boron and Prostatic-Neoplasms

In this study, the effect of metformin on boron levels and oxidative brain damage in rats due to diabetes and prostate cancer was investigated for the first time. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and the amount of DNA were investigated as tissue oxidative and toxic damage parameters. In Copenhagen rats, Dunning prostate cancer was induced using high metastatic MAT-Lylu cells and diabetes was induced by single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Metformin was administered for 14 days after diabetes and prostate cancer induced. The rats were divided into six groups as follows: control group, diabetic group (D), cancer group (C), diabetic + cancer (DC) group, cancer + metformin (CM) group, diabetic + cancer + metformin (DCM) group. At the end of the experiment, brains were removed. Significant decrease of brain boron levels and significant elevation of MPO activity and DNA levels were observed in D, C, and DC groups as compared to control group. The effect of diabetes induction on the brain boron levels was much more than prostate cancer induction. The administration of metformin with CM and DCM obviously declined MPO activity and increased brain boron levels almost near to control group level. In conclusion, this study shows that the protective effect of metformin against brain damage in STZ-induced diabetic rats with Dunning prostate cancer may also be related to increased boron levels. The boron levels may be a novel indicator of reduced toxic and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the distribution and mechanism of action of boron should be clarified.

Topics: Animals; Boron; Brain; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Male; Metformin; Oxidative Stress; Peroxidase; Prostatic Neoplasms; Rats; Streptozocin

Protontherapy is hadrontherapy's fastest-growing modality and a pillar in the battle against cancer. Hadrontherapy's superiority lies in its inverted depth-dose profile, hence tumour-confined irradiation. Protons, however, lack distinct radiobiological advantages over photons or electrons. Higher LET (Linear Energy Transfer)

Topics: Alpha Particles; Animals; Borohydrides; Boron; Boron Neutron Capture Therapy; Carbon Isotopes; Cell Death; Cell Line, Tumor; Chromosome Aberrations; Combined Modality Therapy; Cyclotrons; DNA Damage; DNA, Neoplasm; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Fluorescent Dyes; Humans; Karyotyping; Linear Energy Transfer; Male; Neutrons; Prostatic Neoplasms; Proton Therapy; Relative Biological Effectiveness; Sulfhydryl Compounds

High global incidence of prostate cancer has led to a focus on prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the impact of this disease in public health. Boron compounds are increasingly recognized as preventative and chemotherapeutic agents. However, systemic administration of soluble boron compounds is hampered by their short half-life and low effectiveness. Here we report on hollow boron nitride (BN) spheres with controlled crystallinity and boron release that decrease cell viability and increase prostate cancer cell apoptosis. In vivo experiments on subcutaneous tumour mouse models treated with BN spheres demonstrated significant suppression of tumour growth. An orthotopic tumour growth model was also utilized and further confirmed the in vivo anti-cancer efficacy of BN spheres. Moreover, the administration of hollow BN spheres with paclitaxel leads to synergetic effects in the suppression of tumour growth. The work demonstrates that hollow BN spheres may function as a new agent for prostate cancer treatment.

Topics: Alarmins; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Biomarkers; Boron; Boron Compounds; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Shape; Chemical Phenomena; Humans; Injections, Subcutaneous; Male; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Nanospheres; Necrosis; Prostatic Neoplasms; Tissue Distribution; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

The efficacy of a boron-containing cholesteryl ester compound (BCH) as a boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) agent for the targeted irradiation of PC-3 human prostate cancer cells was examined.. Liposome-based delivery of BCH was quantified with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cytotoxicity of the BCH-containing liposomes was evaluated with neutral red, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS), and lactate dehydrogenase assays. Colony formation assays were utilized to evaluate the decrease in cell survival due to high-linear energy transfer (LET) particles resulting from (10)B thermal neutron capture.. BCH delivery by means of encapsulation in a lipid bilayer resulted in a boron uptake of 35.2 ± 4.3 μg/10(9) cells, with minimal cytotoxic effects. PC-3 cells treated with BCH and exposed to a 9.4 × 10(11) n/cm(2) thermal neutron fluence yielded a 20-25% decrease in clonogenic capacity. The decreased survival is attributed to the generation of high-LET α particles and (7)Li nuclei that deposit energy in densely ionizing radiation tracks.. Liposome-based delivery of BCH is capable of introducing sufficient boron to PC-3 cells for BNCT. High-LET α particles and (7)Li nuclei generated from (10)B thermal neutron capture significantly decrease colony formation ability in the targeted PC-3 cells.

