Investigation of the protective effect of boric acid against hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic injury induced by acrylamide in rats / Investigación del efecto protector del ácido bórico contra lesiones hepatotóxicas y nefrotóxicas inducidas por acrilamida en ratas

SUMMARY: To investigate if the administration of boric acid (BA) would exert any protective effect against possible nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity induced by the exposure to acrylamide (ACR) in rats. In our study, we used a total of 28 rats that were divided into four equal groups. Group 1: the control group which was not treated with any procedure. Group 2: the ACR group that was administered ACR 50 mg/kg/day via intraperitoneal (i.p) route for 14 days. Group 3: the BA group that was administered BA 200 mg/kg/ day via gavage via peroral (p.o) route for 14 days. Group 4: the ACR+BA group that was administered BA simultaneously with ACR. Total antioxidant and oxidant (TAS/TOS) capacities were measured in all groups at the end of the experiment. In addition, the specimens obtained were evaluated with histopathological examination. Studies showed that the ACR and ACr+BA groups were not significantly different in terms of hepatic TAS level while the TOS level was higher in the ACR group than the ACR+BA group. The groups did not show any significant difference regarding renal TAS and TOS levels. In the histopathological examination of the hepatic tissue, the histopathological injury score of the ACR group was significantly higher than those of the other groups whereas it was significantly lower in the ACR+BA group than the ACR group. Our study concluded that Boric acid had a protective effect against acrylamide- induced hepatotoxicity, but not against nephrotoxicity.

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar si la administración de ácido bórico (BA) ejercería algún efecto protector frente a la posible nefrotoxicidad y hepatotoxicidad inducida por la exposición a acrilamida (ACR) en ratas. En nuestro estudio, utilizamos un total de 28 ratas que se dividieron en cuatro grupos iguales. Grupo 1: grupo control que no fue tratado. Grupo 2: grupo ACR al que se le administró ACR 50 mg/kg/día por vía intraperitoneal (i.p) durante 14 días. Grupo 3: grupo BA al que se le administró BA 200 mg/kg/día por sonda por vía peroral (p.o) durante 14 días. Grupo 4: grupo ACR+BA al que se administró BA simultáneamente con ACR. Las capacidades antioxidantes y oxidantes totales (TAS/TOS) se midieron en todos los grupos al final del experimento. Además, los especímenes obtenidos fueron evaluados con examen histopatológico. Los estudios demostraron que los grupos ACR y ACr+BA no fueron significativamente diferentes en términos del nivel hepático de TAS, mientras que el nivel de TOS fue mayor en el grupo ACR que en el grupo ACR+BA. Los grupos no mostraron ninguna diferencia significativa con respecto a los niveles renales de TAS y TOS. En el examen histopatológico del tejido hepático, la puntuación de lesión histopatológica del grupo ACR fue significativamente mayor que la de los otros grupos, mientras que fue significativamente menor en el grupo ACR+BA que en el grupo ACR. Nuestro estudio concluyó que el ácido bórico tiene un efecto protector contra la hepatotoxicidad inducida por acrilamida, pero no contra la nefrotoxicidad.

Clinical Efficacy of Tacrolimus Ointment + 3% Boric Acid Lotion Joint Chinese Angelica Decoction in Chronic Perianal Eczema.

OBJECTIVE: To unearth the clinical efficacy of tacrolimus ointment + 3% boric acid lotion joint Chinese angelica decoction in chronic perianal eczema. METHODS: Patients with chronic perianal eczema admitted to hospital from June 2018 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients in the control group (n = 38) underwent basic therapy with tacrolimus ointment + 3% boric acid lotion, whereas those in the observation group (n = 38) were given oral Chinese angelica decoction on the basis of the above therapy. Patient's baseline information before therapy and clinical symptoms after therapy were observed and compared, including pruritus ani score, anus drainage and damp score, skin lesion score, skin lesion area score, life quality index score, and IL-2, IL-4, and IgE levels in serum. Overall efficacy in the two groups was also evaluated. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the baseline information between the observation group and control group before therapy. After therapy, pruritus ani score (P = 0.023), anus drainage and damp score (P = 0.041), skin lesion score (P = 0.025), and skin lesion area score (P = 0.035) of patients in the observation group were remarkably lower than those in the control group. Significantly higher release levels of clinical symptoms of patients in the observation group were indicated. With respect to the control group, the life quality score (P = 0.020) and IgE level in serum (P = 0.003) of patients in the observation group were significantly lower, while IL-4 level in serum was significantly higher (P = 0.129). The therapy in the observation group achieved better clinical efficacy. Overall efficacy in the observation group was markedly favorable with respect to the control group. CONCLUSION: With respect to tacrolimus ointment + 3% boric acid lotion, patients with chronic perianal eczema displayed better clinical efficacy after jointly being treated by Chinese angelica decoction.

