Immunomodulatory effect of borax on murine hepatocellular carcinoma induced by diethylnitrosamine.

UNLABELLED: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with high incidence and mortality, characterized by complex immune escape mechanisms. Despite various treatment options, the prognosis remains poor, necessitating the exploration of new therapeutic strategies, particularly those targeting the immune response. Studies have shown that boron can inhibit the development of HCC, but its immunomodulatory effects remain unclear. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of borax in a nitrosamine-induced HCC mouse model. The effects of borax on immune cell distribution, cytokine levels, and related protein expression were systematically evaluated using flow cytometry, array analysis, and Western blotting. The results showed that compared to the model group, the proportion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the borax group was significantly reduced, indicating a reversal of immune suppression. Additionally, borax treatment reduced the expression of inflammatory and immunosuppressive factors (IL-6 and IL-10) while increasing the expression of effector cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12 p70), suggesting a shift towards a more favorable immune environment. Meanwhile, liver tumor nodules and liver indicators decreased in the borax group, with downregulation of p-STAT5, CTLA-4, and Foxp3, indicating that borax may exert its antitumor effects through these pathways. In summary, the study results suggest that borax effectively inhibits HCC progression by modulating immune responses and signaling pathways, providing promising directions for future HCC immunotherapy strategies. Further research is necessary to explore the clinical application of borax in cancer treatment.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-49828-x.