Taurine Modulation of Renal Excretory Function

Taurine is an important regulator of cellular ion transport and osmotic balance, aspects that are pivotal to renal function. The kidney not only regulates body taurine status, but emerging information also suggests that body taurine status is of consequence for renal function. While reduction in endogenous taurine stores can attenuate renal excretory function, exogenous taurine supplementation is renoprotective and augments kidney function in several conditions that are associated with reduction in diuresis and natriuresis. Thus taurine treatment may be of potential benefit in conditions that are associated with impaired kidney function and the accompanying dysregulation of body fluid and electrolyte homeostasis.