Dietary boron as a physiological regulator of the normal inflammatory response: A review and current research progress

Boric Acid Affects Cell Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Oxidative Stress in ALL Cells

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a type of acute lymphoblastic leukemia from early T-cell progenitors. Interest grows in creating less toxic agents and therapies for chemo-resistant T-ALL cancer. Recently, elemental boron has special properties useful in the creation of new drugs. Studies have revealed the cytotoxic properties of boric acid (BA) on cancer, but not fully understood. We aimed to investigate the effect of BA on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in the Jurkat cells. The effects of BA on cell viability were determined by 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay for 24-48-72 h. The impact of BA on apoptosis was analyzed by acridine orange/ethidium bromide. Expression of apoptosis regulatory genes (Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3-8-9) and apoptotic miRNA (miR-21) was used by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and the oxidative stress index (OSI) value were calculated for oxidative stress. We determined the cytotoxic activity of BA on Jurkat cells by using XTT and defined the IC50 concentration (802.7 μg/mL) of BA. The findings clearly show that BA inhibited Jurkat cell proliferation dose-dependently. BA induced apoptosis through downregulated anti-apoptotic genes, and upregulated pro-apoptotic genes. Additionally, we found that BA significantly reduced the expression of miR-21 (p<0.001). Our findings demonstrated that different doses of BA increased TAS levels while decreasing TOS levels in Jurkat cells. Our study suggests that BA might be potential anti-cancer agent candidate in ALL via inhibition of cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and reducing the amounts of anti-oxidants in cells.

Assessment of the effect of sodium tetraborate on oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in lead-induced nephrotoxicity

Exposure to Pb, a toxic heavy metal, is a risk factor for renal damage. Borax, an essential trace element in cellular metabolism, is a naturally occurring compound found in many foods. This study investigated the effects of sodium tetraborate (ST), a source of borax, on renal oxidative stress and inflammation in rats exposed to Pb. Wistar Albino rats (n = 24) were divided into four groups: Control (0.5 mL, i.p. isotonic), Pb (50 mg/kg/day/i.p.), ST (4.0 mg/kg/day/oral), and Pb + ST groups. At the end of the five-day experimental period, kidney tissue samples were obtained and analyzed. Histopathologically, the Pb-induced damage observed in the Pb group improved in the Pb + ST group. Immunohistochemically, Pb administration increased the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and caspase-3. When evaluated biochemically, Pb application inhibited catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzyme activities and activated superoxide dismutase enzyme activity. An increase in malondialdehyde levels was considered an indicator of damage. ST application increases glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity and decreased malondialdehyde levels. These results indicate that ST might play a protective role against Pb-induced renal damage via the upregulation of renal tissue antioxidants and cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and caspase-3 immunoexpression.

Boron Compounds Mitigate 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-Induced Toxicity in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) stands as one of the most potent halogenated polycyclic hydrocarbons, known to inflict substantial cytotoxic effects on both animal and human tissues. Its widespread presence and recalcitrance make it an environmental and health concern. Efforts are being intensively channeled to uncover strategies that could mitigate the adverse health outcomes associated with TCDD exposure. In the realm of counteractive agents, boron compounds are emerging as potential candidates. These compounds, which have found applications in a spectrum of industries ranging from agriculture to pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing, are known to modulate several cellular processes and enzymatic pathways. However, the dose-response relationships and protective potentials of commercially prevalent boron compounds, such as boric acid (BA), ulexite (UX), and borax (BX), have not been comprehensively studied. In our detailed investigation, when peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were subjected to TCDD exposure, they manifested significant cellular disruptions. This was evidenced by compromised membrane integrity, a marked reduction in antioxidant defense mechanisms, and a surge in the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a recognized marker for oxidative stress. On the genomic front, increased 8-OH-dG levels and chromosomal aberration (CA) frequency suggested that TCDD had the potential to cause DNA damage. Notably, our experiments have revealed that boron compounds could act as protective agents against these disruptions. They exhibited a pronounced ability to diminish the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and oxidative stress outcomes instigated by TCDD. Thus, our findings shed light on the promising role of boron compounds. In specific dosages, they may not only counteract the detrimental effects of TCDD but also serve as potential chemopreventive agents, safeguarding the cellular and genomic integrity of PBMCs.

Effect of combined boric acid and chlorhexidine mouthwashes on postoperative complications and periodontal healing after impacted third molar surgery: a-double blind randomized study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of boric acid (BA) combined with chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash on postoperative complications and periodontal healing following impacted third molar surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 80 patients were randomly divided into eight groups. The patients in the study groups received different concentrations of BA ranging from 0.1% to 2.5% combined with CHX or 2% BA mouthwash alone. The control group received CHX mouthwash alone. The scores of self-reported pain and jaw dysfunction, trismus, edema, number of analgesics used, and periodontal parameters were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

2.5% BA + CHX group had significantly lower pain and facial swelling values during the follow-up period. 2% BA + CHX group reported significantly lower jaw dysfunction scores on the fourth and fifth postoperative days. The control group showed significantly higher values for pain, jaw dysfunction, and facial swelling than other groups. No significant differences were found between the groups regarding trismus, analgesic use, and periodontal variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of higher concentrations of BA with CHX was more effective in reducing pain, jaw dysfunction, and swelling following impacted third molar surgery than CHX mouthwash alone.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The combination of BA and CHX showed better results than the gold standard CHX mouthwash in reducing postoperative complications related to surgical removal of impacted third molars without any adverse effects. This new combination can be an effective alternative to traditional mouthwashes after impacted third molar surgery to ensure oral hygiene.

