and GABAB receptors during the differentiation process of neural precursor cells of the subventricular zone

The intricate process of neuronal differentiation integrates multiple signals to induce transcriptional, morphological, and electrophysiological changes that reshape the properties of neural precursor cells during their maturation and migration process. An increasing number of neurotransmitters and biomolecules have been identified as molecular signals that trigger and guide this process. In this sense, taurine, a sulfur-containing, non-essential amino acid widely expressed in the mammal brain, modulates the neuronal differentiation process. In this study, we describe the effect of taurine acting via the ionotropic GABAA receptor and the metabotropic GABAB receptor on the neuronal differentiation and electrophysiological properties of precursor cells derived from the subventricular zone of the mouse brain. Taurine stimulates the number of neurites and favors the dendritic complexity of the neural precursor cells, accompanied by changes in the somatic input resistance and the strength of inward and outward membranal currents. At the pharmacological level, the blockade of GABAA receptors inhibits these effects, whereas the stimulation of GABAB receptors has no positive effects on the taurine-mediated differentiation process. Strikingly, the blockade of the GABAB receptor with CGP533737 stimulates neurite outgrowth, dendritic complexity, and membranal current kinetics of neural precursor cells. The effects of taurine on the differentiation process involve Ca2+ mobilization and the activation of intracellular signaling cascades since chelation of intracellular calcium with BAPTA-AM, and inhibition of the CaMKII, ERK1/2, and Src kinase inhibits the neurite outgrowth of neural precursor cells of the subventricular zone.

Taurine induces hormesis in multiple biological models: May have transformative implications for overall societal health

This paper represents the first integrative assessment and documentation of taurine-induced hormetic effects in the biological and biomedical areas, their dose response features, mechanistic frameworks, and possible public health, therapeutic and commercial applications. Taurine-induced hormetic effects are documented in a wide range of experimental models, cell types and for numerous biological endpoints, with most of these experimental findings being reported within the past five years. It is suggested that the concept of hormesis may have a transformative effect on taurine research and its public health and therapeutic applications.

Functional Role of Taurine in Aging and Cardiovascular Health: An Updated Overview

Taurine, a naturally occurring sulfur-containing amino acid, has attracted significant attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits. Found in various foods and often used in energy drinks and supplements, taurine has been studied extensively to understand its impact on human physiology. Determining its exact functional roles represents a complex and multifaceted topic. We provide an overview of the scientific literature and present an analysis of the effects of taurine on various aspects of human health, focusing on aging and cardiovascular pathophysiology, but also including athletic performance, metabolic regulation, and neurological function. Additionally, our report summarizes the current recommendations for taurine intake and addresses potential safety concerns. Evidence from both human and animal studies indicates that taurine may have beneficial cardiovascular effects, including blood pressure regulation, improved cardiac fitness, and enhanced vascular health. Its mechanisms of action and antioxidant properties make it also an intriguing candidate for potential anti-aging strategies.