Boron and antioxidants complex: a new concept for the treatment of kidney stones without rigorous pain

OBJECTIVE

Stone disease is an increasingly common form of renal disease. Diet plays an important role in expression of the tendency to stone formation. Renal epithelial cell injury by reactive oxygen species is a pre-requisite step and the administration of natural antioxidants has been used to protect against nephrolithiasis. Considering the nutrients, boron as an ultra-trace element is revealing to enhance the antioxidant defense mechanism and along vitamin status seems to have an impact on the stone removal.

METHODS

A male patient with urolithiasis received daily boron plus antioxidants supplement and asked to consume enough of the dairy serving products plus adequate liquids.

RESULT

Ultrasonography assessment revealed continuous stone removal or disposal without hydronephrosis with significant pain alleviation and reduction in hematuria. The lithiasic residues were collected. The 9*20 mm size of the one eliminated stone is of noteworthy.

CONCLUSION

Successful and comfortable kidney stone repulsion with a minor pain and bleeding indicates that this impact of boron plus antioxidants deserves further study and clarification.

The efficacy of antioxidant therapy against oxidative stress and androgen rise in ethylene glycol induced nephrolithiasis in Wistar rats

Administration of natural antioxidants has been used to protect against nephrolithiasis. Urolithiasis was induced by ethylene glycol (EG) in Wistar rats. For 4 weeks, group 1 (control) was fed with a standard commercial diet. Group 2 received the same diet with 0.75% of EG. Group 3 received EG plus the diet and water added with antioxidant nutrients and lime juice as the dietary source of citrate (EG + AX). Group 4 same as group 3 with no EG in water. For 8 weeks, group 5 was fed the standard diet with EG in water for the first 28 days, followed by no EG. Group 6 received the diet with EG for the first 28 days, followed by discontinuation of EG and addition of antioxidant nutrients. Group 7 were provided the diet with antioxidant nutrients for 8 weeks. Group 8 received the diet with antioxidant nutrients for 4 weeks, followed by antioxidant nutrients with EG for the next 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected and kidneys were removed. The size and the mean number of crystal deposits in EG-treated groups was significantly higher than the EG-treated groups, added with antioxidant nutrients and lime juice. After 4 weeks, the mean concentration of malondialdehyde in group 2 was higher than the group 3, and significantly lower in group 4; and in groups 7 after 8 weeks, as well. After 8 weeks, supplementation developed less mean number of deposits in group 6 as compared to group 5; and in group 8, the crystal deposits was substantially less than either group 2 or group 5 (EG-treated rats). Elevated concentration of androgens (as promoters of the formation of renal calculi) as a result of EG consumption decreased following antioxidant supplementations. Results showed a beneficial effect of antioxidant and provided superior renal protection on treating and preventing stone deposition in the rat kidney.

Whole body vibration as a safe exercise training method induces no impaired alterations on rat plasma antioxidant biomarkers

Whole body vibration (WBV) has been regarded as an exercise training method and as a non-pharmacological supportive treatment option appearing to be efficient in chronic disease conditions, such as bone disorders and for cardio-respiratory fitness. Since, data on the safety and efficacy of vibration on oxidative stress parameters are lacking, it was decided to assess the effects of WBV on the plasma antioxidant biomarkers in adult male Wistar rat model.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats weighing 140-180 g, were divided into control and vibration group. Vibration training consisted of vertical sinusoidal whole body vibration for 8 weeks, followed by blood collection.

RESULTS

The vibrated rats weighed more than the control group (1353.0 ± 21.0 vs. 157.0 ± 36.0g, P < 0.048). The plasma Cu and Zn concentrations, vitamin C, uric acid, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were similar in the vibration group. No major differences was observed for selected plasma antioxidant parameters .

DISCUSSION

The potential effects of physiological responses of WBV on several physiological systems are without deteriorations concerning plasma antioxidant status.

Significant pain alleviation, cease of hematuria, and renal stone removal after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy with adjuvant boron therapy - case report

OBJECTIVE

Stone disease is an increasingly common form of renal disease. Therapy to prevent stones rests in lowering supersaturation uses both diet and medication. Environmental factors, especially diet, play an important role in the expression of the tendency to stone formation. Effective treatment decreases stone recurrence and need to use procedures to stone removal. Considering the nutrients, boron as an ultratrace element of the plant food is assumed to have an impact on the stone removal.

METHOD

Female patient with a 10.0 mm stone in the lower pole underwent an extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and received 10 mg of boron supplement/day for two weeks.