Investigation Covering the Effect of Boron plus Taurine Application on Protein Carbonyl and Advanced Oxidation Protein Products Levels in Experimental Alzheimer Model

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia that occurs in the brain. This is a chronic neurodegenerative disease which is valid in 60-70% of all dementia patients. Boron, regarded as a potential antioxidant, has the effect of reducing oxidative stress. Taurine, as one of the thiol-containing amino acids, exists at different concentrations in both the neurons and glial cells of the central nervous system. It plays an important role in the protective and adjuvant therapies as an antioxidant due to its characteristics of maintaining the oxidant-antioxidant balance of the body as well as cell integrity and increasing body resistance. Based on this information, our objective was to reveal the effect of boron alone, taurine alone plus co-administration of taurine and boron application on brain tissue protein carbonyls (PC) and serum advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels in the experimental Alzheimer's model. For this purpose, 5 groups were formed in our study which consisted of 30 Wistar albino male rats. The rats were given a single dose of STZ stereotaxically. At the end of this period, the rats were decapitated, plus their brain tissues and blood were removed. Our findings suggested that taurine alone and co-administration of boron and taurine had a decreasing effect on AOPP and PC levels of the experimental Alzheimer model of the rats.

Effects of Boron-Containing Compounds on Liposoluble Hormone Functions

Boron-containing compounds (BCC), particularly boronic acids and derivatives, are being increasingly tested as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Some effects of BCC involve phenomena linked to the action of steroid or thyroid hormones; among these, are the effects on muscle mass or basal metabolism. Additionally, some toxicology reports on mammals, including humans, sound an alert concerning damage to several systems, among which are the negative effects on the induction of male infertility. Systemic and local mechanisms to explain changes in metabolism and impaired fertility were collected and presented. Then, we presented the putative pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic mechanisms involved and demonstrated in these events. In addition, it is proposed that there are adducts of some oxygenated BCC with cis-diols in fructose, an essential source of energy for sperm–cell motility, an uncoupling of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and its ligands, and the modulation of the DNA synthetic rate. These effects share the reactivity of boron-containing compounds on the cis-diols of key molecules. Moreover, data reporting no DNA damage after BCC administration are included. Further studies are required to support the clear role of BCC through these events to disrupt metabolism or fertility in mammals. If such phenomena are confirmed and elucidated, an advance could be useful to design strategies for avoiding BCC toxicity after BCC administration, and possibly for designing metabolism regulators and contraceptive drugs, among other purposes. Boronic derivatives and carboranes have been proposed and studied in this field.

Enrichment of boron element in follicular fluid and its potential effect on the immune function

The blood-follicle barrier (BFB) between the blood and follicular fluid (FF) can maintain the microenvironment balance of oocyte. Boron, an exogenous environmental trace element, has been found to possibly play an important role in oocyte maturation. This study aimed to examine the distribution characteristics of boron across the BFB and find the potential effect of boron on FF microenvironment. We analyzed the concentration of boron in paired FF and serum collected from 168 women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in Beijing City and Shandong Province, China. To explore the potential health impact of boron enrichment in oocyte maturation, a global proteomics analysis was conducted to tentatively correlate the protein levels with the boron enrichment. Interestingly, the results showed that the concentration of boron in FF (34.5 ng/mL) was significantly higher than that in serum (22.0 ng/mL), with a median concentration ratio of 1.52. Likewise, the concentrations of boron in FF and serum were positively correlated (r = 0.446), suggesting that boron concentration in serum can represent its concentration in follicular fluid to a large extent.. This is the first time to observe the enrichment of boron in the FF to our knowledge. It is interesting to observe a total of 13 proteins, which mainly belong to immunoglobulin class, were positively correlated with boron concentration in FF. We concluded that boron, as one environmental trace element, was enriched in FF from blood validated by two area in north china, which may be involved in an increased level of immune processes of immunoglobulins.

The Role of Microbiome in Brain Development and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Hundreds of billions of commensal microorganisms live in and on our bodies, most of which colonize the gut shortly after birth and stay there for the rest of our lives. In animal models, bidirectional communications between the central nervous system and gut microbiota (Gut-Brain Axis) have been extensively studied, and it is clear that changes in microbiota composition play a vital role in the pathogenesis of various neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, anxiety, stress, and so on. The makeup of the microbiome is impacted by a variety of factors, such as genetics, health status, method of delivery, environment, nutrition, and exercise, and the present understanding of the role of gut microbiota and its metabolites in the preservation of brain functioning and the development of the aforementioned neurological illnesses is summarized in this review article. Furthermore, we discuss current breakthroughs in the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics to address neurological illnesses. Moreover, we also discussed the role of boron-based diet in memory, boron and microbiome relation, boron as anti-inflammatory agents, and boron in neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, in the coming years, boron reagents will play a significant role to improve dysbiosis and will open new areas for researchers.

Mineral Micronutrients in Asthma

Asthma represents one of the most common medical issues in the modern world. It is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by persistent inflammation of the airways and disturbances in redox status, leading to hyperresponsiveness of bronchi and airway obstruction. Apart from classical risk factors such as air pollution, family history, allergies, or obesity, disturbances of the levels of micronutrients lead to impairments in the defense mechanisms of the affected organism against oxidative stress and proinflammatory stimuli. In the present review, the impact of micronutrients on the prevalence, severity, and possible risk factors of asthma is discussed. Although the influence of classical micronutrients such as selenium, copper, or zinc are well known, the effects of those such as iodine or manganese are only rarely mentioned. As a consequence, the aim of this paper is to demonstrate how disturbances in the levels of micronutrients and their supplementation might affect the course of asthma.

