Protective Effect of Boric Acid on Oxidative Damage and Cognitive Function in Aging Modeled Rats

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Neurobiology
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Background:

• Aging is a natural degenerative process.
• Boron, sourced from Türkiye, is investigated for its potential health benefits.
• Oxidative stress is a key factor in aging and related diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of boric acid (BA) on aging and associated diseases.
• To assess the antioxidant properties of BA in a D-galactose (D-gal)-induced aging model.
• To determine BA's impact on cognitive functions in an aging rat model.

Main Methods:

• An experimental aging model was established using D-galactose (D-gal) injection in male Wistar rats.
• Boric acid (BA) was administered orally to rats for 12 weeks.
• Cognitive abilities were assessed using the novel object recognition test (NORT) and Morris water maze (MWM).
• Biochemical markers of oxidative stress, including glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), were measured.

Main Results:

• D-galactose induced significant oxidative stress, evidenced by altered MDA and GSH levels.
• Boric acid treatment significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.
• Boric acid treatment led to a trend of increased glutathione (GSH) levels.
• Boric acid administration significantly improved cognitive deficits observed in the D-galactose-treated rats.

Conclusions:

• Boric acid (BA) mitigates D-galactose-induced memory impairment.
• BA's neuroprotective effects are linked to the reduction of oxidative stress.
• BA shows promise as a therapeutic agent for age-related neurodegenerative disorders and cognitive enhancement.