Influence of boron supplementation on performance, immunity and antioxidant status of lambs fed diets with or without adequate level of calcium

Boric Acid in Milk Replacer as a Health Enhancer and Growth Promoter for Lambs in the Suckling Period

This study was performed to investigate the effects of boric acid supplementation in milk replacer of lambs in the suckling period on performance, biochemical parameters, the antioxidant system, fecal culture, and expression of some genes. During the suckling period, 60 lambs (4 days old) were randomly given four levels of boric acid (0, 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg body weight) via milk replacer for 57 days. The lambs supplemented with boric acid had a higher weight gain and better feed conversion ratio. Boric acid supplementation quadratically increased serum triglyceride, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, serum antioxidant activity and oxidative stress biomarkers, and fecal flora and decreased IL1β, IL10, iNOS, NF-kB, and TNF-α gene expressions. The effect of boric acid on rumen papilla development could not be determined since the animals were not slaughtered. In conclusion, the use of boric acid to lambs in the suckling period improved the average weekly body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency, positively affected some biochemical parameters, antioxidant system, and intestinal flora, and also affected gene expressions related to the immune system. Boric acid supplementation had a beneficial effect on the health and growth of suckling lambs.

Effects of Boric acid as Maternal Feed Additives on the Development and Sex Ratio of Mouse pups

Boron is primarily used in industrial applications, with recent interest revolving around its effects on metabolism. In this study, we administered boric acid (BA), which has positive effects on reproduction, in conjunction with feed supplementation to serve as a model for experimental animal development and breeding. The pregnancy performance, offspring development, and biochemical effects of mice given feed supplemented with BA at concentrations of 0 (control group), 250, and 500 ppm (BA groups) were investigated. A total of 18 female Balb-C mice were utilized for pregnancy. The mice were given the BA-supplemented feed during a period encompassing three weeks of pregnancy and three weeks of lactation. The numbers and weights of offspring born in cages on days 19-21 were determined. Blood and tissue samples were collected from the offspring during the third week postnatal, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant and oxidant status (TAS, TOS, and OSI) levels were determined. A significant increase in female offspring was observed in the groups born to mice fed with BA compared to the control group. Positive development in organ weights was observed in the 250-ppm BA group. The 250-ppm group exhibited a significant increase in TAS compared to the control group, while TOS and MDA levels showed a decrease. Also, the levels of BA groups were found to decrease in both the OSI index serum and organ samples compared to the control group. Thus, the use of 250-ppm BA demonstrated positive effects on female offspring production, organ development, and antioxidant levels.

Effect of Boron Supplementation on Nutrient Utilization and Productive Performance of Peripartum Murrah Buffaloes

Boron (B) has been established as a beneficial micronutrient for some farm animals. However, its impact on coping negative energy balance during transition and subsequent production performance needs critical perusal. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the effect of B supplementation on productive performance, apparent nitrogen (N), and mineral utilization in peripartum Murrah buffaloes. Thirty advanced pregnant buffaloes (60 days prior to expected date of calving) were allocated into three groups, i.e. control, B-200, and B-400, and supplemented with pharmacological concentration of B at 0, 200, and 400 ppm, respectively, from 45 days prior to expected date of calving till 120 days post calving. Two metabolism trials were conducted (with animals having similar expected date of calving), one during prepartum (30 days prior to the expected date of calving) and another during postpartum (90 days post calving) phase to evaluate nutrient utilization and balance of N as well as minerals. Results revealed that B supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) overall plasma nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), whereas plasma level of β-hydroxybutyric acid, insulin, triglyceride, and glucose did not differ (P > 0.05) among the groups. Dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility, and N balance remained unaffected with B supplementation. Higher (P < 0.05) apparent absorption coefficient for magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) was observed in pregnant animals, while during lactation, absorption coefficient of calcium, Mg, and Zn was increased (P < 0.05) in B-supplemented groups. Hence, it can be concluded that alteration in NEFA concentration and variation in apparent absorption coefficient of minerals with B supplementation suggest its role in energy and mineral metabolism. However, further investigations are required to determine the underlying mechanism of action for the present findings.

