Dietary taurine regulates free amino acid profiles and taurine metabolism in piglets with diquat-induced oxidative stress

Abstract Background Amino acids, especially taurine, are considered as biomarkers of various pathological conditions. Under oxidative stress, taurine is associated with the modulation of free amino acids (FAAs) and taurine metabolism. Objectives To study the effects of taurine on FAAs and taurine metabolism in main fluids and organs during oxidative stress in a piglet model. Methods Diquat was injected intraperitoneally to induce oxidative stress. Thirty-five piglets were treated with taurine (0, 0.15%, 0.30%, and 0.60%) for 28 days. FAA, taurine, taurine transporter (TauT), and taurine biosynthesis enzyme levels were determined using HPLC, RT-PCR, and western blot analyses in body fluid and tissues. Results Taurine alleviated hepatic injury by significantly reducing the inflammatory response and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels (P  Conclusions Dietary taurine has a protective effect in piglets with diquat-induced oxidative stress. FAAs and taurine homeostasis are regulated by taurine supplementation in a complex interplay between TauT and taurine biosynthesis enzymes in the liver, intestine, and skeletal muscle.