Boron Intake Research Articles

Evaluating boron levels in Turkish mineral waters: a comparative study of three analytical techniques.

Turkey is abundant in natural mineral water sources, thanks to its location on the Alpine-Himalayan belt. Natural mineral water is drinking water characterized by its natural mineral, trace elements, and carbon dioxide content. Because of quite insufficient data, the boron content in bottled natural mineral waters in Turkey was analyzed by three different methods and compared: inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique, carminic acid, and azomethine-H methods, in this study. The boron levels in mineral waters ranged from a minimum of 0.05mg/L to a maximum of 8.61mg/L. It was also safe by the upper limit level estimated by the World Health Organisation. As boron plays a beneficial role in human physiology, consuming natural mineral water may offer a positive contribution to public health by supporting boron intake in our country. The other outcome of our research was that the spectrophotometric carminic acid method can yield results similar to those obtained using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique since the boron level of Turkish mineral water was within the limits level of the carminic acid method. However, the result of the azomethine-H method was found not to be suitable. Cross-sensitivity with other elements in mineral water might have caused this.

A pilot study investigating the influence of dietary boron levels on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary boron on osteoporosis in postmenopausal Jordanian women. Sixty-six women diagnosed with osteoporosis were recruited and data on personal information, dietary habits, medical history, and lifestyle were collected. Bone mineral density, serum calcium, and serum vitamin D measurements were obtained from patient records. This study showed a strong correlation between boron intake and bone mineral density in these women with osteoporosis and a negative correlation between boron intake and serum calcium (p < .05). However, no significant correlation was found between boron intake and various parameters such as serum vitamin D, dietary habits, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), age of menopause, cases of hysterectomy or oophorectomy, location of fractures, education level, social status, smoking, and physical activity (p > .05). A significant link was found between boron intake and bone mineral density highlighting the importance of nutritional and lifestyle factors affecting bone health. Further research on the specific impact of boron is warranted to better inform dietary interventions for osteoporosis prevention and management.

Boron Exposure Assessment of Desalinated Seawater on an Island in China.

This study aimed to investigate the boron level in drinking water and daily boron intake of island residents, and to have a health risk assessment of the boron exposure. One-year water boron surveillance was made through the 18 selected sampling sites (5 finished water and 13 tap water) covered by 5 water treatment plants with different water sources. We recruited 220 healthy volunteers (half men and half women) from 89 families covering all age groups living in Shengshan to provide basic information and living habits. One-third of the families attended the daily food boron intake evaluation through the double meal method for three days. In each family, only one family member provided the food samples. Urine samples were collected from all subjects to get the urine boron level. Furthermore, we used the EPA model and TDI for health risk assessments. The boron level in finished water and tap water with different sources were 0.68-1.46 mg/L and 0.62-1.26 mg/L for desalinated water, 0.30-0.39 mg/L and 0.20-0.50 mg/L for reservoir water, and 0.32-0.43 mg/L and 0.20-0.79 mg/L for mixture water. The average level of water boron intake, diet boron intake, and total boron intake was 0.113 ± 0.127 mg/d, 1.562 ± 0.927 mg/d, 1.674 ± 0.939mg/d, respectively, for the select sampling subjects. There were no significant differences in total boron intake for different age groups (1.685 ± 1.216 mg/d vs. 1.669 ± 0.793 mg/d for <45 yrs vs. ≥45 yrs, p = 0.968) and gender groups (1.754 ± 1.009 mg/d vs. 1.633 ± 0.923 mg/d for male vs. female, p = 0.735). Urine boron concentrations were similar in the two age groups (1.938 mg/g creatinine vs. 1.762 mg/g creatinine for <45 yrs vs. ≥45 yrs, p = 0.635). There were significant differences in urinary boron between males and females (1.569 mg/g creatinine vs. 2.148 mg/g creatinine, p = 0.018). The largest hazard quotient (HQ) of drinking water was 0.31, and the total boron exposures in this population were 0.03 mg/kg bw per day. The study showed that there was no possible non-carcinogenic risk of water boron exposure and lower health risk of total boron exposure to humans in this region, but its toxicity should not be ignored. The subsequent studies should strengthen the analysis of the subgroup populations.