Calcium Fructoborate Prevents Skin Cancer Development in Balb-c Mice: Next Part, Reverse Inflammation, and Metabolic Alteration

Metabolic alterations and inflammation are regarded as hallmarks of cancer. Glycolytic flux and intermediate accumulation lead to the production of building blocks and NADPH which is important in protecting the cell from oxidative damage. Inflammation causes the release of mediators responsible for regulating molecular mechanism affecting metabolic pathways. CaFB due to its cis-diol-rich feature may have the potential to interact with molecules taking part in cancer development. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of CaFB on metabolic alterations and inflammation in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced skin cancer. For this purpose, 92 Balb-c mice were distributed into 6 groups as control, CaFB, DMBA/TPA (D-T), treatment 1 (T1), 2 (T2), and 3(T3). Apart from control and CaFB in other groups, tumors initiated with 97.5-nmol DMBA and 6.5-nmol TPA. Treatment groups received 3 mg/kg/day CaFB with DMBA (T1), with TPA (T2), and after tumor formation (T3). In the D-T group, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) activity, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (PGD), glutathione (GSH), interleukin 6 (IL-6), (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels increased (p < 0.001) while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased (p < 0.001) compared with that in control. CaFB application ameliorated DMBA-TPA effect according to the distribution time. It is noteworthy to consider CaFB as a potential preventive agent in skin cancer development.

Heterocellular spheroids of the neurovascular blood-brain barrier as a platform for personalized nanoneuromedicine

Nanoneuromedicine investigates nanotechnology to target the brain and treat neurological diseases. In this work, we biofabricated heterocellular spheroids comprising human brain microvascular endothelial cells, brain vascular pericytes and astrocytes combined with primary cortical neurons and microglia isolated from neonate rats. The structure and function are characterized by confocal laser scanning and light sheet fluorescence microscopy, electron microscopy, western blotting, and RNA sequencing. The spheroid bulk is formed by neural cells and microglia and the surface by endothelial cells and they upregulate key structural and functional proteins of the blood-brain barrier. These cellular constructs are utilized to preliminary screen the permeability of polymeric, metallic, and ceramic nanoparticles (NPs). Findings reveal that penetration and distribution patterns depend on the NP type and that microglia would play a key role in this pathway, highlighting the promise of this platform to investigate the interaction of different nanomaterials with the central nervous system in nanomedicine, nanosafety and nanotoxicology.

Evaluation of Boron's Adjuvant Activity in Inactive Bacterin Vaccines Using the Mice Model

Vaccination is the most effective, reliable, and economical way of preventing or reducing the effect of infectious diseases. When preparing inactive vaccines, a range of additives called adjuvants are necessary to enhance the magnitude of the immune response. Boron has a wide range of industrial and medical applications, and its positive effects on distinct functions have been described in plants, humans, and animals. However, no studies exist about the possible adjuvant activities of boron compounds in vaccines. Hence, in this study, the potential adjuvant effect of boric acid was explored and compared with common veterinary adjuvants in a mice model. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) used as vaccine antigen was isolated from dairy cows with bovine mastitis. Vaccines adjuvanted with boric acid, aluminum hydroxide, Montanide ISA 50 and ISA 206, and Montanide + boric acid combinations were prepared. The efficacy of vaccines was evaluated according to local reactions at the injection site, C-reactive protein, total Ig G, total Ig M, and anti-S. aureus antibody levels in mice. Boric acid reduced local inflammatory reactions induced by the Montanide adjuvants. Moreover, mice vaccinated with boric acid-adjuvanted vaccine had higher levels of anti-S. aureus antibody than those in the controls (P < 0.05) and were similar to the levels found in mice sensitized with aluminum hydroxide. Total Ig G and Ig M results were, however, unsuitable for the assessment of adjuvant activity for this study. In conclusion, this study revealed that boric acid has an adjuvant potential in inactive bacterin vaccines, but further target animal studies are needed.

Boric acid as an adjunct to periodontal therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of boric acid as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy, in comparison with a placebo adjunct, in terms of changes in probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), in patients with periodontitis.

METHODS

Four electronic databases were searched from inception to May 2020 (PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE via OVID and Web of Science). Clinical outcomes were extracted, pooled and meta-analyses conducted using mean difference with standard deviations.

RESULTS

For PPD, a mean additional reduction of 0.58 mm (95% CI: -0.03-1.19 mm, p = 0.06) was observed at 3 months and a mean additional reduction of 1.18 mm (95% CI: 0.97-1.40 mm, p < 0.05) at 6 months, compared with placebo. For CAL, a mean additional gain of 0.62 mm (95% CI: -0.07-1.32 mm, p = 0.08) was observed at 3 months and a mean additional gain of 1.24 mm (95% CI: 0.89-1.58 mm, p < 0.05) at 6 months, compared with placebo. No adverse events were reported in any studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The adjunctive use of boric acid in non-surgical periodontal therapy results in improved treatment outcomes at 3 and 6 months, with no adverse events reported.

Bioinorganics and Wound Healing

Wound dressings and the healing enhancement (increasing healing speed and quality) are two components of wound care that lead to a proper healing. Wound care today consists mostly of providing an optimal environment by removing waste and necrotic tissues from a wound, preventing infections, and keeping the wounds adequately moist. This is however often not enough to re-establish the healing process in chronic wounds; with the local disruption of vascularization, the local environment is lacking oxygen, nutrients, and has a modified ionic and molecular concentration which limits the healing process. This disruption may affect cellular ionic pumps, energy production, chemotaxis, etc., and will affect the healing process. Biomaterials for wound healing range from simple absorbents to sophisticated bioactive delivery vehicles. Often placing a material in or on a wound can change multiple parameters such as pH, ionic concentration, and osmolarity, and it can be challenging to pinpoint key mechanism of action. This article reviews the literature of several inorganic ions and molecules and their potential effects on the different wound healing phases and their use in new wound dressings.

Dietary boron supplementation enhances sperm quality and immunity through influencing the associated biochemical parameters and modulating the genes expression at testicular tissue

INTRODUCTION

Dietary boron improves immune and antioxidant status and calcium metabolism in mammals. However, till date the effects of dietary boron supplementation on male reproduction, especially on sperm production and sperm quality in farm animals are not documented.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was aimed to investigate the influence of dietary boron on semen production, semen quality, immunity and molecular changes in the testis, blood and seminal plasma and to assess the interrelationship with other minerals in male goats.

