Investigation of the effect of boron on thyroid functions and biochemical parameters in hypothyroid induced-rats

In the study investigating the effects of boron on thyroid hormones and some biochemical parameters in hypothyroid rats, 49 Wistar Albino male rats were divided into seven groups; (Control (C), Hypothyroidism (H), boron groups (B10, and B20), hypothyroid + boron groups (HB10 and HB20), and Treatment (T). Four groups (H, HB10, HB20, and T) were administered 10 mg/kg (B10 and HB10), 20 mg/kg (B20 and HB20) boron for 3 weeks, respectively after hypothyroidism was induced using Propycil® containing propylthiouracil (PTU). Thyroid hormone analyses and biochemical measurements were made from the serum and thyroid gland tissue was examined histopathologically. According to the findings, the fT3 level increased in the B10 group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). While AST, ALT, and ALP activities were found to be higher in the hypothyroid group than in the control group, AST and ALP activities in the HB10 and HB20 groups decreased to values close to the control group. Total cholesterol levels were found to be lower in boron-given groups compared to control and hypothyroid groups (p < 0.05). Sodium iodide symporter (NIS) immunoreactivity was found to be high in hypothyroid rat groups. As a result, it was observed that the increased AST and ALP activities in rats decreased with boron administration. The serum hormone levels measured in the study are not sufficient to understand the effect of boron on the thyroid gland, and it was concluded that further studies at the molecular level are needed to understand the effects of boron on the thyroid gland.