Boron exhibits hepatoprotective effect together with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic pathways in rats exposed to aflatoxin B1

BackgroundAflatoxins are one of the important environmental factors that pose a risk to living organisms. On the other hand, it has been indicated in research that boron intake has beneficial effects on organisms. In this study, the effect of boron was disclosed in rats exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which poses a toxicological risk. MethodsA total of 36 male Sprague Dawley rats were separated into 6 groups and 0.125 mg/kg bw AFB1 and 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg bw doses of boron were given orally for 21 days. End of the experiment, biochemical, molecular, and histopathological analyses were performed. ResultsAFB1 treatment increased liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT, and ALP) and malondialdehyde level; on the other hand, it caused a decrease in glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of apoptotic (Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and p53) and pro-inflammatory (TNF-α and NFκB) genes increased and the mRNA expression of the anti-apoptotic gene (Bcl-2) decreased in liver tissue. Also, AFB1 treatment increased DNA damage and caused histopathological alterations in the liver tissue. Additionally, boron applications at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg bw given with AFB1 reversed these negative changes. ConclusionsAs a result, boron exhibited hepatoprotective effect together with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects against AFB1-induced liver damage.

Boron Adsorption on Lime Soil and Phytoremediation of Lime Soil by Potato Plant (Solanum Tuberosum L.)

Boron adsorption onto lime soil from Balıkesir University campus was studied to evaluate the effects of irrigation water cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and Na+) and soil clays (kaolinite, montmorillonite, clinoptilolite clays). The concentrations for cations and boron were in the range of 0-1,450 mg/L and 0-700 mg/L, respectively. The experimental maximum boron capacity for cation effect was 0.764 mg/g and this value was seen to obtain at high cation and middle boron concentration (304.49 mg/L) in optimization graph. The maximum experimental boron capacity for clay effect was 1.08 mg/g and this value was obtained from optimization graph at 0.5828 g clinoptilolite, 0.1936 g montmorillonite, 0.5852 g kaolinite amounts. The borated-soil samples were successfully phytoremediated with potato plant and maximum intake of boron by the potato plant was 2,304.8 mg/kg plant. The plant dry weights decreased by increasing soil boron concentration and the potato plants did not grow at 203.56, 303.56, 403.56 mg/kg boron concentrations exhibiting toxic effects for potato plant. The studied soil concentrations for phytoremediation was 3.56, 13.56, 23.56, 33.56, 43.56, 53.56, 103.56, 203.56, 303.56, and 403.56 mg/kg boron.

The micronutrient content in underutilized crops: the Lupinus mutabilis sweet case

Adequate intake of micronutrients is necessary to reduce widespread health issues linked to low intake of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), boron (B), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn). Because more than two billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiency globally, to address this problem, highly-nutritious ancestral Peruvian crops like tarwi can be an important component of food security. Thus, our work explores the tarwi micronutrient variability to select biofortified genotypes without affecting seed size and weight. Tarwi is a biofortified food because of its seeds' Fe, Zn, and B content. Furthermore, Boron showed a positive correlation between seed size and weight. At the same time, copper showed a negative correlation. Finally, six accessions (P14, P16, P21, T05, T08, and T25) that are biofortified for Fe, Zn, and B with excellent seed size and weight and with adequate levels of Cu and Mn; adding value to Peruvian biodiversity at a low cost is a starting point for a breeding program to prevent micronutrient disorders.

