Abstract

Background: Many trace elements in the biological system, including boron, are involved in various vital processes related to health and diseases. Boron has been proved to have a role in decreasing inflammatory pain, joint stiffness, and other disabling symptomsassociatedwithosteoarthritis(OA).Aimsand
Objective:Toevaluatetherelationshipbetweenserumconcentrations of boron with inflammatory markers, disease duration, and severity in patients with knee OA.MaterialsandMethods:Atotal of 43 patients with knee OA were clinically evaluated and serum boron concentrations were measured in addition to erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and total white blood cell (WBC) count; the results were compared with that of healthy controls. Boron levels were correlated with ESR, WBC, disease duration, and severity. Result: Serum boron levels were significantly lower in patients compared with controls, and found to be significantly correlated with disease duration and severity. No correlation was reported between boron and the inflammatory markers. Conclusion: Serum boron levels were significantly lower in patients with knee OA, and negatively correlated with the duration and severity of the disease.