Taurine Reduced Reproductive Performance and DNA Damage Induced by Lead in Drosophila melanogaster

Lead is one of the most important pollutants in the environment and food chain. This heavy metal causes serious health risks, especially cancer, in humans and animals. Taurine is an amino acid that can be synthesized mainly from methionine and cysteine and is used especially in the food industry. This study investigated the possible protective role of taurine on reproductive performance and DNA damage in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to lead. Lead and taurine were added to the broth of D. melanogaster at 100 µM and 3 mM, respectively, for 15 days. The Comet method was used for the determination of DNA damage. It was found that there was raise in DNA damage in the lead-administered groups, whereas taurine reduced the DNA damage induced by lead. In addition, it was determined that lead caused a decrease, whereas taurine had a positive effect on reproductive performance. As a result, it was determined that taurine prevented the negative effects of lead on D. melanogaster and showed protective properties.