Borax exerts protective effect against ferrocene-induced neurotoxicity in Oncorhynchus mykiss

BackgroundIn recent years, therapeutic targets and the development of new drugs have shifted research towards inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. Ferrocene (FcH) is a stable, small molecule that exhibits immunostimulatory and anti-tumor properties by a different mechanism and is effective at low doses in oral administration. However, it was surprising that there has been no performed investigation using FcH on aquaculture. On the other hand, recent papers reveal the key biological functions and health benefits due to daily boron intake in animals and humans. Therefore, we investigated the neurotoxic damage potential of FcH and its related neurotoxicity action mechanism in aquatic environments. In addition, the protective potential of borax (BX, or sodium borate) were evaluated againt in vivo neurotoxicity by FcH. MethodsNeurotoxicity assessment was performed in rainbow trout brain tissue, acutely under semi-static conditions via determining a vide range of parameters including catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities as well as glutathione (GSH), myeloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA levels), DNA damage (8-OHdG), apoptosis (caspase 3), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf-2), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. In addition, the LC50 96 h level of FcH was determined for the first time in rainbow trout in this study. ResultsIn the obtained results, while FcH caused inhibition in enzyme activities, it showed an inducing effect on MDA, MPO, BDNF, Nrf2, TNF-α and IL-6 levels. It was determined that this oxidative damage related alterations were significantly different (p < 0.05) in comparison between FcH treated and controls. Again, the LC50 96 h value in rainbow trout was determined as 11.73 mg/L, which is approximately 5% less than the value given for freshwater fish (12.3 mg/L). On the contrary, it was observed that BX has a mitigating effect on FcH-induced neurotoxicity. ConclusionThe present study suggests that borax may be useful for preventing or alleviating neurotoxicity induced by environmental contaminants or toxic chemicals.

Tectonic factors of the chemical compound’s composition of plains’ groundwater

Tectonic factors within the platform areas determine the features of the near-surface part of the lithosphere, including groundwater. The pattern of tectonic disturbances affects both the features of the occurrence of aquifers and their hydrogeochemical composition. The purpose of this work is to determine the sources of boron intake into the groundwater of some districts of the Lipetsk region. The assessment of these processes was carried out by us using remote sensing and hydrogeological studies of a number of areas of the Eastern European Platform. Increased concentrations of boron in groundwater confined to neotectonic structures, including the valley of the Don River flowing through the Losev seam zone separating the Central Russian Upland and the Oka-Don lowland, were revealed. The increased boron contents (more than 0.5 mg/dm3) are confined to underground aquifers of Devonian age. It is revealed that these concentrations are mainly characteristic of structures of a negative sign. Deep tectonic processes are designated as the main source of boron intake.

The role of boron in the functioning of the osteoarticular system

Background: Boron was classified by the World Health Organization as ‘possible essential elements for human health’. It can be found in different forms in the environment, has beneficial effects on bones and its deprivation can impair calcium and magnesium metabolism and bone development, their health and maintenance. Dietary boron supplementation can help prevent and manage degenerative and inflammatory bones and articular diseases, such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Relevant articles were identified in PubMed, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and Scopus databases published until June 2021, describing the role of boron in the functioning of the osteoarticular system. Conclusions: From organic and inorganic boron forms that can enter the human body, organic plant based boron compounds are highly bioavailable. In the functioning of the osteoarticular system boron acts by regulation of calcium and magnesium metabolism, enhancing the vitamin D activation process and influencing serum steroid hormone levels. A boron intake equal to or higher than 3 mg per day can help prevent/or correct arthritis, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Calcium fructoborate can reduce pain, joint discomfort and increase endogenous vitamin D level in patients with osteoarthritis. Boron may play a role in pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis and its severity and a supplementation with boron element may be useful.

