Clinical implications of taurine in breast cancer

Abstract

Taurine, an amino acid with documented anti-cancer properties, has shown potential in breast cancer treatment. This review focuses on taurine's role in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis by influencing cellular metabolism and enhancing immune responses. Taurine affects energy production pathways and intracellular amino acid levels, leading to reduced tumor growth. It also detoxifies reactive oxygen species in mitochondria and enhances the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, taurine modulates the immune system by increasing antitumor cytokines like IFN-γ and decreasing tumor-promoting cytokines such as IL-10. Furthermore, taurine enhances the effectiveness of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and other effector T-cell subsets, while altering the immunological profile of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (T regs) that suppress immune defenses. This combined immune modulation and metabolic influence of taurine promote tumor cell apoptosis by upregulating pro-apoptotic proteins (PUMA, Bax) and downregulating anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2), potentially preventing metastasis and improving outcomes for breast cancer patients. Factors such as extracellular osmolarity, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient levels (such as folate) can influence taurine uptake. Our review shows taurine's potential as an adjuvant therapy in breast cancer treatment and advocates for more clinical trials to validate its therapeutic benefits. Further research is necessary to determine its clinical efficacy, optimal dosage, and long-term safety.