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. 2025 Jun 27.
doi: 10.1007/s12011-025-04725-8. Online ahead of print.

Protective Effect of Boric Acid Against 3-NPA-Induced Ovarian Damage

Ömer Faruk Başer  1 , Mahmut Karapehlivan  2 , Abdulsamed Kükürt  3 , Ayfer Yıldız Uysal  4 , Esra Kafkas  2 , Serpil Dağ  4
Affiliations

Protective Effect of Boric Acid Against 3-NPA-Induced Ovarian Damage

Ömer Faruk Başer et al. Biol Trace Elem Res. .

Abstract

In our study, the potential protective effects of boric acid (BA) against ovarian damage induced by 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) were investigated. In an experiment conducted on female Wistar rats, the animals were divided into groups receiving control, 3-NPA, 3-NPA + BA, and BA only. 3-NPA triggers oxidative stress in the body by inducing excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to cellular damage and apoptosis. Experimental results showed that oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, and GSH-Px) increased in the group treated with 3-NPA, along with elevated inflammatory and apoptotic indicators (TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB, caspase 3, and 9). Moreover, significant histopathological findings such as degeneration, necrosis, and oocyte loss in follicles were observed. Boric acid application significantly reduced these adverse effects, enhancing antioxidant defense and providing protective effects on ovarian tissue. In conclusion, it was observed that BA's antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties exhibited protective potential against 3-NPA-related ovarian damage, with a positive impact on reproductive health. The study suggests that BA might be used as a supportive agent in diseases of the female reproductive system.

Keywords: 3-NPA; Apoptosis; Boric acid; Ovarian; Oxidative stress; Reproduction.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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