Effect of dietary boron on the aging process

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Gerontology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Boron is an essential trace element with varying concentrations across life stages.
• Its impact on lifespan and aging processes requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the changes in total boron concentration during Drosophila development and aging.
• To determine the effects of dietary boron supplementation on the median lifespan of adult flies and old mice.

Main Methods:

• Quantification of total boron concentrations in Drosophila at different life stages.
• Administration of varying sodium borate concentrations in the diet of adult Drosophila.
• Assessment of median lifespan in response to dietary boron.
• Analysis of boron content in mouse tissues and the effect of boron supplementation on mouse lifespan.

Main Results:

• Boron concentration peaked in the egg stage, declined during larval stages, and increased in adult Drosophila.
• High dietary boron (0.01 M and 0.001 M sodium borate) significantly decreased Drosophila median lifespan.
• Low boron supplementation (0.00025 M) to a boron-deficient diet increased Drosophila lifespan.
• Boron levels in mouse tissues were comparable to Drosophila and human samples, with no significant lifespan changes observed in supplemented old mice.

Conclusions:

• Boron concentration dynamically changes during development and aging in Drosophila.
• Excessive dietary boron is detrimental to Drosophila lifespan, whereas specific low-dose supplementation may be beneficial.
• The effects of boron on lifespan appear to be species- and dose-dependent, with limited impact observed in old mice under tested conditions.