Transcriptome Profiling of Duodenum Reveals the Importance of Boron Supplementation in Modulating Immune Activities in Rats

As an essential trace element, appropriate boron supplementation can promote immune function of animals. To illustrate the effects of boron in a rat model, RNA-Seq was conducted for the RNA from duodenum after treatment with different concentration of boron in which boron was given in the form of boric acid. More than 47 million reads were obtained in 0, 10, and 320 mg/L boron (0, 57.21, and 1830.66 mg/L boric acid) treatment groups that produced 58 965 402, 48 607 328, and 46 760 660 clean reads, respectively. More than 95% of the clean reads were successfully matched to the rat reference genome and assembled to generate 32 662 transcripts. A total of 624 and 391 differentially expressed candidate genes (DEGs) were found between 0 vs.10 and 0 vs. 320 mg/L boron comparison groups. We also identified transcription start site, transcription terminal site, and skipped exons as the main alternative splicing events. GO annotations revealed most of DEGs were involved in the regulation of immune activity. The DEGs were enriched in influenza A, herpes simplex infection, cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway, and antigen processing and presentation signaling pathways. The expression levels of genes enriched in these signaling pathways indicate that lower doses of boron could achieve better effects on promoting immune response in the duodenum. These effects on the immune system appear to be mediated via altering the expression patterns of genes involved in the related signaling pathways in a dose-dependent pattern. These data provide more insights into the molecular mechanisms of immune regulation in rats in response to dietary boron treatment.

Effect of boron supplementation on laying performance of White Leghorn hens fed diet with and without adequate level of calcium

This study was conducted in White Leghorn layers to ascertain the effect of boron (B) supplementation to calcium (Ca) inadequate diet under standard managemental practices. A total of 80 commercial White Leghorn hens, 25 weeks old with a uniform body weight, were randomly assigned to one of the 4 groups of 20 hens/replicates in each dietary group viz., normal calcium (NC)/Ca adequate, low calcium (LC)/Ca-inadequate, normal calcium with 40 ppm B (NCB) and low calcium with 40 ppm B (LCB). Dietary level of Ca was maintained at two levels, 100 (normal) and 90% (inadequate) of the requirement. Supplementation of B at 40 ppm improved (P < 0.01) egg production of layers from third month of trial as compared to un-supplemented group. Feed conversion ratio of layers was positively (P < 0.05) influenced by B supplementation in Ca-inadequate diet. Egg shell thickness of layers was found to be higher (P < 0.001) in groups supplemented 40 ppm B, irrespective of the level of Ca in the diets. Cracked egg production was also significantly (P < 0.01) lower in B-supplemented groups compared to Ca-inadequate group. Boron supplementation improved Ca retention irrespective of dietary Ca level. Low-Ca diet without boron supplementation resulted in lower retention (P < 0.05) of magnesium and boron. It is concluded that supplementation of 40 ppm B to Ca-inadequate diet ameliorated the lower laying performance in layers and confirms the usefulness of B in such abiotic stress situations.

Bioactive compounds and hepatoprotective effect of Hancornia speciosa gomes fruit juice on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo

Hancornia speciosa Gomes (HS) is a Brazilian fruit tree used in inflammatory disorders by folk medicine. Here we sought to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of HS fruit juice in acetaminophen-induced hepatoxicity model in rats, as well as to perform a comprehensive chemical characterization of phenolics and metals by mass spectrometry. HS showed hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity by decreasing MDA and liver injury markers at healthy control levels. In addition, liver histopathological analysis revealed that HS decreases hepatocellular degeneration. Chemical characterization revealed 16 different phenolics, being chlorogenic acid (150 ± 5 µg/g) and rutin (120 ± 8 µg/g) the major phenolics in HS. Among the 14 micronutrients we identified, zinc and boron were the most abundant metals detected in HS. In line with previous studies involving liver diseases, our data supports evidence that such phenolics and metals present in HS may prevent liver injury induced by acetaminophen.

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.

Nano zinc supplementation in goat (Capra hircus) ration improves immunity, serum zinc profile and IGF-1 hormones without affecting thyroid hormones

