The role of chromium (V) in the mechanism of chromate-induced oxidative DNA damage and cancer
Sugden, K.D.; Stearns, D.M.
Journal of Environmental Pathology Toxicology and Oncology Official Organ of the International Society for Environmental Toxicology and Cancer 19(3): 215-230
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0731-8898 PMID: 10983888 Document Number: 522592
The role that high valent chromium intermediates play in the oxidative DNA damage produced by the human carcinogen chromate Cr(VI) is of increasing interest for establishing a mechanism of genotoxicity and mutagenicity for this metal. In this review, the authors summarize experimental evidence for the formation of high valent chromium complexes (primarily the +5 oxidation state) and radical species from the reductive metabolism of Cr(VI). A case is made for a direct- or metal-mediated pathway by high valent chromium to initiate oxidative DNA damage, although the role of radical species in this oxidative process cannot be ruled out.