Boron’s Role in B16-F10 Melanoma: Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, Apoptotic, and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Aim Malignant melanoma is a fatal cancer type with a high risk of metastasis. Despite traditional treatments, the survival time of patients is usually 3–9 months. Therefore, new treatment strategies are needed. The aim of this study was to examine the potential role of boric acid in the treatment of melanoma through the evaluation of the cytotoxic, oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, apoptotic effects of boric acid on B16-F10 mouse melanoma cell line. Method The cytotoxic effect was determined using the MTT method. TNF-α, IL-6, Bax, Bcl-2, and p53 gene expressions were determined with qPCR. MDA, GSH levels, and CAT activity were measured with a spectrophotometric method. The ELISA method was used for the evaluation of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, annexin-V, and Bcl-2 levels. Giemsa staining was used in the histological examinations. Results The results demonstrated that boron treatment induced dose-dependent apoptosis by reducing cell viability, compared to the untreated control cells. In the cells treated with boron, while Bcl-2 gene expression was decreased, the expression of Bax, p53 gene expressions and the level of annexin-V was increased. It was also seen that TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA expression levels and IL-1β and IL-10 levels were decreased in the cells treated with boron. Following boron treatment, an increase in CAT activity, as well as higher levels of GSH and MDA, was observed. Conclusion Boron could be effective in the treatment of melanoma through creating oxidative stress, decreasing TNF-α and IL-6 levels. This compound can be evaluated as a promising cancer treatment agent. Level of Evidence: 5