Effects of boron derivatives on extracellular matrix formation

Boric acid solution (3%) dramatically improves wound healing through action on the extracellular matrix, a finding that has been obtained in vitro. Co nsequently, investigations are presently underway to produce boronated comp ounds having a therapeutical effectiveness similar to that of boric acid. O n the basis of experimental results obtained with boric acid, we examined t he effects of boron derivatives on extracellular matrix formation and degra dation and analyzed their potential toxicity by using two biological models (chick embryo cartilage and human fibroblasts). The four boron derivatives tested in this study (triethanolamine berate; N-diethyl-phosphoramidate-pr opylboronique acid; 2,2 dimethylhexyl-1,3-propanediol-aminopropylboronate a nd 1,2 propanediol-aminopropylboronate) mimicked the effects of boric acid. They induced a decrease of intracellular concentrations in extracellular m atrix macromolecules (proteoglycans, proteins)associated with an increase o f their release in culture medium and stimulated the activity of intra- and extracellular proteases, Similarly to boric acid, these actions occurred a fter exposure of the cells to concentrations of ail boron derivatives witho ut apparent toxic effects. The compounds were found to be more toxic than b oric acid itself when concentrations were calculated according to their mol ecular weight. Nevertheless, these in vitro preliminary results demonstrate effects of boron derivatives that may be of therapeutic benefit in wound r epair.