In:
Science, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Vol. 380, No. 6649 ( 2023-06-09), p. 1010-1011
Abstract:
Taurine is an amino acid, but it contains a sulfonic acid and a b-amine that make it structurally and chemically distinct from the more familiar amino acids that form proteins. Although nearly absent in most plants, taurine makes up as much as 0.1% of the body weight of animals ( 1 ). Humans synthesize taurine but depend on exogenous sources in early life when production is insufficient to support development, making it semi-essential. In species with very low synthesis, such as cats, taurine remains essential throughout adulthood; inadequate intake leads rapidly to retinal damage, immunological issues, and cardiomyopathy ( 2 ). In humans, small clinical trials of taurine supplementation in adults have suggested benefits in metabolic and inflammatory diseases ( 3 , ( 4 ). Yet, precisely what taurine does in most cases remains poorly understood. On page 1028 of this issue, Singh et al . ( 5 ) provide evidence that taurine maintains health in aged animal models.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0036-8075
,
1095-9203
DOI:
10.1126/science.adi3025
Language:
English
Publisher:
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
128410-1
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2066996-3
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2060783-0
SSG:
11
