Taurine Abates the Liver Damage Induced by γ-Irradiation in Rats through Anti-inflammatory and Anti-apoptotic Pathways

Abstract

Background: Radiotherapy is commonly used for treating human cancers; however, ionizing radiation (IR) has hazardous effects on metabolically active organs such as the liver. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the possible protective and therapeutic action of taurine against liver damage induced by gamma irradiation at different time intervals as well as the mechanisms by which taurine could provide its potential amelioration actions. Methods: In the present study, 90 adult male rats (120–150 g) were randomly divided into five groups. Rats in group 1 served as control. Group 2 received an oral daily dose of taurine (500 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. Group 3 was exposed to a whole-body single dose of γ-irradiation (6 Gy). Taurine was administered before or after γ-irradiation in groups 4 and 5, respectively. Six rats from each group were sacrificed after 1, 2, and 3 weeks. Results: Throughout the 3 weeks studied, there were significant increases in NO, MDA, TNF-α, and cytochrome-c levels as well as ALT, caspase-9 and caspase-3 activities, and significant decreases in reduced GSH, SOD, CAT, and GPx in the irradiated group when compared with the relevant control. The liver of irradiated rats showed dilatation in the central and portal veins, edema, and degenerated hepatocytes. Conclusion: Taken together, IR caused maximum devastation in the liver 2 weeks after exposure via elevating the inflammatory and apoptotic markers and reducing the antioxidants. Taurine was able to alleviate most of the previously mentioned deleterious biochemical and histological effects whether given before or after IR.