Effects of boric acid on reproductive hormones and utero-ovarian tissues in female rats: A dose-response study

Authors : Mehmet Başeğmez, Nurcan Doğan, Hasan Hüseyin Demirel, Muhammed Fatih Doğan

Pages : 150-155

Doi:10.30728/boron.1761512

View : 74 | Download : 73

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Boric acid is a widely used form of boron, and its potential as a therapeutic agent is being increasingly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the dose-dependent effects of oral boric acid administration on reproductive hormone levels and the histopathological architecture of ovarian and uterine tissues in female rats. Twenty-four young adult female rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, low-dose boric acid (10 mg/kg), medium-dose boric acid (100 mg/kg), and high-dose boric acid (1000 mg/kg). Boric acid or saline was administered orally once daily for 21 days. Serum estradiol and progesterone levels were measured and ovarian and uterine tissues were examined histopathologically. Low and medium doses of boric acid did not significantly alter estradiol or progesterone levels compared to controls (p>0.05). However, high-dose boric acid administration significantly decreased estradiol levels while increasing progesterone levels (p<0.05). Histological evaluation revealed dose-dependent pathological changes, including edema, vascular congestion, follicular degeneration in the ovaries, and hyperplasia of endometrial glands in the uterus, particularly prominent at high doses. Boric acid exposure at high doses could disrupt the hormonal balance and induce significant structural damage in reproductive tissues, suggesting a potential risk to female reproductive health. These findings emphasize the necessity for cautious evaluation of boric acid exposure levels, particularly given its widespread industrial and medical applications.
Keywords : Borik asit, Estradiol, Progesteron, Rahim, Yumurtalık

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL