Biomarkers chromium exposure

Biomarkers that demonstrate chromium exposure under field conditions is under active investigation. Laboratory studies with Prussian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) exposed for 3 to 9 days to 25 to 100 pg Cr /L or 50 to 200 pg Cr+3/L show a dose-dependent increase in the frequency of micronuclei in erythrocytes, and this increase is considered indicative of increasing DNA damage (Al-Sabti et al. 1994). Similar increases in micronuclei were observed in Prussian carp from the River Ljubjanica near chromium-containing outfalls from leather waste products in the Republic of Slovenia (Al-Sabti et al. 1994). 

Exposure to chromium(VI) can result in DNA-protein complexes, the identification of which may be useful as biomarkers of exposure to chromates (Costa 1991). Gel electrophoresis and immunochemical techniques were used to identify actin as the protein in a DNA-protein complex induced by potassium chromate in cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells. While the DNA-protein complexes induced by formaldehyde and ultraviolet light were different from those induced by chromate, actin was also identified as the protein in the complex induced by cis-platinum, indicating that the DNA-actin complex is not specific for chromium. However, an experiment in a group of four volunteers did not demonstrate an increase in DNA-protein crosslinks in leukocytes over a 240 minute period following the ingestion of 5 mg chromium(VI) as potassium dichromate in a 10 mg chromium/L solution or the same amount added to 300 mL of orange juice (presumably reducing chromium(VI) to chromium(III)) and diluted to 500 mL with deionized water (Kuykendall et al. 1996). Chromium levels in red cells, plasma and urine were increased. In a separate experiment in this study, a threshold dose of 52 pg chromium(VI)/L was determined for crosslink formation in cultured lymphoma cells. 

An age-related difference in the extent of gastrointestinal absorption of chromium(III) was reported in one study (Sullivan et al. 1984) it is not known if a similar relationship would exist for chromium(VI). No other information is available which evaluated potential differences between adults and children. Toxicokinetic studies examining how aging can influence the absorption, distribution, and excretion of chromium, particularly chromium(VI) would be useful in assessing children s susceptibility to chromium toxicity. There are no data to determine whether there are age-specific biomarkers of exposure or effects or any interactions with other chemicals that would be specific for children. There is very little available information on methods for reducing chromium toxic effects or body burdens it is likely that research in adults would also be applicable to children. 

Longnecker MP NIEHS, NIH Use of toenail chromium levels as a biomarker of exposure NIEHS... 

The purpose of this chapter is to describe the analytical methods that are available for detecting, measuring, and/or monitoring chromium, its metabolites, and other biomarkers of exposure and effect to chromium. The intent is not to provide an exhaustive list of analytical methods. Rather, the intention is to identify well-established methods that are used as the standard methods of analysis. Many of the analytical methods used for environmental samples are the methods approved by federal agencies and organizations such as EPA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). 

Biomarkers Used to Identify or Quantify Exposure to Chromium... 

Schmid M, Zimmermann S, Krug HF, Sures B (2007) Influence of platinum, palladium and rhodium as compared with cadmium, nickel and chromium on cell viability and oxidative stress in human bronchial epithelial cells. Environ Int 33 385-390 Shins RPF, Polat D, Begerow J, Turfeld M, Becker A, Borm PJA (2004) Platinum levels in nasal lavage fluid as a biomarker for traffic-related exposure and inflammation in children. Sci Total Environ 334/335 447-455... 

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