Potential protection of taurine against potassium bromate- induced oxidative damage in human erythrocytes

Potassium bromate (KBrO₃), a strong oxidizing agent, is widely used in various industrial settings, thereby increasing the risk of oxidative damage and subsequent tissue toxicity in individuals who are exposed to it. Additionally, KBrO₃ has been used as a maturing agent and is also generated as a by-product during water disinfection process. Previously, we have demonstrated that KBrO₃ causes oxidative damage to human erythrocytes. The present work shows the protective effects of taurine (2-aminoethane sulfonic acid) against oxidative stress induced by KBrO₃ in human erythrocytes. Erythrocytes from healthy donors were incubated with either KBrO₃ alone or taurine alone and KBrO₃ plus varying concentrations of taurine. The treatment of erythrocytes with KBrO₃ caused disruption in the oxidative-reductive homeostasis as evidenced by severe alterations in antioxidant enzyme functions and a marked depletion in total sulfhydryl content. Exposure of erythrocytes to KBrO₃ also caused the elevation in methemoglobin levels, protein carbonyls, hydrogen peroxide levels, protein oxidation, and lipid peroxidation. However, the KBrO₃-induced cellular/biochemical alterations were greatly protected by taurine. These results suggest that taurine significantly decreases the toxic effects of KBrO₃ in human erythrocytes.