Effect of supplementation of different boron and copper levels to layer diets on performance, egg yolk and plasma cholesterol

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

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

Transcriptional Study Revealed That Boron Supplementation May Alter the Immune-Related Genes Through MAPK Signaling in Ostrich Chick Thymus

The objective of this study is to construct a digital gene expression tag profile to identify genes potentially related to immune response in the ostrich. Exposure to boron leads to an immune response in the ostrich, although the underlying mechanism remains obscure. Thus, a dire need of biological resource in the form of transcriptomic data for ostriches arises to key out genes and to gain insights into the function of boron on the immune response of thymus. For this purpose, RNA-Seq analysis was performed using the Illumina technique to investigate differentially expressed genes in ostrich thymuses treated with different boric acid concentrations (0, 80, and 640 mg/L). Compared with the control group, we identified 309 upregulated and 593 downregulated genes in the 80 mg/L treated sample and 228 upregulated and 1816 downregulated genes in 640 mg/L treated sample, respectively. Trend analysis of these differentially expressed genes uncovers three statistically significant trends. Functional annotation analysis of the differentially expressed genes verifies multiple functions associated with immune response. When ostrich thymuses were treated with boron, expression changes were observed in genes predominantly associated with MAPK and calcium signaling pathways. The results of this study provide all-inclusive information on gene expression at the transcriptional level that further enhances our apprehension for the molecular mechanisms of boron on the ostrich immune system. The calcium and MAPK signaling pathways might play a pivotal role in regulating the immune response of boron-treated ostriches.

Effects of boron-containing compounds on cardiovascular disease risk factors - A review

Boron is considered to be a biological trace element but there is substantial and growing support for it to be classified as an essential nutrient for animals and humans, depending on its speciation. Boron-containing compounds have been reported to play an important role in biological systems. Although the exact biochemical functions of boron-containing compounds have not yet been fully elucidated, previous studies suggest an active involvement of these molecules in the mediation of inflammation and oxidative stress. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are known to amplify the effects of the main cardiovascular risk factors: smoking, diet, obesity, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes (as modifiable risk factors), and hyperhomocysteinemia and age (as independent risk factors). However, the role of boron-containing compounds in cardiovascular systems and disease prevention has yet to be established. This paper is a review of boron-containing compounds' existence in nature and their possible functions in living organisms, with a special focus on certain cardiovascular risk factors that may be diminished by intake of these compounds, leading to a reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and/or mortality.

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.

The effects of boron supplementation of layer diets varying in calcium and phosphorus concentrations on performance, egg quality, bone strength and mineral constituents of serum, bone and faeces

1. A 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments was used to investigate the effects of dietary calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and supplemental boron (B) (0, 75, and 150 mg/kg) on the performance, egg quality, bone strength, and mineral constituents in bone, serum and faeces. 2. A reduction by 18% in the dietary Ca-P concentration from the recommended levels for the hen strain reduced (P < 0.01) faecal excretion of ash, Ca and P concentrations, and shear force with stress of the tibia in association with decreased feed intake, whereas improved albumen height and Haugh unit values in the egg. 3. Supplemental B significantly decreased the feed consumption, egg weight and final body weight in hens, as well as the albumen height, but had no effect on either the biomechanical characteristics of bones or the mineral profile of the bones and serum. However, there was a significant increase in the egg production rate and a reduction in the damaged and shell-less egg ratio, and in the feed conversion rate in hens fed adequate Ca-P with 150 mg/kg B compared to those of the unsupplemented controls. 4. The amount of B that accumulated in the bones and serum was correlated with the amount of B consumed. B increased the faecal excretion of ash, Ca and B. In general, dietary variables had no effect on mineral composition of serum and tibia. 5. The magnitude of the response to dietary B was much more pronounced in hens fed a diet deficient in Ca-P with 75 mg/kg B; these hens exhibited a production performance and an egg quality comparable to those given adequate Ca-P with no added B. 6. The data presented in this study describing the measured bone properties did not corroborate the hypothesis that B is a trace element playing an important role in mineral metabolism and bone strength through an interaction with Ca, P and Mg.

Boron-containing compounds: chemico-biological properties and expanding medicinal potential in prevention, diagnosis and therapy

INTRODUCTION

Although the medicinal use of boron-containing compounds (BCCs) had long been limited to antiseptics, in the last few decades, these compounds have been used as antibiotics or chemotherapeutic agents. In the last few years, boron has been included in the moieties of many known drugs to improve their capacity in binding to their respective target receptors.

AREAS COVERED

The current review focuses on research and patent literature of the last decade related to the development of BCCs as preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic tools. It explores the possible mechanisms of action of these compounds as well as the advantageous features of their structure and chemico-pharmacological properties.

EXPERT OPINION

Although uncertainties exist about the mechanism of action of BCCs, increasing evidence about their toxicological profile strongly suggests that many can be safely administered to humans. Even stronger evidence exists regarding the capacity of BCCs to reach multiple targets that are involved in the treatment of common diseases. It seems fair to say that some BCCs will reach the market for medicinal use in the near future, not only for targeting microbial or neoplastic systems but also for acting on cell-signaling processes involved in many other disorders.