Taurine prevents collagen abnormalities in high fructose-fed rats
Nandhini, A.T.Anitha.; Thirunavukkarasu, V.; Anuradha, C.V.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 122(2): 171-177
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 16177476 Document Number: 594243
Accumulation of collagen and changes in its physiochemical properties contribute to the development of secondary complications of diabetes. We undertook this study to determine the effects of taurine on the content and characteristics of collagen isolated from the tail tendon of rats fed with high fructose diet. The rats were divided into four groups of six each: control group (CON), taurine-supplemented control group (CON+TAU), taurine supplemented (FRU+TAU) group, and non-supplemented fructose-fed group (FRU). The physicochemical properties of collagen were studied. Fructose administration caused the accumulation of collagen in tail tendon. Enhanced glycation and advanced glycation end products (AGE)-linked fluorescence together with alterations in aldehyde content, solubility pattern, susceptibility to denaturing agents and shrinkage temperature were observed in fructose-fed rats. An elevated beta component of type I collagen was observed from the SDS gel pattern of collagen from the fructose-fed rats. Simultaneous administration of taurine alleviated these changes. Taurine administration to fructose-fed rats had a positive influence on both quantitative and qualitative properties of collagen. Results indicate the role of taurine in delaying diabetic complications. It can be used as an adjuvant therapeutic measure in the management of diabetes and its complications.