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Effect of long-term boron exposure on the liver structure of adult male albino rats and the possible role of vitamin C

Background Boron is an essential trace element for humans, animals, and higher plants. It is largely used in the manufacture of glass, detergents, cosmetics, photographic materials, soaps, and cleaners, and is used in agriculture and leather tanning industries. Humans consume a few milligrams of boron in the form of water, fruits, and vegetables. High doses of boron have been recorded to be developmental and reproductive toxin in animals. Vitamin C is water soluble nonenzymatic antioxidant, and acts to overcome the oxidative stress. Aim The present study aimed to shed light on the effects of long-term boron exposure on the histological structural of the liver in adult male albino rats, and to evaluate the possible protective role of vitamin C against these changes. Materials and methods A total of 30 adult male albino rats were divided into three equal groups: group I, which acted as the control group; group II, in which the rats received drinking water containing 55×10−6 g boron/l for 90 days; and group III, in which the rats were given vitamin C (200 mg/kg body weight) orally concomitant with boron for 90 days. Liver specimens were then processed for light and electron microscopic study. Results Examination of the liver sections of group II revealed foci of dilatation and congestion of the central and veins of portal areas with mononuclear cellular infiltration and hepatocellular vacuolation. There was an increased collagen deposition around the central and portal areas. By electron microscopic-marked electron-lucent areas and degenerated cytoplasm, heterochromatic nuclei and decreased lipid content of Ito cells were noted. In group III, the coadministration of vitamin C improved most of the structural changes of the hepatocytes and Ito cells, and decreased collagen fiber deposition. Conclusion Exposure to boron induced changes on the structure of liver. The coadministration of vitamin C improved most of these structural changes.