Boric Acid and Borax Protect Human Lymphocytes from Oxidative Stress and Genotoxicity Induced by 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol.

3-chloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD) is a member of the group of pollutants known as chloropropanols and is considered a genotoxic carcinogen. Due to the occurrence of 3-MCPD, which cannot be avoided in multiplexed food processes, it is necessary to explore novel agents to reduce or prevent the toxicity of 3-MCPD. Many recent studies on boron compounds reveal their superior biological roles such as antioxidant, anticancer, and antigenotoxic properties. In the current investigation, we have evaluated in vitro cytotoxic, oxidative, and genotoxic damage potential of 3-MCPD on human whole blood cultures and the alleviating effect of boric acid (BA) and borax (BX) for 72 h. In our in vitro experiments, we have treated blood cells with BA and BX (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/L) and 3-MCPD (at IC₅₀ of 11.12 mg/l) for 72 h to determine the cytotoxic damage potential by using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays. Oxidative damage was assessed using total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Genotoxicity evaluations were performed using chromosome aberrations (CAs) and 8-hydroxy deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) assays. The result of our experiments showed that the 3-MCPD compound induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity in a clear concentration-dependent manner. BA and BX reduced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity induced by 3-MCPD. In conclusion, BA and BX are safe and non-genotoxic under the in vitro conditions and can alleviate cytotoxic, oxidative, and genetic damage induced by 3-MCPD in the human blood cells. Our findings suggest that dietary boron supplements may offer a novel strategy for mitigating hematotoxicity induced by xenobiotics, including 3-MCPD.