Taurine Administration Counteracts Aging-Associated Impingement of Skeletal Muscle Regeneration by Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Abstract: Sarcopenia, which occurs during aging, is characterized by the gradual loss of skeletal\r\nmuscle mass and function, resulting in a functional decline in physical abilities. Several factors\r\ncontribute to the onset of sarcopenia, including reduced regenerative capacity, chronic low-grade\r\ninflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased oxidative stress, leading to the activation of\r\ncatabolic pathways. Physical activity and adequate protein intake are considered effective strategies\r\nable to reduce the incidence and severity of sarcopenia by exerting beneficial effects in improving\r\nthe muscular anabolic response during aging. Taurine is a non-essential amino acid that is highly\r\nexpressed in mammalian tissues and, particularly, in skeletal muscle where it is involved in the\r\nregulation of biological processes and where it acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory factor.\r\nHere, we evaluated whether taurine administration in old mice counteracts the physiopathological\r\neffects of aging in skeletal muscle. We showed that, in injured muscle, taurine enhances the regenerative process by downregulating the inflammatory response and preserving muscle fiber integrity.\r\nMoreover, taurine attenuates ROS production in aged muscles by maintaining a proper cellular\r\nredox balance, acting as an antioxidant molecule. Although further studies are needed to better\r\nelucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effect of taurine on skeletal muscle\r\nhomeostasis, these data demonstrate that taurine administration ameliorates the microenvironment\r\nallowing an efficient regenerative process and attenuation of the catabolic pathways related to the\r\nonset of sarcopenia.