Title: Molecule of millennium - Taurine; & its analogues: A new class of therapeutics in human welfare

Biography:

Ramesh Gupta is vice chancellor of Radha Govind University, India and is former Pro Vice Chancellor of Nagaland Central university India, had obtained PhD as the age of 23 years. Ramesh Gupta is a Medicinal & Bioorganic Chemist and has worked for several years as a visiting Professor/Scientist in various medical schools; Louis Pasture University, France; University of Arizona, USA; Osaka University & Nagoya University, Japan.

Abstract

Chemicals are not single minded, in differ environment they me be friend or foe. Human body is reservoir of a large number of molecules with diverse nature of chemical identities influencing the mind and mood. Amino acids constitute a large portion with such agents; one of such agent is Taurine (2-Amino Ethane Sulfonic Acid). Its content is high in several human tissues like, heart, brain, liver, kidney and eye. Taurine is 0.1 % of total body weight amounting 70 g in a normal human of 70 kg. It has beneficial actions in epilepsy, hypertension, congestive heart failure, liver & eye and in some others. Its preventing role is increasing in various life threaten diseases. Bone loss in women is an age old problem where it has helping hand. It has been patented for several symptoms and diseases and found to have clinical utility. But being an amino acid, therapeutic use confronts limitations; restricted permeability, higher doses and many more; necessitate to relook for the development of pro-drugs (analogues) of taurine exploiting various structural alterations in carbon chain, amino and sulfonic ends. A large number of taurine derivatives have been reported with partial to marked activity. Taurine derivatives like taltarimide, acomprosate and tauromustine are already in use as anticonvulsant, anti-alcoholic and anti cancer agents. Taurine is now part of several energy drinks, functional food, nutriceuticals, and anti-ageing formulas. The in depth analysis of these analogues and their biological actions can provide certain clues for further consideration. In presentation attempts have been made to provide synopsis, synthesis and symbiosis of its chemical and biological actions, which may facilitate further research in this area. The successful journey of these heterocycles to clinical utility is a healthy and happy sign and an index of bright future in alleviating such suffering.