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The nutritional supplement chromium(III) tris(picolinate) cleaves DNA
J K Speetjens1, R A Collins, J B Vincent
1Department of Chemistry and Coalition for Biomolecular Products, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0336, USA.
Chemical Research in Toxicology
|June 16, 1999
Summary
Chromium(III) tris(picolinate) supplements can generate DNA-damaging hydroxyl radicals. Further research is needed to assess the long-term safety of chromium picolinate supplementation.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Chromium(III) tris(picolinate) [Cr(pic)3] is a popular nutritional supplement.
- Concerns exist regarding its potential clastogenic (DNA-damaging) effects.
- Cr(pic)3 stability facilitates absorption and cellular uptake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms by which Cr(pic)3 may induce DNA damage.
- To assess the role of Cr(pic)3 in the generation of hydroxyl radicals.
- To evaluate the safety of Cr(pic)3 as a nutritional supplement.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies examining the redox chemistry of Cr(pic)3.
- Analysis of hydroxyl radical generation in the presence of biological reductants (ascorbate, thiols) and hydrogen peroxide.
- Assessment of Cr(pic)3 stability and cellular interaction.
Main Results:
- Cr(pic)3 is reduced to Cr(II) species by biological reductants.
- Cr(II) species catalyze hydroxyl radical formation via air oxidation.
- Hydrogen peroxide can also produce hydroxyl radicals from Cr(pic)3, albeit less efficiently.
- Cr(pic)3's stability allows for potential intracellular radical generation.
Conclusions:
- Cr(pic)3 can contribute to the generation of the DNA-damaging agent hydroxyl radical.
- Both reductant-dependent and independent pathways exist for hydroxyl radical production.
- Long-term studies are necessary to determine the safety of Cr(pic)3 dietary supplementation.