The Effects of Boron on Sperm Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Boron is a naturally occurring trace element that plays various roles in biological systems. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we will explore the current knowledge regarding the dose-dependent effect of boron on spermogram in humans. Method: This evaluation comprised human research from Embase, Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, and Web of Science (WOS) databases that that evaluated the effectiveness or toxicity of boron as a source on human sperm parameters through January 2023. Studies that used boron nitride derivatives, boron nitride nanoplates, nanoribbons, or nanospheres were not included. The other exclusion criteria were in vitro or in vivo studies. The Mantel-Haenszel method was used to perform a meta-analysis on the data using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (version 2.2; Biostat, Englewood, NJ, USA). Methodological quality assessment was done using the JBI appraisal checklist. Results: Of a total 1602 citations throughout the electronic search, seven studies were eligible to include in the systemic review, and five eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that boron supplementation did not affect sperm parameters, including sperm count, motility, morphology, and viability. The only significant effect of boron was its positive effect on tail defect (SMD: -0.205; 95% CI: -0.0372, -0.038; Q-value: 0.197, I2: 0.0) as well as negative effect on cytoplasmic droplets (SMD:0.182; 95% CI: 0.015, 0.349; Q-value: 4.168, I2: 4.02) compared to non-exposure individuals. In addition, according to the results of the JBI appraisal checklist, most of the studies had either medium or low quality.