Have you ever heard of this amino acid present in energy drinks, like the Red Bull? Researchers from the University of Rochester, in the United States, have discovered about this molecule: it could be involved in the acceleration of a certain type of cancer.
A possible link between taurine and myeloid cancers
For this work, the researchers have worked on mouse models and human cells of leukemic patients. By studying them with precision, they observed that blocking the entry of taurine into the cells slowed down the progression of cancer in murine.
“”Our current data suggest that it would be useful to develop stable and effective means to prevent taurine from entering leukemia cells“Indicates Dr. Jeevisha Bajaj, assistant teacher of biomedical genetics and author of this work.
On the contrary, when “Leukemia cells manage to absorb taurine, amino acid switches glycolysis“. This then has the effect of degrading glucose. This generates energy and promotes the growth of cancer cells.
Significant taurine levels can cause leukemia
By carrying out this study, they also observed that certain leukemic cells, unable to produce taurine, rely on the carrier coded by the gene, baptized Slc6a6 to extract this compound from the bone marrow and redirect it to the sick cells.
For this reason, “High levels of taurine in bone marrow could promote leukemia growth“They underline. This study opens up a new therapeutic track for the treatment of leukemia.
As Dr. Jane Liesveld explains, co-author of the study, “LA metabolic reprogramming is a characteristic of cancer, and we are just starting to understand its effects on leukemic cells. We have so far concentrated on genetic modifications, but we are now orienting ourselves towards the way in which leukemic cells manage to divert various metabolic pathways to ensure their survival “.
Taurine, biological role and nutritional precautions
As a reminder, taurine is an amino acid sulfur, naturally present in muscles, brain, heart and retina. Unlike conventional amino acids, it does not participate in the synthesis of proteins, but plays an important role in several biological functions. According to the dietician Amélie Cupain, she intervenes in:
- Regulation of heart rate and blood pressure;
- Muscle function, especially in athletes;
- Brain health, where it acts as a neuromodulator, and cell protection against oxidative stress;
- Functions in the nervous system and vision.
“In healthy adults, a balanced diet is generally enough to cover the needs in taurine. However, energy drinks like Red Bull or Monster contain synthetic taurine in very high doses, up to 4,000 mg per liter” recalls the expert.
For her, “These drinks, often associated with a high content of caffeine and sugar, can cause palpitations, heart rate disorders, nervousness, anxiety, even insomnia. They can also cause dehydration, hence the importance of hydrate when you consume it. “
This is why the dietician insists: these drinks must remain occasional, be avoided in children, adolescents, pregnant women and epileptics, and always accompanied by good hydration.