Hypercholesterolemia induced by hypothyroidism is ameliorated by taurine supplementation through the hepatic AMPK/ACC pathway.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of taurine supplementation on the lipid profile of male hypothyroid Wistar rats.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Adult male Wistar rats were induced to hypothyroidism by treatment with 0.03% methimazole in drinking water. After 21 days, half of the hypothyroid animals received daily taurine supplementation by gavage (520 mg/kg b.w.), while the other half received water. Control animals received taurine at the same dose or water by gavage for an additional 21 days, totaling 42 days of treatment. The groups were: Control (C), Taurine (T), Hypothyroid (H), and Hypothyroid + Taurine (H+T) (n = 5-20/group). Data were expressed as mean ± SEM, and statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-test.

RESULTS

Hypothyroidism increased serum total cholesterol (TC) and LDL levels, which were reduced by taurine supplementation. Hepatic diacylglycerol concentration increased with taurine supplementation, but this effect was not observed in hypothyroid animals. Taurine increased AMPK and ACC phosphorylation in the liver independently of thyroid hormone levels.

CONCLUSION

Hypothyroidism induces changes in the lipid profile, particularly increasing TC and LDL cholesterol levels. Taurine supplementation in hypothyroid rats partially reversed lipid alterations and increased AMPK and ACC phosphorylation in the liver, suggesting metabolic benefits.