Boric Acid Group Research Articles

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 50min 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 (200mg/kg, intragastric administration, 1h before ischemia), boric acid intervention group (14mg/kg, intragastric administration 1h before ischemia), and the propolis + boric acid intervention group (intragastric administration 1h 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.

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.

Evaluation of the Neuroprotective Role of Boric Acid in Preventing Traumatic Brain Injury-Mediated Oxidative Stress.

Oxidative stress(OS) and lipid peroxidation(LP) occur in a cell due to irreversible damage resulting from incidents such as traumatic brain injury(TBI). The aim of our study was to investigate the possible neuroprotective effect of boric acid (BA) by examining the changes in catalase (CAT) activity and levels of CAT and malondialdehyde (MDA) in brain tissues from rats with closed head trauma. The study consisted of three groups: control ,TBI and TBI + BA. Animals in the control and TBI groups received saline ,while animals in the TBI + BA group received BA through daily oral gavage, for 14 days prior to TBI was performed using the modified Marmarou impact acceleration model . After 24 hours,animals were euthanized and brain tissue obtained to measure the levels of MDA and to assess the activity of CAT. MDA levels and CAT activity were significantly higher in the TBI group versus the control group. However, they were significantly lower in the TBI + BA group compared to TBI alone. Similarly, edema and necrotic neurons were observed in the TBI group, but not in the control or TBI + BA groups. Based on biochemical and histopathological evidence, we determined that TBI induced LP and OS were inhibited by pre-treatment with BA.

Comparative Evaluation of Boric Acid Gel versus Chlorhexidine Gel in the Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis: Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study.

Background:Over the years, various antimicrobials have been tried and tested in the treatment of periodontitis. Chlorhexidine (CHX) has emerged as the gold standard. In recent years, trend has shifted toward the use of agents with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and osteoblastic activity. Boric acid (BA) is one such agent which possess all such properties and thus been evaluated in the treatment of periodontitis.Aim and Objective:The aim of the study is to compare and evaluate the efficacy of 0.75% BA gel versus 1% CHX gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in patients with chronic periodontitis both clinically and microbiologically.Materials and Methods:The present study was a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial where 45 systemically healthy patients with chronic periodontitis were included in the study. About 15 patients each were divided into three groups, that is, Group I received BA gel, Group II received CHX gel, and Group III received placebo gel as a local drug delivery agent. Clinical parameters such as gingival index, plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level were evaluated at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Microbiological analysis to check for mixed anaerobic flora was done using subgingival plaque samples at baseline and 3 months after treatment.Results:Significant reduction was seen in all clinical parameters in both BA and CHX gel groups as compared to control group (P < 0.05). However, on comparing BA gel group with CHX gel, the results were statistically insignificant (P > 0.05).Conclusion:BA gel and CHX gel both were equally effective in improving the clinical and microbiologic parameters in patients with chronic periodontitis when used as a local drug delivery agent.

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.

Effect of boric acid on some elemental levels on rat's liver and kidney tissues during mercury chloride exposure

In this study, the effect of boric acid on the important trace elements copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and nickel (Ni) in liver and kidney tissue of rats treated with mercury chloride was investigated. Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats (weighing 200 ± 300 g) were divided into 3 groups: Control (C), Mercury chloride (HgCl2), Mercury chloride (HgCl2) + boric acid (BA). Iron and copper were decreased whereas Mn, Zn and Ni levels were increased in liver tissue in Hg administered group compared to control. Cu (p&lt;0.01) and Mn (p&lt;0.001) levels were increased in Hg + BA administered group compared to Hg group. Renal tissue Cu (p&lt;0.01), Mn and Zn levels were increased whereas Ni (p&lt;0.05) and Fe levels were decreased in Hg administered group compared to control group. Cu (p&lt;0.001) and Zn (p&lt;0.05) content increased in Hg + BA group compared to control group. As a result, it is thought that boric acid may have an effect on important trace element levels such as copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni) in case of oxidative stress caused by mercury chloride.

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

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). 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 3mg/kg boric acid (BA) was added to the mixture in group 2, and 3mg/kg boric acid solution added to drinking water daily in group 3. 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). 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.