The trial was aimed at evaluating probable superiority, if any of nano zinc (NZn) over inorganic zinc (Zn) on immunity, serum minerals and T₃ , T₄ , and IGF-1 hormone profiles in goats. NZn was synthesized by using 0.45 M aqueous solution of Zn nitrate and 0.9 M aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (average particle size 74 nm). Twenty-four male goats were grouped into four groups as per their body weight and were supplemented with either a basal diet with concentrate and straw at 50:50 ratio (Negative control, NC) alone or supplemented with 50 mg/kg Zn (Control) from inorganic Zn source, that is ZnO (IZn-50), 50 mg/kg Zn from NZn (NZn-50) or 25 mg/kg Zn from NZn (NZn-25). No change was observed in thyroid hormone status on zero and 90th day of experimental feeding, but NZn supplementation improved (p < 0.05) IGF-1 level on 90th day serum samples. Zn supplementation improved the humoral immunity in all the groups irrespective of the source. Similarly, cell-mediated immunity (CMI) measured by skinfold thickness after injecting Con-A, was also improved in Zn supplemented groups than control at 6, 12 and 48 h of incubation. NZn-50 animals showed highest HI (haemagglutination inhibition) titre as well as skin thickness. The CD 4 + (cluster of differentiation in %) was more (p < 0.05) in Zn supplemented groups. NZn-50 showed higher (p < 0.05) CD 8 + count than NC and similar (p > 0.05) to IZn-50 and NZn-25 groups without affecting (p > 0.05) the ratio of CD 4 + , CD 8 + among the treatment groups. Thus, NZn supplementation at 25 mg/kg had similar immunity and serum T₃ , T₄ and IGF-1 profiles compared with IZn at 50 mg/kg dose.

Effects of boric acid supplementation on bone health in crossbred calves under tropical condition

INTRODUCTION

Boron (B) is thought to play key role in proper bone growth and development as well as have some role in regulation of minerals such as calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) which act synergistically with vitamin D.

OBJECTIVE

Present study was planned in two phases to assess the effect of optimum and supranutritional levels of (B) in the form of boric acid (BA) supplementation on bone health of growing cross bred calves.

METHOD

During Phase-1, twenty four male crossbred calves were blocked into four groups (n = 6) on the basis of their body weight (154.83 ± 8.5 kg), age (7-9 months) and were supplemented with 0 (C), 2.6 (T-1), 5.4 (T-2) and 10.7 (T-3) g BA for appropriate B (0.175 adjustment factor to calculate B form BA) consumption i.e. 0, 100, 200 and 400 ppm in each group respectively, for 90 days. During phase 2, twenty-one male crossbred calves were divided into 3 groups (n = 7) on the basis of their body weight (103.76 ± 4.34 kg) and age (5-8 months). All the groups were on similar dietary regimen with additional supplementation of boric acid as 0 g (control); 3.6 g (200 ppm B; T-1) and 10.8 g (600 ppm B; T-2), respectively for a period of 120 d.

RESULTS

From the first experiment it is reported that plasma levels of bovine alkaline phosphatase (BALP), type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTx) and Ca were significantly (P < 0.05) affected in T-2 and T-3 groups as compared to T-1 and control groups. Whereas, plasma osteocalcin (OCN) concentration was found to be higher in T-2 and T-3 groups as compared to control group. However, plasma concentrations (ng/mL) of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) remained unaltered due to dietary treatments. Based on the results, another experiment was conducted to validate the above findings and further to determine the effect of still higher i.e supranutritional levels of BA supplementation on bone health of calves. Results revealed that supplementation of BA in T-2 group had no beneficial effect on bone health as the plasma concentration of BALP, OCN, NTx, 25 (OH) vitamin D and Ca as compared to T-1 group in phase 2. Other possible attributes of bone health i.e. plasma concentration of Mg, P, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and calcitonin were not affected by BA supplementation at any levels.

CONCLUSION

Overall from present study it can be concluded that supplementation of boric acid 3.6 g/d (equivalent to 200 ppm B) in the diet of growing animals has positive effect on bone health related biomarkers (OCN, NTx and BALP) and supplementation of supranutritional level of BA i.e. 10.8 g (equivalent to 600 ppm B) level had neither additional beneficial nor harmful effect on bone health of calves.

Boron supplementation in peripartum Murrah buffaloes: The effect on calcium homeostasis, bone metabolism, endocrine and antioxidant status

BACKGROUND

Calcium homeostasis and immuno-endocrine system undergoes drastic changes in peripartum dairy animals and failure to adapt these physiological changes causes major impact on animal health as well as productivity. Boron (B), a newer trace element, influences calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) metabolism as well as immune system by manipulating several hormones or enzyme systems. Present study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary B supplementation on Ca homeostasis, bone metabolism, endocrine and antioxidant status in peripartum Murrah buffaloes.