Topics: Boron; Boron Neutron Capture Therapy; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Cholesterol Esters; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Isotopes; Linear Energy Transfer; Liposomes; Male; Prostatic Neoplasms

We investigated the possible relationship between boron exposure and prostate cancer (PCa) for men living and being employed at boron mines in villages with rich boron minerals. Out of 456 men studied, 159 were from villages with rich boron sources and boron levels in drinking water of >1 mg L(-1) and these men formed the study group, while 63 from villages with rich boron sources and boron levels in drinking water of <1 mg L(-1) were enrolled into control group 1. A further 234 subjects from other villages with no boron mines were considered as control group 2. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels could be obtained from a total of 423 men. Urinary boron concentration as an indicator of boron exposure in 63 subjects, prostatic volumes by transrectal ultrasonography in 39 subjects, and prostatic biopsies in 36 subjects were obtained for study and control groups. The daily boron exposure was calculated according to urinary boron levels. Although there was no significant difference among the groups in terms of total PSA levels, the number of subjects with tPSA ≥2.5 and tPSA ≥10.0 ng dL(-1) prostatic volumes in men whose prostates were biopsied (p < 0.012) was significantly lower in the study group as compared with those in the control group 2. These results suggested that high exposure to boron might have an implication within the prostatic cellular processes related to hyperplasia and carcinogenesis, even though we did not find a statistically significant association between PCa and boron exposure.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Biopsy; Boron; Colorimetry; Drinking Water; Environmental Exposure; Geography; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mining; Prostate; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Prostatic Neoplasms; ROC Curve; Turkey; Ultrasonography

Photon beams used in IMRT treatments with high energies (>10 MV) are contaminated with neutrons. Measurement of this neutron dose is of significance to the overall risk estimate of high energy radiotherapy.. For measuring neutron doses a paired magnesium and boron coated magnesium chamber system was used. All measurements were performed inside the solid water phantom EasyCube using abdominal extensions. 4 different clinical treatment plans were studied.. The measured neutron dose showed to be homogeneous inside the phantom and increased with increased number of applied monitor units. The sum over all fractions showed neutron doses of 1-2 mGy, depending on the kind of treatment.. Using large conversion factors of 25 Sv/Gy, none of the studied treatment plans exceeded dose equivalents of 50 mSv for the whole treatment. This dose equivalent has to be considered whole body dose due to the homogeneous distribution of neutrons.

Topics: Boron; Calibration; Computer Simulation; Dose Fractionation, Radiation; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Magnesium; Male; Monte Carlo Method; Neutrons; Prostatic Neoplasms; Radiotherapy Dosage; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; Scattering, Radiation

To determine: (1) the correlation of prostate cancer incidence and mortality with groundwater boron and selenium concentrations; and (2) the impact of boron on prostate cancer cell proliferation during co-treatment with alternative chemo-preventative agents, along with boron pre-treatment effects on cell sensitivity to ionizing radiation.. For regression analysis, data on prostate cancer incidence and mortality were obtained from the Texas Cancer Registry, while groundwater boron and selenium concentrations were derived from the Texas Water Development Board. Cultured DU-145 prostate cancer cells were used to assess the impact of boric acid on cell proliferation when applied in combination with selenomethionine and genistein, or preceding radiation exposure.. Groundwater boron levels correlated with a decrease in prostate cancer incidence (R = 0.6) and mortality (R = 0.6) in state planning regions, whereas selenium did not (R = 0.1; R = 0.2). Growth inhibition was greater during combined treatments of boric acid and selenomethionine, or boric acid and genistein, versus singular treatments. 8-day boric acid pre-exposure enhanced the toxicity of ionizing radiation treatment, while dose-dependently decreasing the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2.. Increased groundwater boron concentrations, across the state of Texas, correlate with reduced risk of prostate cancer incidence and mortality. Also, boric acid improves the anti-proliferative effectiveness of chemo-preventative agents, selenomethionine and genistein, while enhancing ionizing radiation cell kill.

Topics: Anticarcinogenic Agents; Boric Acids; Boron; Cell Proliferation; Environment; Genistein; Humans; Male; Prostatic Neoplasms; Radiation, Ionizing; Regression Analysis; Risk Factors; Selenomethionine; Texas; Tumor Cells, Cultured; United States; Water

Experimental studies suggest that boron may prevent prostate cancer. Only one small epidemiological study has been conducted of boron, which found that those in the highest quartile of boron intake had less than half the risk of prostate cancer versus those in the lowest quartile.. We evaluated the association between boron intake and prostate cancer within the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) cohort. A total of 35,244 men completed the baseline supplement and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in 2000-2002. A boron database was constructed from published sources to estimate boron intake from the FFQ and from multivitamins. A total of 832 men developed prostate cancer from baseline to 31 December 2004.. Dietary boron intake and total boron intake from diet plus multivitamins were not associated with prostate cancer risk. The hazard ratio of prostate cancer for those in the highest versus lowest quartile of total boron intake was 1.17 (95% CI 0.85, 1.61). This risk did not vary by prostate cancer stage or Gleason score. Furthermore, none of the foods high in boron content was associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer.. This cohort study provides no evidence for a preventive role of boron intake on prostate cancer. Since few studies exist on this topic, future research is needed to better elucidate any role that boron may play in the prevention of prostate cancer.

