Effect of Taurine on Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background : Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) has been proposed as a surrogate marker to identify diabetic patients at higher risk for CAD. Oxidative stress has been postulated to be involved in the development of atherosclerosis. Objective: The present study was to evaluate the effect of taurine on serum lipids, lipid peroxidation and RBC antioxidant status and vessel changes in type 2diabetes. Design :Twenty individuals T2DM, aged 35 -50 were enrolled. Twenty age and sex-matched healthy individuals served as controls. Taurine was given to both controls and diabetics at a dose of 500mg / day for a period of 30 days. Blood glucose, serum lipids, TBARS in plasma,RBC, antioxidant status in RBC were estimated before and after taurine supplementation. Intima media thickness in both common carotid arteries were assessed by using Doppler B mode ultrsonograghy. Results: Taurine significantly reduced the serum lipids, lipid peroxidation and improved the antioxidant enzymes in diabetics. Intima media thickness was significantly high in type 2 diabetics.Taurine significantly reduced the intima media thickness in both common carotid arteries in type 2 diabetics. Conclusion: Taurine by its antioxidant effect could be useful in retarding atherosclerosis in diabetics and thereby preventing the complications.