Toxic and carcinogenic effects of hexavalent chromium in mammalian cells in vivo and in vitro: a recent update

Chromium VI (Cr (VI)) can cross cell membranes readily and causes the formation of Cr-DNA adducts, genomic damages, elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and alteration of survival signaling pathways, as evidenced by the modulation in p53 signaling pathway. Mammals, including humans are exposed to Cr, including Cr (VI), frequently through inhalation, drinking water, and food. Several studies demonstrated that Cr (VI) induces cellular death through apoptosis and autophagy, genotoxicity, functional alteration of mitochondria, endocrine and reproductive impairments. In the present review, studies on deleterious effects of Cr (VI) exposure to mammalian cells (in vivo and in vitro) have been documented. Special attention is paid to the underlying molecular mechanism of Cr (VI) toxicity.