Ultrasensitive detection alkaline phosphatase activity using 3-aminophenylboronic acid functionalized gold nanoclusters

Herein, a fluorescent bi-enzyme sensing platform for ultrasensitive detection of alkaline phosphatase activity was developed based on 3-aminophenylboronic acid functionalized gold nanoclusters (APBA-Au NCs). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can catalyze hydrolysis of phenyl phosphate to phenol, which can be subsequently hydroxylated to generate catechol in the presence of tyrosinase (TYR). Due to the special covalent combination between the catechol and boric acid group, the five-membered cyclic esters can be formed on the ligands of APBA-Au NCs, leading to the fluorescence quenching of the Au NCs. Thus, according to the change of fluorescence signal, the proposed biosensor can be utilized to ultrasensitive detection ALP. Under the optimal condition, there exhibited good linear relationships between fluorescence intensity change of APBA-Au NCs and the concentration of ALP in the range of 0.02–2.0 U/L. The detection limits reached 0.005 U/L. The developed strategy was employed to monitor enzyme activity in real samples with satisfactory results obtained, illustrating the potential application of this biosensor.

Electrochemical preparation of surface molecularly imprinted poly(3-aminophenylboronic acid)/MWCNTs nanocomposite for sensitive sensing of epinephrine

A nanocomposite with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) coated with surface molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) poly(3-aminophenylboronic acid) (PAPBA) was successfully prepared via potentiodynamic electropolymerization and tested as an effective electrochemical material for epinephrine (EP) detection. The morphology and properties of the sensing material were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Compared with MWCNTs or non-imprinted polymers PAPBA modified MWCNTs electrodes, the PAPBA(MIPs)/MWCNTs modified electrode showed a lower charge transfer resistance and enhanced electrochemical performance for EP detection. The improved performance can be attributed to the large amount of specific imprinted cavities with boric acid group which can selectively adsorb EP molecule and the synergistic effect between MWCNTs and PAPBA(MIPs). The effects of pH, the molar ratio between monomer and template molecule, the cycle number of electropolymerization, and the accumulation time of the modified electrode on the sensing performance were investigated. It was found that under the optimal conditions, the PAPBA(MIPs)/MWCNTs sensor could effectively recognize EP from many possible interferents of higher concentration within a wide linear range of 0.2–800 μmol·L−1, with low detection limit of 35 nmol·L−1, high sensitivity and good discrimination. The detection of EP in human serum and real injection samples using the PAPBA(MIPs)/MWCNTs sensor also gave satisfactory results.

Do ozone and boric acid affect microleakage in class V composite restorations?

ABSTRACTThe aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of chlorhexidine gluconate (2%), sodium hypochloride (2.5%), ozone gas, and boric acid at different concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) on microleakage from composite restorations.In a total of 80 extracted human canine teeth, a class V cavity was opened on the buccal surface and the samples were separated into eight groups. In the control group, no procedure was applied for cavity disinfection, then composite restoration (Z250, 3M) was made using single-stage, self-etch adhesive (Single Bond 3M). In the other groups, seven different disinfectants were used, then the cavity was restored. The teeth were split into two in the buccolingual direction, parallel to the long axes. Stain penetration was examined under stereomicroscope and scored. Examination with SEM was made on one sample from each group, selected at random. Statistical evaluations were made using Dunnett C Post Hoc Comparison and Kruskal–Wallis H tests.In the occlusal region evaluation, the groups with the lowest level of leakage were the 3% and 5% boric acid groups, and the highest levels of microleakage were determined in the chlorhexidine group and the 1% boric acid group. In the gingival region, the lowest level of microleakage was in the 5% boric acid group and the highest levels were determined in the 1% and 7% boric acid groups.Boric acid disinfectants used at suitable concentrations were not seen to create a risk in respect of microleakage.

Amorphous titania modified with boric acid for selective capture of glycoproteins.

Amorphous titania was modified with boric acid, and the resulting material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry. The new material, in contrast to conventional boronate affinity materials containing boronic acid ligands, bears boric acid groups. It is shown to exhibit high specificity for glycoproteins, and this was applied to design a method for solid phase extraction of glycoproteins as shown for ribonuclease B, horse radish peroxidase and ovalbumin. Glycoproteins were captured under slightly alkaline environment and released in acidic solutions. The glycoproteins extracted were detected by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The binding capacities for ribonuclease B, horse radish peroxidase and ovalbumin typically are 9.3, 26.0 and 53.0mg ∙ g-1, respectively. The method was successfully applied to the selective enrichment of ovalbumin from egg white. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of the capture of glycoproteins by amorphous titania modified with boric acid.