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 ±â€¯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 ±â€¯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.

Suitability of boric acid as a boron drug for boron neutron capture therapy for hepatoma.

Hepatoma is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Due to the poor outcomes of patients with late diagnosis, newer treatments for hepatoma are still needed. As an emerging therapy, boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) may be an effective solution in hepatoma management. In this study, boric acid (BA) was used as the boron drug for in vivo analysis of action mechanism. The N1S1 single liver tumor-bearing rat and the VX2 multifocal liver tumor-bearing rabbit models were used to investigate the retention status of BA in the tumor regions during BNCT. The autoradiographic examination showed BA can localize specifically not only in the hepatoma cells but also in tumor blood vessels. Our findings indicate that superior hepatoma targeting could be achieved in BA-mediated BNCT, which supports BA to be a suitable boron drug for BNCT for hepatoma.

In vitro effects of boric acid on human liver hepatoma cell line (HepG2) at the half-maximal inhibitory concentration.

BACKGROUND: Boron is a prominent part of the human diet and one of the essential trace elements for humans. Dietary boron is mostly transformed into boric acid within the body and has been associated with desirable health outcomes. Non-dietary resources of boron, such as boron-based drugs and occupational exposure, might lead to excessive boron levels in the blood and provoke health adversities. The liver might be particularly sensitive to boron intake with ample evidence suggesting a relation between boron and liver function, although the underlying molecular processes remain largely unknown. METHODS: In order to better understand boron-related metabolism and molecular mechanisms associated with a cytotoxic level of boric acid, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of boric acid for the hepatoma cell line (HepG2) was determined using the XTT assay. Cellular responses followed by boric acid treatment at this concentration were investigated using genotoxicity assays and microarray hybridizations. Enrichment analyses were carried out to find out over-represented biological processes using the list of differentially expressed genes identified within the gene expression analysis. RESULTS: DNA breaks were detected in HepG2 cells treated with 24 mM boric acid, the estimated IC50-level of boric acid. On the other hand, pleiotropic transcriptomic effects, including cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, and apoptosis as well as altered expression of Phase I and Phase II enzymes, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism were discerned in microarray analyses. CONCLUSION: HepG2 cells treated with a growth-inhibitory concentration of boric acid for 24 h exhibited a senescence-like transcriptomic profile along with DNA damage. Further studies might help in understanding the concentration-dependent effects and mechanisms of boric acid.

Efficacy and safety of terbinafine hydrochloride spray and 3% boric acid alcohol ear drops in otomycosis.

Background: Although otomycosis is a disease spread throughout the world, there are only a few of studies about it.Objective: We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of terbinafine hydrochloride spray (THS) in combination with 3% boric acid alcohol (3% BAA) ear drops compared to 3% BAA ear drops in otomycosis.Methods: This was a randomised, parallel-group, double-blind study involving 320 patients of both sexes aged 18 years or older.Results: The clinical cure rate was higher (p = .01) with THS in combination with 3% BAA ear drops than with 3% BAA ear drops alone. The change of mean total symptom score was significant with THS in combination with 3% BAA ear drops (p = .035). No differences were found in the percentage of patients reporting resolution of otalgia between patients receiving THS in combination with 3% BAA ear drops and those receiving only 3% BAA ear drops. Resolution rates of pruritus, otorrhea, aural fullness, tinnitus and hypoacusis (p = .005, p = .004, p = .002, p = .001, p = .004, respectively) was higher with THS in combination with 3% BAA ear drops, as was eradication (p = .001). There were seven mild adverse events, three with the THS in combination with 3% BAA ear drops (not related to the treatment) and four when 3% BAA was administered alone (not related to the treatment).Conclusions: THS in combination with 3% BAA ear drops is a more effective treatment for otomycosis than 3% BAA ear drops alone. The THS in combination with 3% BAA ear drops also has an excellent safety profile.Significance: To provides a safe and effective method for treating otomycosis.

