Commentary on 'Reduction of hexavalent chromium by human cytochrome b_5: Generation of hydroxyl radical and superoxide,' by G.R. Borthiry, W.E. Antholine, B. Kalyanaraman, J.M. Myers, C.R. Myers

摘要

Chromium (named for the Greek word for color, chroma, due to the use of its brightly colored compounds as pigments) is an essential trace element (in the +3 oxidation state) and a toxicant in the +6 oxidation state. Cr(III) is the most common form of this element found in nature; however, compounds of Cr(VI), commonly known as chromates, are of greater industrial and biomedical importance. . The major source of human exposure to Cr(VI) is in the occupational setting. Certain particulate forms of Cr(VI) are known human carcinogens, inducing bronchogenic carcinoma with a latent period of 10 to 15 years . Environmental exposure to atmospheric chromate is also a concern due to the widespread industrial use of this metal, but the exact public health impact of this exposure is unclear and the subject of controversy. Interestingly, Cr is one of the many carcinogenic components of American cigarette tobacco