RESULTS

Ultrasonography assessment revealed complete stone removal or disposal without hydronephrosis with a significant pain alleviation and significant reduction in ureter bleeding or hematuria along with a little burning sensation in the genital region. The expulsion was confirmed by the collection of the lithiasic residues.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful and comfortable kidney stone repulsion with a minor pain and bleeding indicates that the impact of boron in this issue deserves further study and clarification.

Effect of combination therapy of fatty acids, calcium, vitamin D and boron with regular physical activity on cardiovascular risk factors in rat

The effect of consumption of fatty acids and selected nutrients, along with regular physical activity, on cardiovascular risk factors in rats was investigated.Male rats were divided into the seven groups: Group 1: regular food and drinking water, Group 2: same as Group. 1 + physical activity (whole body vibration; WBV), Group 3: same as Group. 2 + calcium, vitamin D, boron, Group 4: same as Group. 3 + canola oil, Group 5: same as Group. 3 + sunflower oil, Group 6: same as Group. 3 + mix of sunflower oil and canola oil, Group 7: same as Group. 3 + coconut oil. Rats were treated for 8 weeks, and analysis of the frozen plasmas was performed. A- Analysis between the treatment groups and control revealed that vibration training in Group 2 increased body weight (P = 0.04), plasma creatin kinase (CK), (P = 0.02), and estradiol (E2), (P = 0.03). Rats in Group 5 consumed less food and plasma levels of cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) increased significantly (P = 0.02) in Group 6 and in Group 7 (p<0.05). B- Analysis of data among Group 4 - 7 (the oil consuming groups) and Group 3 revealed significant differences in cholesterol (Chol), LDL-C, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), C- reactive protein (hs-CRP), estradiol (E2), atherogenic index (AI), and risk factor (RF), (p<0.05). In addition, plasma levels of testosterone (T) and free testosterone (FT) in Group 7 had a remarkable but non-significant increase. As a result of vibration training, a similar trend was observed for vitamin D in Group 2-7. The findings show that WBV is effective in improving health status by influencing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Moreover, canola oil and sunflower oil, separately, showed beneficial impacts on CVD risk factors; whereas their combination had negative impacts on lipid profile. Coconut oil revealed to be efficient to provide health benefits in terms of CVD treatments.

Effect of consumption of fatty acids, calcium, vitamin D and boron with regular physical activity on bone mechanical properties and corresponding metabolic hormones in rats

The consumption of fatty acids, nutrients, and regular physical activity, individually influence bone mechanical properties in rats. To investigate their effects in combination, male rats were divided into the seven groups: G1: regular food and drinking water; G2: same as Gr.1 + physical activity (Whole body vibration; WBV); G3: same as Gr.2 + Calcium, Vit. D, Boron; G4: same as Gr.3 + canola oil; G5: same as Gr.3 + sunflower oil; G6: same as Gr.3 + mix of sunflower oil and canola oil; and G7: same as Gr.3 + coconut oil; and treated for 8 weeks. Analysis between the control with the groups 2 and 3 revealed that vibration in the G2 increased the body weight (P = 0.04), with no other major difference in plasma and bone indices. Comparison between the control with the G4-G7 (the oil groups) revealed that the rats in the G5 had a lower body weight (15 % less) and a significant increase in plasma levels of Estradiol in the G7 was noted. In addition, levels of Testosterone in the G4 and G7, and Free Testosterone in the G7 had a remarkable increase. Similar trend was observed for plasma levels of Vit. D in the G4 and G5. The stiffness and the breaking strength of the femur in the G7, and the breaking strength of the lumbar in the G7 compared to the control and the G4 and G5 was significantly higher and tended to increase in comparison to the G6. Better and stronger measurements observed for coconut oil is warranted to further study its effect on biomechanical properties of bones.

Determinant role of gonadal sex hormones in the pathogenesis of urolithiasis in a male subject - a document for male predominancy (case study)

OBJECTIVE

Urolithiasis is a multifactorial disorder influenced by both intrinsic and environmental factors. Among the studied factors, male gender with a three times higher incidence of urolitlithiasis than female gender is considered as a risk factor, but the influence of sex hormones on urinary stone formation remains undetermined. Since the association between serum testosterone and urolithiasis has yet received only limited attention, the pathogenesis of this male predisposition still remains to be elucidated and thus the reason for this male predominance remains apparently obscure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this case study, one healthy 38-year old male who participated in a nutrition study developed a minor flank pain and has been subjected to ultrasonography which showed 4-5 mm calculi located within renal middle calyxes of both kidneys. In addition, the results of twice repeated estimation of testosterone, free testosterone, estradiol, dihydrotestosterone and sex hormone binding globulin revealed hyperandrogenicity as also confirmed by the estimation of those hormones in eight males of the same age.

