Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The article reviews the mechanisms behind chromium-induced toxicity in various organs, specifically the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Chromium (Cr), particularly in its hexavalent form (Cr VI), is highly toxic and poses significant risks to human health when accumulated in body tissues. The review outlines how Cr VI exposure generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress that damages cellular structures, including DNA, proteins, and lipids. These oxidative damages contribute to various diseases such as lung cancer, liver dysfunction, kidney failure, and cardiovascular problems. The article also highlights several ameliorative agents that have shown potential in counteracting Cr-induced toxicity, including Sulforaphane, Taurine, NAC, and Curcumin. These agents restore antioxidant balance and mitigate apoptosis, thus offering therapeutic solutions to Cr toxicity.
Who is affected?
Workers exposed to chromium, particularly those in industries like electroplating, textile manufacturing, and metal production, are at high risk. Additionally, individuals living in areas with contaminated air or water due to chromium from industrial waste are also vulnerable. Public health officials, healthcare providers, and environmental regulators are responsible for managing the risks posed by chromium exposure. Furthermore, food manufacturers and industries involved in processing, handling, or disposing of chromium-containing materials must ensure proper safety protocols to protect workers and local communities from exposure.
Most important findings
The article highlights the significant oxidative damage caused by chromium exposure, particularly Cr VI, in the lungs, liver, and kidneys. This damage is primarily due to the generation of ROS, leading to DNA fragmentation, lipid peroxidation, and changes in protein synthesis. It also reveals how chromium exposure alters gene expression, particularly in genes involved in the repair of oxidative DNA damage. The dysregulation of antioxidant systems, including a decrease in enzymes like SOD, GPx, and CAT, exacerbates the toxicity. Apoptotic processes are triggered, with a rise in pro-apoptotic proteins like Bax and Caspase-3. Furthermore, the article identifies promising ameliorative agents such as Sulforaphane, Taurine, and Curcumin, which restore antioxidant balance, regulate apoptotic proteins, and provide protection against Cr-induced damage.
Key implications
The findings of this review underscore the need for enhanced workplace safety measures to limit chromium exposure, especially in industries dealing with Cr VI. Strict regulatory guidelines for permissible exposure limits (PELs) and regular monitoring of chromium levels in air and water are critical. Public health strategies should include education on the health risks of chromium exposure and the importance of preventive measures. Healthcare professionals should consider the potential for Cr-induced toxicity in patients presenting with lung, liver, or kidney dysfunction, especially in areas with high environmental exposure. Additionally, incorporating ameliorative agents into therapeutic practices could help reduce the health burden associated with Cr toxicity.
Citation
Chakraborty, R., Renu, K., Eladl, M. A., El-Sherbiny, M., Elsherbini, D. M. A., Mirza, A. K., Vellingiri, B., Iyer, M., Dey, A., & Valsala Gopalakrishnan, A. (2022). Mechanism of chromium-induced toxicity in lungs, liver, and kidney and their ameliorative agents. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 151, 113119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113119
Chromium (Cr) is a widely used metal with significant public health implications, especially in its toxic hexavalent form. The HMTC program’s stricter regulations ensure that chromium exposure is minimized, safeguarding consumer health, particularly for vulnerable populations.