THE IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL, MORPHOMETRIC AND BIOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF SYSTEMICALLY ADMINISTERED BORIC ACID ON LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-INDUCED PERIODONTITIS IN DIABETIC RATS

Ponte Academic JournalApr 2018, Volume 74, Issue 4 THE IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL, MORPHOMETRIC AND BIOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF SYSTEMICALLY ADMINISTERED BORIC ACID ON LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-INDUCED PERIODONTITIS IN DIABETIC RATSAuthor(s): Canan Onder ,Havva Muge Balseven, Gulcin Mete, Nazli Cil, M. Bulent Ozdemir, Ergun Mete, Yasar Enli, Barbaros Sahin, Hande Senol, Sivge Kurgan, Meral GunhanJ. Ponte - Apr 2018 - Volume 74 - Issue 4 doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2018.4.17 Abstract:Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of systemically administred boric acid (BA) on lipopolysaccharide-induced periodontitis, histopathological changes and antioxidant status in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: 48 Wistar rats were divided into six experimental groups: 1) Control (C, n=8) 2) Lipopolysaccharide only group (LPS, n=8) 3) Streptozotocin only group (STZ, n=8) 4) STZ+LPS group (n=8) 5) STZ+LPS+20 mg/kg/day BA group (BA20, n=8) 6) STZ+LPS+30 mg/kg/day BAgroup (BA30, n=8). Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single injection of 55 mg/kg STZ. Experimental periodontitis was established by applied Escherichia coli (E. Coli) LPS injection into the palatal gingiva between the right maxillary first and second molars for 3 times every 48 hours. BA was given for 10 days. Animals were sacrificed on the 20th day. Alveolar bone loss was evaluated by morphometric analysis. Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were evaluated immunohistochemically and serum malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were evaluated by biochemical analysis. Results: The highest alveolar bone loss value was observed in the STZ+LPS group. BA groups showed significantly lower bone loss compared to STZ, and STZ+LPS groups (p<0,05). The inflammatory cell counts were found out to be significantly reduced in both BA groups, in comparison to the LPS, STZ, STZ+LPS groups (p<0,05). The osteoblast counts were found out to be significantly increased in both BA groups in comparison to LPS group (p<0,05). And it was found significantly higher in BA30 group compared to STZ group (p<0,05). The osteoclast counts of both BA groups were found out to be significantly decreased compared to STZ and STZ+LPS groups (p<0,05). IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were found out to be decreased in both BA groups compared to LPS and STZ+LPS groups (p<0,05). MDA levels in BA30 group were lower compared to the STZ+LPS group. SOD and GSH levels in BA30 group were significantly higher in comparison to the C, LPS, and STZ groups (p<0.05). At the same time, GSH levels in BA30group were significantly higher in comparison to the BA20 group (p<0.05). Conclusions: Systemically administred BA reduced the STZ- and LPS -induced periodontal inflammation and the MDA level; and increased the SOD and GSH levels in diabetic rats. Download full text:Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution Username Password

Bortezomib-catechol conjugated prodrug micelles: combining bone targeting and aryl boronate-based pH-responsive drug release for cancer bone-metastasis therapy.

The treatment of metastatic tumors is highly desirable in clinics, which has also increased the interest in the design of nanoscale drug delivery systems. Bone metastasis is one of the most common pathways in the metastasis of breast cancer, and it is also an important cause for tumor recurrence and death. The aryl boronate group, as an acid-labile linker, has been introduced into nano-assemblies in recent years. Especially, as a proteasome inhibitor anticancer drug with a boric acid group, bortezomib can facilitate the formation of pH-sensitive aryl boric acid ester linkage with the catecholic group. In this study, bortezomib-loaded micelles with bone targeting properties were constructed for the treatment of breast cancer bone metastasis. The mixed micelles employed alendronate (ALN) as the bone-targeting ligand and encapsulated bortezomib-catechol conjugates as the cargo. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that compared with free drugs or control micelles, these prodrug micelles (ALN-NP) exhibited many favorable properties such as reduced systemic toxicity and improved therapeutic effects. Therefore, ALN-NP is promising as a nanovehicle for bone-targeting delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs. Furthermore, this study offers a novel strategy combining bone targeting and aryl boronate-based pH-responsive drug release for anti-metastasis therapy.

One-Pot Preparation of Autonomously Self-Healable Elastomeric Hydrogel from Boric Acid and Random Copolymer Bearing Hydroxyl Groups.

