Chromium levels in patients with internal diseases

Chromium (Cr), an essential element, mainly affects saccharide (potentiated insulin action via interaction with insulin receptor on the cell surface) and lipid metabolism (inhibition of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase with a hypolipidemic effect). The aim of the study was to describe Cr serum levels in different diseases (malignant, metabolic, renal) using an advanced analytical technique with correlation to other biochemical parameters. The concentration was measured using atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization. The Cr levels were increased in hemodialysis patients-HD (3.67 +/- 0.35 micrograms/L) compared to controls-C (0.40 +/- 0.12 microgram/L), in significantly changed in diabetic patients-DM (0.29 +/- 0.08 microgram/L) and patients with lymphoproliferative disease-LP (0.24 +/- 0.07 microgram/L), and decreased in hyperlipidemic patients-HL (0.15 +/- 0.03 microgram/L). There were no differences in Cr concentration between DM treated by diet or peroral antidiabetic drugs; likewise hypolipidemic drugs in HL did not change the Cr concentration. The biochemical parameters-total protein, transferrin in LP group, glucose in DM group, total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and A-I did not correlate with serum Cr concentration. However, the HDL-cholesterol concentration marginally significantly (p < 0.07) correlated with it. The role of Cr in humans has not yet been fully characterized. To prevent some complications in patients, it may be important to monitor the Cr levels. Chromium supplementation may be indicated in some diseases with no controversy concerning the importance of decreased serum and/or tissue levels and documented positive effects of Cr supplementation on the quality of life (e.g. hyperlipidemia).