METHODOLOGY

The study was conducted in 21 adult male goats divided into 3 groups (control, boron and selenium supplemented groups, n = 7 each). In boron group, boron was supplemented at 40 ppm and in selenium group, selenium was supplemented at 1 ppm over and above the basal level. In control group, only the basal diet was fed without supplementary boron or selenium. The feeding trial was carried out for 60 days. Selenium was taken as a positive control for the dietary boron supplementation experiment. Following feeding trials, the sperm concentration, kinematics and functional attributes, immunity and molecular level changes in the testis, biomolecular changes in the blood and seminal plasma and also interrelationship with other minerals were studied.

RESULTS

The average sperm concentration (million/ml) and the total sperm production (million/ejaculate) were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in boron supplemented group when compared to selenium and control groups. The boron levels in blood plasma (r = 0.65) and seminal plasma (r = 0.54) showed a positive correlation with sperm progressive motility. Blood and seminal plasma metabolic biomarker namely, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p < 0.01) was significantly lower in the boron and selenium supplemented group than control, while alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.05) was significantly lower in the boron supplemented group than selenium and control group. There was a significant increase in the mRNA expression of serine proteinase inhibitor (SERPIN) and interferon γ (IFNγ) in the testis of boron supplemented than the control group. Boron supplementation up-regulated the immune-regulatory gene, interleukin 2 (IL2) and antioxidant gene, catalase (CAT) in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). On contrary, toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) mRNA expression was significantly (p < 0.05) down-regulated in boron and selenium supplemented groups.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed that dietary boron supplementation increased the sperm output, sperm motility and enhanced the immune and antioxidant defense capacity in male goats. The improved semen quality can be attributed to enhanced expression of testicular SERPIN, a crucial protein for the regulation of spermatogenesis process.

Environmental boron exposure does not induce DNA damage in lymphocytes and buccal cells of females: DNA damage in lymphocytes and buccal cells of boron exposed females

Boron (B) compounds are essential for plants and animals and beneficial for humans in nutritional amounts. I animals and humans increasing evidence have shown beneficial effects on B compounds on nutrition and on antioxidant status. The genotoxic effects of environmental B exposure in women living in boron-rich and boron-poor areas was examined in this study. For this purpose, the DNA damage in the lymphocytes and buccal cells of females were assessed by Comet and micronucleus (MN) assays respectively. No significant difference was observed in the DNA damage of the lymphocytes of B exposed groups of female volunteers in Comet assay. Even buccal micronucleus (MN) frequency observed in the high exposure group was significantly lower than the low exposure group (p < 0.05). The results of this study came to the same conclusions of the previous studies that boron does not induce DNA damage even under extreme exposure conditions.

Effects of boron-containing compounds on immune responses: review and patenting trends

INTRODUCTION

Boron-containing compounds induce effects on immune responses. Such effects are interesting to the biomedical field for the development of therapeutic tools to modulate the immune system.

AREAS COVERED

The scope of BCC use to modify immune responses is expanding, mainly with regard to inflammatory diseases. The information was organized to demonstrate the breadth of reported effects. BCCs act as modulators of innate and adaptive immunity, with the former including regulation of cluster differentiation and cytokine production. In addition, BCCs exert effects on inflammation induced by infectious and noninfectious agents, and there are also reports regarding their effects on mechanisms involving hypersensitivity and transplants. Finally, the authors discuss the beneficial effects of BCCs on pathologies involving various targets and mechanisms.

EXPERT OPINION

Some BCCs are currently used as drugs in humans. The mechanisms by which these BCCs modulate immune responses, as well as the required structure-activity relationship for each observed mechanism of action, should be clarified. The former will allow for the development of improved immunomodulatory drugs with extensive applications in medicine. Patenting trends involve claims concerning the synthesis and actions of identified molecules with a defined profile regarding cytokines, cell differentiation, proliferation, and antibody production.

Effect of Boron on the Repair of Osteochondral Defect and Oxidative Stress in Rats: an Experimental Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of boron on the repair of osteochondral defect and also on some antioxidant and oxidant parameters of both cartilage tissue and blood. A total of 24 adult male Wistar rats weighing between 350 and 400 g were used in the study. Animals were randomly divided into control (n = 8), boron (n = 8) and hyaluronic acid (HA) groups (n = 8). Under general anesthesia, a cylindrical full-thickness osteochondral defect 1.5 mm in diameter and 2 mm in depth was formed using a drill on the anterior side of the articular surface of the femur condyle. Boron group received 0.1 ml (10 mg/kg) of boron and HA group received 0.1 ml of HA, whereas control group received 0.1 ml of physiological saline solution. All agents administered intraarticular route and once a week for four times. At the end of the third month, the animals were euthanized and blood and joint tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase levels were measured. Defected femoral condyles of the rats were removed for a histopathological examination. Histopathology revealed that the total cartilage repair score of the HA group was better than those detected in boron and control groups. Blood and articular cartilage GSH, SOD, and catalase levels were higher in the boron and HA groups as compared to the control group, while MDA level was lower compared to the control group. In conclusion, it was suggested that boron was not as effective as HA in the repair of osteochondral defect, but its antioxidant property was superior to HA.

Antifibrotic Effect of Boric Acid in Rats with Epidural Fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Epidural fibrosis is a major problem after spine surgery, with some patients having recurrent symptoms secondary to excessive formation of scar tissue resulting in neurologic compression. We used a rat laminectomy model to determine if topical application of boric acid could be helpful in the prevention of epidural fibrosis.

METHODS

Rats were randomly assigned to 2 control and 2 experimental groups (n = 8 for each group). The negative control group received no surgery, and the positive control group underwent laminectomy only. Experimental groups were classified according to the study agents applied onto the dura mater after laminectomy at the L3 level: 2.5% boric acid solution and 5% boric acid solution. The extent of epidural fibrosis was assessed 4 weeks later macroscopically and histopathologically.