CONCLUSION

So far, the association between serum gonadal steroids and urolithiasis in males received only limited attention and the recommendation for steroid investigation as a basic evaluation to rule out treatable systemic causes in urolithiasis patients is warranted. This rare finding in man seems to be the first report on this issue presented.

A suggested method for the prediction of the oxidation resistance of low density lipoprotein by determination of the lag time

A simple clinical blood test, which measures the total antioxidant status of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and therefore its vulnerability to oxidative stress is suggested, and as a first stage this was tried on a small sample of eight healthy adult males. The body's natural defence and repair systems try to handle all free radicals, but these systems are not hundred percent effective. Thereby, the role of antioxidants (particularly natural antioxidants) becomes evident and vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and compounds like beta-carotene are under especially extensive study. Vitamin C is the most abundant water-soluble antioxidant acting in extracellular fluid, while Vitamin E is the most abundant fat-soluble antioxidant, and it protects the polyunsaturated fatty acids within the LDL from oxidation and helps to prevent the process of atherogenesis. The determination of 'lag-phase' during continuous monitoring of oxidation of LDL in vitro is a convenient and objective procedure for determining the susceptibility of LDL from different donors towards oxidation as well as of pro- and anti-oxidants. The Lag-time for LDL samples, obtained from eight healthy adult males was found to be between 40-50 minutes. The measurement of this Lag-phase could be a highly promising routine method for measuring the total antioxidant status of LDL.

Sulfur mustard intoxication, oxidative stress, and antioxidants

Sulfur Mustard (SM) is a potent alkylating agent with electrophilic property which has been used as a chemical warfare agent in at least 12 conflicts. It has reemerged as a major threat in recent years. Medical attention is primarily concerned with its action on the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract which may be complicated by damage to ophthalmic, pulmonary, and gasterointestinal systems, followed by bone marrow depression. The cytotoxicity of SM and production of reactive oxygen substances (ROS) has been proposed to result from electrophilic or oxidative stress with depletion of cellular detoxifying thiol levels including glutathione. Also, ROS are transformed by iron-requiring reactions into highly toxic oxidants that cause a chain reaction with membrane phospholipids to form lipid peroxides, leading to loss of membrane function, membrane fluidity, and finally membrane integrity. Provision and availability of scavengers of ROS and electrophilic compounds such as glutathione, sulfhydryls compounds, antioxidants, and substances that will increase production of endogenous scavengers may be considered protective and useful. Thereby, the role of substances such as selenium, copper, zinc, and antioxidants including vitamin E, vitamin C, and compounds like beta-carotene against SM cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation might be interesting to be investigated in experimental animal models.

The significance of water in sport and weight control

Intake of food and drink during exercise can be effective in enhancing performance, in so far as it prevents or ameliorates exercise-induced changes to body homeostasis. Loss of body fluids containing water and electrolytes during exercise is mostly by sweating. Sweat rates during a sporting event or activity will vary according to a number of factors, including the size of the athlete and his or her degree of acclimatization, the intensity of exercise, environmental conditions and the clothing worn. The mismatch of fluid intake and fluid losses may lead to a body water deficit. It has generally been considered that decreases in performance become apparent when hypohydration exceeds 2% of body weight; that performance decrements become substantial when fluid losses exceed 5% of body weight; and that when fluid losses approach 6-10% of body weight, heat stroke and heat exhaustion become life-threatening. Hypohydration also affects mental functioning. Therefore, the effect of hypohydration on real-life sport may be greater than that shown in laboratory studies of physiological performance.

The significance of dietary boron, with particular reference to athletes

Ergogenic substances and synthetic steroids have a wide spread use, particularly among non-professional athletes. To avoid the side-effect of drug abuse, it is suggested that the key to success is a proper athletic nutrition. It is a balanced intake of nutritional wholesome foods that contain a proper blend of essential nutrients. Knowledge of human physiology and nutrition has increased greatly, and so has application of dietary alterations and supplementation with specific nutrients. Modulation of dietary composition and/or supplementation with specific nutrients with the intent of improving human physical performance is a working definition of nutritional ergogenic aids. Boron is a trace element nutrient, and recently its supplements have been shown to increase the concentration of plasma steroid hormones. In a single blind cross-over trial, it resulted in a significant increase in plasma 17-B estradiol (E2) concentration (P < 0.004) and there was a trend for plasma testosterone (T) levels to be increased. The ratio of E2/T increased significantly. However, there was no perturbation in plasma lipids. Furthermore, the effect of boron on steroidogenesis and its mechanism was also investigated in two more studies conducted on adult male rats. The elevation of endogenous steroid hormones as a result of boron supplementation suggest that boron may be used as an ergogenic safe substance for athletes which should be further investigated.