The Role of Oxidative Stress, Renal Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Post Ischemic Reperfusion Injury of Kidney Tissue: the Protective Effect of Dose-Dependent Boric Acid Administration.

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with a strong inflammatory and oxidative stress response to hypoxia and reperfusion that impair organ function. We aimed to investigate the role of oxidative stress, renal inflammation, and apoptosis in the injury of the kidney tissue after ischemic reperfusion, and the protective effect of dose-dependent boric acid administration. For this purpose, 35 Sprague Dawley albino rats were divided into five groups of seven animals in each group: Sham, I/R and I/R + boric acid (BA) (i.p at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). All animals underwent nephrectomy (the right kidney was removed) and were expected to recover for 15 days. After recovery, each animal received 45 min of ischemia. BA was injected intraperitoneally 10 min before reperfusion and a 24-h reperfusion procedure was performed. Sham group only underwent surgical stress procedure. In order to investigate the oxidative stress induced by I/R injury and antioxidant effects of different BA doses in the kidney tissue, TAS, TOS, MDA, SOD, CAT, and GSH levels were measured. DNA fragmentation, cytochrome C levels, caspase 3 activity were measured to determine apoptotic index in tissue. IL-6 and TNF-α levels were measured in the evaluation of inflammation. Hematoxylin-eosin and TUNEL staining was performed for histopathological examinations. As a result, increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis after I/R were decreased with different doses of BA treatment. The application of high-dose BA was found to be lower in anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects than in the low-dose groups.

Efficacy of orally toxic sugar baits against contact-insecticide resistant culex quinquefasciatus.

In recent years, attractive toxic sugar bait has been used in the mosquito control in nature, and achieved good control effects. However, the current researches about toxic sugar bait did not focus on whether the wild mosquito population used for control is resistant or not. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the toxic sugar bait against mosquito resistant populations to test the effects of bait on the control of mosquitoes with different levels of resistance. Boric acid, dinotefuran and deltamethrin were separately formulated into toxic sugar bait to test their anti-mosquito activity against Culex quinquefasciatus. Using the sugar baits formulated with boric acid and dinotefuran, the mortality of Cx. quinquefasciatus resistant populations was significantly higher than that of sensitive populations at the same concentration. Conversely, with the use of sugar baits formulated with deltamethrin, the mortality of Cx. quinquefasciatus resistant populations was significantly lower than that of sensitive populations at the same concentration. The results suggested that toxic sugar baits might have a good application prospect in high resistant mosquito management.

Efficacy and safety of boric acid as a preventive treatment against Saprolegnia infection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Saprolegniosis is a worldwide fungal-like infection affecting freshwater fishes and their eggs. Reports show high mortalities and subsequent economic losses annually from Saprolegnia infections. Most therapeutants against Saprolegnia spp. infections are inefficient and some have negative impact on the environment. In this study, we have investigated the ability of boric acid (BA) to prevent Saprolegnia infection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). BA inhibited radial growth of Saprolegnia hyphae in vitro. Complete in vitro growth inhibition was found at a concentration of ≥0.6 g/L. Inhibitory effects were also observed in vivo when Nile tilapia were experimentally challenged with Saprolegnia spores and followed over 10 days post challenge and under continuous exposure to different BA concentrations. No signs of saprolegniosis were observed in fish treated with BA at concentrations of 0.4 g/L and above. Comet assay revealed that BA has low toxicity in tilapia continuously exposed to concentrations of 0.2-0.6 g/L for 96 h. Additionally, no significant histomorphological changes were observed in BA-treated fish compared to non-treated controls. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) enzyme levels indicated reduction in systemic tissue damage associated with Saprolegnia infection. This study demonstrates the potential of BA as a prophylactic measure against Saprolegnia infection in tilapia, and we recommend additional studies on environmental impact.

A pilot study of the in vitro antimicrobial activity and in vivo residual activity of chlorhexidine and acetic acid/boric acid impregnated cleansing wipes.