METHODS

Thirty advanced pregnant Murrah buffaloes (8th month pregnant) were allocated into three groups based on their most probable producing ability (MPPA) and parity (n = 10 in each group) viz. B0, B200 and B400 and supplemented with 0, 200 and 400 ppm of B in the form of boric acid. Blood samples were collected at periodic intervals (-45, -30, -21, -15, -7, 0, 7, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 day relative to expected date of calving) and analysed for minerals concentration, hormonal profile, bone health biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Boron supplementation at 200 and 400 ppm increased (p < 0.05) plasma Ca, Mg and osteocalcin (OCN) concentration during postpartum stage. Higher (p < 0.05) levels of plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin D₃ were observed in both B supplemented groups as compared to B unsupplemented group irrespective of physiological stages. Plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) and cortisol levels were lower (p < 0.05) in both B supplemented groups than B unsupplemented group, especially during postpartum stage. Whereas, plasma ferric reducing total antioxidant power (FRAP) activity was found to be higher (p < 0.05) in B supplemented groups as compared to B unsupplemented group. Furthermore, antioxidant enzymes (erythrocytic superoxide dismutase; SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase; GPx), plasma level of total immunoglobulins (TIg), bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) remained unaffected by dietary B supplementation. Overall, it can be concluded that supplementation of B at 200 ppm in the diet of peripartum Murrah buffaloes helped to induce metabolic adaptations for improving Ca homeostasis, bone metabolism and antioxidant status without much additional benefits at higher level used in the present study.

GPR30 mediated effects of boron on rat spleen lymphocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and immune function

Supplementing different quantities of boron can significantly affect immune function in rat spleen, but the mechanism of action behind this effect remains unclear. Our purpose was to study the involvement of the estrogen membrane receptor GPR30 in the effect of boron on the proliferation, apoptosis, and immune function of rat spleen lymphocytes. Results showed that the addition of 0.4 mmol/L boron had a beneficial effect on the immune function and proliferation of spleen lymphocytes, but the addition of 40 mmol/L boron had opposite effect. After using G-15 to selectively inhibit GPR30, the proportions of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, the content of IL-2 and IFN-γ, and the expression of PCNA protein were significantly decreased, while lymphocyte apoptosis rate increased significantly (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). After G-15 treatment, the addition of 0.4 mmol/L boron had no effects on T cell subsets, lymphocyte proliferation, PCNA protein expression, and IgG and cytokine content (P > 0.05), while the addition of 40 mmol/L boron did not change the effects on lymphocyte subsets, proliferation and apoptosis. The results suggested that GPR30 mediates the effects of 0.4 mmol/L boron boron on the proliferation, apoptosis and immune function of spleen lymphocytes.

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.

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.

Boron, Chromium, Manganese, and Nickel in Agricultural Animal Production

This paper provides an overview of research that has been conducted with manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and boron (B) in poultry, swine, and ruminants. Manganese is an essential trace mineral that functions as an enzyme component and enzyme activator. A deficiency of Mn results in a variety of bone abnormalities, and Mn deficiency signs have been observed under practical conditions in poultry and cattle. Chromium can potentiate the action of insulin, but whether Cr is an essential trace mineral is controversial. Insulin sensitivity has been enhanced by Cr in cattle, swine, and broilers. Responses to Cr supplementation have been variable. Production responses to Cr supplementation have been most consistent in animals exposed to various stressors (heat, cold, weaning, etc). The legality of supplementing Cr to animal diets varies among countries, Cr sources, and animal species. A specific biochemical function for Ni and B has not been identified in mammals. Signs of Ni deficiency have been produced experimentally in a number of animal species. Nickel may affect rumen microbial fermentation in ruminants, as Ni is a component of bacterial urease and cofactor F₄₃₀ in methanogenic bacteria. There is little evidence that dietary Ni limits animal production under practical conditions. Beneficial effects of B supplementation on growth and bone strength have been seen in poultry and swine, but results have been variable.

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.

The vital roles of boron in animal health and production: A comprehensive review

Boron (B) has many beneficial functions in biological, metabolic and physiological processes for plants and animals. It plays a vital role in maintaining animal health and preventing nutritional disorders. Boron deficiency has been correlated with low immune function and high incidence of osteoporosis which increases mortality risk. Extraordinary boron level causes cell damage and toxicity in human and different animal species. In the past few years, attention has been paid to clear the pleiotropic effects of boron including activating of immune response, antioxidant detoxification activities, affecting bone metabolism, enhancing animal performance and modulating various body systems. Furthermore, the role of boron as anti-heat stress agent has been identified in plants and suggested in animals. Liver metabolism also shows significant alterations in dairy cows in response to the dietary supplementation of boron. Likewise, adding boron to animal feed enhances bone density, wound healing and embryonic development. Additionally, boron has a potential impact on the metabolism of numerous minerals and enzymes. In view of the information about boron benefits, high or low level boron merits the concern. As well, researches are required to do more in-depth investigations on boron influences, and to adjust its requirements in different animal species.

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.