RESULTS

Boric acid reduced epidural fibrosis in rats after laminectomy. The effect of 5% boric acid solution was more pronounced (P < 0.05) compared with the 2.5% solution.

CONCLUSIONS

The antifibrotic effect of boric acid solution for the prevention of epidural fibrosis suggests that boric acid should be further evaluated in future studies for the prevention of epidural fibrosis.

The Physiological Role of Boron on Health

Boron is an essential mineral that plays an important role in several biological processes. Boron is required for growth of plants, animals, and humans. There are increasing evidences of this nutrient showing a variety of pleiotropic effects, ranging from anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects to the modulation of different body systems. In the past few years, the trials showed disease-related polymorphisms of boron in different species, which has drawn attention of scientists to the significance of boron to health. Low boron profile has been related with poor immune function, increased risk of mortality, osteoporosis, and cognitive deterioration. High boron status revealed injury to cell and toxicity in different animals and humans. Some studies have shown some benefits of higher boron status, but findings have been generally mixed, which perhaps accentuates the fact that dietary intake will benefit only if supplemental amount is appropriate. The health benefits of boron are numerous in animals and humans; for instance, it affects the growth at safe intake. Central nervous system shows improvement and immune organs exhibit enhanced immunity with boron supplementation. Hepatic metabolism also shows positive changes in response to dietary boron intake. Furthermore, animals and human fed diets supplemented with boron reveal improved bone density and other benefits including embryonic development, wound healing, and cancer therapy. It has also been reported that boron affects the metabolism of several enzymes and minerals. In the background of these health benefits, low or high boron status is giving cause for concern. Additionally, researches are needed to further elucidate the mechanisms of boron effects, and determine the requirements in different species.

The effects of various levels of boron supplementation on live weight, plasma lipid peroxidation, several biochemical and tissue antioxidant parameters of male mice**: Effects of boron on performance, antioxidant and some metabolits of mice

In this study, live weight, live weight gain, plasma GPx, GR, LDH, ALT activities, triglyceride, total protein, albumin and LPO levels, also liver and brain SOD and GPx activities were investigated after administration of boron (0.10, 0.20 and 0.30 mg/day) into male mice with drinking water for 60 days. Blood albumin and triglyceride levels were not affected with boron (p > 0.05) where triglyceride levels, with increasing amounts of boron, displayed a slight decrease within the normal ranges. From the antioxidant-oxidant balance parameters, LPO and GR levels were not affected from boron, where GPx activity was increased significantly (p < 0.001) comparing the groups of boron and control. LDH and ALT activities were affected significantly (p < 0.001) with decreased ALT and increased LDH levels with increasing amounts of boron. In regards of liver and brain GPx and SOD activities, significant increases were determined. Liver GPx and SOD activities were increased within the groups with the increasing amount of boron, where in brain, SOD (p < 0.05) was affected significantly but GPx (p > 0.05) displayed a gradual insignificant increase. As regards live weight gain, a gradual increase was determined during experimental period, but only the 45th day, the increase was statistically significant (p < 0.05). It is suggested that, new studies on the effects of different doses and compounds of boron in laboratory animals in regards of antioxidant and metabolic effects may be helpful for the understanding of the subject.

Assessing the boron nutritional status by analyzing its cummulative frequency distribution in the hair and whole blood

Boron is a non-essential ubiquitous trace element in the human body. The aim of this study was to assess boron nutritional status by analyzing boron frequency distribution in the long-term biological indicator tissue of hair and the short-term biological indicator of whole blood. Hair samples were analyzed in 727 apparently healthy subjects (263 ♂ and 464 ♀) and the whole blood boron was analyzed in the random subsample of them (80 ♂ and 152 ♀). Samples were analyzed by the ICP-MS at the Center for Biotic Medicine, Moscow, Russia. The adequate reference range for hair boron concentration was (μg∙g^-1) 0.771- 6.510 for men and distinctly lower 0.472-3.89 for women; there was no detectable difference in the whole blood boron for the adequate reference range between men (0.020-.078) and women (0019-0.062). Boron may play an essential role in the metabolism of the connective tissue of the biological bone matrix.

Effect of Boron on Thymic Cytokine Expression, Hormone Secretion, Antioxidant Functions, Cell Proliferation, and Apoptosis Potential via the Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases 1 and 2 Signaling Pathway

Boron is an essential trace element in animals. Appropriate boron supplementation can promote thymus development; however, a high dose of boron can lead to adverse effects and cause toxicity. The influencing mechanism of boron on the animal body remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effect of boron on cytokine expression, thymosin and thymopoietin secretion, antioxidant function, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathway in the thymus of rats. We found that supplementation with 10 and 20 mg/L boron to the drinking water significantly elevated levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2), interferon γ (IFN-γ), interleukin 4 (IL-4), and thymosin α1 in the thymus of rats (p < 0.05), increased the number of positive proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA⁺) cells and concentrations of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) (p < 0.05), and promoted mRNA expression of PCNA and ERK1/2 in thymocytes (p < 0.05). However, the number of caspase-3⁺ cells and the expression level of caspase-3 mRNA were reduced (p < 0.05). Supplementation with 40, 80, and 160 mg/L boron had no apparent effect on many of the above indicators. In contrast, supplementation with 480 and 640 mg/L boron had the opposite effect on the above indicators in rats and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) (p < 0.05). Our study showed that supplementation of various doses of boron to the drinking water had a U-shaped dose-effect relationship with thymic cytokine expression, hormone secretion, antioxidant function, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Specifically, supplementation with 10 and 20 mg/L boron promoted thymocyte proliferation and enhanced thymic functions. However, supplementation with 480 and 640 mg/L boron inhibited thymic functions and increased the number of apoptotic thymocytes, suggesting that the effects of boron on thymic functions may be caused via the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Serum trace elements are interrelated with hormonal imbalance in men with acute ischemic stroke

