Published in:
01-03-2010 | Original Article
Taurine attenuates radiation-induced lung fibrosis in C57/Bl6 fibrosis prone mice
Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) | Issue 1/2010
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Introduction
The amino acid taurine has an established role in attenuating lung fibrosis secondary to bleomycin-induced injury. This study evaluates taurine’s effect on TGF-β1 expression and the development of lung fibrosis after single-dose thoracic radiotherapy.
Methods
Four groups of C57/Bl6 mice received 14 Gy thoracic radiation. Mice were treated with taurine or saline supplementation by gavage. After 10 days and 14 weeks of treatment, TGF-β1 levels were measured in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Lung collagen content was determined using hydroxyproline analysis.
Results
Ten days post radiotherapy, serum TGF-β1 levels were significantly lower after gavage with taurine rather than saline (P = 0.033). BALF TGF-β1 at 10 days was also significantly lower in mice treated with taurine (P = 0.031). Hydroxyproline content was also significantly lower at 14 weeks in mice treated with taurine (P = 0.020).
Conclusion
This study presents novel findings of taurine’s role in protecting from TGF-β1-associated development of lung fibrosis after thoracic radiation.