Imbalance of Oxidative and Reductive Species Involved in Chromium(VI)-Induced Toxic Effects

Authors

  • Guiping Hu Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Science, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
  • Pai Zheng Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Science, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Editorial Department of Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine, Chinese Medical Association, Beijing 100710, China
  • Huimin Feng Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Science, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
  • Guang Jia Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Science, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China

Keywords:

Hexavalent chromium, Toxic effects, Reactive oxygen species, Antioxidants, Signaling pathway

Abstract

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a common environmental pollutant which can be exposed via digestive tract, respiratory tract, and skin contact, and directly or indirectly cause adverse health effects in humans. Extensive research indicates that generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the reduction of Cr(VI), an important characteristic of Cr(VI) metabolism, is the major mechanism underlying the toxic effects induced by Cr(VI) treatment, such as apoptosis, DNA damage, and carcinogenesis. ROS production is increased in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner during the reduction of Cr(VI) by various biological systems. Meanwhile, positive regulation of antioxidative defenses also plays important roles in balancing ROS levels. This review summarizes the recent progress on the ROS and antioxidative system induced by Cr(VI) exposure. Some representative signaling cascades and molecules, including AP-1, NF-κB, p53, Nrf2, and Akt are discussed in depth with regard to their involvement in Cr(VI)-induced toxic effects.

Downloads

Published

2017-01-01

How to Cite

Hu, G., Zheng, P., Feng, H., & Jia, G. (2017). Imbalance of Oxidative and Reductive Species Involved in Chromium(VI)-Induced Toxic Effects. Reactive Oxygen Species, 3(7), 1–11. Retrieved from https://rosj.org/index.php/ros/article/view/63

Issue

Section

REVIEW ARTICLES