INHIBITORY EFFECT OF TAURINE ON PUROMYCIN AMINONUCLEOSIDE-INDUCED HYPERLIPIDEMIA IN RATS

The protective effects of taurine on hyperlipidemia associated with pu romycin aminonucleoside-induced nephrosis were assessed in male Wistar rats. Administration of puromycin aminonucleoside to rats resulted in hyperlipidemia at the end of 10 days, as indicated by significant ele vation of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids in plasma and liver. A significant increase in plasma lipid peroxides associated wit h lipoprotein fractions was observed in nephrotic rats. Liver lipids a nd lipid peroxides were also higher in these animals. On the other han d, reduced lipoprotein lipase activity was noted in liver of the purom ycin-treated rats. In addition, urinary excretion of cholesterol was a lso high in them. However, treatment of the nephrotic rats with taurin e modified hyperlipidemia with reduction in lipid peroxide and all maj or lipoprotein fractions. Taurine significantly prevented the decrease in lipoprotein lipase activity induced by puromycin. Therefore, our r esults suggest that prevention of hyperlipidemia by taurine contribute s to its therapeutic effects in attenuating the puromycin-induced neph rotic syndrome.