Studies on the role of taurine in Friedreich's ataxia

Abstract

New studies were undertaken to verify the previous findings of increased urinary excretion of taurine, in the basal state and after challenge with a taurine load, in Friedreich's disease. Particular attention was paid to possible causes of error such as weight, muscle mass, creatine and creatinine excretion, variability with time and appropriate control groups. Although the overall findings were confirmed, their interpretation is open to question because of all these factors of error. Many possibilities must still be further explored to account for the apparent taurine retention defect observed in many cases of Friedreich's disease.

Taurine, energy drinks, and neuroendocrine effects

“…While specifi c mechanisms have not been fully elucidated, taurine defi ciency has also been identifi ed in patients suffering from diseases including but not limited to disorders of bone (osteogenesis imperfecta, osteoporosis), 128 blood (acute myelogenous leukemia), 129 central nervous system (schizophrenia, Friedreich ataxia-spinocerebellar degeneration), 130,131 retina (retinitis pigmentosa), 132 circulatory system and heart (essential hypertension, atherosclerosis), 133 digestion (Gaucher disease), 134 absorption (short-bowel syndrome), 135 cellular proliferation (cancer), 136 and membrane channels (cystic fi brosis), 137 as well as in patients restricted to long-term parenteral nutrition. 138 However, the apparent correlation between taurine defi ciency and these conditions does not necessarily mean causation; more study is needed to elucidate a direct connection.…”