BACKGROUND: Topical antimicrobials are recommended for first line treatment of surface and superficial infections in dogs. This is especially important given the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistant infections. Antimicrobial wipes have become popular, but there are a lack of controlled studies assessing their in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo residual activity. We aimed to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of two commercial antimicrobial wipes against frequently isolated pathogens. Ten clinical and one reference isolate each of meticillin-susceptible Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MSSP), meticillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP), Escherichia coli (EC), extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli (ESBL-EC), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and Malassezia pachydermatis (MP) were tested using a modified Kirby-Bauer technique. Each isolate was tested against 6 mm discs of chlorhexidine (CHX) and acetic acid/boric acid (AABA) wipes, and positive and negative controls either overnight (bacteria) or for 3 days (Malassezia). Healthy dogs were treated with the wipes and distilled water on a randomised flank (n = 5 each). Hair samples (1 cm; 0.1 g) taken at days 0, 1 and 3 were inoculated with an isolate of each organism. Zones of inhibition (ZI) were measured. RESULTS: All isolates produced confluent growth with AABA and control wipes, except for the cleansing wipes and MP (median ZI 12 mm; 95% CI 8.2-15.8). The median (95% CI) CHX wipe ZIs (mm) were: MP 48.0 (47.0-49.0), MSSP 15.6 (14.2-17.0), MRSP 14.0 (13.6-14.4), EC 13.6 (12.0-15.2) and ESBL-EC 10.0 (9.4-10.6). PA showed confluent growth. The differences between the bacterial isolates was significant (Kruskal-Wallis p < 0.0001; post-tests MSSP = MRSP = EC > EBSL-EC > PA). Confluent growth was visible with all the hair samples. CONCLUSION: CHX but not AABA showed in vitro efficacy against MSSP, MRSP, EC and MP. ESBL-EC were less susceptible and there was no activity against PA. There was no residual activity on hair. Additional studies are required to determine efficacy of these products in clinically affected patients.

Clinicians' Use of Intravaginal Boric Acid Maintenance Therapy for Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis and Bacterial Vaginosis.

A retrospective chart review characterized clinicians' use of maintenance intravaginal boric acid for women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis or bacterial vaginosis. Average length of use was 13 months with high patient satisfaction and few adverse events. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of maintenance boric acid for these conditions.

Cardiac arrest induced by the intentional ingestion of boric acid and mirtazapine treated by percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Mirtazapine has a good tolerability and safety profile that demonstrates several benefits over other antidepressants and it is associated with few fatalities. Boric acid is an odorless white powder that is generally not recognized as a poisonous substance. We report a case of cardiac arrest induced by the intentional ingestion of mirtazapine, boric acid, and sennosides, by a patient who required percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass. CASE PRESENTATION: Our patient was a 49-year-old Japanese woman with a history of depression; she was found in an unconscious state after ingesting boric acid (unknown amount), mirtazapine (1950 mg), and sennosides (780 mg). On arrival, she was in a deep coma with marked hypotension induced by atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, and diffuse hypokinetic cardiac motion. She had systemic diffuse erythema. Her serum concentrations of boric acid and mirtazapine on arrival were 560.49 mg/L and 1270 ng/mL, respectively. She experienced repeated cardiac arrest, and was therefore treated with tracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass, and continuous hemodialysis filtration. Stable circulation and respiration and a normal kidney function were finally obtained and she was transferred to a local medical facility in a persistent unconscious state. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case of a return of spontaneous circulation after cardiac arrest induced by the intentional ingestion of boric acid and mirtazapine, requiring percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass for survival. To maintain cerebral perfusion during percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass, even in a prolonged state of cardiac arrest induced by overdose, is medically, ethically, and economically challenging.

Hepato-preventive and anti-apoptotic role of boric acid against liver injury induced by cyclophosphamide.

This study aims to examine cyclophosphamide (CP) exsposure associated toxicity on rat livers and the likely defensive effects of boric acid (BA). The rats used in this study were divided into four groups: control group, CP group, BA group, and BA + CP group. The present study was carried out using routine histological H&E stain, immunohistochemical stain caspase-3 as apoptotic marker, serum biochemical analysis for liver function markers (alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkalen phosphatase (ALP)), oxidative stress markers (total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and total antioxidant capacity marker (TAC)). In the CP group, the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, TOS, OSI and caspase-3 increased whereas TAC levels decreased compared with the control group. In the BA + CP group, the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, TOS, OSI and caspase-3 decreased whereas TAC levels increased compared with the CP group. The histopathological evaluation of light microscope images and immunohistochemical caspase-3 activity in the BA + CP group were found to be decrease compared with those in the CP group. In conclusion, BA was successful in defending the liver against apoptosis and histopathological changes that are attributable to CP.