Topics: Aged; Boron; Cohort Studies; Databases, Factual; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prostatic Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vitamins; Washington

Boron affects human steroid hormone levels. Circulating testosterone and estradiol levels have been proposed to modify prostate cancer risk. However, the association between dietary boron intake and the risk of prostate cancer has not been evaluated by any epidemiological study. We explored the association between dietary boron intake and the risk of prostate cancer in the USA. Our analysis was based on data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Cross-sectional case-control study design was employed by comparing boron intake of 95 prostate cancer cases with that of 8,720 male controls. After controlling for age, race, education, smoking, body mass index, dietary caloric intake, and alcohol consumption, increased dietary boron intake was associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer with a dose-response pattern. The adjusted odds ratio was 0.46 (95% confidence interval: 0.21-0.98) for the highest quartile of boron intake comparing to the lowest quartile (P for trend = 0.0525). The observed association should be interpreted with caution because of the small case sample size and the nature of the cross-sectional study design, but deserve further investigation.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Boron; Case-Control Studies; Diet Surveys; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prostatic Neoplasms; Risk Factors

Sulfhydryl boron hydride (BSH) (10B enriched) is presently used for boron neutron capture therapy of malignant gliomas. BSH must be close to the target cells to be effective in the inactivation of cell proliferation because of the short range of the reaction products (5-9 microns). Clinical experience indicates that BSH is taken up in gliomas but it is not known to which structures it binds at the cellular level. In vitro tests on monolayer cultured cells have indicated that BSH does not bind, or only shows very weak binding, to single isolated cells. It is possible that BSH accumulates in tumor regions due to the special conditions in poorly vascularized tumor tissue, such as low pO2, low extracellular pH, metabolic gradients, and degenerative changes. To test this we incubated three types of multicellular tumor spheroids with BSH for different times and analyzed both penetration and binding. The spatial distribution of 10B in sections of the spheroids was analyzed by neutron capture autoradiography. We found extensive accumulation of 10B in the central regions of both glioma and colon carcinoma spheroids. The accumulation closely followed the pattern of the degenerative changes which were characterized by massive necrosis in the central regions of the colon carcinoma spheroids and by a continuously increasing frequency of pyknotic nuclei as a function of depth in the glioma spheroids. The accumulation of 10B in the prostatic carcinoma spheroids was much lower. The penetration assay, based on freeze-drying and vapor fixation, showed that BSH penetrated easily since 10B equilibrated within 5-15 min in the studied spheroids. Thus, the low accumulation in the prostatic carcinoma spheroids was not due to penetration difficulties. The results of the present study on cellular spheroids and the results from previous studies on transplanted tumors support the observation that BSH penetrates easily into the degenerative tumor areas and that 10B, for some tumor types, might accumulate in these regions as a result of the BSH administration.

Topics: Autoradiography; Borohydrides; Boron; Brain Neoplasms; Carcinoma; Colonic Neoplasms; Glioma; Humans; Isotopes; Male; Prostatic Neoplasms; Sulfhydryl Compounds; Tumor Cells, Cultured

The benefits and limitations of present modes of treatment of prostatic cancer with physical, hormonal, and chemical agents are briefly reviewed. The theoretical possibility that the heterogeneous clones that comprise prostatic cancer might be killed or controlled by selective targeting of cytotoxic agents (actual or potential) to malignant cells is discussed in terms of two types of delivery vehicles to provide for cell selectivity: (1) monoclonal antibodies against specific cell surface markers on cancer cells and (2) steroid ligands for receptors present in clones of malignant cells. The problems and prospects of these selective delivery systems as potential therapeutic modalities for prostatic cancer are considered.

Topics: Androgen Antagonists; Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Neoplasm; Antineoplastic Agents; Boron; Humans; Immunotherapy; Isotopes; Liposomes; Male; Prostate; Prostatic Neoplasms; Radioligand Assay; Receptors, Androgen; Receptors, Estrogen; Receptors, Progesterone