Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is crucial for proper muscle functioning. Knockout of the taurine transporter in mice causes low taurine concentrations in the muscle and is associated with myofiber necrosis and diminished exercise capacity. Interestingly, the regulation of taurine and its transporter gets modified in the mdx mouse model for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). 

DMD is a genetic disorder featuring progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to dystrophin absence from the muscle membrane, leading to destabilization and contraction-induced muscle cell damage. This review analyzes the physiological role of taurine in skeletal muscle and the results of a disturbed balance in DMD. It also discusses its potential as a supportive treatment for DMD. In addition to genetic correction, which is currently being investigated as a curative treatment, taurine supplementation can reduce muscle inflammation and improve patient muscle strength.

Promising results have been obtained in the mdx mouse model investigating taurine in terms of inflammation, muscle strength, oxidative stress, etc. They have also shown that taurine supplementation is relevant for DMD pathology. Former clinical trials conducted to evaluate the anti-aging or mood-stabilizing effects of taurine have shown that taurine is well tolerated and considered safe upon appropriate use. However, up until now, no clinical trials have been conducted that evaluated taurine as a treatment for DMD patients.

This study proposes that taurine can act as supportive therapy in combination with glucocorticoids for the treatment of DMD patients. Further studies must evaluate the effectiveness of chronic taurine supplementation.

Merckx C, De Paepe B. The Role of Taurine in Skeletal Muscle Functioning and Its Potential as a Supportive Treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Metabolites. 2022 Feb 19;12(2):193. doi: 10.3390/metabo12020193. PMID: 35208266; PMCID: PMC8879184.