Propolis and Its Combination with Boric Acid Protect Against Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, DNA Damage, and Apoptosis in Rats.

Ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury which causes kidney dysfunction is one of the most studied diseases directly linked to oxidative stress. In this regard, it is important to protect cells against damage by inducing antioxidant response. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic roles and possible mechanisms of propolis and boric acid in kidney I/R injury based on relevant basic research and clinical studies. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 50 min of ischemia followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Animals were randomly divided into a control group (the abdominal wall was just opened and closed), an I/R injury group, the propolis intervention group (200 mg/kg, intragastric administration, 1 h before ischemia), boric acid intervention group (14 mg/kg, intragastric administration 1 h before ischemia), and the propolis + boric acid intervention group (intragastric administration 1 h before ischemia). Kidney function, the antioxidant defensive system, and renal damage were assessed. In addition, the oxidative stress and inflammatory status were estimated in renal tissue. Furthermore, DNA damageand apoptosis were detected by immunohistochemistry. When compared with I/R group, propolis alone and especially propolis + boric acid groups significantly improved functional parameters. While the antioxidant response was increased, renal injury size and apoptosis were significantly decreased in both groups. Also, the MDA and TNF-α levels besides the 8-OHdG formation were downregulated. According to these outcomes, it can be said that especially propolis together with boric acid ameliorates kidney injury caused by I/R through acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic agent. In conclusion, propolis alone and its combination with boric acid could be developed as therapeutic agents against serious renal I/R injuries.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial and intestinal integrity properties of boric acid in broiler chickens infected with Salmonella enteritidis: Proof of concept.

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of boric acid (BA) on Salmonella enteritidis colonization, intestinal permeability, total intestinal IgA levels, and cecal microbiota composition in broiler chickens. For this purpose, sixty day-old-chicks were randomly allocated to one of two groups: 1) non-treated control group and 2) 0.1% (w/w) BA in feed. All chicks were challenged with 104 cfu of S. Enteritidis per bird at 1-d old. On day 3 and 10 post-challenge, samples of crop and ceca-cecal tonsils (CCT) were aseptically collected to evaluate overall aerobic and lactic acid bacteria, as well as S. Enteritidis recovery. Blood and intestinal samples were also collected to evaluate intestinal permeability and total intestinal IgA production, respectively. On day 10 post-challenge, the concentration of S. Enteritidis in crop and CCT significantly decreased (P < .05) by 2.60 log10 and 5.26 log10, respectively, in the BA group compared to the control group. Furthermore, chickens treated with 0.1% BA had a significant reduction in serum fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) concentration and lower total intestinal IgA levels when compared to the control group. Interestingly, in the microbiota analysis, only the abundance of Actinobacteria phylum was significantly lower in the BA group in comparison with the control group and significant differences in beta diversity were also observed between comparing groups. The results of the present study suggest that BA could maintain intestinal homeostasis, as well as the balance in the microbiota due to its effectiveness in controlling S. Enteritidis infection.

Effects of boric acid on bone formation after maxillary sinus floor augmentation in rabbits.

PURPOSE: Augmentation of the maxillary sinus floor with bone grafting is commonly used for successful treatment of edentulous posterior maxilla with dental implants, and it is essential to maintain good bone volume and quality for long-term success of dental implants. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the local and systemic effects of boric acid on new bone formation after maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four male, New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups with eight rabbits each, and bilateral MSFA was performed in each animal. An autogenous bone/xenograft mixture was used to augment the maxillary sinuses in each group. Group 1 was determined as control with no additional materials, whereas 3 mg/kg boric acid (BA) was added to the mixture in group 2, and 3 mg/kg boric acid solution added to drinking water daily in group 3. RESULTS: The animals were sacrificed and also histologic, histomorphometric, and immunnohistochemical analyses were performed at weeks 4 and 8. At week 4, bone regeneration was better in the local BA group than in the control and systemic BA groups (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found among the groups in terms of bone regeneration at the end of week 8 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Significant higher new bone formation was revealed by BA at early healing especially with local application. BA may be a therapeutic option for improving the bone regeneration.

Effectiveness of Boric Acid by Ingestion, But Not by Contact, Against the Common Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae).

