Mechanisms of Chromium-Induced Toxicity

Chromium is a pervasive environmental contaminant that is of great importance because of its toxicity. Hexavalent chromium is a classified group 1 carcinogen with multiple complex mechanisms by which it triggers cancer development. Increased levels of oxidative stress, chromosome breaks, and DNA-adduct formation are some of the major mechanisms by which C(VI) causes cellular damage. Trivalent chromium is another species of chromium that is described as a non-essential metal, and is used in nutritional supplementation. Evidence on nutritional benefit is conflicting which could suggest that humans absorb enough Cr(III) from diet alone, and that extra supplementation is not necessary. This review highlights the differences between Cr(VI) and Cr(III) from a chemical and toxicological perspective, describes short-comings in nutritional research of Cr(III), and explains the multiple mechanisms by which Cr(VI) is involved in the process of carcinogenesis.