The objective of the present study was to assess hormonal and trace element status in men suffering from acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

21 acute ischemic stroke patients and 21 age- and body mass index-matched healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Serum trace elements were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Serum hormones and brain damage markers were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Ischemic stroke patients are characterized by significantly higher levels of total and free triiodothyronine (T₃), anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (Anti-TPO-Ab), prolactin, and cortisol, whereas the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was decreased. Serum B, Cu, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, V, and Zn in stroke significantly exceeded the control values, whereas the level of Co and Fe was decreased. Correlation analysis revealed a significant association between serum B and T₃, Anti-TPO-Ab, and iodine concentration; serum Li and Sr levels - with circulating TSH, free T3, and Anti-TPO-Ab; and V concentration - with total T₃ and I levels. The following positive relationships were also revealed: Co - TSH, Mn - free T₃, Zn - free T₃. Multiple linear regression demonstrated that Co, I, and Li were directly related to circulating TSH levels, whereas V concentration was negatively interrelated. In turn, only serum Li levels were characterized by a significant direct relationship with free T3 values.

CONCLUSION

Generally, the obtained data demonstrate that altered serum trace elements are associated with thyroid dysfunction in acute ischemic stroke patients. However, the causal relationship should be estimated.

Boron Affects Immune Function Through Modulation of Splenic T Lymphocyte Subsets, Cytokine Secretion, and Lymphocyte Proliferation and Apoptosis in Rats

This study demonstrated the mechanisms of boron effects in a rat model and provided a scientific basis for the rational of boron use. These findings were achieved by investigating the effects of boron (10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, and 640 mg/L in drinking water or 1.5, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 96 mg/kg BW) on rat serum immunoglobulins (IgGs), splenic cytokines, lymphocyte subsets, as well as on lymphocyte proliferation and apoptosis. Addition of 20 (3) and 40 (6) mg/L (mg/kg BW) of boron to drinking water significantly increased rat serum IgG concentrations, splenic IFN-γ and IL-4 expression as well as the number of splenic CD3⁺, CD4⁺ and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)⁺ cells. Supplementation of drinking water with 40 mg/L (6 mg/kg BW) boron also markedly increased splenic IL-2 expression and the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ cell ratio and reduced splenic CD8⁺ cell number. Supplementation with 80 mg/L (12 mg/kg BW) boron significantly increased CD3⁺ and PCNA⁺ cell numbers (P < 0.05) and decreased the IL-10 expression in the spleen. Addition of 320 (48) and 640 (96) mg/L (mg/kg BW) boron markedly reduced the serum IgG concentrations; splenic IL-2 and IL-10 expression; the number of CD3⁺, CD4⁺ and PCNA⁺ cells; and increased the number of splenic CD8⁺ and caspase-3⁺ cells and promoted caspase-3 expression in CD3⁺ cells. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the supplementation of rat drinking water with 20(3) and 40(6) mg/L (mg/kg BW) boron can markedly enhance humoral and cellular immune functions, while boron concentrations above 320 mg/L (48 mg/kg BW) can have an inhibitory effect or even toxicity on immune functions. These results exhibit a U-shaped response characteristic of low and high doses of boron supplementation on immune function and imply that proper boron supplementation in food for humans and animals could be used as an immunity regulator.

Boric Acid Reduces the Formation of DNA Double Strand Breaks and Accelerates Wound Healing Process

Boron is absorbed by the digestive and respiratory system, and it was considered that it is converted to boric acid (BA), which was distributed to all tissues above 90 %. The biochemical essentiality of boron element is caused by boric acid because it affects the activity of several enzymes involved in the metabolism. DNA damage repair mechanisms and oxidative stress regulation is quite important in the transition stage from normal to cancerous cells; thus, this study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of boric acid on DNA damage and wound healing in human epithelial cell line. For this purpose, the amount of DNA damage occurred with irinotecan (CPT-11), etoposide (ETP), doxorubicin (Doxo), and H₂O₂ was determined by immunofluorescence through phosphorylation of H2AX^(Ser139) and pATM^(Ser1981) in the absence and presence of BA. Moreover, the effect of BA on wound healing has been investigated in epithelial cells treated with these agents. Our results demonstrated that H2AX^(Ser139) foci numbers were significantly decreased in the presence of BA while wound healing was accelerated by BA compared to that in the control and only drug-treated cells. Eventually, the results indicate that BA reduced the formation of DNA double strand breaks caused by agents as well as improving the wound healing process. Therefore, we suggest that boric acid has important therapeutical effectiveness and may be used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases where oxidative stress and wound healing process plays an important role.

Boron Supplementation Inhibits the Growth and Local Expression of IGF-1 in Human Prostate Adenocarcinoma (LNCaP) Tumors in Nude Mice