Boric acid has been used as an insecticide in the successful control of agricultural, public health and urban pests long before the advent of synthetic organic pesticides. Boric acid products, formulated as dusts, sprays, granular baits, pastes, gels, and liquids, are widely available to consumers and pest management professionals, especially to control pest infestations within homes. Boric acid dust is commonly used against bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L. [Hemiptera: Cimicidae]), but its efficacy has not been demonstrated. We evaluated the efficacy of boric acid as an ingestible and residual contact insecticide on bed bugs, and compared its efficacy on the German cockroach (Blattella germanica L. [Blattodea: Ectobiidae]) which is known to be susceptible to boric acid by both routes. Dose-response studies of 0-5% boric acid in blood demonstrated that ingested boric acid caused rapid mortality at concentrations of ≥2%, and even 0.5% and 1% boric acid caused 100% mortality, albeit at a slower time course. In contrast, bed bugs survived contact with high concentrations of boric acid dust. Smaller boric acid particles did not increase mortality of either unfed or recently fed bed bugs. The same boric acid products were effective at causing mortality of German cockroaches by both contact and ingestion. We thus conclude that although boric acid is an excellent candidate active ingredient for an ingestible bait formulation, residual applications of dust or spray would be ineffective in bed bug interventions.

Supplemental boric acid does not prevent the development of footpad dermatitis in broilers subjected to high stocking density.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of dietary boric acid supplementation on the development of incidence and severity of footpad dermatitis (FPD) in broiler chickens subjected to normal or high stocking densities (NSD or HSD). A total of 576 1-day-old ROSS 308 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 4 treatments (8 replicate pens per treatment) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of dietary boric acid (0 and 60 mg/kg) and stocking density (NSD 14 birds/m2 and HSD 22 birds/m2). Basal diets were formulated for starter, grower, and finisher phases. Growth performance, litter quality (litter pH, moisture, temperature, and NH3 volatilization), serum and litter boron levels, and incidence and severity of FPD were recorded. The HSD affected the body weight gain and feed intake of broiler chickens during all phases and 0 to 42 (P < 0.05), whereas feed conversion ratio (FCR) was poor at 0 to 21 days only. Dietary boric acid had no effect on the growth performance of broiler chickens. Litter pH, moisture, and NH3 volatilization were higher in broiler chickens subjected to HSD (P < 0.05). Thus, the incidence and severity of FPD increased in response to HSD (P < 0.05). Dietary boric acid reduced the litter pH and NH3 volatilization on day 42 of experiment (P < 0.05). However, dietary boric acid supplementation had no effect on the incidence and severity of FPD. Boric acid supplementation in broiler diets increased the serum and litter boron levels at day 42 in broiler chickens subjected to NSD or HSD (P < 0.05). In conclusion, HSD resulted in poor growth performance, litter quality, and greater incidence and severity of FPD in broiler chickens. Dietary boric acid was ineffective against FPD in broiler chickens although it improved the litter quality by lowering the litter pH and NH3 volatilization.

The toxic effect of gallic acid on biochemical factors, viability and proliferation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was compensated by boric acid.

OBJECTIVE: Gallic acid (GA) and boron are found in many plants. Our previous studies showed 6 ng/ml boric acid (BA) had positive effect on biochemistry of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, we investigate the effect of different doses of GA alone and in the presence of BA on MSCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: the viability of MSCs was assayed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and trypan blue at 12, 24 and 36 h in presence of different concentration of GA. Then 30 and 120 µM of GA as well as 6 ng/ml of BA in 36 h were selected for further study. The proliferation, Morphology, sodium and potassium level, concentration of calcium, activity of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were estimated. RESULT: Results showed GA alone reduced viability, proliferation, nuclear diameter and cytoplasm area. In addition, GA showed anaerobic metabolic shift but no change in MDA and scavenging enzymes. Both concentration of GA caused elevation of FRAP, whereas only at 120 µM increased the sodium-potassium and reduced calcium. The co-treatment of GA and BA improves the viability, proliferation and morphology of the cells. In addition, co-treatment compensated the metabolic shift caused by GA and could balance the potassium level and FRAP as it was raised by GA. CONCLUSION: Although GA content of tea is harmful to the cells but simultaneous consumption of fruits and vegetables as a rich source of boron might compensate the damaging effect of GA.