Chromium, its properties, transformation, and impact on humans
R.Y. Iskra1,2, R.S. Fedoruk2
- Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Ukraine
- Institute of Animal Biology NAAS of Ukraine, Lviv, Ukraine
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15407/fz68.04.089

Abstract
This review presents current views on the features of сhromium and its compounds, their interconversion,
reduction of Cr (VI) by microorganisms, as well as the impact of chromium (VI) on the environment and
humans. Chromium can have positive and negative effects on health, according to the dose, exposure time,
and oxidation state. The most common forms of this metal in biological systems are trivalent Cr(III) and
hexavalent Cr(VI). Hexavalent chromium is mobile, highly toxic to humans, and animals and considered a
priority environmental pollutant. He is highly soluble and mobile. On the contrary, Cr(III) has relatively low
toxicity and mobility and it is one of the micronutrients needed by humans. Сhromium (III) is an essential
nutrient required to promote the action of insulin in body tissues so that the body can use sugars, proteins,
and fats. Considerable attention is paid to the issues of interconversion of chromium compounds, reduction
of Cr (VI) to Cr (III) by microorganisms, as well as physiological features of their action in humans. The
present review discusses on the types of chromate reductases found in different bacteria, their mode of
action, and potential applications in the bioremediation of hexavalent chromium. Іn the human body
chromium (VI) is rapidly reduced to chromium (III) after penetration of biological membranes and in the
gastric environment. The reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) results in the formation of reactive intermediates that
together with stress oxidative tissue damage and a cascade of cellular events, contribute to the cytotoxicity,
genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of Cr(VI)-containing compounds.
Keywords:
chromium; genotoxicity; carcinogenicity; reduction Сr(VI); organism; intoxication
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