Profiling inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers following taurine supplementation: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of controlled trials

Taurine (Tau) has modulatory effects on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers; however, the results of clinical studies are not comprehensive enough to determine the effect of different durations and doses of Tau supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. The current study was conducted based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. For this purpose, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases were systematically searched to obtain the relevant studies published before 30th March 2021. Meta-analysis was performed on controlled clinical trials by using the random-effects method. Non-linear relationship between variables and effect size was performed using dose–response and time–response analyses. The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool was used to evaluate the quality of included studies. Tau supplementation can reduce the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (SMD = −1.17 µmol/l; 95% CI: −2.08, − 0.26; P = 0.012) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (SMD = −1.95 mg/l; 95% CI: −3.20, − 0.71; P = 0.002). There have been no significant effects of Tau supplementation on the levels of tumor necrosis factors-alpha (TNF-α) (SMD = −0.18 pg/ml; 95% CI: −0.56, 0.21; P = 0.368), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (SMD = −0.49 pg/ml; 95% CI: −1.13, 0.16; P = 0.141). Besides, Tau has more alleviating effect on oxidative stress and inflammation on 56 days after supplementation (P < 0.05). Tau can decrease the levels of CRP and MDA. Based on the currently available evidence, Tau has no significant effect on the level of TNF-α and IL-6. Eight-week of Tau supplementation has more beneficial effects on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.