Boron Intake and decreased risk of mortality in kidney transplant recipients

PurposeIn a search for potentially modifiable factors to improve long-term outcome among kidney transplant recipients (KTR), we hypothesized that boron exposure is associated with improved long-term outcome in KTR.MethodsWe determined 24 h urinary boron excretion using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry as a measure of boron exposure in 693 stable KTR (57% male, mean age 53y), enrolled in the TransplantLines Food and Nutrition Biobank and Cohort Study. Dietary intake was assessed using validated food-frequency questionnaires.ResultsLinear regression analyses showed that dietary intake of fruit, wine and nuts were key determinants of boron excretion. In addition, boron excretion was negatively correlated with homocysteine and inflammatory parameters. In total, 73 (32%), 47 (20%) and 30 (13%) KTR died among the lowest, middle and highest tertiles of 24 h urinary boron excretion, respectively (Plog-rank < 0.001). Cox regression analyses showed that high boron excretion was strongly associated with lower risk of mortality, independent of age, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate and history of cardiovascular disease (HR per doubling: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.66, P < 0.001).ConclusionBoron may be an overlooked target to improve long-term survival among KTR and potentially other patients, likely through pathways other than inflammation or the methionine-homocysteine cycle that were previously suggested. Interventional trials are warranted to confirm the potential of dietary boron supplementation in KTR and other patient populations.

Safety of calcium fructoborate as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on calcium fructoborate as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF, produced by chemical synthesis, contains a maximum of 2.9% of boron and on average 4.7% calcium and 84.2% fructose. It is intended to be marketed as food supplements targeting the general adult population, excluding pregnant and lactating women, at a maximum level of 220 mg/day (maximum boron intake of 6.4 mg per day). The combined intake of boron from the background diet and the NF is in the range of 9.6–9.9 mg/day (corresponding to up to 0.14 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day given a default bw of 70 kg). This is in the range of the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.16 mg/kg bw per day. Under conditions mimicking the gastrointestinal (GI) environment, the NF is fully hydrolysed and the Panel considered boron toxicity relevant for the safety assessment. The Panel considers that there is no concern with respect to genotoxicity of the NF. The effect induced by the NF in a 13‐week rat study is consistent with toxicological findings induced by treatment with boron compounds in animal studies. Epididymides‐to‐brain weight ratio was identified as the most relevant endpoint and the reference point derived was the lowest model averaged BMDL10 value of 529 mg/kg bw per day. This corresponds to 14.8 mg/kg bw per day of boron, which is higher than the critical no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) (9.6 mg boron/kg bw per day) used for establishing the ADI of 0.16 mg/kg bw per day for boron. The Panel therefore applied the present ADI for boron in the assessment of the NF. The Panel concludes that the NF, calcium fructoborate, is safe under the proposed uses and use levels.

Trace elements in the system “soil-plants” and optimization of their use in agrocenoses of the Omsk Irtysh Land

The data on the content and reserves of trace elements (Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, Mo, B) in soils, reveals patterns of their distribution and quantitative characteristics of relationships in the “soil-plants” system in agrocenoses of the Omsk Irtysh Land have been systematized in the article. The assessment of trace elements in soils and plants has been carried out from the ecological and agrochemical positions. The peculiarities of the intake and accumulation of trace elements in plants depending on zonal soil and climatic conditions have been revealed. Indicators for evaluating the potential of trace elements entering plants have been proposed, and its comparison for diff erent trace elements in the “soil-microfertilizerplant” system has been given. The use of this indicator in calculating and normalizing fertilizer doses and predicting the accumulation of trace elements in plants has been justified. The regularities of the distribution and shape of boron in diff erent types of soils of saline complexes have been studied. For the fi rst time a comprehensive assessment of the effect of high boron concentrations on crop productivity was carried out. A system of indicators for diagnosing the toxic eff ect of the element on plants and a scale of their borostability has been developed. The factors affecting the intake of boron in plants and their resistance to excess of the element have been revealed. Quantitative parameters of the eff ect of chemical reclamation on the boron content in the “soil-meliorant-plants” system have been obtained. The scheme of soil-geochemical zoning of the territory of the Omsk region reflecting the availability of trace elements in the soil has been developed. New data on the availability of trace elements in the main arable soils of the surveyed territory have been presented. The values of optimal levels of trace elements for agricultural crops were corrected. The economic and bioenergetic effi ciency of methods for optimizing plant nutrition with trace elements under the environments of agrocenoses of the Omsk Irtysh Land have been revealed.

Boron concentrations in tap water in many cities of Turkey

Boron concentrations in 335 tap water samples collected from 75 cities in Turkey have been determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Boron levels ranged between 0.001 and 5.5 mg/L. The lowest boron levels were in Trabzon, the highest in Kayseri. Boron levels in tap water from cities of the Aegean, Eastern, and Central Anatolian Regions were higher than those from cities of the Marmara, Black Sea, South East, and Mediterranean Regions. The overall mean value was around 0.2 mg/L, lower than the limit levels given by the WHO and the European Union, and also the limit level established by Turkish regulations. In some cities, these limit values were exceeded, generally in the tap water of cities where the drinking water based on groundwater or of those located in the vicinity of hot springs, volcanic areas, or boron production regions. This is the most detailed study evaluating boron levels in the drinking water of Turkey. To conclusion, since the boron intake is being mainly with nutrients and drinking water it may effect public health. To know boron levels in drinking waters is also very important for epidemiologic studies and for establishment of database of boron level in drinking waters in Turkey.

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

BackgroundBoron 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. MethodsIn 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. ResultsDNA 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. ConclusionHepG2 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.

An investigation of excretion of calcium from female mice ingested with boron by using neutron activation analysis

Boron has been considered to play a nutritionally important role in humans and animals, but its biochemical functions are not clearly understood. Though there are signs that boron affects the mineral and hormone metabolisms, there is no comprehensive epidemiological evidence establishing a relationship between a boron intake and osteoporosis due to the excretion of calcium in the bones. In this study, we investigated the influence of boron intake on the calcium excretion of old female mice in the menopause. The concentrations of calcium in backbone, thigh bone, blood, kidney, liver, and spleen were investigated by using instrumental neutron activation analysis.

Boron-rich diet may regulate blood lipid profile and prevent obesity: A non-drug and self-controlled clinical trial

Background: Boron is an element commonly found in nature. The main boron source for organisms is through food and drinking water. In recent years, it is suggested that the “boron-rich diet” can affect human health positively. However, more detailed studies are needed.Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of increased dietary boron intake on some biochemical parameters in humans.Material and methods: Thirteen healthy women consumed diets containing 10 mg more boron than their routine diet for one month. This boron intake was provided with the increase of boron-rich foods such as dried fruits, avocado, and nuts in the diet. Some biochemical and hematologic parameters were determined in blood, urine and saliva samples taken before and after a boron-rich diet.Results: Serum, salivary, and urine boron concentrations increased 1.3, 1.7, 6.0 fold, respectively. The most significant clinically change was found in the lipid profile. Serum total, LDL, VLDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels decreased significantly. Body weight, body fat weight, and Body Mass Index also decreased. Significant changes in serum TSH and salivary buffering capacity were also found.Conclusion: Increasing the intake of boron through dietary means might contribute to beneficial effects on lipid metabolism, obesity, and thyroid metabolism; salivary boron may reflect serum boron; and boron may be used as a cariostatic agent in dentistry. An increased intake of other dietary factors such as fiber, potassium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin E in the boron-rich foods might have been responsible of the effects described. To our knowledge, this study is the first clinical study in which dietary boron intake is increased via foods.

Boric Acid Activation of eIF2α and Nrf2 Is PERK Dependent: a Mechanism that Explains How Boron Prevents DNA Damage and Enhances Antioxidant Status.

Boron is abundant in vegetables, nuts, legumes, and fruit and intake is associated with reduced risk of cancer and DNA damage and increased antioxidant status. Blood boric acid (BA) levels are approximately 10μM BA in men at the mean US boron intake. Treatment of DU-145 human prostate cancer cells with 10μM BA stimulates phosphorylation of elongation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) at Ser51 leading to activation of the eIF2α/ATF4 pathway which activates the DNA damage-inducible protein GADD34. In the present study, we used MEF WT and MEF PERK (±) cells to test the hypothesis that BA-activated eIF2α phosphorylation requires protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and activates Nrf2 and the antioxidant response element (ARE). BA (10μM) increased phosphorylation of eIF2α Ser51 in MEF WT cells at 1h, but not in MEF Perk -/- cells exposed for as long as 6h. GCN2 kinase-dependent phosphorylation of eIF2α Ser51 was activated in MEF PERK -/- cells by amino acid starvation. Nrf2 phosphorylation is PERK dependent and when activated is translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus where it acts as a transcription factor for ARE. DU-145 cells were treated with 10μM BA and Nrf2 measured by immunofluorescence. Cytoplasmic Nrf2 was translocated to the nucleus at 1.5-2h in DU-145 and MEF WT cells, but not MEF PERK -/- cells. Real-time PCR was used to measure mRNA levels of three ARE genes (HMOX-1, NQO1, and GCLC). Treatment with 10μM BA increased the mRNA levels of all three genes at 1-4h in DU-145 cells and HMOX1 and GCLC in MEF WT cells. These results extend the known boric acid signaling pathway to ARE-regulated genes. The BA signaling pathway can be expressed using the schematic [BA + cADPR → cADPR-BA → [[ER]i Ca2+↓] → 3 pathways: PERK/eIF2αP → pathways ATF4 and Nrf2; and [[ER]i Ca2+↓] → ER stress → ATF6 pathway. This signaling pathway provides a framework that links many of the molecular changes that underpin the biological effects of boron intake.

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.

Boron intake, osteocalcin polymorphism and serum level in postmenopausal osteoporosis

The relationship between daily boron intake and osteocalcin-mediated osteoporosis was studied in boron-exposed postmenopausal women. It is known that boron and osteocalcin are important in bone metabolism, however the effect of boron in bone metabolism has not been fully discovered. The study was performed on 53 postmenopausal women aged 55–60 living in parts of Balikesir, Turkey, where the subjects are naturally exposed to high (≥1 mg/L) or low (<1 mg/L) boron concentration in drinking water. 24-h urine samples were collected from all participants and creatinine clearance was detected. Boron intake levels of the subjects whose clearance levels were between 80–124 mL/min were measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) in urine samples. Serum osteocalcin levels of the subjects were measured by osteocalcin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Osteocalcin polymorphism rs1800247 was detected using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Serum osteocalcin levels in boron-exposed postmenopausal women were significantly higher than that of control group (P ≤ 0.05) and the correlation between the serum osteocalcin level and rs1800247 polymorphism was not significant in both groups (P > 0.05). The differences in the distribution of osteocalcin genotypes and alleles in postmenopausal women were not significant between the boron exposed and the control groups (P > 0.05). Serum osteocalcin level in the CC genotype was significantly higher compared to the TC genotype in boron-exposed group (P ≤ 0.05). Our study suggests that daily boron intake of 1 mg/L may affect bone metabolism in postmenopausal women positively.

Biomonitoring of boron: Development and characterization of a simple, reliable and quality controlled biomonitoring method

Boron exposure is of interest and concern from an occupational point of view. Usual daily boron intake is related to boron blood plasma concentration <1mg/L and to <3mg/L in urine, but after exposure urine concentrations are quickly elevated. Reliable boron biomonitoring, typically in urine, thus is mandatory for occupational health control institutions. This paper reports on the development of a simple, fast and reliable boron determination procedure based on inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Major aims for this method were simplicity in sample preparation, low risk for artifacts and interferences, high precision and accuracy, possibly low costs, including lower costs for element selective detection, short total analysis time and suitability for occupational health laboratories. Precision data (serial or day-to-day) from urine and doped urine were very good: <1.5 or <2%. Accuracy was calculated from analysis of a certified reference material (ERM-CD 281), as 99% or according to recoveries of doped concentrations ranging from 102 to 109% recovery. For cross-checking ICP-OES determinations, samples were analyzed also by quadrupole ICP-qMS and by sectorfield ICP-sf-MS at low and medium resolution. Both systems confirmed ICP-OES measurements when using 11B for quantification. Determinations based on 10B however showed some bias, except with ICP-sf-MS at medium resolution. The observed elevated signals are discussed with respect to the known Ne++ interference (as an impurity in Ar), which is not separated in low resolving quadrupole ICP-MS systems or ICP-sf-MS at low resolution.