Boron supplementation inhibits the growth and local expression of IGF-1 in human prostate adenocarcinoma (LNCaP) tumors in nude mice.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a serine protease and one of the most abundant proteins secreted by the human prostate epithelium. PSA is used as a well-established marker of prostate cancer. The involvement of PSA in several early events leading to the development of malignant prostate tumors has made it a target for prevention and intervention.

Effects of boric acid supplementation on bone histomorphometry, metabolism, and biomechanical properties in aged female F-344 rats.

Postmenopausal women may benefit from dietary interventions in order to increase bone strength and prevent fractures. Dietary boron (B) may be beneficial for optimal calcium metabolism and, as a consequence, optimal bone metabolism. The present study evaluated the effects of boron, in the form of boric acid, with or without 17beta-estradiol (E2) supplementation (via subcutaneous implant), in ovariectomized (OVX) aged 13- mo-old F-344 rats.

Effects of selenium supplementation on four agricultural crops.

Agricultural crops can be used either to remediate selenium-contaminated soils or to increase the daily selenium intake of consumers after soil supplementation using inorganic or organic selenium sources. In this study, four agricultural crops were examined for potential selenium enhancement. Soils containing tomato, strawberry, radish, and lettuce plants were supplemented with either an inorganic or an organic form of selenium.

Inhibition of the enzymatic activity of prostate-specific antigen by boric acid and 3-nitrophenyl boronic acid.

Background: Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a well-established marker of prostate cancer, but it can also degrade extracellular matrix proteins such as fibronectin and could be involved in tumor progression and metastasis. In this study, we have addressed the use of boric acid and 3-nitrophenyl boronic acid (NPBA) as PSA inhibitors in vitro.

Methods: The inhibition of PSA by boric acid was studied by using specific fluorogenic substrates.

Accumulation and retention of lead by cattail (Typha domingensis), hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), and duckweed (Lemna obscura).

Investigation of lead levels in Delaney Creek, which flows through a former lead-acid battery manufacturing and disposal site in Tampa, FL, revealed low but significant lead levels in the water and sediments along the creek, Known phytoaccumulator plants populate certain locations within the creek and adjacent wetlands. Three representative plants from the study site--cattail (Typha domingensis Pers.), hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata Royle), and duckweed (Lemna obscura L.

Essential fatty acids and phenolic acids from extracts and leachates of southern cattail (Typha domingensis P.).

We have been able to isolate several phytotoxic compounds from aqueous extracts and leachates of cattails (Typha domingensis) using activated charcoal as an absorbant, followed by successive extraction with organic solvents, analysis by GC/MS, and structural elucidation by NMR spectroscopy when possible. The phytotoxins were identified as essential fatty acids (linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid) and phenolic compounds of known phytotoxic activity (caffeic acid from the aqueous extracts; caffeic, p-coumaric, and gallic acid from the leachates). Both extracts and the phytotoxins in the extracts have the potential of inhibiting the growth and chlorophyll production of several ecologically relevant species.