Boron Applications in Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy for High Global Burden Diseases

The role of boron-containing compounds (BCCs) in medicine is growing. BCCs have been well-known as bioactive agents in some infections and cancer; in this century, their applications are expanding remarkably. Successful efforts have yielded data suggesting the identification and development of new BCCs for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of high-global-burden diseases [1]. Among these maladies, identified as leading causes of global disability-adjusted life-years, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, and infectious chronic diseases are included. Non-communicable diseases particularly affect people older than 50 years [1]. BCC have also been described as agents to limit the risk factors related to these diseases (such as high body mass index or high fasting plasma glucose) [2].

Hence, this Special Issue, entitled “Synthesis and innovative biological activity of boron-containing compounds”, is just a sample of recent advances in the field around the world.

Thus, Bita et al. reported the synthesis of a complex previously observed in nature, the diester chlorogenoborate complex. It has potential applications as a prebiotic in gut and oral health, and as a micronutrient essential for microbiota in humans and animals [3], which could be important for the prevention of some chronic diseases [4,5].

The synthesis of new compounds allows one to produce and study specific BCCs with the ability to interact with specific targets [6]. In this sense, Guseva et al. reported new boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) myrtenol derivatives with the potential to interact with and label compounds in the cell walls of bacteria and fungi [7]. Those, like other BODIPY complexes, could be applied for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of some infective diseases [8].

Synthetic BCCs have attracted attention due to their actions on cancer. In fact, BCCs have been studied as agents in boron neutron capture therapy, and some boron-containing peptides (like bortezomib) are active in multiple myeloma [9]. However, innovative mechanisms have been proposed or probed in multiple cancer cells. In this regard, Ortiz-Flores et al. carried out the identification of BCCs active on triple-negative breast cancer cells; they demonstrated that phenanthren-9-yl boronic acid and 6-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl boronic acid have cytotoxic properties at sub-micromolar concentrations; however, the establishment of the mechanism of action requires additional evaluation [10]. Meanwhile, Oguzcan et al. reported borenium and borinium derivatives as safe compounds in healthy human cells, but with moderate action against glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, prostate, and pharyngeal cancer cell lines [11].

On the other hand, BCCs have recently been explored as active in neurons, mainly for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases [12]. Interestingly, Morocz et al. reported phosphine–borane compounds acting on several targets known to be relevant in cellular processes associated with apoptosis and neurodegeneration, thus suggesting their role as neuroprotective agents [13]. Additionally, Cuevas-Galindo et al. reported findings supporting the action of a new BCC exerting a positive influence on glutamatergic neurotransmission, probably exerting modulation of glutamate release and excitotoxicity [14].

Also, a review by Estevez-Fregoso et al. regarding the effects of BCC modulating the actions of liposoluble hormones is included in this Special Issue. It compiles phenomena linked to the actions of steroid, thyroid, and calciferol-related hormones; among these are the effects on muscle mass and basal metabolism [15]. In fact, natural and synthetic BCCs have multiple potential actions to modulate disrupted metabolism in humans [16,17].

Finally, it must be stated attractive findings have been achieved which may allow us to alleviate common signs and symptoms linked to high global burden and limitation. Examples include studies on the synthesis of new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); Abeysinghe et al. reported multi-functional bora–ibuprofen derivatives [18], but there have also been reports of BCC analogues to acetaminophen which can modulate pain. Other research groups have reported BCCs as controlled-release platforms for NSAIDs [19,20].

Therefore, no doubt exists about the expanding studies and applications of BCCs in medicine. Fortunately, the impact of these compounds is increasing due to multiple studies on their synthesis and biological activity by scientists from governments and private organizations around the world, particularly to solve problems involving diseases which limit the quality of life, life expectancy, death, and disability of millions of people.