The nutritional and metabolic effects of boron in humans and animals

We have undertaken studies in humans and animals that aimed to obtain further information about the intake and excretion of boron (B) as well as its effects on markers of coronary heart disease. In humans, we have shown that the intake of B is 2.2 mg/d; its urinary excretion is 1.9 mg/d, and there appears to be little intraindividual variation. Supplementation with 10 mg of B/d resulted in the recovery of 84% of the dose in the urine and a significant increase in plasma estradiol concentration, but no effect on plasma lipoproteins. In rats, increasing the intake of B through the drinking water is reflected in the tissue concentrations, results in an increase in plasma testosterone and vitamin D, and results in a decrease in HDL cholesterol. It is clear that B has the potential to impact significantly on a number of metabolic processes.

The effect of boron supplementation on its urinary excretion and selected cardiovascular risk factors in healthy male subjects

Boron (B) is an essential trace element for plants and its interrelationship with mineral and bone metabolism and endocrine function in humans has been proposed. Relatively little is known about the occurrence of B in the food chain and hence a biomarker which reflects its intake is required. Two studies were carried out to quantify the urinary B concentration of subjects consuming their habitual diet and the effect of supplementation. In addition, the effect of supplementation on plasma lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations and susceptibility to oxidation and plasma steroid hormones were determined. Boron excretion, obtained on two different occasions from 18 healthy male subjects, was found to be in the range 0.35-3.53 mg/day, with no significant difference between the two occasions. Supplementation with 10 mg B/d for 4 wk resulted in 84% of the supplemented dose being recovered in the urine. Plasma estradiol concentrations increased significantly as a result of supplementation (51.9 +/- 21.4 to 73.9 +/- 22.2 pmol/L; p < 0.004) and there was a trend for plasma testosterone levels to be increased. However, there was no difference in plasma lipids or the oxidizability of low-density lipoprotein. Our studies suggest that the absorption efficiency of B is very high and estimation of the urinary B concentration may provide a useful reflection of B intake. In addition, the elevation of endogenous estrogen as a result of supplementation suggests a protective role for B in atherosclerosis.

The boron content of selected foods and the estimation of its daily intake among free-living subjects

BACKGROUND

Boron is an essential micronutrient for higher plants. The results of studies in animals and humans have suggested a potential role for boron as a modulator of the steroid hormone pathway.

METHODS

As part of a study to obtain baseline information on boron in humans, the boron content of selected foods (66 items) consumed in Australia was determined. Mean values are presented for the element per 100 g or 100 ml of food and per serving.

RESULTS

Major sources of the element were nuts, dried fruits, legumes, fresh vegetables and fruits. The boron content of these foods correlated positively and strongly with values provided by the comprehensive Finnish Tables of mineral composition of foods and with the US Food and Drug Administration Total Diet Study. Because of the similarity in methods employed by this study and that used for the comprehensive Finnish Tables, the latter was used to analyze the boron content in 7-day weighed food records of 32 subjects.

CONCLUSION

Using data obtained from the food records and assigning the corresponding values from the Finnish Tables for the boron content of foods, the average daily consumption of boron for a selected group of Australians was found to be 2.23 +/- 1.23 mg/day.

The role of boron in nutrition and metabolism

A large number of responses to dietary boron occur when the boron content of the diet is manipulated. Numerous studies suggest that boron interacts with other nutrients and plays a regulatory role in the metabolism of minerals, such as calcium, and subsequently bone metabolism. Although the mechanism of action has not been defined, it may be mediated by increasing the concentration of steroid hormones such as testosterone and beta-oestradiol. Boron is obtained from a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. The daily intake has been estimated to range from 0.3-41 mg per day. The wide range is due to the variation of the analytical methods used and differences in the soil content of boron. Based on a limited number of studies, increasing dietary boron results in increases in the boron concentration of all tissues. Large amounts of boron are well tolerated while consistent signs of deficiency include depressed growth and a reduction in some blood indices, particularly steroid hormone concentrations. Via its effect on steroid hormones and interaction with mineral metabolism, boron may be involved in a number of clinical conditions such as arthritis. Further research is required before boron is accepted as an essential nutrient for humans.