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a serine protease and one of the most abundant proteins secreted by the human prostate epithelium. PSA is used as a well-established marker of prostate cancer. The involvement of PSA in several early events leading to the development of malignant prostate tumors has made it a target for prevention and intervention. It is thought that PSA cleaves insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), providing increased local levels of IGF-1, leading to tumor growth. Separately, there are data that suggest an enzymatic regulatory role for dietary boron, which is a serine protease inhibitor. In this study we have addressed the use of boric acid as a PSA inhibitor in an animal study. We have previously reported that low concentrations (6 ug/mL) of boric acid can partially inhibit the proteolytic activity of purified PSA towards a synthetic fluorogenic substrate. Also, by Western blot we have followed the degradation of fibronectin by enzymatically active PSA and have found significant inhibition in the presence of boric acid. We proposed that dietary supplementation with boric acid would inhibit PSA and reduce the development and proliferation of prostate carcinomas in an animal model. We tested this hypothesis using nude mice implanted subcutaneously with LNCaP cells in Matrigel. Two groups (10 animals/group) were dosed with boric acid solutions (1.7, 9.0 mgB/kg/day) by gavage. Control group received only water. Tumor sizes were measured weekly for 8 weeks. Serum PSA and IGF-1 levels were determined at terminal sacrifice. The size of tumors was decreased in mice exposed to the low and high dose of boric acid by 38% and 25%, respectively. Serum PSA levels decreased by 88.6% and 86.4%, respectively, as compared to the control group. There were morphological differences between the tumors in control and boron-dosed animals, including a significantly lower incidence of mitotic figures in the boron-supplemented groups. Circulating IGF-1 levels were not different among groups, though expression of IGF-1 in the tumors was markedly reduced by boron treatment, which we have shown by immunohistochemistry. These data indicate that low-level dietary boron supplementation reduced tumor size and content of a tumor trophic factor, IGF-1.This promising model is being evaluated in further studies.

Boron Induces Lymphocyte Proliferation and Modulates the Priming Effects of Lipopolysaccharide on Macrophages

Chemical mediators of inflammation (CMI) are important in host defense against infection. The reduced capacity of host to induce the secretion of these mediators following infection is one of the factors in host susceptibility to infection. Boron, which has been suggested for its role in infection, is reported in this study to increase lymphocyte proliferation and the secretion of CMI by the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peritoneal macrophages in BALB/c mice. Boron was administered to mice orally as borax at different doses for 10 consecutive days, followed by the stimulation of animals with ovalbumin and isolation of splenocytes for proliferation assay. The lymphocyte subsets were determined by flow cytometry in spleen cell suspension. The mediators of inflammation, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and nitric oxide (NO), were measured in culture supernatant of LPS-primed macrophages isolated from borax treated mice. TNF and ILs were measured by ELISA. NO was determined by Griess test. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in macrophages was studied by confocal microscopy. Results showed a significant increase in T and B cell populations, as indicated by an increase in CD4 and CD19, but not CD8, cells. Boron further stimulated the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, NO and the expression of iNOS by the LPS-primed macrophages. The effect was dose dependent and most significant at a dose level of 4.6 mg/kg b. wt. Taken together, the study concludes that boron at physiological concentration induces lymphocyte proliferation and increases the synthesis and secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators by the LPS-primed macrophages, more specifically the M1 macrophages, possibly acting through Toll-like receptor. The study implicates boron as a regulator of the immune and inflammatory reactions and macrophage polarization, thus playing an important role in augmenting host defense against infection, with possible role in cancer and other diseases.

Cytogenetic and oxidative alterations after exposure of cultured human whole blood cells to lithium metaborate dehydrate

Boron compounds have an ability of supporting antioxidant properties in human and animal tissues. Lithium metaborate dihydrate (LiBO2·2H2O; LMD) is commonly used in nonlinear optic materials, cellular phones and pagers. But, there are limited data on the genotoxic and antioxidant effects of LMD in cultured human whole blood cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate for the genotoxicity and antioxidant/oxidant activity of LMD on human whole blood lymphocytes (n = 5). LMD was applied at various concentrations (0-1,280 µg/ml) to cultured blood samples. Antioxidant/oxidant activity was evaluated by measuring the total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity levels. Micronuclei and chromosomal aberration tests were used in genotoxicity studies. Our results clearly revealed that all tested concentrations of LMD were found to be non-genotoxic when compared to that of the control group. In addition, LMD exhibited antioxidant activities at low concentrations. In addition the TOS levels were not changed at all concentrations of LMD. Consequently, our results clearly demonstrated that LMD is non-genotoxic and it has an important antioxidant potential in vitro.

Effect of boric acid on oxidative stress in rats with fetal alcohol syndrome

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study concerning the effect of boric acid (BA) administration on fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). In this study, the aim was to investigate prenatal alcohol-induced oxidative stress on the cerebral cortex of newborn rat pups and assess the protective and beneficial effects of BA supplementation on rats with FAS. Pregnant rats were divided into three groups, namely the control, alcohol and alcohol + boric acid groups. As markers of alcohol-induced oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex of the newborn pups, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were measured. Although the MDA levels in the alcohol group were significantly increased compared with those in the control group (P<0.05), the MDA level in the alcohol + boric acid group was shown to be significantly decreased compared with that in the alcohol group (P<0.01). The CAT activity of the alcohol + boric acid group was significantly higher than that in the alcohol group (P<0.05). The GPx activity in the alcohol group was decreased compared with that in the control group (P<0.05). These results demonstrate that alcohol is capable of triggering damage to membranes of the cerebral cortex of rat pups and BA could be influential in antioxidant mechanisms against oxidative stress resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure.

Update on human health effects of boron

In vitro, animal, and human experiments have shown that boron is a bioactive element in nutritional amounts that beneficially affects bone growth and central nervous system function, alleviates arthritic symptoms, facilitates hormone action and is associated with a reduced risk for some types of cancer. The diverse effects of boron suggest that it influences the formation and/or activity of substances that are involved in numerous biochemical processes. Several findings suggest that this influence is through the formation of boroesters in biomolecules containing cis-hydroxyl groups. These biomolecules include those that contain ribose (e.g., S-adenosylmethionine, diadenosine phosphates, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). In addition, boron may form boroester complexes with phosphoinositides, glycoproteins, and glycolipids that affect cell membrane integrity and function. Both animal and human data indicate that an intake of less than 1.0mg/day inhibits the health benefits of boron. Dietary surveys indicate such an intake is not rare. Thus, increasing boron intake by consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and pulses should be recognized as a reasonable dietary recommendation to enhance health and well-being.

