Can Taurine Help Prevent Testicular Atrophy?

Study done in rats. Could this be translated to men on testosterone? Could taurine help HCG work better?


Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2015 Feb 1;282(3):285-96. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2014.12.007. Epub 2014 Dec 24.

Amelioration of nandrolone decanoate-induced testicular and sperm toxicity in rats by taurine: effects on steroidogenesis, redox and inflammatory cascades, and intrinsic apoptotic pathway.

Ahmed MA1.


Abstract
The wide abuse of the anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate by athletes and adolescents for enhancement of sporting performance and physical appearance may be associated with testicular toxicity and infertility. On the other hand, taurine; a free β-amino acid with remarkable antioxidant activity, is used in taurine-enriched beverages to boost the muscular power of athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of the possible protective effects of taurine on nandrolone decanoate-induced testicular and sperm toxicity in rats. To achieve this aim, male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into four groups and administered either vehicle, nandrolone decanoate (10mg/kg/week, I.M.), taurine (100mg/kg/day, p.o.) or combination of taurine and nandrolone decanoate, for 8 successive weeks. Results of the present study showed that taurine reversed nandrolone decanoate-induced perturbations in sperm characteristics, normalized serum testosterone level, and restored the activities of the key steroidogenic enzymes; 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD. Moreover, taurine prevented nandrolone decanoate-induced testicular toxicity and DNA damage by virtue of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. This was evidenced by taurine-induced modulation of testicular LDH-x activity, redox markers (MDA, NO, GSH contents, and SOD activity), inflammatory indices (TNF-α, ICAM-1 levels, and MMP-9 gene expression), intrinsic apoptotic pathway (cytochrome c gene expression and caspase-3 content), and oxidative DNA damage markers (8-OHdG level and comet assay). In conclusion, at the biochemical and histological levels, taurine attenuated nandrolone decanoate-induced poor sperm quality and testicular toxicity in rats.

I put 3grams in my pre-workout.
Is there a suggested/recommended dose?

Sean Mosher said:

I put 3grams in my pre-workout.
Is there a suggested/recommended dose?

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All data is animal-based. The above study with rats used 100mg/kg/day.

If you are a 90 Kg man, that would be huge dose of 9000 mg (9 grams) per day (like two to three teaspoons)

While it is true that taurine was originally isolated from bull semen, it is now produced synthetically. This compound is an “aminosulfonic acid” that is widely distributed in the human body and plays a role in cardiovascular function, development of the nervous system and formation of bile acids.Jul 19, 2018

McGill University › ca › health-you-asked
Why is there a bull on the "Red Bull" logo? | Office for Science and ...

Very interesting! Here's a human study on sperm function (although very limited, n=6, in vitro).
Effects of combined antioxidant supplementation on human sperm motility and morphology during sperm manipulation in vitro.

Nelson Vergel said:

All data is animal-based. The above study with rats used 100mg/kg/day.

If you are a 90 Kg man, that would be huge dose of 9000 mg (9 grams) per day (like two to three teaspoons)

Click to expand...

I read it's better to use surface area when estimating a dose across species.

A simple practice guide for dose conversion between animals and human

ResearchGate

What are the downsides of taking taurine? What would be sides of high doses?

Mountain Man said:

What are the downsides of taking taurine? What would be sides of high doses?

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Taurine is an amino acid that plays several important roles in the body, including supporting heart health, nervous system function, and exercise performance. While taurine supplementation can offer potential benefits, taking high doses over 5 grams per day comes with both advantages and drawbacks.

## Potential Pros

**Enhanced Exercise Performance**

Taurine supplementation may improve various aspects of athletic performance, including:

- Increased oxygen uptake
- Extended time to fatigue
- Reduced muscle damage
- Improved recovery times
- Enhanced strength and power

Some studies suggest that doses of 1-3 grams taken 1-3 hours before exercise for at least 6-21 days may be effective for these benefits[1].

**Cardiovascular Health**

Higher doses of taurine may provide more pronounced cardiovascular benefits, such as:

- Reduced blood pressure
- Improved heart function
- Better blood lipid profiles

In one study, patients with heart failure who took 500 mg of taurine three times daily (1.5 g total) for 2 weeks experienced significant reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein levels[1].

**Potential Therapeutic Effects**

Some research indicates that higher taurine doses may have therapeutic applications:

- A dose of 3 g/day for 8 weeks was shown to reduce inflammatory and lipid peroxidation markers in obese women[4].
- Doses of 6 g/day for 1 month have been studied for potential benefits in portal hypertension[4].

## Potential Cons

**Increased Risk of Side Effects**

While taurine is generally considered safe, higher doses may increase the risk of adverse effects, including:

- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea or constipation[11]

**Potential for Negative Nitrogen Balance**

Using high doses of single amino acid supplements for extended periods may lead to negative nitrogen balance, which can:

- Reduce metabolic efficiency
- Increase strain on the kidneys[5]

**Interactions with Medications**

Higher taurine doses may interact with certain medications:

- It may enhance the effects of blood pressure-lowering medications, potentially leading to dangerously low blood pressure[8].
- Taurine might slow down the elimination of lithium from the body, potentially increasing lithium levels[10].

**Limited Long-term Safety Data**

While some studies have used doses as high as 10 g/day for 6 months without reported serious adverse effects, information regarding the safety of long-term taurine supplementation at high doses is lacking[4].

**Potential Growth Issues in Children**

In children, high doses of single amino acid supplements may cause growth problems[5].

## Conclusion

While taurine supplementation at doses over 5 grams per day may offer enhanced benefits for exercise performance and cardiovascular health, it also comes with increased risks of side effects and potential interactions. Most research suggests that doses of 3-6 g/day are effective for various purposes, and a proposed safe level of consumption is 3 g/day[1][4]. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any high-dose supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Citations:
[1] What Is Taurine? Benefits, Side Effects, and More
[2] Taurine: Benefits and risks
[3] Taurine, energy drinks, and neuroendocrine effects
[4] Taurine Uses, Benefits & Dosage - Drugs.com Herbal Database
[5] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?contenttypeid=19&contentid=Taurine
[6] Taurine benefits, dosage, and side effects
[7] Should I Be Supplementing With Taurine?
[8] What Is Taurine?
[9] Supplementing With Taurine May Improve Blood Sugar—What To Know About This Amino Acid
[10] TAURINE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews
[11] What is taurine? Benefits and side effects
[12] Functional Role of Taurine in Aging and Cardiovascular Health: An Updated Overview - PMC
[13] Taurine May Be a Key to Longer and Healthier Life