Boric acid preserves keratinocyte viability, migration, and redox homeostasis under hydrogen peroxide–induced oxidative stress in HaCaT keratinocytes

Aims: Oxidative stress plays a critical role in keratinocyte dysfunction, impaired wound healing, and inflammatory skin conditions. Boric acid (BA), a bioactive trace element, has been suggested to exert cytoprotective and antioxidant effects; however, its impact on keratinocytes under oxidative stress conditions remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of BA on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)–induced oxidative damage in HaCaT keratinocytes by evaluating cell viability, migration capacity, three-dimensional spheroid formation, and oxidative stress–related biomarkers. Methods: HaCaT cells were exposed to different concentrations of H₂O₂ and BA, either alone or in combination, for 24 and 48 hours. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. Cell migration was evaluated by an in vitro scratch assay, while spheroid area and diameter were measured in a three-dimensional culture model. Results: BA and H₂O₂ induced marked time- and dose-dependent effects on HaCaT cells. At 24 h, high-dose BA (50–100 μM) significantly reduced cell viability (p=0.004 and p=0.014), whereas low-dose BA had no effect (p>0.05). Exposure to 50 μM H₂O₂ decreased viability (p