Self-healable hydrogels based on the dynamically reversible boronate ester or borate ester bonds are usually prepared by reacting boronic acid or boric acid with diol compounds or polymer-like poly(vinyl alcohol) bearing a hydroxyl group in each monomer unit. Herein, we report a finding that not only facilitates the preparation but also extends the range of self-healable hydrogels of this kind. By simply copolymerizing commercially available N,N-dimethylacrylamide and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (8:2 weight ratio) in the presence of boric acid in a one-pot fashion, the resulting random copolymer can gel in aqueous solution at pH = 9, giving rise to a solid hydrogel (tensile strength >0.5 MPa at water content of 30%) that, on the one hand, can autonomously self-heal (near 100% fracture stress recovery within 48 h in air at room temperature) and, on the other hand, shows the characteristics of elastomer (little stress relaxation under loading and small residual deformation after unloading upon repeated 300% elongation cycles). The results reveal that it can be sufficient to have a random copolymer with comonomer units bearing hydroxyl groups for reacting with boric acid to generate dynamically reversible borate ester bonds. This finding thus points out a general, facile, and cost-effective method to obtain and explore new borate ester bond-based self-healable hydrogels.

The antioxidant and antiapoptotic effect of boric acid on hepatoxicity in chronic alcohol-fed rats.

The harmful use of alcohol is a worldwide problem involving all ages. This study aims to investigate chronic alcohol exposure related hepatotoxicity on the rat liver and possible hepatoprotective effects of boric acid. Rats were separated into 4 different groups: control, ethanol, ethanol+boric acid, and boric acid. We measured (i) malondialdehyde (MDA), total sialic acid (TSA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels, which are known to be the markers of alcohol damage; and also (ii) caspase-3, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) as the markers of apoptosis. In the ethanol group, MDA, TSA, and TNF-α levels increased whereas SOD and CAT levels decreased compared with the control group. Ethanol+boric acid group MDA, TSA, caspase-3, and TNF-α levels decreased whereas SOD and CAT levels increased compared with the ethanol group. Using histopathological evaluation of light microscope images, immunohistochemical caspase-3 and TNF-α activity in the ethanol+boric acid group were shown to be decreased compared with that in the ethanol group. Our results revealed that ethanol is capable of triggering oxidative stress and apoptosis in the rat liver. We propose that boric acid is an effective compound in protecting the rat liver against ethanol.

Preparation and anticancer activity evaluation of an amorphous drug nanocomposite by simple heat treatment.

The solubility of drug molecules is closely related to its bioactivity as it affects the dissolution rate and bioavailability, especially in the case of BCS IV drugs like camptothecin (CPT), a potential broad-spectrum anticancer agent. In this study, we construct a novel boric acid (BA)-coated CPT nanocomposite by means of a simple heat-treatment approach, which combines nanoscale size range and amorphous solid state together to improve the overall dissolution rate of CPT. This new CPT formulation showed a rod-like structure with nanoscale size and amorphous solid nature. These BA-coated CPT nanocomposites exhibited a dramatically improved dissolution rate, water dispersion property, and long-term chemical and physical stability. More importantly, the specific reactivity of BA groups to diols in the cell glycocalyx facilitated a rapid cross-membrane translocation of the drug nanocomposite, leading to efficient intracellular drug delivery. When tested on A549 cells and SKBR3 cells, this formulation demonstrated a much higher anticancer activity in comparison with free CPT, naked amorphous CPT nanoparticles, and control CPT nanocrystals. This formulation has great potential for clinical application; it is easy to scale up and be applied on other hydrophobic drugs.

Boric acid gel as local drug delivery in the treatment of class II furcation defects in chronic periodontitis: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Boric acid (BA) exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, as well as osteoblastic, activity. The aim of the present study was to explore the efficacy of 0.75% BA gel as a local drug-delivery system in adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of class II furcation defects in comparison with placebo gel. A total of 48 mandibular class II furcation defects were randomized and treated with either 0.75% BA gel or placebo gel. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 3months, and 6months, while radiographic parameters were recorded at baseline and 6months. Greater mean probing depth reduction and mean relative vertical and horizontal clinical attachment level gain were shown to be greater in group 1 than in group 2 at 3 and 6months. Furthermore, a significantly greater mean percentage of bone fill was found in group 1 (16.98%±1.03%) than in the placebo (2.86%±0.92%) at 6months. The .75% BA group showed significant improvement in clinical parameters compared to placebo gel as an adjunct to SRP. This implies an alternative for treatment of class II furcation.

