Background: The present study analyzed the synergistic protective effect of β-alanine and taurine against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. Myocardial infarct size, lipid peroxidation, and levels of glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, and the mRNA and protein expression of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator 3 of transcription (STAT3) were determined. The molecular docking was carried out by using AutoDock 4.2.1.

Results: Combined treatment with β-alanine and taurine reduced myocardial infarct size, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory marker, ROS levels, and apoptosis and increased Gpx, SOD activity, GSH, and catalase activity. Furthermore, combined treatment significantly reduced JAK2 and STAT3 mRNA and protein expression compared with the control. The small molecule was docked over the SH2 domain of a STAT3, and binding mode was determined to investigate the inhibitory potential of β-alanine and taurine. β-Alanine bound to SH2 domain with ΔG of -7.34 kcal/mol and KI of 1.91 μM. Taurine bound to SH2 domain with ΔG of -7.38 kcal/mol and KI of 1.95 μM.

Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that the combined supplementation of β-alanine and taurine should be further investigated as an effective therapeutic approach in achieving cardioprotection in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion.