Boric acid and Borax Supplementation Reduces Weight Gain in Overweight Rats and Alter L-Carnitine and IGF-I Levels

Abstract

Abstract. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of boric acid (BA) and borax (BX) on live weight and obesity associated molecules including leptin, L-carnitine, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I), and heat shock proteins 70 (HSP70) in rats fed with high-fat diet. A total of 60 rats were equally allocated as ND (normal diet), HF (high-fat diet), HF+BA, HF+BX, ND+BX, ND+BA. Body weight increases in HF+BA (85 g) and HF+BX (86 g) were significantly lower (p<0.05) compared to HF group (126 g). Boron treatment decreased serum L-carnitine level in high-fat diet (HF+BA 11.12 mg/L, HF+BX 10.51 mg/L, p<0.05) compared to HF group (15.57 mg/L), while no change was observed in groups ND+BA (7.55 mg/L) and ND+BX (7.57 mg/L) compared to group ND (8.29 mg/L). Neither BA nor BX supplementation in ND and HF groups altered the serum levels of HSP70 and leptin. BA and BX supplementation in rats fed HF resulted in a significant reduction in live weight. Boron compounds altered L-carnitine and IGF-1 levels in rats. These results indicate that boron compounds are beneficial in the treatment of obesity as well as in the prevention of high-fat diet-induced weight increase. Alterations in serum L-carnitine and IGF-1 levels in boron treated rats also indicate possible role of boron compounds in energy metabolism in response to high fat diet.

The effects of boron‐supplemented diets on adipogenesis‐related gene expressions, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidative response in high‐fat fed rats

“…This situation is compatible with studies conducted by adding boron to the diet of rats and drinking water of rats, with studies in which the body weights of the subjects decreased. [24][25][26] In this study, antioxidant defense mechanisms were increased boron-supplemented groups to prevent damage caused by free radicals in tissues that were produced because of high-fat content in the experimental diet. Antioxidant defense, which prevents radical production and scavenges the produced radicals, takes place in two structures enzymatic and nonenzymatic defense mechanisms.…”

“…This situation is compatible with studies conducted by adding boron to the diet of rats and drinking water of rats, with studies in which the body weights of the subjects decreased. [ 24–26 ]…”

Effects of <i>Myrtus communis</i> L. Extract and Apocynin on Lens Oxidative Damage and Boron Levels in Rats with a High Fat-Diet

“…50 In rats fed an HFD, it has been shown that increased boron intake reduces body weight by altering serum L-carnitine and insulin-like growth factor 1 levels. 51 In humans, it has been reported that high dietary boron intake increases serum and saliva boron levels and reduces body weight, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. 44…”

Investigation the Effect of Boric Acid effect on Antioxidant System, HDL Levels and PON Activity on Rats Feding to the High-Fat Diet

“…The effects of boron on antioxidant oxidative stress is one of the current controversial issues. In addition, the lowering effects of boron compounds on body weight are promising for the problems caused by excessive weight (Atakisi et al, 2019;Fail et al, 1998). Increased oxidative stress with increased weight gain leads to an increase in the amount of free radicals and deterioration of homeostasis between free radicals and antioxidants in the body against antioxidants.…”

“…Recent studies have demonstrated that boric acid might be effective in decreasing body weight (Atakisi et al, 2019;Fail et al, 1998;Yildiz et al, 2013). A study reported that addition of various doses (1200, 2500, 5000, 10000, 20000 ppm) of boric acid to drinking water decreased body weight and this decrease was positively correlated with dosage (Fail et al, 1998).…”