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active fluorescent probes with multiple binding sites toward ATP sensing and live cell imaging.

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active compounds are attractive fluorescent materials for applications in chemical and biological sensing. The AIE effect of such materials amplifies changes in the fluorescence signal due to the physical state transformation from aggregation to disaggregation, which can be employed for detecting various analytes with high sensitivity. In particular, specific bio-active analyte recognition is not only very interesting but also challenging. In this paper, we report a set of novel AIE-active fluorescent probes containing pyridiniums and boric acid groups (TPA-PP, TPA-PPA-1, TPA-PPA-2, TPA-PPA-3), which has been developed for adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) recognition. These probes with two types of interaction modes and multiple connection sites toward ATP molecules are able to selectively discriminate ATP among other bioactive anions with a significant enhancement in fluorescence emission. In particular, in the application of cell imaging, as the number of positive charges and boric acid group increased further, the probes could penetrate into cells, and then enter into the nucleus very specifically. These results clearly demonstrate that the newly developed sensors are suitable for specific tracing of different cell organelles with a height visualization and retention ability. Therefore, all of them are confirmed as promising alternatives for live cell imaging in the future.

Facile synthesis of red emitting 3-aminophenylboronic acid functionalized copper nanoclusters for rapid, selective and highly sensitive detection of glycoproteins

As an emerging class of fluorescent probes, copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) have been considered as an intriguing candidate for detecting biomoleculars due to their outstanding fluorescent properties, excellent biocompatibility and low cost. Herein, we fabricated bovine serum albumin (BSA) protected Cu NCs (BSA-Cu NCs) and further functionalized them with 3-aminophenylboronic acid (APBA) for selectively discerning glycoproteins. In aqueous solution, Cu2+ ions were directly reduced into BSA-Cu NCs by hydrazine hydrate (N2H4·H2O) at room-temperature using BSA as the capping agent. The synthetic process was very rapid, simple and easy for controlling due to the lack of any other complicated procedure such as heating and adjusting the pH value of the reactive mixture. The APBA-Cu NCs showed strong fluorescent emission at 630nm in the red range. So it can effectively avoid the disturbance of auto-fluorescence in biosamples. The fluorescence of the APBA-Cu NCs was obviously quenched by glycoprotein samples. Then, the APBA-Cu NCs were employed as a probe for selective capture and sensitive detection of glycoproteins with a wide linear range of 5–220nM and a low detection limit of 2.60nM owing to the covalent reaction between the boric acid group of APBA and the cis-glycol groups of the glycoproteins. The developed method was also successfully applied to determine glycoproteins in egg white of chickens and human urine samples with quantitative spike recoveries from 95% to 104%.

The effect of boron on alveolar bone loss in osteoporotic rats

Background/purposeThe aim of this study is to investigate the effects of systemically administered boric acid on osteoporosis-related bone alterations, alveolar bone loss, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-b ligand (RANKL) expressions, and mandibular bone density in experimental periodontitis model in osteoporotic rats. Materials and methodsThirty-six male Wistar rats were separated into five study groups: nonligated control (C, n = 6) group; periodontitis (P, n = 6) group; osteoporosis (O, n = 8) group; osteoporosis + periodontitis (O+P, n = 8) group, and osteoporosis + periodontitis with 50 mg/kg/d boric acid (BA50, n = 8) group for 15 days. Osteoporosis was created with intraperitoneal injection of 80 mg/kg retinoic acid for 15 days. Silk ligatures (4/0) were placed around the mandibular right first molar teeth to induce experimental periodontitis. After induction of osteoporosis and periodontitis, rats were sacrificed at Day 15. Alveolar bone loss was evaluated with a stereomicroscope by measuring the distance from the cement-enamel junction to the alveolar crest. Density measurements were performed on radiographs. RANKL and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining were performed on histological slides. ResultsAlveolar bone loss was significantly higher in the O+P group than those of the other groups (P < 0.05). Boric acid decreased bone loss (P < 0.05). TRAP + osteoclast numbers were highest in the P group and lowest in the control group. The differences in TRAP + osteoclast numbers among control, P, O+P, and BA50 groups were significant (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in RANKL expression and mandibular bone density (P > 0.05). ConclusionWithin limitations of this study, we conclude that boric acid may decrease alveolar bone loss in a rat model with periodontitis and osteoporosis.