Taurine: A Potential Novel Addition to the Anti-Systemic Sclerosis Weaponry

Received 6 July 2009; accepted 4 November 2009. published online 29 January 2010.

Vascular damage and immunological events leading to generation of fibrogenic fibroblasts are the main components of systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis. Superoxide anions play a role in endothelial damage by oxidizing circulating low-density lipoproteins. IL-1 plays a key role in the pathophysiology of SSc by inducing upregulation of adhesion molecules, inflammatory damage of the endothelium and tissue fibrosis. Elevated levels of proTh2 cytokines such as IL-6 in the early stages of SSc lead to enhanced fibroblast collagen production.

Taurine, a semi-essential amino acid, is an antioxidant, inhibits the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 and IL-6 and also inhibits production of TGF-β, a major fibrogenic cytokine.

Therefore, we conclude that taurine may be a novel addition to the treatment armamentarium of this disabling disorder.

(ARCMED-09-00322)

Key Words: Taurine, Antioxidant, Fibrosis, TGF-β, IL-1, Autoimmunity

a Shiraz Nephrourology Research Center and Dermatology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

b Dermatology Department and Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

c SASRD Nagaland University, Medziphema, India

Address reprint requests to: Mohammad Reza Namazi, MD, Dermatology Department, Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran; Phone and Fax: 00987112319049

PII: S0188-4409(09)00212-4

doi:10.1016/j.arcmed.2009.11.005

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