Self-crosslinked oxidized alginate/gelatin hydrogel as injectable, adhesive biomimetic scaffolds for cartilage regeneration

Biopolymeric hydrogels that mimic the properties of extracellular matrix have great potential in promoting cellular migration and proliferation for tissue regeneration. The authors reported earlier that rapidly gelling, biodegradable, injectable hydrogels can be prepared by self-crosslinking of periodate oxidized alginate and gelatin in the presence of borax, without using any toxic crosslinking agents. The present paper investigates the suitability of this hydrogel as a minimally invasive injectable, cell-attractive and adhesive scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Time and frequency sweep rheology analysis confirmed gel formation within 20s. The hydrogel integrated well with the cartilage tissue, with a burst pressure of 70±3mmHg, indicating its adhesive nature. Hydrogel induced negligible inflammatory and oxidative stress responses, a prerequisite for the management and treatment of osteoarthritis. Scanning electron microscopy images of primary murine chondrocytes encapsulated within the matrix revealed attachment of cells onto the hydrogel matrix. Chondrocytes demonstrated viability, proliferation and migration within the matrix, while maintaining their phenotype, as seen by expression of collagen type II and aggrecan, and functionality, as seen by enhanced glycosoaminoglycan (GAG) deposition with time. DNA content and GAG deposition of chondrocytes within the matrix can be tuned by incorporation of bioactive signaling molecules such as dexamethasone, chondroitin sulphate, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) and combination of these three agents. The results suggest that self-crosslinked oxidized alginate/gelatin hydrogel may be a promising injectable, cell-attracting adhesive matrix for neo-cartilage formation in the management and treatment of osteoarthritis.

Effects of boron on structure and antioxidative activities of spleen in rats

In order to determine the relationship between boron and development of the spleen, especially in the promoting biological effects, we examined the effects of different levels of boron on weight, organ index, microstructure, and antioxidative activities of the spleen in rats. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected and treated with different concentrations of boron, and then, the organs were resected and weighed. One half of the tissue was fixed and embedded in paraffin to observe tissue structure changes. The other half of the tissue was homogenated for determining the antioxidant activities. The results showed that 40 mg/L of boron could increase weight, organ indexes, and antioxidant capacity of spleens and improve the spleen tissue structure, while the boron concentration above 80 mg/L could decrease weight, organ indexes, and antioxidant capacity of spleens and damage the spleen tissue structure. The higher the concentration, the more serious the damage was. Especially at the concentration of 640 mg/L, it could significantly inhibit the development of the spleen and even exhibit toxic effect. Hence, low boron concentration played a protective role in the development of the spleen, while high boron concentration could damage the organs and even produce toxic effect.

Calcium fructoborate helps control inflammation associated with diminished bone health

Inflammation has been identified as a possible contributory factor to disruption of the normal bone remodeling process, a process essential to healthy bone mineral density. Several large population-based clinical studies have specifically shown that levels of C-reactive protein, an immune recognition protein that is a sensitive marker of inflammation, are inversely and independently associated with total bone mineral density. The evidence suggests that control of C-reactive protein levels may contribute to bone health by protecting against inflammation's disruption of the equilibrium between bone resorption and bone deposition. Calcium fructoborate, a patented complex of calcium, fructose, and boron found naturally in fresh and dried fruits, vegetables and herbs, and wine, is a sugar-borate ester. A growing body of peer-reviewed, published clinical research indicates that the calcium fructoborate significantly reduces serum levels of the C-reactive protein in humans, suggesting that this unique plant-mineral complex may contribute to bone health by controlling the inflammation associated with loss of bone mineral density.

Boron deprivation alters rat behaviour and brain mineral composition differently when fish oil instead of safflower oil is the diet fat source*

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

To determine whether boron deprivation affects rat behaviour and whether behavioural responses to boron deprivation are modified by differing amounts of dietary long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Female rats were fed diets containing 0.1 mg (9 micromol)/kg boron in a factorial arrangement with dietary variables of supplemental boron at 0 and 3mg (278 micromol)/kg and fat sources of 75 g/kg safflower oil or 65 g/kg fish (menhaden) oil plus 10 g/kg linoleic acid. After 6 weeks, six females per treatment were bred. Dams and pups continued on their respective diets through gestation, lactation and after weaning. Between ages 6 and 20 weeks, behavioural tests were performed on 13-15 male offspring from three dams in each dietary treatment. The rats were euthanized at age 21 weeks for the collection of tissues and blood.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

At ages 6 and 19 weeks, auditory startle was evaluated with an acoustic startle system and avoidance behaviour was evaluated by using an elevated plus maze. At ages 7 and 20 weeks, spontaneous behaviour activity was evaluated with a photobeam activity system. A brightness discrimination test was performed on the rats between age 15 and 16 weeks. Brain mineral composition was determined by coupled argon plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Plasma total glutathione was determined by HPLC and total cholesterol and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2alpha (8-iso-PGF2alpha) were determined by using commercially available kits.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Boron-deficient rats were less active than boron-adequate rats when fed safflower oil based on reduced number, distance and time of horizontal movements, front entries, margin distance and vertical breaks and jumps in the spontaneous activity evaluation. Feeding fish oil instead of safflower oil attenuated the activity response to boron deprivation. In the plus maze evaluation, the behavioural reactivity of the boron-deficient rats fed fish oil was noticeably different than the other three treatments. They made more entries into both open and closed arms and the center area and thus visited more locations. The boron-deficient rats fed fish oil also exhibited the lowest copper and zinc and highest boron concentrations in brain and the highest plasma glutathione concentration. Both boron deprivation and safflower oil increased plasma 8-iso-PGF2alpha.

CONCLUSIONS

Both dietary boron and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids influence rat behaviour and brain composition and the influence of one these bioactive substances can be altered by changing the intake of the other. Brain mineral and plasma cholesterol, glutathione and 8-iso-PGF2alpha findings suggest that rat behaviour is affected by an interaction between boron and fish oil because both affect oxidative metabolism and act the cellular membrane level.